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South-central Texans sneeze and suffer from cedar allergies

A local alergist suggests ways you can better combat allergies this season.

SAN ANTONIO — Even when Lisa Puente has a runny nose and headache, she puts on a smile and heads to work. She's not contagious— but she is suffering, like thousands of other Texans this time of year, from allergies.

"Drainage, nasal congestion, runny nose," she said, listing the symptoms. "I have asthma, but a lot of it starts from sinus pressure and whatever's in the air, and then I'll get sick."

Alergist Chris Calabria said that at this time of year he sees more and more patients who share similar symptoms.

"Usually the winter's always hard here," he said. "It starts early December."

This year is a little different, though; Calabria says he's seen more patients earlier than usual. He attributes the trend to the weather south-central Texas experienced last month.

"Generally, mountain cedar is triggered when we get our first freeze in the Hill Country. It triggers the trees to release the pollen," he said. "So that's probably why it started earlier. All the rain we had, as well, contributes to the pollen."

Harsh winds only makes the pollen count go up more.

The early start to allergy season means that south-central Texas is in for a brutal one. Typically, the season ends in mid-to-late February.

Calabria said over-the-counter allergy medicine, nasal spray and eyedrops can help, but it's importnat to go the extra mile when the pollen count is extra high.

"It's a good idea to get a change of clothes, maybe a shower to wash all the pollen off," he said. "And keep your windows in your house and car shut."

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