EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Windy season is returning to the desert, bringing strong gusts and blowing dust that can worsen allergies for many people across the Borderland.

Franklin Medical Center Doctor Andres Enriquez said windy conditions can significantly increase allergy problems.

“It probably increases 40-50%, the windy season will activate your allergies in such a way that you’re not used to,” Enriquez said.

Enriquez said dust and pollen are major triggers, and symptoms can sometimes look like a cold.

“You have a runny nose… severely watery eye. You don’t have a fever, you don’t have chills, you might not have a cough,” Enriquez said.

If symptoms cannot be controlled with nonprescription medications and begin interfering with daily life, Enriquez recommended seeing a doctor.

“If you can’t control the allergies with over-the-counter medications and it’s affecting your daily activity, that’s when we recommend you probably go see your primary care doctor or your allergist,” Enriquez said.

Emily Schmalz reports on Early spring brings wind, dust and allergy flare-ups across the Borderland (Credit: KFOX14)

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Enriquez also warned that untreated allergies can lead to other health issues.

“We see a lot of sinus infections, and of course, there could be other issues. Polyps and so on, and that’s why sometimes we refer you to go see an ENT [Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist],” Enriquez said.

For people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, the windy season can make symptoms worse.

Enriquez urged people to limit exposure when conditions are at their worst.

“If you can wear a mask, fine; if you don’t have to go out, don’t go out,” Enriquez said.

Enriquez also advised people who rely on asthma medication to be prepared:

Make sure your inhalers are up to date, make sure that your inhalers work.

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Some El Pasoans said they are already feeling the effects and taking extra precautions.

One woman said, “Got my inhalers recharged, got some new inhalers. Just to be able to cope with it so it doesn’t get out of control.” She added, “I started sneezing and coughing uncontrollably.”

Another resident said, “Whenever I wake up in the morning, I sneeze a lot,” and described trying to manage symptoms with medication: “I’ve been taking Tylenol and day and night to try to feel better and get well.”

Others said they plan to avoid going out in dusty conditions unless necessary.

One person said, “I hate going out in the dust, unless I have to go,” adding, “If I do, I take some medication.”

Another said, “Inhalers, that’s what I usually do. Or sinus medications,” and also noted, “I have a lot of lesions on my lungs because of the dust.”

Enriquez said the windy season reaches its peak from March to April.

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