EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Windy season is returning to the desert, bringing strong gusts and blowing dust that can worsen allergies for many people across the Borderland.<\/p>\n
Franklin Medical Center Doctor Andres Enriquez said windy conditions can significantly increase allergy problems. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt probably increases 40-50%, the windy season will activate your allergies in such a way that you\u2019re not used to,\u201d Enriquez said.<\/p>\n
Enriquez said dust and pollen are major triggers, and symptoms can sometimes look like a cold. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou have a runny nose… severely watery eye. You don\u2019t have a fever, you don\u2019t have chills, you might not have a cough,\u201d Enriquez said.<\/p>\n
If symptoms cannot be controlled with nonprescription medications and begin interfering with daily life, Enriquez recommended seeing a doctor.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you can\u2019t control the allergies with over-the-counter medications and it\u2019s affecting your daily activity, that\u2019s when we recommend you probably go see your primary care doctor or your allergist,\u201d Enriquez said.<\/p>\n
Emily Schmalz reports on Early spring brings wind, dust and allergy flare-ups across the Borderland (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Blowing dust and gusty conditions leave El Paso residents struggling outdoors<\/a><\/p>\n Enriquez also warned that untreated allergies can lead to other health issues. <\/p>\n \u201cWe see a lot of sinus infections, and of course, there could be other issues. Polyps and so on, and that\u2019s why sometimes we refer you to go see an ENT [Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist],\u201d Enriquez said.<\/p>\n For people with respiratory conditions such as asthma, the windy season can make symptoms worse.<\/p>\n Enriquez urged people to limit exposure when conditions are at their worst. <\/p>\n \u201cIf you can wear a mask, fine; if you don\u2019t have to go out, don\u2019t go out,\u201d Enriquez said. <\/p>\n Enriquez also advised people who rely on asthma medication to be prepared: <\/p>\n Make sure your inhalers are up to date, make sure that your inhalers work.<\/p>\n