HOUSTON \u2013 As summer settles into Southeast Texas and hurricane season gets underway, many Houstonians are reaching for tissues, allergy medicine and eye drops.<\/p>\n
While allergies can strike anywhere across the region, experts say some parts of the Houston area may be more challenging than others thanks to a combination of trees, grass pollen, humidity, flooding and mold.<\/p>\n
Houston Methodist reports<\/a> that Houston\u2019s subtropical climate allows plants to grow for much of the year, creating extended pollen seasons and making mold and dust mites a year-round concern for many residents. The situation can worsen during hurricane season when heavy rains and flooding create ideal conditions for mold growth.<\/p>\n North Houston: A pollen powerhouse<\/p>\n Communities such as Spring, The Woodlands and Kingwood are known for their dense tree canopies and wooded landscapes.<\/p>\n While those towering pines and oaks create beautiful scenery, they can also contribute to higher pollen exposure. Tree pollen remains a major allergy trigger in the Houston area, especially from oak, ash, elm and pecan trees. During the summer months, grass pollen also becomes a significant irritant.<\/p>\n Memorial and West Houston<\/p>\n The Memorial area combines mature trees, extensive green spaces and high humidity, creating another environment where allergy sufferers may struggle.<\/p>\n The abundance of vegetation means pollen can linger, while Houston\u2019s humidity encourages mold growth and dust mites, two allergens that remain active throughout the year.<\/p>\n Meyerland and bayou communities<\/p>\n Neighborhoods located near bayous and flood-prone areas, including Meyerland and Braeburn, face a different allergy challenge.<\/p>\n While rain can temporarily knock pollen out of the air, repeated flooding and standing water can lead to increased mold growth. Mold spores are a common trigger for allergy symptoms and can become especially problematic after major storms or prolonged periods of wet weather.<\/p>\n What\u2019s floating around Houston this summer?<\/p>\n