Allergies vs Sinus vs Viral
Seasonal Allergies in Texas
Understanding Allergies, Cross-Reactive Foods (OAS/PFAS), Treatment Options & When to Seek Medical Care
Why Are Allergies So Common in Texas?
Texas experiences allergy season nearly year-round.
Spring
Tree pollens: Oak, Cedar/Juniper, Elm, Ash, Pecan, Mesquite, Mulberry, Cottonwood, Hackberry, Walnut
Late Spring & Summer
Grass pollens: Bermuda, Johnson, Bahia, Buffalo, Timothy, Orchard Grass, Ryegrass
Late Summer & Fall
Ragweed, Pigweed, Sagebrush, Bitterweed, Yellow Daisy, Dandelion
Year-Round
Dust mites
Mold
Pet dander
Cockroaches
Common Allergy Symptoms
Sneezing
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Itchy nose, eyes, ears or throat
Watery/red eyes
Postnasal drainage
Mild cough
Puffy eyelids
Fatigue
Headache from sinus pressure
Allergies vs. Sinus Infection vs. Viral Illness
Allergies: itching, clear drainage, sneezing, no fever.
Sinus infection: facial pain, thick yellow/green drainage, symptoms >10 days, possible fever.
Viral illness: sore throat, body aches, fatigue, possible fever, usually improves within 7–10 days.
Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS/PFAS)
Some fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and nuts contain proteins similar to pollen. Your immune system may mistake these foods for pollen, causing itching or tingling in the mouth.
Cooking often destroys these proteins.
Common Symptoms
Itchy lips, mouth or tongue
Tingling
Scratchy throat
Mild swelling
Ear itching
Occasional hives around the mouth
** Seek emergency care for throat swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing or symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Common Texas Allergens & Cross-Reactive Foods (Concomitant Foods)
Grass Pollens
Tomatoes, white potatoes, peaches, oranges, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, celery, Swiss chard, peas, peanuts (occasionally).
Ragweed
Bananas, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, chamomile tea, echinacea.
Oak
Apples, peaches, pears, carrots, celery.
Mountain Cedar / Ashe Juniper
Tomatoes, citrus fruits, bell peppers and certain spices (evidence still evolving).
Mesquite
No well-established cross-reactive foods.
Pecan
No well-established cross-reactive foods.
Elm
Apples, pears, peaches, celery (less common).
Ash
Apples, cherries, peaches, olives (less common).
Mulberry
Mulberries, figs, jackfruit (rare).
Cottonwood
No known significant food associations.
Hackberry
No known significant food associations.
Walnut
No well-established food associations.
Latex-Fruit Syndrome
Bananas
Avocados
Kiwi
Chestnuts
Papaya
Mango
Passion fruit
Figs
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Tips
Identify trigger foods.
Peel produce when possible.
Cooking often prevents reactions.
Avoid trigger foods during peak pollen season.
Discuss symptoms with your healthcare provider or allergist.
Treatment
Monitor pollen counts
Keep windows closed
Shower after outdoor exposure
Wash bedding weekly
Use HEPA filters
Stay hydrated
Second-generation antihistamines
Steroid nasal sprays
Saline rinses
Allergy eye drops
Prescription medications
Allergy immunotherapy
When to Seek Care
Symptoms interfere with daily life.
OTC medications are not helping.
Symptoms persist for weeks.
Frequent sinus infections.
Asthma worsens.
Emergency: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty swallowing, or anaphylaxis.
The SHINE Takeaway
Seasonal allergies affect sleep, concentration, mood, energy and overall quality of life. Understanding your triggers and treating symptoms early supports whole-person wellness. Healthy bodies support healthy minds.
Ready to Find Relief?
Book an appointment with SHINE Primary & Psych Care
Strength • Healing • Inspire • Navigate • Empower
Compassionate Primary Care • Mental Health • Whole-Person Wellness
This handout is for educational general awareness purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace an evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
