With the peak allergy season approaching in Tampa, it is inevitable that it will impact many allergic locals living in the area. Ranked as the 18th allergy capital, with an overall worse than average total pollen score of 77.02 in 2023, Tampa allergies peak in late February or early March and last through May.
If you are someone who goes through this pain every year, then you are at the right place, because this article offers some insights into the common allergens found in Tampa with information on what you should do to choose the right kind of treatment and some tips on reducing the chances of allergy in your house. Give this a read and take a proactive approach against your allergies.
Common Allergens in Tampa
- Tree Pollen: Tampa is home to these most common trees, such as Oak, Pine, Cedar and Palm trees. They release pollen at certain times of the year, for instance, from December to May
- Grass Pollen: Bahia grass, Bermuda grass and Rey grass are among the most common grass found in Tampa. They mainly are responsible for the allergies in this area, most commonly emitting pollen late spring to summer leading in large part to the spring allergy season.
- Ragweed Pollen: Among other weed pollen Ragweed stands as the most common and detrimental in Tampa for causing weed allergies.
- Mold: These allergies peak during rain storms and floods. Florida’s heat and high humidity can foster heightened concentrations of mold in cities such as Tampa.
- Dust and Dander: Florida’s climate is an ideal breeding ground for dust mites. And unlike other allergens in Tampa that tend to be outdoors, dust and dander can live in household items like mattresses, pillows and upholstered furniture.
How to Choose the Right Allergy Treatment in Tampa
Allergies in Tampa can be treated in many ways, whether through prescription, over-the-counter medications or through immunotherapy. Healthcare providers prescribe treatments to the patients depending on the kind of allergies they have and to identify their allergies, it is important that patients get allergy tests from diagnostic labs in Tampa.
These are mostly a set of panel tests that help find out what are the main triggers that affect the patient’s health. Every panel tests for different kinds of allergies. Some of the Tampa allergy tests are:
Basic Combination Allergy Panel
This is the most common type of test that identifies what kind of food or environmental allergen is triggering your seasonal allergies. It tests for a mix of food allergies like dairy, nuts and eggs and environmental allergies like pollen, pet dander and dust mites. It is to clear the confusion of patients regarding what might be triggering their seasonal allergies
Basic Food Panel
The purpose of this test is to identify allergic reactions to common food allergens often including dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, nuts, seafood, and other frequently consumed foods. This test is usually recommended to people experiencing symptoms like digestive issues, skin reactions, or other problems that may be linked to food allergies.
Comprehensive Combination Allergy Panel
This is the more extensive test covering both food and environmental allergens. It identifies a broader range of triggers compared to the Basic Combination Panel for example, it includes tests for various food and environmental allergies such as pollen, dust mites, molds, and pet dander.
Expanded Food Panel (90 Foods and Food Additives)
It is a detailed food allergy test that includes a wide range of foods and additives. Unlike other tests, this panel screens for reactions to preservatives, food dyes, and lesser-known foods. That’s why it’s highly suitable for the individuals with unexplained reactions to food or those considering an elimination diet.
Mold Panel (24 Allergens)
Mold panel detects allergies to different types of mold spores commonly found indoor and outdoor such as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. It is suggested to people experiencing respiratory issues, sinus infections, or other symptoms that may be linked to mold exposure.
Pediatric Panel
This allergy test is for identifying the allergy triggers for a child such as testing for common pediatric allergens, like milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen.
It is ideal in a situation where parents are concerned about potential allergic reactions in their child, especially if symptoms like eczema, asthma, or digestive issues are present.
Regional Environmental Panel
Regional environment test identifies allergies in an individual due to environmental allergens specific to a geographic region. In Tampa, allergens like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, are quite common with also a worrisome index ratio of allergens like dust mites and pet dander.
So this test is ideal for individuals experiencing seasonal allergies or allergic reactions in Tampa, Florida.
Tips for Reducing Allergens in Your Tampa Home
To fight your peak season Tampa allergies, you can follow some defensive steps that can work temporarily to keep you safe from allergies. Let’s look at what few of these steps are:
Install Air Purifiers/ Cleaners
Air purifiers help in improving the air quality by filtering the air and getting rid of the harmful air particles like dust, dirt, pollen and mold spores.
Ventilate Indoor Areas
This helps increase the flow of outdoor air into the home and dirty air to leave through the windows. Ventilation also prevents molding
Vacuum Regularly
Maintain cleanliness in your home by vacuuming the most common possible hosts to allergens, like carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and even the pets using pet vacuums.
Control Dust mites
Keep your home clean and clutter-free, with bare floors or washable rugs. Put on roll-down shades or washable curtains instead of heavy drapes and fabric furniture. Use allergen-proof covers on pillows, mattresses, and box springs to reduce dust mites.
Get Tested
One way to prepare for allergy season is to get tested to understand better what kind of allergies you have. The testing labs in Tampa which are open 24/7 provide various testing services to help you diagnose your allergies, so you can make a decision on long term treatment plans.
A Chance To Happy and Healthier Life With Allergy Testings
With March approaching, peak Tampa allergy season is upon its allergic citizens, knowing triggers and what treatment option to take is necessary for relief. Testing allergies through lab testing can help figure out what medications are necessary to treat your triggers, with additional precautionary steps like simple home fixes through air purifiers and frequent cleanings, can go a long way in getting you through your symptoms and enjoying a much healthier, happier life.
