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Ragweed Season in Arizona

Fall is a beautiful time of year as the weather may start to cool down in some parts of Arizona, but for people with allergies, it can also bring sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy or runny nose. Ragweed is one of the most common causes of fall allergies, and on windy days, its pollen can travel through the air and cause many allergy sufferers to be miserable.

Ragweed season often starts in late summer and continues into the fall. The good news is that there are simple ways to keep allergy symptoms under control. If you know you have fall allergies, start your allergy medicine (like nasal sprays and antihistamines) before symptoms become a problem. Taking your medicine consistently can help keep symptoms away during this time of year. You can also keep windows closed, use air conditioning, shower after spending time outdoors, and change clothes after being outside — these things will all help reduce symptoms!

With a little planning, you do not have to let allergies slow you down. If symptoms are out of control, your allergist can help you find the right treatment plan to help keep your symptoms away!

Please Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Provider!

We are excited to welcome Courtney McConnell, PA-C, to the Arizona Asthma & Allergy Institute team! Courtney will begin caring for patients in our Avondale and Surprise offices late August.  Courtney is a board-certified Physician Assistant who earned her Master of PA studies from Touro University Nevada.  She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience.

Before joining AAAI, Courtney practiced in both general Pediatrics and Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in Las Vegas.  She is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered care and building strong relationships with her patients to help them achieve their best health.

Originally from southeastern Michigan, Courtney enjoys reading, working out, watching nature documentaries, spending time outdoors with her husband and their dog and cheering on the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Lions, Utah Mammoth and Michigan Wolverines.

We are thrilled to have Courtney join our team and look forward to the exceptional care she will provide for our patients.  Help us by giving her a warm welcome when you see her in our Avondale and Surprise offices!

August in Arizona: Extreme heat, monsoons, and allergies! 

August in Arizona brings more than just extreme heat – it also marks the start of monsoon season. Wind, dust, mold spores, and pollen can trigger sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and even asthma flare-ups. The extreme heat in the summer can also worsen underlying chronic health conditions for patients, especially those with asthma or skin diseases.

Here are some tips to help reduce symptoms:
-Keep windows closed during windy days and dust storms
-Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
-Check local air quality and pollen forecasts before outdoor activities
-Stay on top of your allergy, asthma, and skin medications

If your allergies are interfering with sleep, work, or enjoying summer, it may be time to see an allergist. Allergy testing can help identify your triggers and create a personalized treatment plan so you can breathe easier all year long!