Posted: Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:12 PM - 10,770 Readers
By: Charles Hale
Dr. William Howland, among the most respected allergy specialists in “The Allergy Capital of the World,” predicts a mild fall for ragweed and pigweed allergy sufferers in Austin. A dry summer, Dr. Howland says, has resulted in less pollination from these plants, traditionally the heaviest issue with fall allergies in Austin.
But, while months of dryness have given ragweed and pigweed sufferers some relief, Dr. William Howland points out that wildfires have resulted from the lack of rain, and with wildfires come new allergy problems. The fires can cause eye irritation and scratchy throats, particularly among those with asthma and COPD. The biggest danger, Dr. William Howland says, is that particles from the fire can penetrate deep into the lungs of those who are most sensitive, especially the elderly, and cause irritation that goes beyond uncomfortable.
Dr. William Howland advises those most sensitive to sinus and bronchial problems to stay indoors as much as possible when smoke particles or ozone levels are high. Allergy masks can be worn for those who need to be outdoors for extended lengths of time, Dr. William Howland says, but regular masks will likely not catch these particles, which can be very small. Dr. William Howland recommends the 3M P100 mask for those who are the most sensitive.
Dr. William Howland also expects that molds will be especially high this fall in Austin, especially Alternaria, which feeds on dry vegetation, now in abundance in Austin. Dr. William Howland points out that high mold spore counts usually prompt a spike in asthma-related emergency room visits.
Dr. William Howland urges allergy sufferers to stay on their regular medication schedule, especially children and the elderly. Dr. William Howland has found that some over-the-counter medications, like Claritin or Allegra and saline sprays, can help alleviate allergy symptoms when a variety of elements come together like this. If over-the-counter remedies don’t help, Dr. William Howland says, a visit to an allergy specialist can help bring much-needed relief.
An Austin native, Dr. William Howland suffered from allergies for years before finally finding relief. “I grew up here and suffered from allergy and asthma when there were many fewer medicines and treatment options,” Dr. William Howland says. “It is gratifying to be able to improve a patient’s health and quality of life with all the new procedures and medicines now available.”
With board certifications in Allergy and Immunology and Internal Medicine, Dr. William Howland specializes in asthma and Cedar Fever, a condition that manifests in Austin every December and January. Dr. William Howland is a respected speaker, with his advice featured as a regular segment called “Allergy Tuesday” on KVUE-TV. His office, the Allergy and Asthma Center of Austin, is located on North Mopac Expressway. The Allergy and Asthma Center is a full-service allergy and asthma treatment practice, providing testing as well as injections for those with more severe asthma. The facility’s injection center has special Saturday hours for patients who need regular injections.
For more information, visit Dr. William Howland online at http://nosneezes.com
Growing up in Austin, Texas, Dr. William Howland suffered with allergies. Experiencing them firsthand made the decision to specialize in asthma and allergies as a medical doctor an easy one. Since his return to Austin in 1991, Dr. William Howland has been helping Texans cope with Austin’s extreme allergens.
In addition to his private practice at the Allergy and Asthma Center of Austin (www.nosneezes.com), Dr. William Howland researches new medicines and treatments for asthma and allergies through his research group, Sirius Clinical Research. Dr. William Howland has spent the past fifteen years experimenting with various treatments, determined to find relief for allergy sufferers across the region.
Unlike many other areas, Austin has three distinct allergy seasons, including wintertime when Cedar Fever affects residents, Dr. William Howland says. Austin’s Mountain Cedar tree is said to be the highest pollen-producing plant in the world, with allergy season for this plant beginning around December of each year and sending many Austin residents to experts like Dr. William Howland for treatment.
Upon first visiting Dr. William Howland’s offices, a new patient may be tested to determine his or her specific sensitivities. Dr. William Howland performs skin tests with a variety of local allergens, with reactions usually taking place within fifteen minutes. Once testing is complete, the patients meets with Dr. William Howland to discuss results and treatment plans.
When you meet with Dr. William Howland, you can feel confident that you are in capable hands. A magna cum laude graduate from the University of Texas, Dr. William Howland obtained his MD from the medical branch of the University of Texas at Galveston. Board certified with the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, Dr. William Howland practiced in South Carolina and Florida before returning to his hometown of Austin.
A respected author and speaker, Dr. William Howland’s writing has been featured in many medical journals. His regular segment on allergies, shown on the local ABC affiliate KUVE’s newscast, covers such topics as how allergies affect a student’s school performance and allergens in your own garden.
In his spare time, Dr. William Howland plays in a cover rock band, Code Blue. The band performs hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, covering the best rock songs of all time. Dr. William Howland is bassist for the band, as well as singing lead and backup. He co-founded the band with Austin fireman Joe Augeri and they’ve played weddings, parties, and other events at venues in Austin, Dallas, and San Diego for the past fifteen years. Dr. Howland also helps with lighting and sound for the band.
Dr. William Howland lives in Austin with his wife and two children.
