DALLAS — North Texas is currently under seige from what some call their worst natural enemy: ragweed.

Despite an increase in the number of allergy sufferers, there have been no new treatments in years.

But a possible breakthrough treatment is now being studied that has even allergists excited.

It is as simple as the air in a bicycle tire or bubbles in a soda: carbon dioxide, also known by its chemical abbreviation, C02.

"It's really unique," said Dr. Gary Gross, allergist at Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. "It's the first very unique treatment we've had in many years. It's a non-medicine treatment. it's relatively simple, it's very safe. And it's something that can be self-applied."

Two small sprays of CO2 — for 10 seconds in each nostril — bathes the nasal tissue in harmless gas.

"And when that happens," Dr. Gross explains, "it changes the nerves in your nose so they don't release certain proteins that cause congestion in the nose. So it really will potentially prevent the symptoms of allergic rhinitis."

Dr. Gross said doctors got the idea to use carbon dioxide for allergies when a similar treatment worked for migraine patients.

One spray is supposed to stop sneezing, congestion, and runny nose for 12 hours. Three small studies have already proven it works for those certain allergy symptoms.

A large clinical study was done in North Texas because ragweed here grows 8 feet tall, and there is a bumper crop of allergy patients.

If carbon dioxide is proven to work, medical-grade gas could become a legitimate allergy treatment in a couple of years.

"It's easy and very pleasant, actually," said Michael Goad. Goad, 22, is considered a good candidate for the novel therapy because traditional treatments have not alleviated his symptoms.

A week after starting the clinical trial, he's still waiting for relief to seep in. But he remains hopeful that CO2 will get him from the fake Astroturf of a driving range and onto real grass greens with no Kleenex — only a club in hand.

"That's all I'm looking for," Goad said. "I'll worry about the actual golf game."

The CO2 allergy clinical trial is now closed, but those interested in allergy clinical trials can call 214-361-5555.