To Your Health
Seasonal Allergies

by Paulette Avery RN, MSN

A few days ago as I drove home from work, a wonderful fragrance filled the car and made me smile. It was the sweet smell of spring in the air! Trees blossoming, golden daffodils in bloom, and the hills once again covered in green, all remind us of the joyful arrival of spring even before the calendar makes it official. Unfortunately for some of us, our bodies respond less favorably than our minds and spirits to this change of seasons. If you are allergic to grasses and pollens, spring may not be your favorite time of year. For all of us who suffer through the sneezing, stuffy noses, watery, itchy eyes and other miseries of seasonal allergies, here's some help. Read on for ways to minimize your exposure to the allergens, along with suggestions for treating the symptoms when they occur.

To minimize your contact with pollen, when you're out in the car, keep your windows closed as much as possible and switch your air conditioner to "inside air." Keep your time outdoors to a minimum, especially during midday to late afternoon when pollen counts tend to be at their peak. If you must mow the lawn, consider wearing a pollen mask, or if possible, get someone without allergies to do the mowing for you. After you've spent time outdoors, shower to remove any pollen on your body, and then change into clean clothes. You can also rinse your eyes with saline solution or cool water to remove any pollen clinging to eye tissues.

According to an article by Colette Bouchez on WebMD, over 35 million Americans have seasonal allergies. So if you are one of them, you have lots of company. The good news is the attention given to the problem and the help now available. A quick check of your local drugstore reveals a multitude of allergy-fighting products. And if those aren't sufficient to handle your symptoms, your doctor can order stronger prescription medications. Fortunately, many non-drowsy formulations are now available, both by prescription and over-the-counter, so that you can ease your symptoms and remain alert enough to function.

If you prefer to deal with allergies in a more natural way, there are a growing number of options for you as well. A European herb called butterbur has been found in at least two studies (one by Swiss researchers and the other a British study) to be as effective as a popular drug in combating hay fever, according to the article by Bouchez. Study participants found relief by taking one tablet four times a day. Dr. Andrew Weil suggests the following herbs to combat hay fever: astragulus, black-currant oil, fennel, garlic, quercetin, stinging nettle, valerian, and turmeric. Using a saline wash to clean pollen out of your nose and sinuses can also be very effective in minimizing symptoms.

What you eat or don't eat may also improve your allergies. Hot, spicy foods tend to thin mucous secretions and clear nasal passages; the hotter, the better for this purpose. Avoid any foods that cause sensitivity, as they may strain your immune system and make your allergies worse.

May your spring be a glorious one!

Paulette Avery is a registered nurse and a freelance writer specializing in health issues.