If It's So Beautiful Outside, Why Do I Feel Miserable?
If it's so beautiful outside, why do I feel miserable?
You may be suffering from Spring pollen allergies!
It's Spring. In spring, the plants are coming back alive using their own reproductive means: the male part of the plants have to work with the female parts of the plant - often on a different plant. The pollen drifts on wind and insects and birds.
Spring blooming trees are cranking out tremendously high pollen amounts right now. Have you seen the pollen count? Maybe you don't care about the actual pollen count -- because you are can feel it already, as an allergy sufferer. We get beautiful flowers and blooms and trees and... hay fever. For many people, spring is stunning but the beauty brings [pollen] misery.
What is the misery for my nose in Spring?
The air is measured for pollen particulates, some of which are allergenic. Not everyone experiences allergies; but if your eyes are watering, your nose is running and stuffy, you have a scratchy throat, your sinuses are aching, and you are sneezing it’s likely you are experiencing the effects. You could also just be feeling run down and tired. Different plants bloom at different times of the year, but it’s hard to know exactly what you are allergic to unless you are tested by a physician specializing in allergy diagnosis and treatment.
Check your local pollen count here: www.pollen.com/
The good news is that you can get some relief in other ways. There are medications easily available over the counter at your local grocery or drug store.
Relief is possible:
Antihistamines: From diphenhydramine (aka benadryl) to loratadine (claritin), these medications reduce the allergic response. Depending on any medical conditions the are generally safe. Note that diphenhydramine can cause excessive sleepiness and should not be used when driving or operating heavy machinery.
Nasal Antihistamines: Cromolyn sodium (aka "NasalCrom") is a local antihistamine that you spray in your nose every 6 hours as needed. This can solve uncomfortable nasal symptoms immediately.
Pain Relief: Acetaminophen (tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) are generally safe when used by a healthy person at the recommended dose. Consult your physician if you have concerns about taking these pain relievers, and if you have a medical condition that prevents you from using them.
Nasal Washes: It is easy to use a nasal wash (saline or salt solution) as very effective way of removing pollen particulates directly from your nose. You can find them pre-made in a squirt bottle, or one that you make at easy mix at home using products like "Neil-Med Sinus Kit" (www.neilmed.com/sinusrinse/) i
And it is really important to reduce your exposure to allergens. That means close your windows, turn on the air conditioning, and limit your outdoor time. And when there’s a rainy day, it decreases pollen counts (on that day) so it's much safer for allergy suffers. So on or after rainy days - go out and play!
Acupuncture: This method of balancing the body can also be very effective of settling down your immune system and reducing reactivity. Acupuncturists are licensed practitioners in the State of Maryland, and some insurance companies may reimburse you for visits. Ask friends and family for referrals.
Herbs and Supplements: Herbs such as stinging nettle, ashwagandha, quercitin, and bromelain can support reduction of allergic reaction.
And finally, an offer:
Are you looking for a practitioner who is knowledgeable about allergies, and willing to treat you as the unique individual you are? I’m a medical clinician and a health coach, and I talk to my patients and coaching clients about this topic and many others. I can help you through the maze of supplements, treatments, and online articles. I help you overcome any confusion and health hurdles by tailoring your treatment to your pace: Contact me using this "Let's Connect" link.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have concerns about any of the medications or treatments discussed in this blog, consult your physician or medical practitioner before use. I do not receive any compensation from any manufactures of products mentioned in the blog and their mention does not indicate any endorsement of said products.
