If you’re thinking it’s just you, I’m here to tell you “you’re” in good company!  Norfolk, Va., is in the top five cities throughout the United States for the highest pollen count today.  How do I know this (you might ask)?  Just click on the following link for a map of the USA and the current highest pollen count locations through the country (http://www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp).

So what’s causing all this pollen havoc and allergy suffering?  According to the experts at “Our Amazing Planet” (http://www.ouramazingplanet.com/2639-pollen-alerts-allergies-bad-early-spring.html) an early warm spring = high pollen accounts.  In fact, it hasn’t been this high (in some parts of the United States) since 1999.  The early arrival of spring and the lack of rain increased the pollen count with no known end in sight.  Strong winds also help to “spread” the pollen as they transport the particles through the air.  Mix that all together and you’ve got scratchy throats, itching eyes and coughing-sneezing-wheezing suffering (almost) everywhere!

In springtime, pollen comes from trees, eventually blossoming to ground level by summertime through plants.  With the spring season and warmer weather occurring earlier than usual, our poor trees just join in and start the process of producing their buds earlier than expected.  Springtime usually produces a certain amount of rain to wash-away the pollen, but this season it’s been unusually “drier” than normal.  Hence the problem:  A lot of pollen + very little rain + strong winds = Allergic reactions

So what can you do about it without having to take a boat load of drugs?   Natural remedies can work just as effectively as over the counter drugs, depending upon how severe your body is reacting.  Below are some of both:

Neti-pots and Nasal cleansers

Our nose acts as a filter for what we breathe in.  That “filter” needs to be cleaned (just like your HVAC filter in your home) each day during allergy season.  Neti-pots and nasal cleansers are the easiest way to clean out that filter and bring relief to your allergic reaction.

Antihistamines

We think an antihistamine is an antihistamine; think again.  You can actually have a different reaction and/or tolerance to certain types of antihistamines.  If the one you’re taking isn’t working, switch to another one.  Talk to your pharmacist about which one might work best for you if the one you’re taking stops working effectively.

Corticosteroids

Prescribed nasal sprays can offer several benefits when you’ve tried everything else.  According to Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com),  “Corticosteroids help prevent the release of symptom-causing chemicals during an allergic reaction.”  Prescribed products like Flonase, Nasonex and Rhinocort Aqua, are usually prescribed to help relieve allergic reactions.  However, there are side effects like nasal bleeding, irritation and unpleasant smell and taste.  If your condition renders it severe enough, the doctor may prescribe an inhalant to help offset the side effects such as Flovent, Pulmicort, Asmanex, etc. 

Antihistamines for eyes

One of the most telling side effects is the red, irritated eyes.  Instead of using just “Visine”, you’ll need to consider its sister product for this condition, “Visine-A” or Alaway, etc .  Treatment for this condition may require something stronger than an over the counter eye drop.  If your eyes remain red for more than just a few days (5 days or more) and start emitting pus or signs of infection, ask your doctor about Corticosteroid drops.  However, this should be a last resort as their side effects can result in blurred vision, glaucoma, cataracts and actually increase your eye chances for an eye infection.

Quick Tips for Wellness:  Don’t suffer from pollen in silence….

See a doctor if your home remedies stop working!

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