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Spring signals the return of one of our most common allergens: pollens. Pollens are the microscopic male seeds swept from plants in the millions by the wind that carries them to fertilize the female flower. But wind also carries the pollen into our noses, lungs or eyes, making us sneeze, wheeze and itch. In April the trees shed their pollen including the familiar elm, maple and birch. In May the king of the spring pollen floods the air—oak. June sees the peak of the grass pollen season, while July and the first half of August lack much pollen. Then, the potent ragweed pollen takes its turn flooding the air until, toward the end of September, its numbers subside. Finding relief Although we are powerless to avoid pollens, we are not powerless to treat their symptoms. For mild sneezing and eye itch, little needs to be done. As the sneezing and itch intensify, old-line antihistamines such as Benedryl, Dimetapp and Atarax are effective but can make you sleepy—a dangerous condition if you drive or operate machinery that could hurt you. The new antihistamines, Zyrtec and Claritin cause fewer people sleepiness so they are safer and are available without a prescription. Ask your pharmacist for advice and follow the directions and cautions on the medications. Although antihistamines relieve runny nose and sneezing, they open stuffy noses poorly. Nasal decongestant sprays like Afrin open the nasal passages effectively but are so potent that overuse slams the passages closed. To avoid overuse, use it only at bedtime (it's hard to sleep with a blocked nose), and don't use it nightly. If a cold blocks your nose, don't use it for more than three days. Sudafed also helps open the nose but be aware that it can raise blood pressure. Avoid the outdoors? If you're miserable outdoors, you could come inside to the air conditioner. It can be depressing, though, to be indoors on the beautiful days. Instead, try flushing the pollen out of your nasal passages with all natural, safe saline sprays when you've spent time outside and your nose is stuffy or itchy. When over-the-counter is not enough Hopefully, these suggestions help you relieve your distressing pollen symptoms. If your pollen symptoms are more severe, however, and in addition to unrelenting sneeze and itch, you suffer overwhelming tiredness and perhaps sinus infection, it's time to see your doctor for advice and prescription medication. Make an appointment at HealthEast Allergy Care.
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Treating spring pollen miseries
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