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Spring rolls around every year, and we breathe a deep sigh of relief that winter is over yet again. With that deep sigh comes the realization that Spring never fails to seize our sinuses, tear our eyes, and grasp hold of our lungs. It is Pollen Season in my area of the country, and I can certainly feel it! I am not alone, however, because I hear the chorus everywhere I go, celebrating the beauty of Spring, but bemoaning the start of allergy season.
According to Pollen.com, “[a]n allergy is a heightened sensitivity to a foreign substance (called an allergen) that causes the body’s defense system (the immune system) to overreact when defending itself”. As proud as I am of my body’s valiant effort to ward off these seemingly harmless substances, I would really rather NOT have to spend the first half of the year holding my breath and clutching a box of tissues.
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Pollen is not the only allergen to cause such malaise, but it is the most widespread among my sphere of influence. Thick yellow coats of the stuff cover everything, and to step out of the house is to step into a fog of pollen. It’s blooming miserable… literally! Other allergens include foods, dust, molds, and pet dander. Cats are an issue for me, and I don’t own one, but do enjoy the cute pictures that show up on Pinterest. Dust and molds, are also a problem, which you would understand if you read my post, Screams From a Not-S0-Domestic Goddess. Since cleaning is an issue for me, so are allergies.
Life does not stop, however, so we find a way to carry on, and carry the tissues wherever we go. There are options for treating allergies, however; and Pollen.com suggests the following strategies:
- Avoidance of the Allergen;
- Medication; and
- Immunotherapy(generally called allergy shots).
Avoidance is essentially impossible in this part of the country, at this time of year, so that one is out. Everyone seems to have their own pet medication to recommend, especially since so many of these are now available over-the-counter. They help temporarily, but leave me in a fog. Immunotherapy seems to work well for those who use it, but is costly, unless covered by health insurance. I usually just persevere, knowing that time and the change of seasons is on my side. Like most other things in life, this, too, shall pass.
And speaking of cats, you should check out The Cat Lovers Diary, if you have not done so. It’s hysterical!
~C-Lea
Related articles
- Need allergy shots? Here’s what you should know (foxnews.com)
- Tips For Controlling Seasonal Allergies At Home (apartmenttherapy.com)
