An unusually wet and cold spring that has finally given way
to a bit of sun and warmth has created a doozie of a pollen season for
2013. You guessed it. That means more mold, more pollen, more
sneezes all around. Even if you haven’t
had seasonal allergies in the past, you may be troubled by them this year.
Seasonal allergies get kicked it into high gear when trees,
grasses, and weeds send tiny pollen bits into the air. Their need to re-populate and your need to
run and grab a tissue are directly related.
When these pollen bits enter the nose of an allergic person, it sends
the immune system into hyper-drive. The immune
system thinks it’s doing you a favor by trying to fight off this nasty foreign
entity thus causing a histamine release.
It’s histamine that causes your eyes to feel like sand paper and sends
you into sneezing fits.
What can you do to ease the symptoms of that pesky seasonal
allergic rhinitis? Of course the experts
tell you avoidance is the best possible solution for easing seasonal allergies,
but clearly they aren’t living in the same world as the rest of us. It’s pretty much impossible to seal yourself
up in a plastic bubble and still maintain your life. However, you can take some steps to avoiding
pollen as much as possible. A nice help
to knowing when pollen counts are at their peak is pollen.com’s new iPhone app
available in Apple’s iTunes App Store.
The app tracks pollen counts in your designated area. It will also provide information for asthma
sufferers, information on colds & coughs, and ultraviolet sensitivity. It rates days for pollen based on a 0-12
point scale and is color coded so it’s very easy to read at a glance. If you’ve been tested for what kinds of
pollen you are most allergic to, you’ll be happy to know the app gives
information on what type of pollen is out at this particular time. For example, today’s pollen is being caused
by mulberry, oak, and birch trees.
Avoidance, or at least trying to minimize your pollen
exposure, is one method. Over the
counter allergy medicines are another.
Natural items to help ease allergies include vitamin C and evening
primrose to reduce swelling.
Experts also say washing your hands and rinsing your eyes
once you come in from outside will help in your allergic reaction to pollen.
Installing an air filtering system in your home and office
will pull pollen bits from the air. Many
types of air filters may be purchased through Great River Office Products. Give Dayna a call and she’ll be able to help
you find the right filter for your system.
Even with these tips, you’ll probably still need a good
tissue to blow your nose. We have those
too in every grade from super soft with aloe to your standard, hardy
Kleenex. Visit our website at www.greatriverofficeproducts.com
to learn more.
Happy trails and happy sneezes to you!
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