How to Cope With Pollen Allergies

Do you suffer from pollen allergies? Unfortunately, it looks like pollen counts are on the rise as a result of climate change. According to the Huffington Post, climate change will not only increase pollen counts exponentially over the next few years, but also cause pollen season to begin earlier each year.

This is bad news for the more than 60 million people in the United States that suffer from allergies. That’s 1 in 5 people! Maybe you are one of them.

What is pollen allergy?

Pollen is a powder released by plants as part of the natural process of reproduction. Different plants pollinate in different seasons so people with pollen allergies may see their symptoms heightened only during one or more particular seasons.

When a person is allergic to pollen this means their immune system overreacts to pollen. Since pollen is not normally harmful, the body is releasing chemicals to combat it unnecessarily and the result are allergy symptoms like:

• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Headache from sinus congestion
• Cough
• Itchy eyes and throat

Pollen allergy symptoms may be mild, but they are often severe enough to disrupt a person’s lifestyle and ability to get a good nights sleep.
There are a number of things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms:

Common sense measures

• ·  Close your doors and windows to keep pollen out of your house.
• ·  Avoid going outside when the pollen count is high (early morning is the worst time).
• ·  Don’t do activities like mowing grass, raking or gardening.
• ·  Shower thoroughly and change your clothes after you go outside.

Homeopathic remedies

• ·  Saline nasal rinses can provide almost immediate relief by literally washing the pollen out of your nose and sinuses.
• ·  Inhale steam—either during a hot shower or put your head over a bowl of hot water and cover yourself with a towel.
• ·  Raw honey is purported to have anti-allergen properties, and also soothes sore throats.
• ·  Vitamin D and supplements like Butterbur and Quercetin may help, but of course consult with your doctor before trying any supplements.

Medications

There are a number of over the counter medications that will treat the symptoms of allergies including the itchy throat, sneezing and sinus headaches. One common type of medication are antihistamines which help prevent your immune system from reacting to the pollen. The other type of medication is a decongestant which treats sinus and nasal congestion.

There are several medications on the market for children such as Claritin and Allegra. These medications, taken daily during allergy season, can dramatically reduce the symptoms. However, you should consult with your pediatrician before giving them to your children.

For long-term relief you might consider getting Immunotherapy injections, commonly known as allergy shots, which over several years can help your body not respond to pollen allergens.

Asthma is a condition that is often triggered by allergens like pollen. If you have asthma, consult with your doctor about which treatments might be most effective. For example, your doctor may give you a prescription to buy Singulair, which is a daily prescription medication use to treat both asthma and allergies.

You don’t have to suffer

The bad news is that pollen counts are on the rise—the good news is that you don’t have to suffer. There are many remedies available for the symptoms of pollen allergies.