Sssssspring Season!!!

S P R I N G is here, finally!!! My nose says so. I have been sneezing lately because of the increase presence of pollens around me. The ironic thing about me is that I am a gardener who loves to be out in the yard playing with dirt and what have you. I can spend all of my free time out there in the yard but then I am reminded of this chronic disease process that I have. Yes, it is not a serious one, only an annoying one at times. I have an Allergic Rhinitis - "hay fever" or "seasonal allergy". A gardener with the sneezing problem... how ironic!!! Sometimes when I am in "attack" of this, I sort of blurt out, "Why me? Why can't it be someone who does not like to garden?" But having allergic rhinitis/hay fever does not stop me from doing what I love to do so I learned to monitor the pollen count of the day, arm myself with Claritin D, make sure I have my Proventil inhaler, prescription nasal spray and prescription eye drops at hand in case I need them. I am in garden heaven during the full swing of spring when the blooms are in their grandiest display of beauty, armed with my protections...

According to the medical encyclopedia - Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances. Allergies are caused by an over-sensitive immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. Allergy symptoms occurs when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause an immune response. When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen such as pollen or dust, antibodies are produced. When the antibodies are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine and other chemicals are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production. Symptoms vary from person to person. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes. Hay fever involves an allergic reaction to pollen. A similar reaction occurs with allergy to mold, animal dander, dust, and similar inhaled allergens. Symptoms: Coughing, headache, itching nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area, runny nose, sneezing, tearing eyes, sore throat and wheezing. Treatments: The goal of treatment is to reduce allergy symptoms caused by the inflammation of affected tissues. The best "treatment" is to avoid what causes your allergic symptoms in the first place. It may be impossible to completely avoid all allergens to which you are sensitive, but you can often take steps to reduce exposure. Medication options: Short-acting antihistamines; longer-acting antihistamines; nasal corticosteroid sprays; decongestants; eye drop versions of cromolyn sodium and antihistamines are available for itchy, bloodshot eyes; and leukotriene inhibitor.

Happy spring season!!! Accccchhhhhhhoooooo...