Allergy Season is Brutal - How to Survive

I have heard it reported on USA Today and other sources that this is the worst allergy season we've had in ages.

In the USA Today article, "The nose knows it's a bad allergy season", said Dr. David Rosenstreich, director of the allergy and immunology division at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City, "It's been a very unusual allergy season. I don't know if it's because of the very wet winter or that it's been cold longer, but the pollen counts are much higher. This week, it's been running about 6,000 grains a day, instead of the usual 1,500," Rosenstreich said of his local area.

No wonder I've been feeling terrible and every day it seems to be getting worse. It's hard to keep up with life when you're suffering from sinus pain and congestion. I also feel completely exhausted and it's hard to motivate to do anything. Keeping up at work, which never slows down, spending time with the kids and getting the cleaning done has been unbearable when all I want to do is lie down and close my eyes. I decided today after waking up with my ears also clogged that it might be time to see the doctor. I hate to spend the money since I already have outstanding medical bills but I've suffered enough and it's time.

If you also suffer, I took the libery of looking up a few helpful tips on Web MD to help reduce your suffering.

Keep your windows closed. I also have been avoiding being outside at all. Which is tough since I've had cabin fever all winter.

Wash you clothes and bedding often. Pollens stick to fabrics so you track it in and continue to be surrounded by the pollens making you sick.

Nasal wash. I have tried a nasal wash. It can be uncomortable but it does seem to clear out your sinuses. It's worth a shot if you've got sinus pressure and congestion.

See the article for more suggestions.

Jan

Allergy Sufferers Beware - How to Battle High Pollen Count

It is predicted that due to the harsh snow-filled winter will lead to high levels of allergins including pollens and mold. Last year's pollen count was the highest in 20 years and this year is expected to be equally high.

Allergy fighting foods.
An article from Mother Earth News, Six Natural Allergie, reveals some natural alternatives to help relieve allgery symptoms. It suggets stocking up on citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, tea, tomotoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine which are naturally high in quercetin and figh off free radicals which can cause cell damage and lead to cancer. Quercetin is a natural antioxidant and prevents cells from releasing histamines.

Omega-3 fatty acids can help decrease allergy symptoms. Omega-3s help to fight inflammation. Cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil, as well as grass-fed meat and eggs are good sources for Omega-3.

Stay indoors on high pollen days.
It might be hard to do but on days that have a high pollen count, stay indoors, keep your windows closed and avoid using a window fan. Check the daily pollen count on Weather.com. 
Jan