I am back to thinking about allergies to pollen. It is the time of year for it after all. I react very badly to pollen generally from early in the year when plants start springing up all the way through the summer season. People around me seem oblivious to it all, only they are not, I notice that both my daughter and my mother suffer due to pollen, I advise anti histamines to know avail. They tell me their eyes are not watering, they are not sneezing. I tell them this is not the only symptom. That sweeping drowsiness they complain of, yes that could be pollen related. I give up with them so now its your turn, my lovely readers.
There are generally three types of pollen, tree, grass and weeds, there are various specific types of pollen from specific species, In fact any thing plant like that grows produces some kind of spores or scents into the universe. It is all around us and the symptoms vary. Cut grass will make my eyes water and my nose run, but tree and weed pollen put me under a drowsy spell. Still I love to be outdoors, as the season continues the pollen released changes and in time I adjust and my reactions lessen.
Puffy sore red eyes? Yes it could be pollen. Sudden onset of suspected cold? Yes it too can be pollen. Wheezy breathing? Yes this too. General unexplained lethargy? Yes, you guessed it. Air pressure greatly affects the pollen levels, low pressure can squash it down like a menacing cloud, High pressure can spread it around even further. Lets face it there is no escape from it outdoors. So what is the solution, well it is not to lock yourself inside, as my daughter thinks. Pollen can even be indoors, from indoor, seemingly innocent plants, brought in on washing hung out, or just in through open windows. The key is to deal with it. I have written before about various medical treatments and so I won’t go into it here. There are lots of things on the market or through prescription to help. If you suspect you may be suffering look into it.
If grass is the main trigger get out under the trees, deep into a wood, the air there is wonderful and fresh. If tree pollen is your nemesis, get into the open fields. Don’t give in and assume nature is a tyrant and lock yourself away. Find the best treatment for you and get out there.
The breakfast weather presenter commented this week that Oak tree pollen is currently rife, if all the trees release pollen at different times it is no wonder the season lasts so long. I feel validated in writing this post. How many of us will wonder if we are allergic to Oak tree pollen? It doesn’t spring to mind when we think of hay fever. We tend to think of grass and flowers but it is just so much more. I am curious to test reaction under an oak tree now, though with all the antihistamines I take I am probably immune now, well I hope so.
Banish that sneeze!
Chris.xx
Living With ME 