http://www.pollen.com/allergy-weather-forecast.asp
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/05/bee-pollen-cures-allergies.php
So, what do you do?
Spring Allergy Sufferers: Be Wary Of Treatment Myths
March 4, 2011 (Arlington Heights, Ill.) – Knowing fact from fiction can make the difference between misery and relief for millions of spring allergy sufferers.
“People often sneeze and wheeze through spring if they use misinformation to manage their condition,” says allergist Dr. Myron Zitt, past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “But no one should suffer from spring allergies. Knowing the facts, getting a proper diagnosis and the right treatment allows allergy patients to feel good all season long.”
The ACAAI – whose allergist members specialize in treating allergies and asthma – dispels several common spring allergy myths.
Myth: Over-the-counter (OTC, or nonprescription) oral antihistamines are just as effective as prescription medicines in controlling a stuffy nose.
Fact: OTC antihistamines can help control some allergy symptoms, but they have little effect on relieving a stuffy nose or the inflammation that often occurs with allergies. They also can cause drowsiness. Allergists can prescribe more effective anti-inflammatory medications as well as find the source of suffering, rather than just treat the symptoms.
Myth: OTC decongestant nasal sprays are addictive.
Fact: OTC decongestant nasal sprays are not technically addictive. However, people who overuse them may think they are because they need more and more to get relief from the congestion. To combat this, OTC decongestant nasal sprays shouldn’t be used more than three days in a row. Also, an allergist can prescribe a nasal spray containing a steroid, which may be more effective and is not addictive.
Myth: Allergy shots require too much time and are more expensive than taking medicine to relieve symptoms.
Fact: Depending on how bothersome the allergies are, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may actually save money and improve quality of life. In fact, a recent study showed that immunotherapy reduced total health care costs in children with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) by one-third, and prescription costs by 16 percent. The shots are similar to a vaccine, exposing the recipient to a tiny bit of allergen at a time, to build up a tolerance to it. As tolerance increases, allergy symptoms will be significantly lessened and may even go away. That can save sick days and money spent at the drugstore.
Myth: A blood test is the best way to diagnose allergies.
Fact: Actually, skin tests are more sensitive than blood tests. In skin allergy testing , the skin on the inside of the arms or the back is pricked with a tiny bit of an allergen. If the person is allergic, the site will become red and swollen within 20 minutes and usually clear in an hour or two. Skin testing is very safe when performed by an allergist, even in infants and young children. But no single test alone provides the entire picture. Sufferers should see an allergist, who is trained in diagnosing and treating allergies.
Honey?
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/05/bee-pollen-cures-allergies.php
For treating allergies
Ada, Oklahoma (AP) - An Oklahoma allergist told a meeting of 150 beekeepers that raw honey is an effective treatment for 90 per cent of all allergies. Dr. William G. Peterson, an allergist from Ada in the 1950's, said he now has 22,000 patients across the nation who are using raw honey along with more customary medications to relieve allergy symptoms.
"It must be raw honey because raw honey contains all the pollen, dust and molds that cause 90 per cent of all allergies," he told a meeting of the Oklahoma Beekeepers Association. "What happens is that the patient builds up an immunity to pollen, dust or mold that is causing his trouble in the first place. The raw honey must "not be strained, not even through a cloth." he added. "I know the customer wants good, clear strained honey, and that's fine, but for health reasons, raw honey is what we need."
Dr. Peterson said he and the 20 doctors at his clinic at Ada normally prescribe a daily teaspoon of raw honey. The honey treatment continues even after the allergy is under control.
Information excerpt from "Bee Hive Product Bible" (pages 127-130)
Much of the effectiveness of raw honey to help treat respiratory problems has been traced to the bee pollen and propolis suspended within it. According to a research report from Bulgria, they found the honey has anti-allergic, anti-imflammatory, and expectorant properties that insure the body has an immunobiological defense and give it the capacity to regenerate its attacked cells. Research on using raw honey to treat respiratory problems shows the following results: Of the 17,862 patients treated with honey, 8,836 were men and 9,026 were women. Most of the patients ranged in age from 21 to 60 years old. After treatmetn the results were:
| Respiratory problem | Without Symptoms | Improved Condition | Temporary Improvement | No Effect |
| Chronic Bronchitis | 64.41% | 23.5% | 6.3% | 5.69% |
| Asthmatic Bronchitis | 62% | 26.4% | 5.6% | 6% |
| Bronchial Asthma | 55.44% | 30.25% | 5.80% | 8.51% |
| Chronic Rhinitis | 82% | 14% | 4% | |
| Allergic Rhinitis | 62% | 22% | 6% | 6% |
| Sinusitis | 56% | 14% | 16% | 14% |
Prevention
- Dust to control mites. By dusting surfaces and washing bedding often, you can control the amount of dust mites in your home.
- Vacuum often. Although cleaning can sometimes trigger allergic reactions, with dust in the air, vacuuming once or twice a week will reduce the surface dust mites. Wear a mask when doing housework and consider leaving for a few hours after you clean to avoid allergens in the air. You can also make sure your vacuum has an air filter to capture dust.
- Reduce pet dander. If you have allergies, you should avoid pets with feathers or fur like birds, dogs and cats. Animal saliva and dead skin, or pet dander , can cause allergic reactions. If you can’t bear to part with your pet, you should at least keep it out of the bedroom.
- Shut out pollen. When you clean your windows, do you see a film of pollen on the frame or sill? One easy way to prevent pollen from entering your home is to keep windows and doors closed. Use an air filter and clean it regularly or run the air conditioner and change the filter often.
- Avoid mold spores. Mold spores grow in moist areas. If you reduce the moisture in the bathroom and kitchen, you will reduce the mold. Fix any leaks inside and outside of your home and clean moldy surfaces. Plants can carry pollen and mold too, so limit the number of houseplants. Dehumidifiers will also help reduce mold.
Traveling.
We are all on the go and there are a few things to keep in mind to prevent outdoor allergies during peak season, when the pollen count is high.
- Stay inside during peak pollen times, usually between 10:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m. - Keep your car windows closed when traveling
- Stay indoors when humidity is high and on days with high wind, when dust and pollen are more likely to be in the air
- Wear a facemask if you are outside to limit the amount of pollen you inhale
- Shower after spending time outside to wash away pollen that collects on your skin and hairApril showers....wash away pollen!!!:-)
