Do you have suffer from any of the following: runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and congestion? If you answered yes to any of these, you’re suffering from seasonal allergies. Suffering from spring allergies seems unavoidable and if you’ve ever thought your symptoms are worse because you live in the South; you’re absolutely right.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has compiled this year’s Allergy Capitals. Unfortunately, many cities in TN ranked high—Knoxville #2, Chattanooga #3, Memphis # 8, and Nashville #36 (source). All of the aforementioned cities are considered “worse than average,” when it comes to allergies.
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAI) reports “trees generally pollinate in the spring. Birch, cedar, cottonwood and pine are big allergy triggers.”
So what can you do to combat these allergies? The AAAI have some suggestions:
- Be aware of the pollen count and reduce your outdoor activities on these days
- Keep your home and car windows closed
- Take a shower after being outside to ensure no pollen is in your hair.
Besides taking these steps to lessen symptoms, there are other natural remedies that may work as well. For instance, have you ever tried a neti pot?
Neti pots look like little teapots and are available at drug stores and many health food stores. You’ll mix about 8 ounces of warm water with a saline solution in the neti pot (many neti pots come with several saline packets). Leaning over a sink, you will pour the solution into one nostril, letting it flow out of the other. At first, this may feel strange, but it is a sure fire way to cleanse your nose of pollen, dust and other allergens.
Also, have you ever heard the theory that local honey can cure allergies?
The theory that honey can cure allergies has gained momentum over the years but has not been scientifically proven to be a cure. However, health professionals have come to a consensus that local honey works like a vaccine. “Honey contains a variety of the same pollen spores that give allergy sufferers so much trouble when flowers and grasses are in bloom. Introducing these spores into the body in small amounts by eating honey should make the body accustomed to their presence and decrease the chance an immune system response like the release of histamine will occur” (Source).
Each person’s seasonal allergies are different; therefore, these preventative measures should not be used in lieu of seeing a certified allergist. If you feel that you should see an allergist, Williamson County has many wonderful doctors:
- Cool Spring Allergy Associates
- Allergy & Asthma Associates of Middle Tennessee
- Dr. Steven Tate of Allergy & Asthma Centers in Franklin
- ENT Specialists of Cool Springs
