Home & Garden

Seasonal allergies can be a source of enormous misery for millions of people. The good news is, as long as oaks, poplars, elms, and their brethren are casting off pollen, plants and flowers will continue to bloom for yet another season, but thats little solace to most allergy sufferers. Its amazing as well as ironic that something which signifies life and fertility (pollen) can inflict so much discomfort and make life so unbearable.

The worse news is that pollen is only one offender when it comes to seasonal allergies. Hay, ragweed, sagebrush, and a litany of other plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs are equally culpable in rousing histamines from their winter sleep. On top of that, dangerous molds, mildews, and other microbes and bacteria contribute to the mess by sending their spores out into the world to be fruitful and multiply. At least they derive no pleasure from the act of doing so.

Nipping Seasonal Allergies in the, Er… Bud
The good news is that as long as you know allergy season is coming, you can take steps to keep the vilest offenders at bay. Antihistamines and decongestants put up a good fight against grasses, weeds, molds, and pollens, but your doctor may have better weapons in his or her arsenal. Prescription allergy medications can be a huge relief to those left incapacitated by seasonal allergies.

As winter turns to spring, especially in excessively dry or humid climates, the usual suspects begin to act up, signifying that its time for your annual trip to the doctors office. Allergy shots, when combined with a regimen of indoor dehumidifying and purification, can be a potent defense against the most determined invaders. Nevertheless, allergy symptoms are often persistent enough to spoil an otherwise beautiful spring or summer, even for those who fight the good fight.

In the absence of allergens, shortness of breath can be tied to a handful of physical and emotional catalysts. In some, panic and anxiety disorders can trigger hyperventilation or shortness of breath. As the body deals with environmental stressors, it may secrete hormones through the adrenal gland, exert cardiovascular demands, and accelerate respiration.

Shortness of breath is also common in those undertaking vigorous cardio exercise, especially for the first time or after a long hiatus. As the workout proceeds, the muscles, heart, lungs, and other organs all require greater oxygen, which means individuals must take in even more air. The result is a temporary shortness of breath that can be disconcerting for those unaccustomed to it.

Allergies and Shortness of Breath
When allergy season is in full swing, its not uncommon for chronic sufferers to experience shortness of breath as a common symptom. Once the body realizes its under attack from dust, pollen, weeds, mold, and other micro-organisms, it mounts a counterattack that includes the release of histamines and an increased burden on the skins mast cells. As the body mobilizes its resources, those with allergy symptoms often complain of shortness of breath.

At the same time, the problem is exacerbated by swollen glands and lymph nodes that can partially obstruct airways. The uvula or glottis may grow inflamed as a result of the irritation and contribute to shortness of breath. Its important to keep in mind that these causes of shortness of breath may be fought through a mixture of prudent behavior (namely staying indoors) and prescribed medicines that provide considerable allergy relief.

Sinus allergies make springtime and summer absolutely miserable for those with allergy sensitivities, which describes several million Americans. Pollen, pollution, mold, dirt, and a host of other airborne substances enter the nose and mouth where theyre fiercely attacked by mucous. This is the bodys way of preventing potentially injurious compounds from entering the lungs, but theres a downside to this response–namely, that this debris then prevents proper drainage of this mucous.

What happens when mucous isnt permitted to return to its home? First, bacteria and viruses take up residence in the warm and hospitable digs. After that, the body must work even harder to expel its squatters by upping its immune response and sending more cells out to do the job. This can compromise the immune system and make sinus allergies even more debilitating.

Fighting off Sinus Allergies
One of the most overlooked allergy remedies when it comes to sinus problems is prevention. So many dollars are spent on the latest drugs and cold remedies that many people forget that old saying about an ounce of prevention. By maintaining a dry indoor environment thats free of particulate, youve already taken the most important step in safeguarding your health during allergy season.

In spite of this, sinus allergies still manifest themselves in cautious individuals who set up air filters and dehumidifiers. Some allergy seasons are more severe than others and may be compounded by seasonal winds and other mischief-makers. For these poor folks, potent prescription drugs and allergy shots may offer the only recourse, so its worth keeping the name of a reputable allergist on hand who can supply you with the ammunition you need.

Sinusitis treatments include a combination of remedies for both acute and chronic inflammation of the afflicted passages. Some individuals suffer sinusitis only in conjunction with colds and respiratory infections while others battle constant swelling and pressure around the eyes, nose, and forehead. In either case, the condition can be painful and require pressure-relief through medicines, humidifiers, and fluids.

In addition to sinusitis treatments, there are preventive measures that allergy sufferers may take to curb symptoms. Some of these, such as the consumption of antioxidants, which are found in supplements but also in fruit- and vegetable-rich diets, are designed to boost overall immunological function. Other measures such as routine hand-washing are intended to cut down on the transmission of germs that may cause sinusitis in the first place.

Additional Sinusitis Treatments
Some folks find that a simple warm, damp cloth used as a compress against the forehead and face can relieve symptoms of sinusitis. Others propose that steam treatments via inhalation are effective at clearing congested passages and restoring relief. Both of these measures may be taken concurrently along with stress-reducers such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises, all of which have been shown to reduce tension, a contributing cause of sinusitis.

When pollen counts are high or nasty cold strains are going around, sinusitis sufferers prepare for battle. For some, no sinusitis treatments are as efficacious as plain old common sense. Steering clear of air travel, smoky environments, and excessively arid climates are smart ways to keep nasal passages clear and stuffy heads in check, even at the height of allergy season.

Skin allergies can rear their heads in a number of unpleasant ways, from lesions and sores to rashes and other breakouts. These signs, which are characteristic of dermatitis, are all variations on a theme, namely inflammation of the dermis brought about by contact with some form of allergen. These can include, but are not limited to, hay, pollen, dust, animal dander, droppings, and urine, just to name a few of the lovelier culprits.

Since so many skin allergies manifest themselves through similar symptoms, its imperative that you have a dermatologist make a conclusive diagnosis. Redness, raised bumps, and itchy sores are too generic to pin upon a single allergen, but an allergy test can help pinpoint the exact cause of your immune response, which is your bodys way of fighting back against suspected invaders. Additionally, your physician might opt in some cases for a skin biopsy in order to diagnose other possible causes of your breakout. Rest assured that this is a routine procedure that carries little risk.

More about Skin Allergies
Skin allergies may also result from the consumption of certain foods such as peanuts, poultry products, or shellfish. Its quite common for the body to launch an immune response when it detects the presence of new or unknown substances, many of which are included in the foods we eat. Such bouts can prove to be scary but valuable lessons, especially if they help you prevent severe allergic reactions in the future.

Lastly, there are some dangerous molds such as Stachybotrys that trigger skin allergies in addition to a battery of other ailments. If youve experienced inexplicable breathing problems, laryngitis, chronic coughing and sneezing, or other cold symptoms, its possible that youre in fact facing a serious mold infestation in your home or office. If thats the case, over-the-counter skin remedies will provide temporary relief but will do little to end the ongoing problems created by water intrusion, which is the single biggest catalyst of spore growth.