I Survived Depression - so can YOU!

Did you ever feel like you were coming down with a cold just by going out side? You were fine inside, but just by going outdoors your sinuses got congested, your eyes began to water and you felt like you were getting sick. If you ever have had this happen to you, you’re not alone; about 40 million people suffer like this. What you are experiencing is not a virus or a cold, but seasonal allergies.

Allergies are caused by plants releasing into the air millions of spores of pollen that travels from plant to plant. Many plants are brightly colored and sweetly scented so that they attract insects that will touch down on them and when they fly away take spores with them as they move from flower to flower.

Other flowers that are not at all attractive, in either scent or appearance, rely on the wind for the pollen to be spread. When the pollen is thrust into the air humans as well as wildlife inhale it. Some humans have a genetic tendency to have an adverse reaction to the pollen.

It is not hard to tell if you are suffering from allergies. Some very easily recognized symptoms include:

* Sneezing
* Runny Nose, sniffling, congestion
* Sore, itchy, scratchy throat
* Itchy, watery and reddened eyes
* Wheezing, trouble breathing
* Coughing, phlegm
* Fatigue and lack of energy
* Nasal congestion that causes headaches

Allergies can either be mild with some easily treatable symptoms or they can be much worse with symptoms that can literally sideline you for days. Some people can even develop more serious sinus issues.

See Your Physician and Get Tested

Seasonal allergies can be a real downer and if you think you have a seasonal allergy you should make an appointment to see your doctor. Most doctors will be able to tell from your visible symptoms if you have an allergy or not. Some of most common seasonal allergies include:

* Allergic Rhinitis (affects your nose and throat)
* Allergic Conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes)
* Allergic Asthma (shortness of breath, wheezing, chest congestion)
* A combination of two or more of the above

Some allergies will require different testing. What they call a “prick test”. They will stick you with a wire brush that contains allergens. If your skin shows a reaction within an hour then the doctor can tell which allergy or allergies you have based on which mark showed a reaction.

Taking Care of the Problem

Avoidance is the best way to deal with allergies. Try to stay indoors with the windows closed when the pollen level is high.

Many antihistamines on the market can help you in battling allergies. Be careful though as many of these products create drowsiness and addiction and also have side effects. Certain allergies such as conjunctivitis can be treated by using eye drops. These products offer a direct route to the affected areas. You can also get allergy shots to strengthen your immune system to get it back on track.

Another way to lessen the effects of seasonal allergies and to strengthen your immune system is by taking nutritional supplements and the one that we recommend is Body balance by Life Force International.

Tags: allergies, allergies+and+asthma, allergies+asthma

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 5:57 am and is filed under Immune System, Nutrition, Sports Nutrition | . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.