I’VE GOT A (HAY) FEVER, AND THE ONLY PRESCRIPTION IS…

As winter draws closer to its end, many mixed feelings begin to emerge. Spring in all of its glory brings rain showers, chirping birds, green grass, flowers, pollen, and, for some unfortunate people, seasonal hay fever.

Hay fever: it’s a name that’s been thrown around so often it has lost its impact. Non-sufferers do not fully comprehend the effect it can have on life. Hay fever, or Rhinitis, occurs when the body’s immune system becomes too sensitive to a stimulant it perceives as a threat. Resulting symptoms can include:

• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Itchy skin/eyes/mouth
• Swollen or puffy eyelids
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Fatigue

These symptoms can be the catalyst for bigger life hindrances, such as irritability, loss of concentration, insomnia, sick days…the list goes on and on. Just take a sufferer’s word for it, hay fever can be miserable!

Despite the name, there is no fever involved and rarely needs hay, though that is one of many triggers. For the average person, the enemies are airborne mold spores and pollen from trees, grass, and other plants that begin growing in the spring. Michigan is notorious for its seasonal hay fever suffering due to more extreme weather changes. The bad news is that it can start at any point in life, so the next change of season can bring about these symptoms.

Before you pack up and move to the arid deserts of Arizona, here are a few tips that can significantly lessen your symptoms and allow you to live happily through all four seasons.

• Pollen counts are highest in the mid-morning and early evening. They can also spike when the wind is blowing. Schedule your outdoor activities around these times of day whenever possible.
• Shower every evening or after prolonged time spent outside to remove the pollen from your hair and body. Always put on fresh clothes afterwards and be sure the old clothes go immediately into the laundry basket.
• Wear sunglasses, goggles, or pollen masks when performing outdoor activities. Keep in mind that you have the option to make these stylish and be the envy of all that see you.
• Avoid hanging clothes, sheets, towels, and other laundry outdoors to dry so they don’t accumulate pollen.
• Keep your windows closed as much as possible, especially when there is a breeze or during high pollen count periods.

There are also some great advances in cures for hay fever (no, it’s not more cowbell). The best place to find more information about it is here at Grand Rapids Allergy, where our doctors can delve further into what the cause of your reaction is and work to find you some relief.

When the Hatfield’s of your immune system declare eternal war against the McCoy’s of pollen, don’t worry. We will be fighting on your side.

All information, content, and material in this email is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.