Ah, spring, when people's minds turn to that eternal burning question: What the heck can I do about these blessed allergies?
Seasonal allergies occur because plants, being the lazy sods they are, cast their pollen to the wind, hoping an errant gust will take the pollen to a suitable plant. Unfortunately, most of that pollen settles elsewhere. I'm fairly certain a good 10 or 12 pounds ends up in my nasal passages each spring. If you suffer from allergies as well, I'm sure you agree.
It used to be common for allergy sufferers to move to the desert for their health, but that was never a really logical idea. While it might get you away from specific allergens present in a greener climate, there are usually plenty of other similar ones here. Plus, the dry climate makes for a longer season.
Ordinarily, a good rain will wash away much of the pollen, but our 4 or 5 inches of the wet stuff per year isn't capable of that. We also have fewer places for airborne pollen to catch, which leads to the disturbingly common sight of whirling yellow pollen devils traveling through neighborhoods.
Undoubtedly, you've tried a number of over-the-counter medications and discovered which one works best for you. But for a good many people, the answer is none.
There are more intense options. Some swear by native bee honey, but while that seems a lovely and holistic answer, there are no conclusive studies showing that it works.
Honey proponents say that's because the medical establishment doesn't want to lose money by having such a simple and inexpensive cure popularized. Those on the other side of the fence claim it's crappy hippy pseudoscience and only the truly fern-brained would believe in it. My feeling is it's worth a shot. It certainly won't harm you, and it's preferable to refined white sugar as a sweetener regardless.
What most people do is go to an allergist to be tested and discover what exactly they're allergic to. If you're lucky, it could be as simple as getting rid of a houseplant you are severely allergic to, but don't count on it. Most folks are allergic to a variety of things, and most of it's blowing in the wind.
The medical establishment's answer is a series of allergy shots, a little hair of the begonia that bit you, if you will. It's sort of like weekly or more vaccinations, small amounts of the allergens injected to boost your immune system.
In addition, there are basic precautions that will make your life easier. Shower a lot, particularly before bed and if you've just come inside from a windy day. Wear a dust mask if you're going to work outdoors, particularly while gardening. Wash your bedding, especially your pillow and pillowcase, at least weekly in hot water. That'll wipe out the billions of dust mites living there.
Finally -- and I can't stress this enough -- don't Google "dust mites" if you ever plan on sleeping again.
F. Andrew Taylor is a Las Vegas freelance writer. His column appears twice monthly. Contact him at fandrewt@cox.net.
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