Tissues everywhere…

I should be out in the pumpkin patch, playing outside with my son or tailgating, but no, I’m trapped inside this house! I've had red eyes for weeks now and my nose; don’t even get me started on the stuff coming out of my nose! It’s so nice out and the trees are so beautiful and this mama can’t even go a few minutes without coughing, sneezing or having itchy eyes. What did I do to deserve such a punishment? Life can be so unfair. I feel like I can’t even get out of bed, my head may just explode. I think a trip to the doctor maybe in order. It looks like I'm not the only one sick, the doctor’s office is packed and I can’t even deal.  If one more person coughs my way I may just lose it. I feel like I have been waiting for hours, but it’s only been 35 minutes. As the clock ticks on and the minutes pass the nurse finally calls my name. As I waited for the doctor to come in I wondered what in the world could be wrong with me, could it be a cold? Maybe the flu? I hoped it wasn’t the flu!!! About that time the doctor came in and he asked me a few questions. He said he knew what was wrong with me; I had Allergies…. What? All this sickness was from allergies? He said he sees a lot of allergies in the fall. Now that I know what’s wrong with me I can properly treat it and go on with my life! Bring on the Zyrtec Baby!   Allergy Causes:

• Pollen
• Ragweed and other common weeds
• Pollen
• Mold/Mildew (year around not just fall)-which can grow on damp leaves
• Dust Mites (year around not just fall)

Symptoms:

• Itchy, watery, and stinging eyes
• Coughing and wheezing
• Scratching throat
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Dark Circles under the eyes

Serious Symptoms:

• Trouble Breathing
• Wheezing
• Swelling of the throat
• Swelling of the tongue
• Swelling of the lips and mouth
• Hives
• Coughing that leads to an asthma attack

If you have any of these Symptoms go to the ER or see your doctor right away. How to manage and Control your Fall Allergies:

• Try and stay inside when the pollen is at its highest (pollen is most active in the mornings and midday)
• Keep windows closed
• Have someone help with the yard work
• Change your clothing and shower before you get into the bed to ensure you're getting all the particles off
• Wash your sheets in hot water weekly
• Clean all vents in your home and replace your filters
• Use a dehumidifier

Medications that will help you kick your allergy blues: Decongestants such as: Sudafed Congestion, Children’s Dimetapp Decongestant, Drixoral, Contac-D, Nexafed, Neo-Synerphrine, Sudogest and many others. Antihistamines such as: Allegra, Allegra ODT, Seldane, Zyrtec, Clarinex,Benadryl, Clartin and many others. Corticosteroids such as: Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone and many others.  

Facts about Fall Allergies

You are not alone! Over 20 million people in America alone are affected by fall allergies a year Ragweed is the main contributor of fall allergies It pollinates from August until November One single plant can release up to 1 million pollen grains in one day! I know I know that’s crazy right? The crazy part is the one grain can travel up to 100 miles!  That’s more miles then most people’s daily commute! Pets can also be affected by fall allergies HEPA filters will help trap harmful particles that make your allergies much worse. HEPA filters are great investments for someone who suffers with any type of allergy! Don’t let your fall allergies keep you away from the things you love! Go outside and have some FUN!