Wednesday March 30, 2005

Hay fever season starts again...

Yes it has started. Even though we are having a late start to spring my eyes are itching already. As soon as the grass pollen starts then things progress to very itchy eyes (which can end up glowing like charcoals after rubbing them) , wheezyness, sniffy nose and the rest of it. I usually take zirtek (antihistamine) and opticrom for the eyes and eventually have to use an inhaler to sort out the wheezyness. Last year I finally got fed up with this annual problem and sought out Immunotherapy . It is now 'mainstream' and after the initial reports of some people reacting badly it is now safe . The problem I face is two fold. First I am allergic to tree and grass pollen (the tests I had last year confirmed this). In the UK each allergy would have to be treated serially and the Immunotherapy is a multi year treatment. Secondly for reasons unknown the grass pollen treatment is no longer widely available so this way forward is a dead end. The problem I have is I hate taking pills. The recommendation from the specialist was to put that aside and as soon as the hay fever season starts start swallowing zirtek on a regular basis instead of just taking it when the hay fever is really bad. Same for the opticrom.

In the height of the grass season I actually go out with a pair of goggles on my head. These are the ones that seal up around your face. It actually does work but they can get steamed up. I know I look an idiot but if it allows me to go for walks or work in the garden/allotment then I'l look a prize plonker thank you. Someone at work has also suggested herbal type remedies. Enjoy your summer !