Editorial

Spring brings out allergies in full force

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

It's been a beautiful few days in the Golden Plains, with highs in the 70s and even some rain, although McCook remains about three-quarters of an inch below normal in moisture for the year.

Tulips and daffodils are blooming, lawns are greening up -- what could go wrong?

Aaaaachoo!

As anyone who suffers from allergies can tell you, the coming of spring and blooming of plants can be a miserable time. And, forecasters like Pollen.com note that we're in for some allergies, with high pollen levels expected Wednesday.

You know the drill: sneezing, watery nasal discharge and congestion, itchy eyes, nose and throat, and watery eyes.

If you're experiencing any of the above, you may have seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. This time of year, you can blame trees for the pollen that's irritating your system.

Special culprits in our area are elm, cedar, juniper, maple, mulberry, oak, walnut, and even poison ivy.

Come summer, grasses contribute to high pollen counts, especially bent, bermuda grass, blue grass, brome, fescue, timothy and others.

In fall, it's the notorious weeds that cause the trouble including, of course, rag weed, but also sagebrush and many others.

But what can you do? For one, you can stay indoors, make sure your furnace's air filter is clean, and consider using an air cleaner or other device.

But when the weather's nice, who wants to stay cooped up? The next step is medication, either prescription or over-the-counter, or immunotherapy -- allergy shots.

For specific questions, of course, see your doctor or health care provider.

Or, wait a while. With any luck, the rain forecast for the next couple of days will give us allergy sufferers a break.

Whatever you do, keep at it until you find relief. It would be a shame not to be able to get outdoors and enjoy one of the most beautiful times of the year.

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