April / May 2005
Pollen Time in Atlanta
It is springtime in Atlanta. Our beautiful city is known for flowers, and lots of green, green trees. While very beautiful, these lovely attractions bring a most unpleasant time for people with sensitivities and allergies. This past week cars along the freeways were literally coated with “yellow-green stuff.” The pollen count reached a dangerous level in the 5000s. In times like these precautions are necessary to avoid uncomfortable symptoms.
If possible one should avoid going about in the middle of the day when pollen counts are in the danger zone. People prone to respiratory difficulty will find it much more comfortable to run errands and enjoy the spring weather in evenings when congestion and motor traffic is less, and perhaps the count has fallen a bit. It is a good idea to keep some disposable masks available to wear when the grass has just been cut or lawns serviced, greenery pruned or sprayed. These simple little paper face masks can filter out irritants.
To treat the common symptoms of itching eyes, dripping noses, and aching throats, home remedies are often as effective as the more expensive drug store wares. Salt water solution still works well for eye wash, nose drops, and even as a throat gargle. Warm water—about an 8 ounce glass—and a teaspoon of salt dissolved within is almost the same as cellular fluid which is 0.9% sodium solution. If you have diluted the solution correctly, it will not burn or irritate, but be soothing to itching eyes and scratchy throats. A salt water solution in small drops also soothes the swollen tissues in noses, and relieves airways. A little lemon tea also helps to soothe throats and help with congestion.
To ease sinus congestion without medication, one can heat an open pot of water with added salt and, after bringing the water to a boil, turn off the heat, cover the head with a heavy towel creating a tent, and breathe deeply. This can be repeated as often as needed to open nasal pathways and relieve sinus pain from congestion.
If you do have to resort to medications, do so with the guidance of your physician. Even over-the-counter allergy medications can have adverse effects with some heart and diabetic medications. It is always best to check with your doctor first and thus avoid a complication.
Spring is a wonderful time; our area is so bright and pretty. Hopefully these little tips will enable even our friends with allergies to enjoy the warm weather and delightful surroundings. Remember, just when we need it, God sends a refreshing shower and cleans away the irritants so the air will be fresh again.