Happy New Year and welcome to 2005!

I feel it in my bones that this will be a great year!

You may think that my choice of “seasonal allergies” as this month’s topic is a little strange, since so many people suffer in the spring (various pollens) or fall (ragweed, among others). An unfortunate many suffer from various allergies year-round, but the reason I chose it is that, here in Austin, Texas — which I call home — we have a fun little ailment called “Cedar Fever.”

Cedar Fever is actually an allergy to mountain juniper, a non-native yet ubiquitous and prolific tree that produces huge amounts of pollen just after the first freeze, usually around late November. The resulting allergy — for the 80% of Austin’s population who are sensitive to it — causes the typical symptoms of itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and scratchy throat. As if those symptoms weren’t enough, Cedar Fever can also bring itching to the roof of the mouth and up into the ears, violent uber-sneezing, fatigue, headaches, body aches, lethargy, and even a low-grade fever.

Yep, this is one fun time in these parts! Don’t get me wrong — Austin’s a great city! And cedar season only lasts about three months….

So now that you understand my reason for the topic, let’s talk allergies! And I’m only talking about seasonal hay fever-type allergies, because there are so many other allergies to such things as foods, molds, and pets, that I could never cover them all in one little article!

What is an allergy? According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (www.aafa.org),

“allergies reflect an overreaction of the immune system to substances that usually cause no reaction in most individuals.”

In other words, an allergic person’s body “freaks out” when it comes into contact with an allergen, or allergy-causing substance. You might say that an allergic reaction is too much of the body’s natural ability to deflect disease and foreign matter. This overreaction is what brings on the extra mucus, the sneezing, the watering, and all that other fun stuff.

So what can be done? Well, there are many, many options and treatments out there, some mundane, many radical. One of the best ways to prevent or reduce allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergen. Stay inside during the morning hours, when pollen levels tend to be highest. Keep doors and windows closed and use the air conditioning (or the heat, Cedar Fever sufferers!). Wear a filter mask when outside.

Those are all simple suggestions, but very limiting. Is it practical not to go outside? For most of us, not usually. There are numerous medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, which are designed to relieve allergy symptoms. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (www.niaid.nih.gov),

“certain medications can control allergic reactions in most people. Several oral antihistamine medications are available over-the-counter or by a doctor's prescription. Topical nasal steroid sprays are anti-inflammatory drugs that stop the allergic rhinitis [runny nose due to hay fever]. Using a combination of antihistamines and nasal steroids can effectively treat allergic symptoms, especially in people with moderate or severe allergic symptoms.”

So that covers some of the symptom treatment, but what about prevention? The NIAID has this to say about shots:

“Immunotherapy, or a series of allergy shots, is the only available treatment that has a chance of reducing allergy symptoms over the long term. About 80 percent of people with hay fever will have a significant reduction in their symptoms and in their need for medication within 12 months of starting allergy shots.”

Sure, we know about doctors and medicine, but what about natural methods of prevention and treatment?

Take a look at what some of the testimonials on HerbaCall have to say about allergies here.

No matter what treatment you may choose, it is always wise to check with your doctor about any health issues. And just a quick caveat about non-hay fever allergic reactions: if you ever experience unusual swelling of the face and/or hands, difficulty breathing, or other startling symptoms which may be due to allergens, do not hesitate to seek medical help immediately.

And now, a fond farewell, and to my fellow Austinites, a big box of Kleenex! Here’s to a GREAT 2005!

Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness,