Sniff, Sniff, ACHOO!

Yup, it's that dreaded time of year yet again; Allergy season. I spent the better part of my youth suffering from debilitating allergies. I was a track and field athlete, and I spent countless afternoons running laps, all the while, it felt like Mother Nature was doing her worst. My eyes used to get so irritated, they would swell up and close on me, and the only thing that would help the symptoms subside, was a steroid shot to the behind, yikes! I would spend one miserable summer after another, sneezing, wheezing and moping about because I just couldn't seem to get relief. Thankfully I grew out of it, but for those of you who spend the Spring/Summer season in a fog, I feel your pain. And before we get to work treating your allergy symptoms, it's essential to understand what the heck is causing them in the first place!

An allergy, or allergic reaction is actually your immune system fighting off airborne foreign invaders. What most people don't know, is that allergies can sneak up on you at absolutely any age! Oh yay, something to look forward too, right? The severity of your reaction depends on your body. Someone can be distractingly allergic to cat dander, whereas the next person might just be slightly irritated.

Allergens aren't just floating through the air, they can also be on a surface or in something we ingest. Sometimes, a particular laundry detergent can cause irritation to the skin. It could be the perfume, or it could be a particular chemical. Luckily, this is something that can easily be remedied by picking yourself up a natural detergent.

Now, what about those nasty hay fever allergies that try to do their worst even at the best of times? Well, it's best to chat with a nurse or even your local pharmacist to discuss medications that are suitable for your condition. You'll most likely be on the hunt for anti-histamines, medications that block the chemical release of histamine. Over-the-counter medications like Benedryl and Claritin are quiet common with combating allergy symptoms, but before you start popping pills, it's important to find out what  it is exactly, that your body is experiencing!