Pine Allergy
It’s trying to get me, but I’m fighting back. Every year about this time, when the pine trees bloom and spread their yellow pollen in a gritty blanket over everything in sight, I get sick. Sore throat, itchy ears and eyes, achy joints, coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose … the works. But over the years, I’ve developed an arsenal for attacking back.
First is liquids. Lots and lots of water, of course, but also pomegranate and cherry juices because they are full of antioxidants. And cranberry concentrate, sometimes diluted, sometimes at full strength. Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice is also part of the regimen.
Second is foods. Light, simple, and raw — as much as possible. Fresh, sliced bell peppers in various colours, broccoli, celery, cherry or grape tomatoes, and so on. Fresh horseradish if I can get it. Also lots of soups,because the heat helps wash the pollens out of my sinuses.
Then there are the over-the-counter medicaments in my arsenal. Robitussin Sugar-Free — whichever one has dextromethorphan and guaifenisen in it. A full-strength adult dose every four hours. Aspirin (NOT acetominophen or ibuprofen): a full adult dose every four hours. Mucinex: two tablets twice a day. Boroleum, an ointment that I put in my nose to keep the membranes moist. NeilMed’s Sinus Rinse, which really helps with the sneezing and sinus congestion. Claritin to keep the allergies at bay.
And finally, my prescriptions for Rhinocort and Astelin, which are both nasal sprays to fight my allergies.
And they help. I can function, and I don’t feel quite as awful as I go through the days of this allergic reaction.