Spring Brings New Hope
(And, Unfortunately, Seasonal Allergies!)
Spring is known as the season of new growth and beginnings. Perky pansies are appearing in retail garden centers everywhere. We look forward to crocuses, daffodils and tulips. As one new growth fades, another vibrant color takes its place in the ever-evolving process of plant life, growth and sunshine. And this year’s spring, perhaps more than others in many decades, seems especially bright. More and more of us are getting vaccinated; we can actually imagine us getting a handle on this challenging COVID-19 virus.
Allergic Rhinitis
For all the joys this time of year can bring, for many of us the change from winter to springtime also signifies the beginning of seasonal allergies. In fact, statistics from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), note that as many as 12 million of us visit doctors this time of year and are diagnosed with hay fever, known as allergic rhinitis or, as most of us call them, “allergies.”
Allergies Versus Virus
The Mayo Clinic shows us that while COVID-19 can cause fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, allergy suffers do not normally experience these symptoms. Allergy patients also don’t usually experience breathing difficulties unless they have respiratory conditions like asthma. In any case, we caution individuals never to self-diagnosis and always seek medical professional opinions and/or testing to determine exactly what is causing their allergy-like symptoms.
Masks and Allergies
One of the additional benefits of continued mask wearing during the pandemic may be that masks can actually help people who experience seasonal allergies. Masks can apparently filter out a high percentage of pollen particles. A National Institutes of Health study of nurses wearing face masks supports the hypothesis that the masks could help reduce allergy symptoms.
What are Histamines?
Our diligent immune system can view pollen from trees, weeds, molds and grasses as threats and attack accordingly. White blood cells in our bodies release chemicals called histamines into the bloodstream. This defense system against pollen and other triggers can make our eyes itch or tear up and cause us to sneeze, often repeatedly.
Hope for the Future
We recently wrote about garden therapy for homebound seniors. Now that our spring weather is bringing milder temperatures, outdoor activities like gardening or at least the appreciation of nature become possible. While safety restrictions due to the pandemic still prevail, we are cheered for homebound individuals who may now venture outside a bit more, simply thanks to milder weather.
With what we hope is the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of COVID-19, March is definitely living up to its nickname as the “month of expectations.” Seasonal allergies notwithstanding, we remind you that the caregivers at Reliance Home Health Care are here to help you and your family better enjoy this new season of hope with our quality in-home care, companionship and even medical assistance as needed. A full spectrum of services can be adapted based on individuals changing needs.
Try Us for Free
Happy spring from your friends at Reliance Home Health Care! If you’re looking for compassionate and professional home care in the Greater Philadelphia region, call us today at 610-896-6030. Ask us about our FREE one-day trial with no contract or obligations!
