Gesundheit

Yep, that tree is sending out its pollen…

This time of year, watering eyes, plugged up noses can be the start of something much worse if not taken care of properly.

Checking your pollen counts for your area when this happens is critical to know what it is that is effecting you.

 

“Why?” You Asked.

Avoidance things that you are allergic to, is your first line of defense from becoming ill.

Juniper is one of the triggers that affect many.  The pollen from this plant causes the sinuses to become inflamed or agitated which in turn causes them to react, in this case, create mucus in order to wash away the offending irritant.

The sinus tissues becomes inflamed and swells, thus trapping that mucus allowing bacteria to find a nice moist place to grow and thrive.  Once of course you have bacteria take hold, you now have a sinus infection.

The more disconcerting problem with this is; “why the hell do people plant this plant?” Yes, the plant has a pleasant appearance and stays green all year round.

From late September to April this thing sends pollen out onto the winds which affect many.

 

Older folks or people who already have respiratory concerns can become ill with these triggers which could actually lead to pneumonia and death.

“You can’t fix stupidity.”

Juniper plants grow all over the US so avoiding them may be a tough call.  There are parts of the country with higher levels of pollen than others however.  Living near the ocean where onshore breezes from the salt air is probably why so many live so long in Florida.  Respiratory illness is one of the leading causes of death.

 

If you have ever looked up at the moon and seen this…that is pollen causing it and you can bet it is Juniper…

 

Manage the symptoms.

Talk with your Pulmonologist about your condition.

If you have not already done so, speak with an allergist and see if you are a candidate for immunotherapy.

When you start to sneeze, that is the time to get serious about your regimen to stay healthy.

Prophylactically attack the problem head on with everything in your arsenal from Nasal irrigation to anti histamines.     Nose sprays with steroids in them are also a good idea.  Keeping the swelling of the sinus tissues at bay will allow the mucus to actually wash the surface of the tissue and be expelled as they was designed to do.

While Allegra and Benadryl are over the counter, these too should be part of your arsenal if your doctor agrees with this.

What you take must be ok with your doctor, as your other meds may interact with it; or your particular health may not afford you the luxury of taking things such as this.

The idea is to avoid that which triggers your allergies.

Manage the symptoms

Go see your doctor before it gets too bad.  Once it turns into an infection, a course of anti-biotics may be needed which we use way too liberally in this country.  Bacteria will become resistant to them and then stronger and stronger antibiotics will be needed.  These not only kill the offending bacteria but, the good bacteria that lives in us all.

Like brushing your teeth is a daily regime; I would take your sinus health just as seriously.  If you decide to do some landscaping around your house, I would not plant cedar juniper plants just because these things are vile when it comes to health.

-Best