As we head into the holiday weekend, I’m seeing a lot of runny noses and dry coughs typical of the spring allergy season. Obviously, stay home if you feel sick with a virus or other infection, but here are a few ideas for helping out your poor mucus membranes as the pollen flies all around us:
– Take antihistamines and other allergy medicines BEFORE you get too sneezy and drippy. They work best preventively and it takes days for all of the internal allergy chemicals to get absorbed once the allergy reaction is in full swing.
– OTC medicines can work very well if layered and used in combinations. There’s synergy between oral antihistamine pills + nasal steroid sprays + allergy eye drops. Be aware of interaction with other medicines (particularly older antihistamines such as Benadryl) which can cause dry mouth and sedation. Check with your neurologist if you think your Parkinson meds might be affected.
– Home air filters (HEPA) can pull some allergens out of the air and make your indoor environment more comfortable. It’s really helpful in the room where you sleep.
– Avoid decongestants for more than a day or two if you get stuffy. It’s easy to get “hooked” on Afrin and other products that work quickly but then cause rebound congestion.
And remember the ultimate allergy cure, Karate!
Ossu!
Sensei Steve