It's quiet and peaceful in the library, people are reading and studying, and the sun is streaming through the long windows. Ah. Life is good.
Then, out of the blue your body begins to heave and this overpowering urge to sneeze has you bursting forth in a gigantic achoo. People stare at you as you fumble to find a handkerchief. Oh no. Another sneeze is about to erupt, and, much as you try to stifle it, it has a mind of its own and blasts forth in an outlandish shriek.
So much for a calm afternoon in the local library.
Surely that's not yet another sneeze flowing forth in rapid abandon from your twitching body, by now writhing in amazement at the commotion you are causing. You are indeed amazed, perhaps quite proud even, of being able to produce such deafening eruptions. After all, not everyone has this capability.
No, not all allergic reactions produce loud sneezes. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may experience coughing, itchy eyes, a bloated stomach, rashes, a stuffed up nose, feeling cold even on a hot day, feeling confused, itchy scalp, tightness in their chest, swellings the size of a saucer where stung by an insect.
And you thought the sneezing was bad? Ponder for a moment those individuals who, believing whole grain bread to be good for them, have themselves a lovely sandwich made out of whole wheat bread. Shortly after this delightful lunch their stomach expands and begins to gurgle. All sort of strange noises begin to emanate from them. They walk backwards for fear of offending anyone.
At Yoga class the instructor tells you to breathe in to the count of five and exhale to the count of five. Easy? No, not if your nose is completely stuffed up. A skunk could sneak in to the class and you'd never be able to tell.
It's 85 degrees on a sunny day in August. Everyone is hot and perspiring, but you're freezing cold, right to your bones. Even when you take a hot shower you feel cold.
You're sitting at traffic lights which finally turn green. It's your turn to go. Oh? But where are you going? Straight? Maybe to the right? You're feeling confused and your reactions have slowed down. That guy in the car behind starts honking his horn, lowers his window and waves his fist at you. Fortunately, in your confusion, you hardly notice the irate driver.
You're at a job interview when this uncontrollable itch spreads over your scalp. You resist the temptation to have a good scratch, so you move your head from side to side, hoping that the itch will subside. Meanwhile, the panel gaze upon you with puzzlement and disapproval as they jot down notes. You wish you hadn't used that new shampoo, certainly not today of all days. But you wanted to look your best and the shampoo was supposed to make your hair shine with health and vigor.
The neighbors have just mown their lawn when you step out for a brisk walk. Your chest feels tight and you tire easily before even walking half a mile.
Down in Florida you get stung by some insect. Sure, it hurt, but it wasn't too bad. Within fifteen minutes, however, you have an allergic reaction to the bite. You're now the proud possessor of a huge swelling the size of a saucer. Fortunately, the bite was in your ankle, not on your nose.
The problem with allergy symptoms is that we get used to them. We shrug them off by saying, It's just my allergies. I'm always sick at this time of the year. I shouldn't have eaten those mushrooms for they bring me out in a rash. I don't really like insect repellent because I hardly ever get stung.
We shouldn't be blase about allergies. Mild symptoms can turn into sinusitis or bronchitis, or worse, they can prevent you from breathing.
There are antigens that one can take. Once you've been tested for various allergic substances, either via skin tests, or blood tests, a concoction is made up of the various offenders or allergens that you are allergic to and you are injected small doses. There are also liquid antigens that one places under one's tongue. I took these liquid antigens for five years.
Did I improve? According to me, no, I didn't . According to my allergy specialist my symptoms would have been much worse if I hadn't taken the antigen.
All I know for sure is that I still get allergies.
Prevention is probably the key to treating your allergy symptoms. Don't use perfume, or even perfumed candles, stay clear of any foods, plants, or animals that upset you. Investing in a good air cleaner and placing it in your bedroom can offer you a good night's sleep. Washing your bedding, including the mattress pad can also diminish the amount of mites that are lurking. A dehumidifier is also worth purchasing as it can reduce the amount of mold.
Good old-fashioned standbys such as Vick's Vapo Rub or petroleum jelly spread on your nostrils can prevent allergens from entering your nasal passages. A saline nasal spray also does the trick.
If symptoms persist, then there are numerous antihistamines and decongestants that one can purchase over the counter. Don't forget also that there are alternative treatments. Quercetin, derived from apples and red onions, is said to have antihistamine properties.