Pesky Pollen!

Did you read the blog welcoming spring on March 20th?  It bounced and leaped with joy like a stream rushing down a mountainside.  Today, we look at what can be the “dark side” of spring.  For many of us, spring is a mixed blessing. We may relish the beauty of colorful flowers and budding trees, while at the same time abhor the pollen announcing spring!  (continued below photo)

Meme quotes (anonymous sources)

·         There's nothing like a warm spring day to remind you to take your antihistamines.

·         Spring: When your nose does more running than you do.

·         Tissues: My favorite springtime fashion accessory.

Years ago, when my husband and I were just on the edge of dating, he carefully planned an outing to a mountainside meadow with countless spring flowers and a view of the coast spread out below.  A picnic spread out on a blanket and a beautiful sunny day. What could go wrong?  Ha, those of you who have severe pollen allergies are squirming in empathy about now…

For the 30% or so of us that have pollen allergies (80 million in USA alone), spring can be extremely difficult. For many, symptoms may be relatively minor with some sniffling & sneezing, itchy eyes, and tiredness…most of which can be controlled by over the counter medications. For others of us, without regular desensitization allergy shots year around, we couldn’t even be outside. While I’m disappointingly one of the latter, I’m extremely grateful to be able to be outside due to my allergy treatments. Even so, there are still tough days in the spring, particularly if I travel to other areas where the pollen is different. Some days, I just have to stay inside.

Back to the story, as you can imagine, our trip to the gorgeous, flowered hillside did not go well.  While I loved the thoughtfulness of his wanting to share the perfect spring venue, it was literally only minutes before I began sneezing uncontrollably with eyes itching and watering…and that was even having taken an allergy medication beforehand.  Oh, my, it was a moment to be remembered (forgotten!) for sure.  Years later, I CAN still picture the beautiful vista in my mind and appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the gesture, but I can also remember the extreme misery of the allergies.

So, for those of you who do not have pollen allergies…yay!!!  So very happy for you. Please exercise compassion with those who do have pollen allergies, especially those who do not have access to the care that a great allergist can provide.  Even if someone is not sneezing or showing strong symptoms, know that they may be tired and not functioning at a normal level. Take them to an indoor movie! Show them PHOTOS of flowers, not the real thing!  Be creative in outings and patient with their sometimes less than enthusiastic reception to springtime…