I remember having mixed emotions about the coming of spring, because I suffered from hay fever. Yipee! The winter was over, the sun was out, but so were tree pollens and grasses. If you've ever had seasonal allergies (Allergic Rhinitis), you know the feeling of itchy, watery eyes, waterfalls from your running nose, irritability, fatigue, sneezing and more sneezing. At first you might think it's a cold, but allergies do not come with a fever, and the nasal discharge is runny and clear, instead of the yellow to green thicker stuff of a cold.

Do You Sneeze From of These?

• Allergic Rhinitis (hay fever) – Allergic reactions to air-born pollens and grasses. Symptoms occur between February and fall.
• Perennial Rhinitis – Hay fever symptoms all year round. Can be triggered by environmental factors such as animal hair, food additives, feathers, or fungus.

One factor to consider is your general energy level. If you are tired and lethargic even before allergy season, then part of your treatment strategy will be to rebuild your energy level and improve your immune system. You'll generally feel better and have a better chance at alleviating awful allergies. Herbal medicine is frequently used with acupuncture to alleviate sinus pressure and stop your waterfall nose. I've instructed patients to use bio-magnets as a selfcare home treatment in between visits. All of these techniques have worked well for helping and sometime completely ending chronic allergy complaints.

Common Allergy Triggers

• Animal dander
• Chemicals
• Dust mites
• Fumes
• Tobacco smoke
• Molds
• Environmental pollutants
• Feathers
• Food additives (sulfites)
• Pollens
• Grasses