Aaachooo! 'Tis the Season to Sneeze

November 02, 2011

I began to suffer from allergies as a child. When spending the night with a friend who owned a cat, I awoke the next day to swollen eyes and a very runny nose. As a teen, I recall going to the school nurse's office for ice, and then heading to lie in the air conditioned theater at school; we didn't have air conditioning in classrooms. Every spring from then on brought a time of major discomfort. My mother took me to the doctor who said I could have testing done, but they would stick me with a bunch of needles and it really wasn't worth it. So, I suffered. 

As a young adult, I decided enough was enough. I headed to the doctor for the multiple pokes, only to discover that I was allergic to dogs, cats, grass, trees, feathers, and a multitude of other things. I began a prescribed treatment of medicines and shots. For as long as I can remember, I have owned a dog, and have been unable to avoid grass and trees. Later, I gained the allergy to ragweed. Now my favorite seasons, spring and fall, were difficult for me to be outdoors.

After my diagnosis, I began a prescribed treatment of medicines and shots. Medicines have been very helpful, although, nothing could eliminate all the symptoms. Shots to build my immunity have helped over the years, and now I no longer have to take the shots and my use of medicines are much less.

The library is a good source for learning about allergies and various methods of understanding, managing and "curing" them. There are natural, homeopathic helps, as well as, recipes and ways to take care of your environment. We have videos and current books such as The Complete Allergy Book to help alleviate some of the discomforts of these seasons, and problems. As always, we are here to help!

Alisa B.
Smithville Branch