The IAA One Minute Blog

In December, everyone was getting ready to start singing those carols and building those snowmen for the winter that was on its way. They waited and waited...and the snow never came. While mostly everyone enjoyed this rather, well, winterless winter, there seems to have been some unforseen consequences. This past winter was recorded as the fourth warmest winter, bringing about an early allergy season.

Brother, Can You Spare a Tissue?

For people who have seasonal allergies, they may have started to notice their symptoms begin as early as January. Since this past winter was so mild, it triggered an early release of pollen from the trees. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, allergists are predicting a longer more intense allergy season. Once people have been exposed to early pollen, there is no relief even if temperatures cool down.

Unfortunately, the usual treatments for allergies, such as antihistamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays, will not be as effective. They need to be taken before you are exposed to pollen. Everyone, from allergists to allergy sufferers were caught unawares by this warm winter. However, there are alternative methods that may be able to help you survive this allergy season.

Choosing an Alternative Method

Insurance Administrator of America is here to give you the scoop on alternative methods.

Acupuncture-When small acupuncture needles are inserted into the body's surface. The needles help stimulate biologically significant points. This method has a two-pronged approach. Patients will come in for treatment during allergy season, as well as the rest of the year. Receiving acupuncture treatments outside of allergy season will help boost the patient's immune system.

This type of treatment is a more individualized approach, in that the patient's symptoms are analyzed and a treatment plan is created upon those specific symptoms.

Herbal Remedies- There is a multitude of herbal remedies out there and many can be bought at drugstores or health food stores. Here are a few herbs that may provide some relief:

• Butterbur
• Quercetin
• Stinging nettle

These are great alternatives if you do not want some of the side-affects that prescription medications can bring about.

What IAA Has to Say

With all of the sneezing, itching, and watery eyes, it may be hard to even read this blog post! IAA knows that allergy season is no fun, especially when it starts in January. IAA just wants to offer some advice to make this allergy season go by as painlessly as possible. Think of us as the "Dear Abby" of allergies.

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