Blue Ridge Mountains & Myrtle Beach
I live near the Blue Ridge Mountains of S.C. and in the spring time the pollens up here really get to me. Also the humidity makes it hard to breath. When I go down to Mrytle Beach, S.C. the ocean air seems to help a lot even though the humidity factor is higher in the low country. All I can think of is that the fresh salt water air works as a type of purifier, but if you leave the beach and go inland the air is heavy and it is hard to breathe it, even for someone without asthma. — E.C., South Carolina
[Originally posted to AllergyNursing.com on August 5, 2004]
Thanks for the informative reports about the beach and inlands of South Carolina. I’ve had patients tell me their allergy symptoms were eliminated when they were near the beach.
Most experts seem to attribute this to fewer pollens on the beach. However, since saline nasal sprays can help cleanse the nose and sinuses, I’ve also wondered if the salt water atmosphere combined with the high humidity has a cleansing or soothing effect. I don’t have any research to support this, so I’m only speculating at this time. If I find more on this, I will update this area.
Comment by AllergyNurse — August 10, 2005 @ 12:38 pm
There may be alot of truth to the theories here about sea-air. I do live in FL, but inland. My allergies are horrible. It is hot,humid here, w alot of mold growing (with everything else!)There is so research on the benefits of hypertonic irrigation and filtration. Most of the research is European based, in salt caves of Romania. Company listed above sell a saline filter that dispenses + ions into the air. Claims it leads to anti-inflamatory response and strengthening of typically weak cilia in resp tract. I recently purchased one because the theories appear to be anatomically reasonable, and the reference studies are impressive. As a severe allergy sufferer and a clinician, I am intrigued and hopeful. It does appear to draw out thick yellow drainage in the morning, after breathing it all night. I will update you on my developments. Maria, RN
Comment by Maria Schmidt — August 21, 2007 @ 9:09 pm
The site did not appear on my response above. It is:
http://www.salinetherapy.com/. Please understand I am not endorsing this therapy. I am still investigating it’s clinical worth. I am also STRONGLY considering moving within walking distance to a beach. When I visit on short holidays, I do feel better. More research (American) HAS to be done in this area (Salinity as a natural therapy to chronic sinusitis / allergies / asthma. Hmmmmmm……. Maria, RN
Comment by Maria Schmidt — August 21, 2007 @ 9:16 pm