Hey everyone, I should explain that I am a landscaper by trade, so avoiding the outdoors is impossible. I’ve never had allergies (in my mid 30′s) and when I was last tested a few yrs ago I tested negative for every common allergy. Yet it is like clockwork every year from mid Nov. – about Feb. my nose gets stuffy, sore throat, constant nasal drip that results in a cough. I hate it! Any help is greatly appreciated! – submitted by Chuck, Port Charlotte, Florida
[Note from Lois (AllergyNurse): Chuck, some trees bud during late fall and winter, depending on where you live. If you can't avoid the outdoors, you might consider wearing a mask during the offending months. Hopefully readers from the Port Charlotte area will give you some ideas of what may be blooming there November-February!
If you decide to try a mask, our sponsor National Allergy has a selection of masks you can browse. You can probably find masks locally as well. If you do purchase a mask, be sure to read carefully to be sure you are getting one for outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold. National Allergy also has a cold weather mask that you might want to try, especially if you also have asthma. I don't believe it protects from pollen, but you could ask them to be sure. The advantage to going with National Allergy is that their Customer Service Representatives are highly trained and very experienced. If you feel a mask may be helpful, you can tell them what your need is, and they will be able to suggest the best mask(s) to meet it.]
