Do you suffer from seasonal allergies?

I have had varying degrees of seasonal allergies for most of my life. Some years seem to be better than most and unfortunately, this summer seems to be shaping up to be one of the more miserable summers for me.

Maybe it’s been all the rain we’ve had. I do have sensitivities to mold. Abundant rainfall means more pollen-producing grass and weeds – thus more sneezing and sniffling for me.

It is estimated that 20 to 25 percent of Americans have immune systems that overreact to common substances that don’t bother most people. Allergies occur when the immune system responds aggressively to things that are ordinarily harmless.

These chemicals, which include histamine, are what cause the sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes common to many allergic reactions.

Although symptoms usually can be controlled with over-the-counter or prescription drugs, I really hate to take antihistamines. They make me feel dry and fuzzy and sometimes I just don’t know which is worse…sneezing and wheezing or falling asleep in my soup.

Do you have any allergy treatments that have worked for you?