Is it Pollen or Peanuts?

Posted by Janet Zappala on March 16th, 2011 at 02:20pm

What’s the deal with allergies? Just when I thought I was healthy and energized I get sucker punched by allergens. The constant cough, stuffy nose, itchy throat, watery eyes kind of allergies. One day you’re up, the next day, bam! And it isn’t even officially spring yet.

I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence, but it seems alot of people I talk to are also suffering. I never had such a hard time before, so I’m wondering if it’s something in the air that wasn’t there before. I haven’t changed my diet, haven’t moved, and I don’t think I’ve developed an allergic reaction to my husband…yet.

Could it possibly be a food allergy? Many of us are allergic to things like wheat, shrimp, eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, tomatoes, even chocolate. Usually it has to be a recurrent infection that tips you off, but it should be diagnosed and either ruled out or confirmed.

The trick is getting an appointment with a skilled physician.  I called yesterday at 2:20 in the afternoon and they were already gone for the day. They were nice enough to call me back this morning, and then “nicely” told me that although I’m in dire straits, (my words) the doctor can’t see me for another week, (she’s out of town). Oh, and I’m not allowed to take anything between now and then so any testing done will be accurate.

I guess in the grand scheme of things my situation isn’t so bad, I just want you to know that if you too are sneezing, coughing, stuffy, and losing sleep because of your condition, you’re not alone. I wish you quick relief and a complete and speedy recovery.

Allergies, whether they’re from  pollen, peanuts or pet dander can make us miserable, but hopefully, nothing a thorough examination can’t cure.

 Janet Zappala

www.janetzappala.com

Under Health