The seasons are changing and for some people this means sniffling, sneezing, and coughing. Allergies are often times linked to the changing of the seasons. People can have allergic reactions to the changes in pollen, mold, and animal dander. All of these allergens change when the seasons change. Plants produce pollen once they start blooming as the weather warms. Mold is often a culprit when rain or damp situations are present, and animals start to shed their winter coats once the weather gets warmer. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is the name for seasonal allergies. This type of allergy doesn’t require non-surgical nose reshaping. Non-surgical nose reshaping is a procedure that a lot of people are using now. Some natural remedies can be used to treat allergy.

The symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis are often like the symptoms of the common cold. This is why many people confuse the symptoms. However, if you have allergies, you will not have a fever and your mucus secretions will be running and clear. Often times a cold will go away in seven to ten days. Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis will get worse when exposed to the allergens. For example, if you were just out cutting the grass for the first time of the season, you will probably be sneezing or coughing more than if you were inside while the grass was being cut.

To treat the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, you can use over the counter medications. There are many on the shelves that are specifically for allergy and sinus problems. Most of the medications will include decongestants and antihistamines. A decongestant will help relieve sinus pressure and stuffy noses, and an antihistamine will help with a runny nose, sneezing, and hives or itching. Another way of relieving symptoms is the use of nasal sprays. A nasal spay can be used to help with congestion, loosen mucus, and prevent dryness in the nose and nasal cavities. As with any medications, it is possible to become dependant on nasal sprays, so be careful. If you feel like you have not received any relief from the over the counter medicines, you should contact your doctor. A doctor can prescribe a stronger dose of medication or immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is the use of allergy shots. It can take up to six months for allergy shots to begin working.

You can also reduce the time spent around allergens. After coming in from outside, change clothes and take a shower. You can buy allergen reducing laundry detergent to wash not only your clothes, but bedclothes as well. If your sinuses feel congested and are painful, try a warm washcloth placed over your eyes and nose. Use a vaporizer to help open nasal passages as well. Any time that you are feeling a bit under the weather, it is almost always a good idea to drink more water. In this case, drinking more water should help thin the mucus in your nasal cavities. 

Seasonal allergic rhinitis affects many people across the United States (and the world!) Don’t feel like you are the only one feeling terrible when the season changes. Once you know what is triggering your allergies, you can treat and relieve the symptoms. Then, you can go back to participating in life.

Anyone who has had back pain knows that it is one of the most painful things anyone can go through. The excruciating pain that radiates from the back and outward can be caused by a variety of different circumstances.

Of course, when chronic back pain occurs, the doctor’s office is the first place you should go. However, if you are trying to avoid surgery the doctor can to little except run various tests, prescribe pain medication, and refer you to alternative help. There are a variety of different locations and causes for this pain but the best treatment regardless if the problem is disc-related or muscular is common sense. Here are some considerations and/or steps you should take when you have chronic back pain (of course, after you see your doctor).

1. Improve your posture. It is never too late to do this. Chronic pain is often caused by years of mistreatment. You need to re-train yourself and consciously think about how you walk. This will take practice. You need to bend over differently too. Always bend at the knees, not the hips, and keep your back straight when picking something up. Also, don’t jump out of bed when your alarms go off. Instead, roll to your side (fetal-like position), hang your legs over the bed, and push yourself up while maintaining posture. This also takes practice. You must also pay attention to the way you sit. Sit more erect, rather than slouch. If you have a doctor who specializes in brain and spine surgery, it is better of you will consult with him or her about the best ways on how you can treat horrible back pain.
   
   
2. Another good way to rid yourself of chronic pain is to make sure your musculature is proportional and balanced. Frequently, the back compensates for lack of muscular balance in the torso. If the abs are too strong and the low back muscles too weak (or vice versa) there is unnecessary pressure on the spine to compensate. Training the core muscles properly helps with this (a knowledgeable trainer is recommended).
3. Flexibility is another helpful component of a healthy back. Tightness also contributes to pain. Adding a flexibility routine to your muscular training loosens the muscles around the spine and allows it to relax. Yoga is often very helpful.
4. Some might also consider massage therapy. This will also help to loosen the muscles around the spine, releasing pressure in the area.
5. Physical Therapy is always a good option if the pain is severe enough. Usually this route is often during the initial phases of treatment, but can be very educational.

I neglected to mention seeing a chiropractor. This is a controversial method of treatment. Some doctors and therapists recommend it, and some don’t. Try this method at your own risk, but make sure you do extensive research first.

Once the back is damaged, it is incredibly easy to injure it again. It is for this reason that one needs to maintain appropriate posture and take care to not neglect training the core. As those with back pain know, you can’t take a healthy back for granted!