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Natural Awakenings Tampa Florida

Are these Allergies or is It COVID-19?

by Hayley Imbriani, LMT

Allergy season is upon us, but right now with the current situation, you may be afraid to even sneeze or sniffle in public. Rest assured, you are not the only one. This is the time of year where it’s starting to get warmer and—especially in Florida—that means allergens like mold and pollen are becoming more active. The flowers are blooming, and what should be a beautiful time of year can be a giant struggle for allergy sufferers.

What can my symptoms mean? Coughing, sneezing, runny nose and breathing problems are symptoms people might relate to being sick with an infection or cold. These symptoms are common for allergy sufferers as well. Respiratory issues are common for those with asthma which can be worsened in the presence of seasonal allergens.

The presence of a fever is one of the main ways to tell if you have something more going on. This can give you a clue that your body may be fighting something more than an allergy.

The color of your nose and throat mucus is another way of knowing. This can tell a lot about the current state of your body: clear and runny is very common when it’s allergy related; dark green, red or yellow is an indicator that something more serious may be happening. Eating certain foods can create more mucus in your body. Food sensitivities could be behind this.

A sore throat is another symptom that is almost always mistaken for a cold. If you have a sore throat, don’t panic! I often see my patients get sore throats randomly when they are exposed to allergens, irritants and even foods that their bodies are sensitive to, especially if they eat foods like sugar, grains or dairy. Pay attention to which foods you have eaten and how long the sore throat lasts. If it randomly turns on and lasts for one or maybe two days, it is more likely a reaction to something to which you were exposed. If it lasts more than a few days and is accompanied with other symptoms like fever and body aches, then you are most likely dealing with an immune weakness or battle.

Pay attention to patterns. Another way to understand allergies is to look at past experiences. Does this happen to you every year at this time, and have you always been more sensitive to certain items?

Chemicals in the air. With the increase in precautions against COVID-19, there has been a drastic increase in the use of hand sanitizers, disinfectants, bleach, alcohol and other strong chemicals. These chemicals can stress the body and create respiratory issues, sinus congestion, headaches and even coughing, especially with constant exposure.

What Can I Use Instead?
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Vinegar
  • Essential Oils
    • Tea Tree
    • On Guard
    • Lemon
    • Thieves
    • Peppermint

I fill a spray bottle with a mixture of vinegar, water, tea tree oil and Thieves and use this to keep my home clean. You can find helpful natural cleaning product recipes online. Oil brands that have been effective include Do-Terra and Young Living.

USEFUL TIPS

Avoid foods high in refined/processed sugars, grains and dairy. These foods will actually stimulate inflammatory conditions and can create mucus buildup in the body. This inflammatory response is what can cause allergy symptoms to manifest.

Drink hot lemon water. This natural trick helps the body cut down on mucus. It also helps organs—like your liver and kidneys—filter better. Congestion of these organs can lead to allergy symptoms.

Granger Health is located at 205 S. Myrtle Ave., Clearwater. If you need help with handling your allergies, call today to set up an appointment, 727-248-0930 or visit GrangerHealth.com.