For many runners its hard enough to get the old bones (young buns?) moving for 10 kilometers in perfect conditions, let alone having to cope with allergies which can make breathing difficult and turn a routine run into a tortuous test of will.
There is good news, however, for allergy sufferers as their condition may now be controlled and prevented if necessary steps are taken.
After suffering for long enough I decided to visit my doctor to learn which of many allergy medications would be the most suitable. I was diagnosed with Rhinitis (Hay fever) and was prescribed with Flonase (nasal spray) and Reactine, which are taken before the workout and have certainly helped to make my running experience more manageable.
Back in 2001 when I was living in South Korea, my sinuses had to be drained because of extremely high air pollution and more pollen than I could handle.Not conducive to comfortable running.
According to a recent CBC health report, one in six Canadians suffers from hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, allergy season may start early in spring but can last into fall as the combination of climate change and pollen counts leads to expanded sneezing, wheezing, gasping, not to mention higher profit margins for the drug companies.
The main culprits for the outdoor runner tend to be pollen, ragweed and grass. Sometimes not knowing we have allergies can affect our work and personal lives, as well as our best intentions of getting fit and staying healthy. Often mistaken for a common cold, it is treatable if one knows the symptoms which may include nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes.
Speaking with Dr. Jack Taunton, who was Chief Medical Officer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, I discovered that certain regions across North America are harsher than others when it comes to allergies. Did you know, he asked rhetorically, that Eugene, Oregon isnt the best place to run for people with allergies? Dr. Taunton also included the West Coast of British Columbia as a particularly troublesome place for allergy sufferers because of the vast amount of forested areas and voluminous species of plants and grasses.
Dr. Taunton further alluded to some people being allergic to certain foods, such as strawberries, some vegetables, dust and pet dander that may trigger an allergic reaction, adding, Some triathletes are even allergic to certain types of Chlorine in the pool, also showing that for some unlucky people there is no escape. He suggested seeing an Allergist (specialist) when symptoms become difficult to manage and to isolate exactly what type of allergy you have. To summarize, your allergies are caused by the environment or certain foods, according to Dr. Taunton and the best we can do is try to manage the situation.
So what can you do to enjoy your workouts more?
Try breathing more through your mouth, continued Dr. Taunton. Try running when the pollen counts are lowest (check the weather report), wear sunglasses to prevent itchy watery eyes. Avoid running in trails or parks at the most dangerous times (for your allergies). Before your workouts, take an antihistamine medication like Reactine. Nasal sprays and eye drops are often available by prescription only. Allergy shots may be the answer and it is also suggested that Green Tea may help provide relief. As already mentioned, however, the best idea is to visit your doctor first to find out if you do suffer from an allergy condition. Finally, no more sneezing! See you on the trails!
Editors Note: Christine Blanchette is an established runner and writer who competed in the Boston Marathon and other high profile events For more visit her blog at www.christineblanchette.wordpress.com.
