Florida’s sunshine comes at a cost. “Because we have such wonderful weather here in Florida, we have very prolonged pollen seasons,” said Lee Health Allergist Dr. Laura Veras
Many people turn to natural remedies for allergies, and some even consider eating honey since it comes from pollen. “The perfect desensitization. You’re consuming the pollen to try to make your immune system become tolerant,” said Dr. Veras.
Dr. Veras said the symptoms likely come from tree or grass pollen or summer weeds. Bees make their honey from flower pollen. “It does not have the right properties for the pollen that causes environmental allergies or the allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis needs.
While it might taste sweet, honey isn’t going to help your seasonal allergies. “I would recommend trying an over-the-counter antihistamine that’s non-sedating for the runny nose and the itching or sneezing, and if you’re bothered by nasal congestion, the one thing I would try is a steroid nose spray like Flonase,” said Dr. Veras.
Always consult a doctor before taking new medication. Visit Leehealth.org to speak with an allergist if your symptoms persist.
View More Health Matters video segments at LeeHealth.org/Healthmatters/
Lee Health in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of health care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For more than 100 years, we’ve been providing our community with personalized preventative health services and primary care to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries. Lee Health - Caring People. Inspiring Care.
Visit LeeHealth.org
