Watery Eyes?

Well, it is that time again. Trees in bloom. Maples bloomed almost a month ago, and then came the Bradford pears. Now we have a whole bunch of trees in bloom: red buds, ashes, dogwoods, hickories, pines. The oaks and flowering crab apples can’t be too far behind.

The human body has a protection mechanism that involves the immune system. This system is designed to counteract foreign protein; in particular, proteins on invading parasites, bacteria and viruses. It is this mechanism that brings about the aching, fever, inflammation, watery eyes and runny noses that come with colds, flues, etc. But the system will also respond to other, non-dangerous proteins, perhaps more in some folks’ cases than in others. And that is where the trees come in to play at this time of year.

Most trees are wind pollinated. To be successful, they must spread their pollen over broad areas in the hopes that the pollen will make contact with a corresponding flower of the same tree type. Part of this strategy is to produce extra-large quantities of pollen. Sort of like the shotgun approach. For the trees, this is a great strategy. For those sensitive to (read allergic) to the proteins on the pollen grains, it can spell misery. My eyes have been red, watery and itchy since the maples began blooming in early March.

What is happening, as in other allergies, is that my immune system is over-reacting to the harmless pollen in the air. At my expense, yet. Yes, there are medications that can help. Some I can take, others not. Of those I can take, some make me drowsy, others don’t. Unfortunately, in my case, the ones that don’t make me drowsy don’t seem to work on the symptoms. On the other hand, the ones that do make me drowsy work quite well on the symptoms. This would be great, except it doesn’t pay to be too drowsy when at work, if you know what I mean. So I have to settle for the lowest common denominator – suffer through the problem without pharmaceutical help. Until my body undergoes a change and no longer responds to invading protein, I guess I’m stuck with it.

I wish I had an immune system that would respond as strongly and naturally against sin. But my human nature welcomes in the invading temptations. I’m extremely susceptible on my own. Fortunately, however, there is an “over-the-counter” medication available. The Great Physician is willing to step in, any time I ask, to help against the infections. In fact, the way I understand it, as long as I am under His direct care, I won’t get sick. Not only will He work on healing me from the inside out, He’ll help me stay away from those places where I might pick up some strange “sin” protein. I think I’ll give it a try.

Yes, I know my eyes are red, and, No, I haven’t been crying. Pass me the tissues, please.

Dr. G

Post Notes:
1. Redbud and crabapple trees are insect pollinated. Little of their pollen gets in the air. Therefore, they’re not generally allergy-causing trees.
2. Pine trees, while wind pollinated, produce pollen that is non-allergenic for most people. So they don’t mess up your system. Only your car if you park near a pine tree this time of year.
3. The Great Physician’s remedies are free.