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The last thing most couples
want to worry about on their wedding day is their health. But for people
suffering from allergic rhinitis, an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the
nose, both indoor and outdoor culprits can trigger nasal symptoms which, in
turn, could spoil what should be the happiest day of their life. Thus, in planning their wedding, be it set for any time of the
year, people with allergic rhinitis should think ahead to help avoid or
alleviate symptoms such as sniffling or nasal congestion. Following are some
tips to minimize the possibility of your nose interfering with your "I do's":
Flowers
When plagued by nasal symptoms, many if not most engaged
couples are probably concerned about seasonal allergens such as pollen and
flowers. To minimize the likelihood of needing tissues during the ceremony,
affected couples may wish to avoid outdoor weddings during the spring and fall
peak allergy seasons.
As for bridal bouquets, bridegroom boutonnieres, and other
floral accoutrements, there are many types of wedding flowers that are not
likely to cause allergies. "While much depends on the type of allergy and the
individual involved," says Jennifer Sparks, a vice president of the Society of
American Florists, "allergies to flowers are typically a result of pollen rather
than fragrance. Flowers begin to release pollen due to the aging process, so use
the freshest flowers available. The best thing a bride can do is to communicate
her allergy concerns to her
florist so they can work together to select flowers
that do not have visible pollen."
In fact the
American Academy of Allergy
Asthma & Immunology
(AAAAI) suggests using large, brightly colored flowers such as roses, daffodils
or daisies. Their large pollens are too heavy to be airborne and less likely to
cause allergies. Other alternatives include using dried or silk flowers.
Beyond
the Bouquet
Yet, in anticipating potential triggers, couples should consider suspect flowers
and other foliage as just the beginning. In other words, they should also think
"beyond the bouquet". Although many people may not realize it, nasal symptoms do
not always come from allergic reactions, but instead can be caused by everyday
non-allergic triggers in the environment -- and not just during the "allergy
seasons" but at any time of the year.
For an estimated 14 million Americans, environmental factors such as smoke,
perfume, strong odors -- even changes in temperature and barometric pressure --
cause nasal symptoms that feel like allergies but really aren't. The condition,
called perennial non-allergic rhinitis (PNAR), can be difficult to distinguish
from allergies. There are many potential triggers of PNAR.
Examples of
potential wedding-day PNAR triggers include:
Hairspray and
perfume as the bride puts on the finishing touches (Many different strong odors
can be triggers).
Cooking odors and
second-hand cigarette smoke at the wedding reception
Even honeymoon
travel involving changes in temperature and cabin air pressure on the plane, and
new and different environmental influences at the destination can trigger nasal
symptoms.
If any member of your planned wedding party suffers from
rhinitis, whether allergic, perennial non-allergic, or both, it might be wise to
share with them the foregoing nuptial tips. After all, just as you yourself
don't want to be blowing your nose through your solemn vows, nor do you want
your fervent "I do's" interrupted by nasal symptoms from a bridesmaid, groomsman
-- or worse, by your officiant as he/she is about to say, "I now pronounce you .
. . "!
"With so many allergens and irritants in the environment, it is not surprising
that people have a hard time determining what is causing their nasal symptoms,"
says Dr. Robert Nathan, clinical professor of medicine at the University of
Colorado Health Center, and an expert on PNAR. There are many products on
the market designed to treat nasal symptoms. However, according to Dr.
Nathan, "Flonase® (fluticasone propionate) Nasal Spray* is the only product
approved to treat indoor and outdoor nasal allergies as well as year-round
non-allergic nasal symptoms that feel like allergies." |
