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With eight career shutouts and a fastball of up to 100 mph, the Astros pitcher Justin Verlander is widely recognized as a force on the mound.
However, baseball fans around the world may be surprised to learn that the seventh MLB member and future MLB Hall of Fame member is struggling with seasonal allergies.
"All you need to be an athlete is disturbed by allergies. You must be able to breathe, sleep to recover, run and not burn out, "Verlander told Healthline.
While suffering from asthma during his childhood, he needed to wear an inhaler, but Verlander said his asthma never interfered with his small league matches and he did not experience any allergy symptoms until he became a freshman at Old Dominion University.
"I remember exactly. I had never had allergies before, but I completely lost my voice, a laryngitis that turned into bronchitis, a postnasal drip, I did not know what it was and I did not know how "Take care of it," he said. "Of course, I was in a mess … and having asthma may have made it worse [my symptoms]. "
When Verlander was diagnosed with seasonal allergy, he said his family was in shock.
Although the link between asthma and allergies is not obvious, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) reports that studies show that two-thirds or more of asthmatics are also allergic.
But why does an allergy occur?
Allergies have to do with the immune system "thinking" that a substance is harmful.
To deal with the perceived allergen, the immune system produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
When an allergic person is exposed to the allergen, these antibodies release chemicals from the immune system, such as histamine, which cause the allergy symptoms most often to the nose, to the skin. lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, gastric mucosa or skin.
In the case of Verlander, exposure to allergens such as grbad, trees and pollen causes the reaction of its immune system.
ACAAI indicates in many parts of the United States that spring allergies (trees, pollen, grbad, ragweed) last until early summer, while autumn allergies (ragweed, burning shrub), badlebur, etc.) August and November, depending on the allergen and climate.
For Verlander, the baseball season coincides with the allergy season.
"The start of the baseball season is not an easy time for an allergic person to go outside," he said. "Before I found Flonase, I remember when I played and had pills in my mouth or had to stop coughing or not being able to breathe."
Over the years, Verlander has tried different antihistamine medications and nasal sprays to relieve his symptoms. Through a process of elimination, he opted for the Flonase nasal spray.
"It does the best job to relieve my allergies," Verlander said.
For the second consecutive year, he has partnered with Flonase and his Big League Relief Campaign to educate his fans on the importance of having a game plan for allergies.
"This partnership has excited me because I'm really suffering from allergies and I'm happy to spread the word," Verlander said.
He says having a maintenance plan has worked well for him.
"My advice is not to take allergies lightly. Too often, and that's what happens with me, we do not pay attention to the time of year and the next thing you know you're allergic to [symptoms] and you're sick and it's this avalanche effect, "Verlander said.
He added that his preparation for the allergy season alleviated his symptoms.
"It really helps me do the routine before the beginning of spring, not after. I started just in the spring when I discovered Flonase, but I am convinced that even though my allergies are serious, doing it year-round is the best preventive method, "Verlander said. .
ACAAI says that, like Verlander, more than two-thirds of allergy sufferers in the spring actually have symptoms throughout the year.
The organization recommends working with an allergist to develop a personalized plan that could include finding the best medicine for you, as well as putting into practice other measures such as:
- monitoring the number of pollens and molds
- keep windows and doors closed at home and in your car during the allergy season
- shower, wash your hair and change clothes after a long time spent outdoors
And while you're looking for treatments, keep hope, added Verlander, who would like to see the allergies disappear in younger generations, including his 4-month-old baby.
"Until then, allergies can be hereditary, at least if [my daughter] suffers from allergies, I know how to help him better, "he said.
Cathy Cbadata is an independent writer who specializes in stories about health, mental health and human behavior. She has the gift of emotionally writing and communicating with readers in a perceptive and engaging manner. Read more about his work right here.
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