The Washington times., 1906-10-22

Any one who has been a sufferer from
hay fever year after year knows the
utter futility of all the sO-called cures
Of this peculiar malady.
Nothing In the way OF local remedies
has yet been found that VIII actually
, cure il, and, although many theories
have been advanced, doctors generally
admit they don't know what hay fever
is or what causes II, though II seems
evident that the pollen Of ragweed and
OF vegetable spOre In general. together
with dust are active agents In develop
ing the disease.
But, what the predispOsing causes are,
or why some persons should have II
and others do not. is not so clear.
I However. since the disease was FIRST
scientifically investigated II has been
generally regarded that those OF highly
nervous temperament are more susCep-
tible to it than others.
one theory is that in those inclined TO
be neurotic the nerves becomes pccu-
liarly sensitive TO the pollen and the
dust, and while none may say for
fact that this or any other theory Is
correct, yet II seems more plausible
than many OF TIE others. as those who
have had the disagreeable. tickling.
burning, itching sensation in the nose
Will readily admit
Sometimes. though. an abnormal
growth or nasal deformity, or other
catarrhal trouble may be the predis-
posing cause that needs only the excite
ments Of the pollen 10 start an attack
OF hay fever; and IT is well 10 consult
a specialist on nose and throat diseases
and have any such trouble remedled,
which. II properly done, would prob
ably forever cure one Of. hay fever.
Only those who must endure this an
nOying complaint year after year have
any idea OF the suffering it entails.
Often others seeing one so afflicted.
with their red, swollen eyes. endless
sneezing and copious discharge from
the pOstrils and eyes, VIII say why
what a cold you have.
But Il is many removes from coldi
there Is no comparison between them.
The only way 10 secure permanent
relief Wlen the hay fever season ar
rives for those who are subject TO 1t Is
to flee at once to some place where the
atmosphere iTritants are absent
Such localities are found IN the w hlte
Mountains, parts OF the AdiTOndaCks,
the Lake regions of Canada, in Maine.
in northern Michigan, along the lake
and at places along the Jersey coast.
With some people the season begins
in June when roses are in bloom, and
is then known as rose cold, but more
generally il commences in August any
day from the first 10 the twentieth, and
lasts I'LL the first hard frost IN OcIO-
ber-sOmetimes even till November.
In many cases il appears at certain
date each year with the same regular
iLy as the recurrence OF the seasons, OK
ten with the suddenness OF a thunder
bolt.
one may be all right when. presto.
comes a sneeZe, followed by innumer-
able othecs, with all the accompanying
features Of hay fever, and one IS
I launched into all the mtSeFieg OF the
disease
An odd feature is that sometimes
when the attack seems to be particu-
larry bad, il viii suddenly cease, and
for a few hours those AFFLICTED win have
entire relief. and will look and feel as If
they had never had il in their lives.
But these respites are not frequent
Unfortunately, all who are prone to
hay fever. aro not able to see relief
in mountain. lake or sea air, but there
are some precautions they may observe.
and a few simple remedies that will les
sen their suffering and make their con-
dition more tOlerable
First OF all they should look to their
physical condition.
AS a neurotic. or a highly nervous
| temperament seems To be one of the
predisposing causes. Ii Is We'll TO tone
up the nervous system, and tOning up
the general health viii contribute much
in this direction.
Anything that in any way tends to
/ lessen ones vitality and vigor should
| be abolished from ones daily habits
aid IN building up the physical being
should be added; careful attention TO
diet, plenty OF sleep, regular habits.
frequent baths and a sufficient amount
of exercise
One thing to guard against is exposure
to colds, for If one contracts a cold il
| makes the hay fever worse, and there