Reader here!

This morning, Eddie and I were talking about allergies, and which ones we’d give up or keep, if we had to make a choice.

If I could get rid of all of ’em, I’d do it in a heartbeat!

Allergies seem to be more common than ever these days, affecting millions of people around the world. From food allergies to seasonal allergies, it seems like there’s always something that can trigger a reaction in someone. But what exactly are the most common allergies that people suffer from?

I did a little digging, and here’s what I found.

One of the most common allergies is hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. This allergy is typically triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, and can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. It’s estimated that around 10 to 30% of the global population suffers from hay fever.

This is the one that hits me the most. Growing up on a farm, there’s always a ton of random plants around that may or may not plug me up. But the biggest thing around the farm that hits me the hardest, is grain dust.

Whether it’s harvest time, and dust and straw are being kicked out the back of a combine, or a load of grain is being dumped out the back of the truck, into the auger, throwing up dust, its everywhere, and I can’t really get away from it.

And, as you can probably imagine, every time Dad had me go and clean bins, I’d be plugged up hard, and even if I wore a dust mask, that fine grain dust still finds a way through.

Another common allergy is to dust mites, tiny bugs that can be found in dust and fabrics around the home. Dust mite allergies can cause symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

Food allergies are also extremely common, with the most common allergens being nuts, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products.

These allergies can range from mild to severe, with symptoms that can include hives, swelling, and even anaphylaxis in severe cases. Fortunately, I don’t seem to have any issues with food allergies, but I have friends and family that deal with some, whether it’s dairy, nuts, eggs, or other foods that cause issues for them.

However, I’ve got to say – I’ve often wondered if there’s something in beer that I may be allergic to, as I often get a bit stuffy if I have a couple of frosty ones.

Allergies to pet dander, mold, and insect stings are also common, affecting millions of people worldwide. These allergies can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

One other thing that used to really hit me hard, was cigarette smoke, especially when I was a kid.

Back in the day where seemingly everyone smoked, I dealt with allergic reactions all the time. Family gatherings were especially hard, when everyone was together and puffing away. I’d be so stuffed up I could hardly breathe, and my eyes would be so runny, I looked like I was constantly sad, and weeping uncontrollably!

As I got older, a night out used to be tough too, and I remember coming home from the bar and having to take a shower because I reeked of smoke, and would feel awful after breathing in so much second-hand smoke.

Suffice it to say, that when the ban on smoking in Saskatchewan bars and restaurants came into effect on January 1, 2005, I was one happy camper!

If I know I’m going to be somewhere where I know people are going to be smoking, I make sure I take some allergy pills or nasal spray to keep me clear. For the most part, it works!

If you suspect that you have an allergy, make sure to see a doctor and get tested. Once you know what you’re allergic to, you can take steps to avoid triggers and manage your symptoms effectively. Remember, you’re not alone in dealing with allergies – there are millions of others out there who are living with allergies too!