Wedding Flowers

Don't Let Your Nose Spoil Your Nuptials: Allergy Proofing Your Wedding

(BNN) 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."