TIPS FOR KEEPING SNIFFLES AT BAY

                          For some visitors to the Philadelphia International Flower Show, danger lurks behind every petal and stem.
                          For the allergy sufferers among us, the Pennsylvania Converntion Center's spring awakening may preciptate sniffles, sneezes and scratchy eyes.  So what's a horticultural enthusiast to do when the Flower Show beckons?
                          Medicate.
                         That's what Dr. James Palmer, associate professor and director in the division of rhinology at the University of Pennsylvania, suggests to battle the runny noses and watery eyes associated with flower allergies.
                          He offers two lines of defense to the Kleenex dependent.
                          If you plan to visit the show just once this year, Palmer suggests irrigating your nasal passages with a saline solution after your visit.  He suggests NeilMed Sinus Rinse, or any of the generic brands of saline.  A neti pot is another option, but Palmer said that the saline rinse is stronger.
                          To deal with congestion, Palmer said, try a nasal spray like Afrin.  But don't use it for more than four days because it's habit-forming.  Finally, there are oral antihistamines, like Benadryl, but they can make you drowsy.  Nondrowsy antihistamines, like Claritin, aren't as effective as Bendryl.
                          A good routine, Palmer said, would be to take an antihistamine before you hit the show, and then use the saline solution when you get home.
                          For hard-core gardeners who plan on visiting several times during the week, ask your doctor for a prescription steroid nasal spray.  Patanase and Astelin, both antihistamine nasal sprays, also work well, but you need a prescription for them.
                          Palmer is not as keen on homeopathic or holistic medicines, which don't hold up to saline solutions in clinical tests.  "They probably don't help," Palmer said, although they aren't harmful, either.  "At least the only thing they hurt is your wallet."
                          "The number-one treatment is avoidance," said Palmer.  So if pollen is your enemy, "just don't go to the Flower Show."