Winter Allergies. Please give me some advice - Allergies Message Board

CT1987 · 12-22-2007, 09:01 AM

Hello everybody. My allergies and sinuses always seem to act up pretty badly during the fall and winter months. I've had a double ear infection for a while. But thats seemed to clear up thanks to a Zithromax Z-pack. But I always have stuffy ears, a stuffy nose, pressure in my head(sometimes my face), and mild headaches during the fall and winter seasons. Its always worse at night and kind of bad in the morning. I went to my doctor and she prescribed me a Medrol Dosepak and another Z-Pack. I hate taking prescriptions, or pretty much any kind of medication. The only thing I take is Zyrtec 10 Mg. I'm scared to take a corticosteroid because I've read about the terrible side effects. I was wondering if I should just not worry about getting the medication and deal with it until winter is over. Does anyone deal with the same symptoms as me and has lived with it until the fall and winter is over without taking those kind of meds? Sorry this was so long but im desperate for feedback. Thank you very much.
-Chris

Titchou · 12-22-2007, 09:14 AM

You might try taking a benedryl at bedtime. I do every night during the winter. The heat being on drives my sinuses crazy and does a number on my dust mite allergy. Then take your Zyrtec in the AM.

CT1987 · 12-22-2007, 09:23 AM

Thank you so much for the feedback

The main thing im worried about is the pressure in my head and face sometimes. I think thats my sinuses. And my doc told me to take the Medrol for that. But the possible side effects aren't worth it in my opinion. Is this a normal thing for a person with sinuses and allergies to have head and occasional facial pressure?

gcsjr · 12-22-2007, 10:20 AM

my doc told me to take the Medrol for that. But the possible side effects aren't worth it in my opinion.

If you've never taken the Medrol before, I'd recommend that you go ahead and try it. The side effects of a short course of oral steroids are pretty minimal (for me it's typically insomnia, irritability and increased hunger). The long-term effects - which are definitely scary - are only an issue if you take it daily over a long period of time.

I've had similar symptoms but sometimes I think the winter dryness causes more problems than the allergies because my sinuses seem to get inflamed from the combination of antihistamines and dry air - a humidifier helps keep them moist and less inflamed. Do you know what you're allergic to?

CT1987 · 12-22-2007, 10:26 AM

I appreciate the feedback

I really have no clue what i'm allergic to. I've already cost my family so much money because of my health problems from this. I don't know if we could afford for me to get an allergy test. All I know is that it flares up pretty bad during the fall and winter. I'm guessing mold and dust mites. But i'm not sure. I've lived with it through the past before. But I just don't know whether to take the Medrol or not. I'm leaning towards not doing it. Sure I feel kind of bad, but i'm kinda used to it now. The risks outweigh the benefits for me. I was prescribed the 4 mg dosepak. But I don't think i'm gonna take it. I really appreciate the help! Any more feedback would be great