I've had severe allergies for over 15 years and they have created several problems. I took shots for about 3 years and they did not help very much. They did reduce the number of sinus infections, but nothing more.

I now have several other, I feel, related symptoms:

1. Everytime I swallow (for several years now), I hear a clicking, popping noise in my ears. I assume it's fluid.
2. Constant drainage into my trhoat.
3. Sinus pressure headaches behind the eyes, but especially in the temples (more severe when the wind is blowing).
4. Nearly constant mouth breathing, as I can only sometimes breath through one nostril (never both unless I use Afrin, which I abused years ago, and is probably the cause of my nasal passage narrowing).
5. After eating certain foods I get a couple of small bumps near the roof of my mouth which go away after a while. I assume this could be a food allergy reaction of some kind. This only developed a few months ago.
6. Tinnitus (constant ringing in my ears).

If anyone has experience in dealing with, or ideas and information concerning cause and treatment of these symptoms, I'd appreciate any input.

Thanks

[This message has been edited by LifeLine (edited 02-13-2001).]

It sounds to me like your allergies may be causing the problems with your ears - most likely caused by the fluctuating fluid levels in your sinuses (the ears, nose and throat being all related).. I've had inner ear problems ever since a bout of viral labyrinthitis a couple of years ago & whenever my allergies act up, so do my ears.. I get foggy, lightheaded, have drainage in my throat which feels disgustingly thick at times, some ear popping among other lovely symptoms.. I wish I knew the solution, but sadly, all I can do is sympathize with you.. Decongestants only seem to make me feel worse as do other allergy medications..

check out the message posted by Cut-throat about feeling light-headed and ears ringing. I have been having a lot of trouble with tinnitis for the past year. I have food allergies and am also allergic to dust and mold.

I used to get a lot of pressure in my ears. The first time I went to my allergist he cleaned out enough wax to make a dozen candles. He recommeneded Debrox (it's over-the-counter) to keep them clean. It may not help with all of your symptoms, but I have found I get a lot less ear aches if I keep them clean.

I hear you with all the above symptoms. I myself had abused Otrivin and ended up being diagnosed as having vasomotor rhinitis. It's like having a cold everyday, some days are not bad, decongestants help! I get those itchy bumps on the roof of my mouth as well, especially after eating a Halls cough candy (go figure). All other symptoms are anxiety my friend, and there is no cure. We just have to live with it!