Hi,

I have had these symptoms for about 3 years. A cough, clearing my throat, lightheadedness dizzy, no spinning or vertigo though, ringing in ears. I started taking the OTC Chlor-trimeton and most of the real bad symptoms went away (I was almost incapacitated). I have been taking the drug for about 2 years. Still clear my throat and cough have slight ringing and lightheadness.

I have been to 4 allergists, they agree that I must be allergic to something, but they are out of answers. I have been to countless other specialists, ENT, Brain, Etc. all negative.

I have also been allergic to seasonal stuff for 25 years (tree pollen, grass) etc. But, this is all the time.

The antihistimines that I tried at first, were the ones that didn't make you sleepy. Like allegra or clariton. They did not work for me. I tried the OTC Chlorotrimeton, which does make you sleepy (it has a 'brain component' in it). I was feeling much better in about 2 weeks.

Anybody out there who has or knows anything about this allergy?

In May of 2000 I woke up with my left ear plugged and ringing in that ear. Nothing really helped as far as decongestants, etc. An ear specialist said it was probably a virus that had attacked my inner ear and now was gone, but the ringing was still there. He did not prescribe prednisone at that time. In September the same thing happened with my right ear. I went back to the ear specialist. He said he no longer thought it had been a virus, since it is unlikely that someone would contract a virus in both ears at separate times. He put me on 60 mg of prednisone and the whole situation cleared up. At the same time I had a blood test for food allergies and found I am allergic to some foods. I went off those foods, but going off the prednisone I eventually got the same symptoms back. Lately I have been taking an adrenal supplement and getting the best results I have ever had without prednisone. I am still investigating my allergies, but since the prednisone cleared up my symptoms I am suspicious that my adrenal glands (which should do the same thing as prednisone for me unless they are fatigued) are not working properly. There is a saliva test I am going to have done next week to check my hormone levels and adrenal function. Good luck with your situation. Did you have any hearing loss associated with the tinnitis? I have some hearing loss.

I tried predisone also. It did not help these allergy symptoms, but it does help with my spring pollen allergy symptoms.

I have not had any hearing loss.

I did try an allergen free diet prescribed for me. I found out that I am not allergic to any foods. I believe that I am allergic to something airborne, I just don't know what.

Do you recall how many mg of prednisone you were on and for how long? Have you had any allergy testing yet other than the diet you mentioned? I had a blood test you can now get through some chiropractors by US Biotek Laboratories called the ELISA/ACT test. Also I am going in to the allergist for skin scratch testing next week. I thought the blood test was really helpful, but there was at least one thing I discovered I am allergic to that was not on the list of foods, that is safflower oil. Hope you find your answers soon.

I forgot to mention, my son had a strange cough that went away when we took him off all dairy products. I don't know if that helps.

The allergen free diet that I was one excluded all dairy products. In fact it excluded just about everything - I starved!

So my allergist is totally convinced that it is NOT food of any sort.

I only take predisone on the weekends (when I am outside a lot) during the spring pollen season and I don't recall how many mg it is. But my allergist does not want me on this stuff for very long, because there are some awful side effects. I would not view predisone as a very good long term solution.

BTW - I have had complete skin scratch tests and I am negative for all they tested for exccept the pollen (which I have know about for 25 years). Again I believe that I am allergic to something airborne, that is very common)

There are some treatments that are currently being tested that attack the allergy in a different manner. That is - that you do not have to know what you are allergic to, and everybody gets the same treatement, regardless of what the allergy is.

I am interested in these new tests where you can be treated without knowing what you are allergic to. Are these treatments available now? Tell me more if you know anything more about it, would you? Thanks.

I first saw the new allergy treament approach on a news magazine show on TV. I asked my allergist about it, and he said it was not yet approved by the FDA.

He said I would be a good candidate, because the current allergy treatments today rely on finding out what you are allergic to before the shots can begin. The new treament is a treatment that addresses how the body reacts rather than what causes it to react. Ask any allergist about it, and they can explain it better than I.

I do not believe that it is available yet. - But I'm ready for this as soon as it is.

I thought you might be interested: I called an acupuncturist and he told me he had treated several people with my symptoms and one in particular was a woman who lives in the next town over from me. The woman had severe tinnitis in both ears for five years and after five visits with him she was cured of it and recovered completely. I talked to the woman on the phone myself and she says it is true, she hasn't been in to see him since 1999 and no problem with her ears since then. I have an appointment for next week. I'm ready to try it. I have never been to an acupucturist before, beleive me, I know nothing about it and am not trying to drum up business for any acupuncturists. Just thought you might be interested in the story.

Sure I'm interested. - Let me know how it goes. - I'll do anything that works. Standard Medical approaches have not helped.

Just wanted to let you know I had my first appointment with the acupuncturist today. It didn't hurt, I was relieved about that. One of my problems with my ears is that I have dizziness if I try to go from a standing or sitting position to lying down. Also, after I have been lying down then get up I am dizzy. Today when I had to lie down on his table I was dizzy for a few seconds. By the time he had given me the treatment and I sat back up a half hour later I felt no dizziness at all. I was told by the other woman who had tinnitis that the ringing didn't go away for 4 or 5 treatments, so I am not surprised I still have some ringing in my ear, but the fact that I was not dizzy was a milestone for me. There is hope. He also told me I was allergic to gluten, through muscle testing. The gluten allergy did not show up on my blood test for food allergies. He said the blood test only picks up about half the allergies that are there. What a horrible thought. I go back again next week. Anyway, that was my update. Hope you have been feeling better lately.

Actually, I feel about 95%. The Chloro-trimeton that I take daily is a lifesaver. With this OTC antihistimaine, I only have a slight ring in the ears, and the constant cough, but am mostly OK.

Keep me posted on your A-puncture progress. Hope it does the job for you.

Update: I have had two acupuncture treatments now. Plus muscle testing for allergies. We have determined that I am allergic to onion, B-complex, and have a problem with some type or types of oil and we are going to test the oils separately to next time to find out which one. My dizziness is gone for the most part, and today I listened to a phone call using the ear that I could not hear out of up until now. I could understand what the person was saying even though it was still muffled. This is a significant improvement for me and proves that I can still improve further. The tinnitis that was once so unbearable is something I don't think about anymore. It is there, but reduced so much that it is tolerable. I hope to keep getting better over the next couple of weeks.

Hi,

Gald to hear things are working out for you. Where do you live? and what is the name and address of a-Puncture person that you are seeing?

Thanks

I see Stuart Greenleaf. He has his main office in Eugene Oregon but also works one day a week out of Corvallis Oregon. Where are you located?

I'm in the Minneapolis area. Can you give the address and Phone number of your A-pucture guy? - Thanks. He may know of a contact in my area.

I hope this is okay to post on the board, but I don't see why you couldn't give his office a call at 541-342-4106. I don't know the zip code for Eugene, so I can't pass on the address though.

I don't know how this will work on your onion/oil allergy (I'm allergic to onions also) but for my environmental allergies I take a Chinese herbal pill called Pi Min Kan Wan. It comes in a small plastic bottle in a box about 1" x 3" and costs about $2.50 US for 50 pills. You take 3 at each meal. They are TOTALLY herbal and look and taste like green smarties.
After 20 years of allergies these finally worked, and I found them by accident! I've now taken them for 5 years...I start a couple of weeks befor allergy season starts...15th of April and take them for 5 weeks. I have no symptoms right through the summer after that!
At last count I had 183 specific allergies including onions, corn, and all bean products (including peanuts), artificial ingredients etc)
B

Thanks for the tip on the herbal pills. I will try ALMOST anything. Do you know of a web site that sells them? Maybe I can still get some before the middle of April. I will check the local stores also.

Over the last couple months, I think I may have developed something similar (though not as severe as what you describe). I've got some sinus drainage... but that's no big deal, I get that frequently enough that it doesn't bother me. What is really causing me problems is the lightheadedness/dizzyness---it's really making it difficult for me to concentrate and function.

Do you guys think this is allergies? I've never had this problem before.

Any ideas about fighting this... I'm a college student with very little money.

Thanks.

Well here is what I would try:

Go to any drugstore or Discount Center in the Pharmacy Dept. and get some Over the Counter CHLOR-TRIMETON (the 12 MG.). Take 2 a day. One in the Morning and One in the evening. If it's an allergy you will probably feel much better in less than a week.

Don't substitute any allergy medicine like allegra for the CHOR-TRIMETON. The stuff that does not make you sleepy does not work at all for me. It does not have a 'brain component' in it, so my allergist says. Good - Luck and let us know if works for you.
Worked for me!!

To Noahmac -- Did you try the antihistimine. Let us know your progress.

Hey, sorry for not getting back to you. I've been working on my thesis, which I successfully defended on Monday ( http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif ).

Anyway, I haven't tried the chlor-trimeton yet. What I did was visit my campus clinic again, and a doctor there put me on allegra (which, as you predicted, didn't seem to do much).

My symptoms did disappear for a while, or change some... The lightheadedness was there, and then there was some headache, and ear pain... not my typical headache,either... this was pain around my ears and above them and to the front of the face from them. That worried me some, but the clinic physician said it probably wasn't anything dangerous, especially since it wasn't just on one side of the head.

Then my symptoms got better for a few days. No headache, no lightheadedness...

But, now the lightheadedness is back... it's weird, sort of a woozy feeling... not a room spinning feeling... almost like I can only reach a state of abou 80% alertness or something...it's hard to explain, but I know it's not right. The headache is back a little too.

With my thesis behind me, I can afford to be a bit groggy... so I think I will try the chlor-trimeton in a few days.

Any other thoughts? Any one else out there got any ideas? Is there something other than allergies that could be causing this?

Thanks! And, again, sorry for not replying sooner.

Your symptoms sound very similar to mine.

I usually felt better in the morning as I first got out of bed. But by late morning the lightheaded woozy feeling would develop and then it would it culminate into headache.

I always have a slight cough and am clearing my throat.

I also noticed that a few glasses of wine would make me feel better. Obviously Alcohol has a brain component in it also.

I have been taking the Chlorotrimeton now for two years, and it has been a lifesaver for me. My allergist has said he has only seen 2 other people like me in his 25 years of practice. So don't expect to get a lot of help from the medical community. If they can't find a Brain tumor, they will tell you that is all in your head. Let me know if it works for you. Keep in touch.

My email is kdbmeb@aol.com

Hey Noahmac - How ya been ?? Getting any relif from the C-Trimeton? - Let me know -

Hey. I've been some better. I haven't had much dizzyness in a while, but I still feel pressure around my ears pretty frequently. I also feel moisture in my ears quite a bit...not a lot...they don't run or anything, but they do frequently feel damp inside. I sometimes use some drops for swimmers, and that dries them out.

I use the Chlor-Trimeton when I feel the symptoms starting up. Especially, I use it when I feel the pressure/headache around my ears. It seems to make me feel better. I also use a sudafed knockoff that seems to bring some relief in an hour or so.

I haven't bought anymore of the name brand chlor trimeton, because it is too expensive. I buy the Wal-Mart brand, but it only comes in the 4mg dosage, instead of the 12mg (so I just take three at a time).

On another note, I think I might be developing some other sort of allergy too. For the past week or so I've been breaking out with an itchy rash on the underside of both arms...it seems to come and go...usually after I've eaten a meal, but I haven't been able to determine a specific food that I've been eating that could cause it. The chlor-trimeton helps with that problem too.

Anyway, thats whats up in my world. How are your symptoms?

Noah

Hi Noah,

The only way I can maximum relief from the C-Trimeton, is by continally taking it. If I stopped for a few days, I would have to start taking again for about 5 days before I felt better.

You can get a prescription from a doctor for a Generic Brand of C-trimeton (that's what I do and it costs about 5 cents a pill then) so you are only talking about a dime a day.)

My symptoms are pretty stable. Slight lightheaded and slight ringing in ears, but very liveable and feel about 90%

Best Reagrds,

Cut-Throat

Hi guys,

I have been reading everyone's posts here with interest.

I have been suffering from a woozy feeling for a few years now (I am 37). I have been to a multitude of doctors - and each time I've received a different answer as to why I am woozy.

I too have the head pressure. If you all have a moment, can you read my post under Inner Ear Disorders? It's called "Dizziness in Rochester, NY - It stinks". I'd be very interested to hear back from anyone on there who has the same sensations I do.

Many thanks. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I did read your post over on inner ear dis orders. I was on an inner ear website (that has since shut down) for about 1 1/2 and heard similar stories to yours. That was before I found out my problems were allerigies.
I only figured out mine were allergy related because I took antihistimaines and my symptoms went away.
You could try what worked for me and see if it helps you. But it does sound like you have something going on that is inner ear related.

Noahmac - Have not heard from you in a while. How's it going?

To Cut Throat:

I've read your posts regarding Chlor-Trimeton and am going to check into getting a scrip for the generic from my doctor. I would be ecstatic if I had any signs of improvement. I too am considered my doctor's toughest sinus/allergy patient and have tried everything under the sign with no success.

I have tried prescription antihistamines, including every new one that comes out, as well as allergy testing and injections (tried it with five different doctors), nasal sprays (even the new "aqua" type cause nosebleeds and worsening symptoms for me), hypoallerginic everything, special bedding and air filters, air purifiers, and even sinus surgery. Nothing works for me. I have every symptom you have but headaches are my worst symptom.

Thanks for a new idea.

Hi Sueston,

When my symtoms were really bad a couple of years ago, my ringing ears and lightheadedness would develop into a very severe headache. All i could do was go to sleep. Sleep was my only relief.

I also tried all kinds of nasal sprays, they did nothing for me.

You can buy over the counter C-Trimeton without a presciption. It has been around for 50 years and is very safe. If it works, then you can get a prescription and save a few bucks. Let me know if it helps.

Just wanted to see if this board was still working. We have not had any replies here in a week. If nobody responds to any messages, this board will be worthless.

Hi:

Just a few thoughts regarding some of these posts and symptoms:

To Cut-Throat: On your post of 05/31/01, you write, "I only figured out mine were allergy related because I took antihistimaines and my symptoms went away." Antihistamine's sedate the inner ear; which is why they can help alleviate wooziness//dizziness even if those symptoms aren't allergy related. I am just concerned that maybe what you think may be an allergy is instead inner ear related. If that is the case, and you are treating your symptoms like an allergy, you may still have the problem. As you know from my previous posting on the Inner Ear Board, I have been dealing with woozy-symptoms for quite some time without being given a specific diagnosis. I guess I am just "playing mom" a little here to ensure that all other avenues for the cause of your symptoms have been checked.

To KelceyB: Have you been checked for Meniere's? One of the key symptoms of this inner ear disorder is a loss of hearing. I'd be interested also in how your symptoms are currently if you have been going to your acupuncturist.

Enjoy the day ~

Hi,

Yes, I was checked for everything. ENT's. Even went to the U of M Balance Clinic. Ever heard of the spinning chair?

There is no doubt in my or my allergists mind that mine is caused by allergies. I also have a cough and clearing of throat which are also allergy symptoms.

Thanks for your concern. - But I don't have any inner ear problems.

To Sueston,

Do you have any progress to report since you started taking the C-Trimeton. Thanks. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Read This.

Please post your results,

Thanks,

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Cut-Throat

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[This message has been edited by moderator3 (edited 10-14-2001).]

test

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Cut-Throat

[This message has been edited by Cut-Throat (edited 10-16-2001).]

Cut-throat:

Update on me. I posted a very lengthy synopsis of my troubles with allergies and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction a week or so ago. You were the only person who responded and suggested I try Chlortrimeton because that worked for you. I have to tell you. I have finally gotten some relief - thanks to you. I completely stopped taking the Claritin-D, Nasonex, and the Ocean Nasal spray and started taking the Chlortrimeton this weekend. For the first time in 18 months, the foggy feeling in my head has gone away, my ears don't hurt, the pressure and clogged feeling in my ears has diminished greatly, and I actually feel really good. Thank you so much for your advice. I'm glad I listened to you and took the Chlortrimeton because I am convinced that it is working for me. I only have to take one dose of the 4-hour strength of the Chlortrimeton and it helps me for the entire day. It is soooo great to finally feel like a human being again. Anyway, I wanted to let you know what was going on and to also keep you updated that it is working - for me at least. Thanks again for your help. I recommend it to everyone now and when I am on this website I tell everyone to take it and mention you as well.

Take care,

Rae http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dance.gif

Hi Rae http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Glad to hear that it worked out for you. My alergist calls the C-trimeton "The old Standby" - However it is rarely recommended by doctors. Funny Huh ! - You are at least the 5th person on this site that has been helped by this.

Regards,


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Cut-Throat

[This message has been edited by Cut-Throat (edited 10-24-2001).]

Time to get this thread up to the top again. More people are starting to ask about being lightheaded and allergies. This will cover it in detail

I know you guys said you had dizziness and lightheaded and foggy and ringing ears, but did you also have the feeling of being off balance? I have that all the time http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif. I have the C-trimeton sitting in my kitchen cupboard but am afraid to try it. I have this fear of taking something and it making me feel worse. Crazy, huh http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif ?

Happy V Day to everyonem http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif !

Deb

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Dak, after the advice of Cut-Throat I also have some hidden away in my cupboards and I'm too scared to try it. I've been feeling dizzy/off balanced for the past 16 months. I've tried so many different things and so far nothing as worked. I'm afraid of taking something that will make me feel drowsy because I don't want to feel dizzier. I was thinking of maybe starting them at a very low dosage like 1mg 4 X day and slowly increasing it.

Well guys -- This is one the Safest and oldest meds around. This is why it is an Over the Counter Medication.

I tried many different drugs, doctors and tests and nothing worked for me until I took the C-Trimeton. If you are going to try it take a 12 mg. pill in the morning and a 12 mg. pill at 6 pm. (every 12 hours) -- Do this for about 1 week. If you are going to feel better, this is all will take. You have nothing to lose but your dizzies.

I have been taking this now since the spring of 1999. About 4 years now. I feel great and have never looked back. Off and on I have tried getting off of the drug and the dizzes return in about 2 days.

This has helped at least 5 people on this forum over the last 2 years. Your decision - YOur move!

Hey guys, I too have been helped by C-Trimeton. If you're worried about taking too high of a dose, start out taking the 4mg dose two times a day - once in the morning and once before you go to bed. That's all I take, and 95% of my symptoms are gone! I have been taking it for about 1 1/2 years. Good luck!

Oh I'm sure it's a safe drug, I'm just scared of the dizziness. Mmmmmmmmmmmm, thinking about it. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Maybe wait till I'm out of my bad phase.

MPaiement,

Wait a minute here ! - I thought you had the dizzies? Are you thinking the C-Trimeton causes dizzies? Contrare Contrare - C-Trimeton eliminates the dizzies and lightheaded feeling, if yours is caused by an alergy.

So what problem are you trying to solve???????

MPaiement,
I know exactly what you are talking about! When I take any medication that causes drowziness it makes my dizzies worse. I don't know why but it does. So I am reluctant to try anything because of the fear I have of being more dizzy http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/dizzy.gif I know these posts are saying that it will get rid of the dizzies and I'm sure it has for these people as I hope it will for me and you when we get brave enough to try it. I also have a fear of taking something new as I am afraid that it might cause some permanent damage. I am just awful at positive thinking, so please forgive me guys.
I guess I am just waiting for this to go away on its own but after 10 years I doubt it will, and I can function even though I constantly feel off balance. I basically do what I HAVE to do. I work full time and have a husband and three children. I don't enjoy doing the things I used to do and I would love to be able to so hopefully I will get brave enough soon!

Take care,

Deb

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my guess would be that this is somehow related to a mold allergy. someone mentioned something about fungus infections in the nasal cavity. when i eliminated dairy, 75% of the congestion went away. however, i still felt dizzy. the dizzyness would not go away until i moved to a mold-free residence. even then on damp days or if i was in the woods i'd get really dizzy. the dizzyness would still come back if i ate something i was allergic to usually a carbohydrate of some type -- sugar was really bad.

this made me seek treatment for a yeast infection. i took diflucan and nystatin for 3 weeks and was extremely sick for the first 2 weeks. the dry-heaving was everytime i gargled with the nystatin. i am convinced it killed something because now my head is a lot clearer.

any thoughts?

Cut-Throat, On the package it says "May cause dizziness". At the beginning of my condition I tried to take a Gravol and it made my dizziness a lot worse because of the ingredient that makes you drowsy.

Dak, what are your symptoms? I've been feeling dizzy and a feeling of being unbalanced for the past 16 months.

MPaiement,

I think that warning exists on most every medication that you can possibly take! (Mostly for the lawyers) - But you are already dizzy, so I don't think you have that much to lose.

OK - You asked for help. You will never know if it's going to help unless you try it. It may help - It may not! - Your Choice - Your Move!

Time to bring this thread to the top again. People are describing the same symptoms.