marcie23
09-02-2006, 03:03 AM
Every year at this time (fall & winter) I have awful sinus & ear trouble. My ears & nose feel stuffy, swollen, sore. I get dizzy, migraines & infections.
It clears every spring & summer and feels fine.
My doctor calls it seasonal allergy. I can't tolerate decongestants. Antihistimines don't help.
What can I do for this, other than suffer for 6 mos? Or move where it's warm all year round?
It clears every spring & summer and feels fine.
My doctor calls it seasonal allergy. I can't tolerate decongestants. Antihistimines don't help.
What can I do for this, other than suffer for 6 mos? Or move where it's warm all year round?
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Titchou
09-02-2006, 09:05 AM
Find an allergist and get tested..see what you are actually allergic to. This time of year it's probably ragweed. YOu could take shots for it and be in great shpar my next year at this time. What antihistamines have you tried? Havee you tried Zyrtec? I highly recommend it.
sneezydiva
09-02-2006, 01:59 PM
Yup sounds like a ragweed allergy. what have you tried? Have you tried any nosesprays?
MountainReader
09-02-2006, 10:34 PM
In my area Chenopods are high too. They cause me even more problems than the ragweeds.
I agree with Titchou that getting some allergy testing done is the next step. It helps you know what you are dealing with. If allergy shots are suggested, you can begin them now to help with next year.
I agree with Titchou that getting some allergy testing done is the next step. It helps you know what you are dealing with. If allergy shots are suggested, you can begin them now to help with next year.
marcie23
09-03-2006, 02:30 AM
My GP did blood tests and I tested very high for ragweed. And moderately high for mugwort. My irritation lasts from Sept-April. I thought ragweed ended much earlier? Last year I tried Claritin but didn't notice any relief. Decongestants cause my heart to race. My Doc also recommended Flonase. But I haven't tried it yet. I'm concerned about side effects such as nosebleeds. But I'm getting desperate. My ear hurts and I don't want to get dizzy again.
thegardener
09-03-2006, 09:25 AM
If your nose bleeds with one nasal spray, try another. I know a lot of people who did not have good results with Claritin. Many people find relief with Zyrtec. Some people only need to use the nasal spray to control symptoms. If you are worse during the winter season, you might be allergic to dust mites. Dust mites are worse, at least for us, during the winter, because you use more blankets and coats, etc., which harbor more dust mites. We take our winter clothes, etc., out from storage and wash everything before use, because they are so full of dust mites.
Titchou
09-03-2006, 09:28 AM
Claritin doesn't work for a lot of people. Also, the blood test is not as accurate as the scratch test. You really should go to an allergist. Try Zyrtec and/or one of the prescription sprays. Then get started on the shots so that you'll be in good shape by next season.
MountainReader
09-03-2006, 04:41 PM
I have problems with molds and indoor animals during the winter also. I don't have any animals myself anymore, but being around people who have them also aggrevates my allergies. I had scratch testing done and tested EXTREMELY allergic to those items as well as many trees, grasses and weeds-hence, year-round allergies. This is after having completed one round of immunotherapy. I am looking at beginning a second round in the next couple months.
For me, I am on the current treatment:
flonase
astelin
allegra 180
singulair
I am also unable to take decongestants. I did for years, but my blood pressure began going up.
If your nose begins to become dry, try using moisturizing nasal sprays such as Xclear (found at local pharmacisists or natural food stores) or Ayr. Also a humidifier helps. I have to be careful to change filters often and to clean the unit frequently because of the molds, but it helps. The air where I am is very dry.
For me, I am on the current treatment:
flonase
astelin
allegra 180
singulair
I am also unable to take decongestants. I did for years, but my blood pressure began going up.
If your nose begins to become dry, try using moisturizing nasal sprays such as Xclear (found at local pharmacisists or natural food stores) or Ayr. Also a humidifier helps. I have to be careful to change filters often and to clean the unit frequently because of the molds, but it helps. The air where I am is very dry.
marcie23
09-03-2006, 04:53 PM
Thanks. Today is a little better with the a/c on. It's a lovely day but I won't dare go outside. What a shame :(
Are the nasal sprays safe? I'm very sensitive to most meds but never tried a steroid spray.
Are the nasal sprays safe? I'm very sensitive to most meds but never tried a steroid spray.
thegardener
09-04-2006, 09:35 AM
One thing nice about the steroid nasal sprays are that they stay local (your nose) unlike taking antihistamines which circulate throughout the body.
marcie23
09-04-2006, 03:07 PM
thegardener, That's good to know, thanks.
are typical symptoms nose bleeds & headaches? I hope nothing more serious.
are typical symptoms nose bleeds & headaches? I hope nothing more serious.
thegardener
09-04-2006, 04:25 PM
I have only heard of nose bleeds. I have never heard of anyone getting a headache.
marcie23
09-04-2006, 06:24 PM
Thanks MountainReader, I appreciate all advice.
I have a small dog. I'm not allergic to her...but...she likes to play outdoors and probably carries pollens in with her. She is not allowed on the furniture. And I just ordered an air cleaner from QVC. I hope that helps. (I've heard bad things about ionizers).
I got a hydrometer and measure the humidity daily. Living on the east coast, we have too much humidity. I have a dehumidifer for summer. And I got a humidifier for winter but I found it difficult to clean.
Since my apt is small, I usually simmer a huge spaghetti pot of water each night. It adds a nice, warm humidity in the cold winter months. And the pot is easy to clean in the dishwasher. (But I wouldn't recommend it, for safety resasons. I use a timer to remind me to shut it off).
I have a small dog. I'm not allergic to her...but...she likes to play outdoors and probably carries pollens in with her. She is not allowed on the furniture. And I just ordered an air cleaner from QVC. I hope that helps. (I've heard bad things about ionizers).
I got a hydrometer and measure the humidity daily. Living on the east coast, we have too much humidity. I have a dehumidifer for summer. And I got a humidifier for winter but I found it difficult to clean.
Since my apt is small, I usually simmer a huge spaghetti pot of water each night. It adds a nice, warm humidity in the cold winter months. And the pot is easy to clean in the dishwasher. (But I wouldn't recommend it, for safety resasons. I use a timer to remind me to shut it off).
purplediamond
09-07-2006, 09:38 PM
I'm sorry that your allergies seems to be kicking your butt..........:(..............maybe you should try the shots!