Iat least I think it might be allergies.

I'm 40 years old and in pretty good health. My mother and brother have suffered from allergies their whole lives. I have never had allergies. At least that I know of.

Believe it or not, this is the very short version of the story:

In November of 2006 I felt what I believed to be a "head cold" coming on. It made me feel lightheaded, like I was in a "brain fog." My head wasn't clear. I though to myself, "It will go away in a few days." It never did. It was CONSTANT... from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed, I felt lightheaded. I also felt pressure behind my nose and eyes.

I went to the doctor in January 2007. I told him, "I feel lightheaded all the time. I also feel pressure behind my nose and around my eyes. Do you think I have a sinus infection? And if so, might it be causing my lightheadedness?" He looked in my nose and said, "I see some redness in your nasal cavity. So you might have a sinus infection. I'll prescribe some antibiotics for it. I'll also order a blood test. And let's get an MRI of your brain, too."

I took the antibiotics; they didn't help. The blood work came out normal. The MRI of the brain was normal.

In March of 2007 I went to see a neurologist. He didn't find any problems.

In June of 2007 I went to see an allergist. He asked, "Are you sneezing? Does your nose run all the time?" I told him, "No... just head pressure, fatigue, and lightheadedness." He told me to get more sleep. :rolleyes:

In September of 2007 I went to see another allergist. This time I received a "scratch test" on my right forearm. The results were negative. He said, "Sorry, you're not allergic to anything. Have a nice day."

Thinking it could be a pinched nerve in my neck, I went to a chiropractor in November of 2007. Received seven treatments over a three week period. It didn't help.

Over the past year I've also tried sinus rinsing (Neti pot), Nasonex, OTC decongestants, OTC antihistamines, and vitamins. None gave relief.

Today:

My symptoms have not subsided... it's now December 2007, over 1 YEAR since all this started. I still feel lightheaded all the time, and I still feel pressure in my head all the time.

I have no idea where to turn at this point. I'm somewhat apprehensive to go back to my primary care physician, as he has no idea what the problem is. He probably thinks I'm a hypochondriac at this point.

I have no idea what the problem is. :( Could it still be an allergy? A mold allergy, perhaps? Is it possible I have developed an allergy at this point in my life that the scratch test did not discover?

Thanks

The scratch test would should any environmental allergies unless it was something odd. Have you ever tried food allergy testing? It's typically a blood test. My cousin is allergic to corn and it gives him the same symptoms as hayfever.

The scratch test would should any environmental allergies unless it was something odd. Have you ever tried food allergy testing? It's typically a blood test. My cousin is allergic to corn and it gives him the same symptoms as hayfever.I haven't tried the food allergy test. I assume I should I go back to the allergist for this test? Is it possible for someone to suddenly develop a food allergy at my age (40)?

It's worth a try to re-do the testing and have them test for food allergies. You can absolutely develop allergies at age 40 - I mentioned this in another post, but many people develop reactions to certain foods (shellfish is a common one) when they're in their 40's.

The only thing that you mention that doesn't really fit a food allergy is the fact that it never subsides - sounds more like an allergy to mold or some other environmental allergen (although if it's something like wheat gluten or other common food substance it could still be food).

I'd go for one more round of allergy testing - I'd also recommend that you go seen and ENT specialist if you haven't already.

It's worth a try to re-do the testing and have them test for food allergies. You can absolutely develop allergies at age 40 - I mentioned this in another post, but many people develop reactions to certain foods (shellfish is a common one) when they're in their 40's.

The only thing that you mention that doesn't really fit a food allergy is the fact that it never subsides - sounds more like an allergy to mold or some other environmental allergen (although if it's something like wheat gluten or other common food substance it could still be food).

I'd go for one more round of allergy testing - I'd also recommend that you go seen and ENT specialist if you haven't already.
I'll go back and do the food allergy test. This is a blood test, right?

I saw an ENT 6 months ago. He shrugged his shoulders and gave me a prescription of Nasonex. Which hasn't helped. :(

They can test for food allergies using a blood test or skin tests - probably will depend on what your doctor prefers.

It doesn't sound like you've had the best luck with allergists so far - you might try to ask around and find one who is really persistent and thorough (same for the ENT). Finding the right doctors - who are as curious about what's causing this as you are - makes all the difference when you're dealing with something like this. I actually drive 3 hours to Omaha to see a world-class ENT who is incredibly compassionate and understanding, and am fortunate to have found an allergist nearby who has allergies himself and understands how frustrating all of this can be.

Good luck.

Hi I am 42 and found out in May of this year that I am allergic to trees, grass, Dog, Cats, ALL NUTS, FISH, WHEAT, EGG, and lots more I don't know what to eat!!

I have a lot of sinus pain and the ENT put me on Naaonex... Mandy