My Seasonal Allergy

[thegardener]

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]

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]

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.

[marcie23]

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.

[thegardener]

One thing nice about the steroid nasal sprays are that they stay local (your nose) unlike taking antihistamines which circulate throughout the body.