Asthma /the nasal/and allergies

[happy4health]

Hi

I'm new to the board. I look forward to using the forum to gather info and share experiences.
Iwas diagnosed with asthma several years ago, because of a sinus infection. Lately my sinuses have been fine. But I seem to have nasal congestion? Do alot of asthmatics have this problem.

My asthma is a adult onset. I was wondering if you can acquire an allergy to something(like a cat) if you never had the allergy? I'm going to ask my doctor during my next visit. But I like to informed on things my doctor might not be aware of(the internet helps alot) I have cats now and have had no extreme reaction I sometimes go weeks without astma symptoms. I really don't know if I should consider this an issue. I've tried looking for info on the net, but I can't seem to find what I'm looking for..... I have hayfever (Yr round)and am going to sk my dr what medicine to take And if there is a medicine that might help with mutiple allergies.

PS My asthma (when I have an episode ) is usually once a week. Thank you for any info. Iplan on going to an allergist if my dr thinks that's warranted.

[bluebanana]

Hello
If you have asthma then it is likely that you have allergies. I can tell if an attack is coming if my eyes get itchy and my nose is blocked! If you have an allergy which affects your lungs then it is fairly likely than it will affect your nasal passages and sinuses. I would go and get skin tests to find out what you are allergic to, they will also tell you what to do to minimise your exposure to the things you are allergic to. I have severe asthma and have an allergy to cats and still have a cat at home. It can be worked around. I don't let it sleep on my bed or come into my bed room or go on the furniture, like the sofa. and wash my hands after handling it.
You could try something like piriton or zirtec, both of which are an antihistamine, and are available over the counter from a pharmasist.
Take care and I hope this helps a bit.
x x x

[PinkBananaz]

Originally Posted by happy4health

Hi

I'm new to the board. I look forward to using the forum to gather info and share experiences.
Iwas diagnosed with asthma several years ago, because of a sinus infection. Lately my sinuses have been fine. But I seem to have nasal congestion? Do alot of asthmatics have this problem.

My asthma is a adult onset. I was wondering if you can acquire an allergy to something(like a cat) if you never had the allergy? I'm going to ask my doctor during my next visit. But I like to informed on things my doctor might not be aware of(the internet helps alot) I have cats now and have had no extreme reaction I sometimes go weeks without astma symptoms. I really don't know if I should consider this an issue. I've tried looking for info on the net, but I can't seem to find what I'm looking for..... I have hayfever (Yr round)and am going to sk my dr what medicine to take And if there is a medicine that might help with mutiple allergies.

PS My asthma (when I have an episode ) is usually once a week. Thank you for any info. Iplan on going to an allergist if my dr thinks that's warranted.

Yup yup. My dad developed anaphylaxis to iodine after years of eating and loving shellfish at the ripe age of 56. I have asthma as well as pretty bad sinus & ear/throat problems, which do coincide with each other. Even when I feel fine, my sinuses are congested, and my ear/throat are swollen, but they've been that way for years now so I barely even notice that.
An allergist sounds like a great idea. You can be tested for your allergies and then put on the appropriate treatment(allergy shots possibly), an antihistamine to stop the allergic reaction and maybe even a steroid nasal spray for the congestion, also singulair helps with allergies and allergic asthma.

[monacks]

Yes, you can develop an allergy actually at any time, even if you were never allergic before. Definately go see an allergist. Just keep in mind that some people (like me) don't test positive to the things they are allergic to. I have a cat and am allergic to it, but never tested positive. But I know I am allergic, because whenever he comes and sits on my lap, I start wheezing and my eyes start watering. With that being said, I didn't have a cat for about 5 years (between cats) and my asthma symptoms never got worse or better, so that's why I continue to have a cat.

My nose is stuffed all the time and I seem to have a chronic sinus infection. That seems to coincide with the asthma. This board and the internet has been extremely helpful for me. I feel like its good to be prepared when I go to the dr too!

[happy4health]

I don't seem to have a reaction to my cats. I'll do some discussing of this with my doctor about this issue. you all were a help to me thanks.....