So this might be a weird one because I can just look this up anywhere, but Ive been dealing with some vexing medical problems the past year and I just want to see how allergies affect others. Maybe hearing from regular people instead of doctors will ease my mind a bit. A little back-story on my issue (though I'm not looking for a diagnosis), almost exactly a year ago I developed sever constant chronic rhino-sinusitis. I am constantly having to clear my throat and snort/sniffle. Its non stop every 30 seconds or so and no matter what combo of meds I take for allergies, nothing really helps. I have never had allergies before (that i know of) and all of a sudden, after well over 40 years on this earth, I'm allergic to everything. And I do have allergies. According to the test I took a few months ago, I tested positive for 45 out of 50 allergens they tested for. To make a long story short, every doctor I go to says its allergies. Says to get allergy shots and keep taking sprays and pills everyday etc. Nothing brings me any relief. I'm on the strongest sprays that are killing my sinuses and multiple 24hr allergy pills (Doctor ordered), and its almost like I'm not taking anything. So my questions to you wonderful people:
- What do allergies feel like for you?
- Are they constant or do you have flareups?
- Do meds help you significantly?
- Am I just being a big baby and how I feel is just what allergies feel like?
I know this is subjective and everyone will have different answers and that's fine. Honestly, I don't really have anyone to bounce ideas off of and talk about this, so this is as much a way for me to scream into the void and vent, as it is to gather info. Again, I'm not looking for a diagnosis, just your personal anecdotes so I can put my own situation into perspective. Love all of you peeps, thanks in advance for any replies!
Edit- Mods, I realize this kinda flirts with rule 3, please feel free to remove it if you so deem.
I have allergies and they suck.
Most of the year, a daily dose of OTC Claritin takes care of it for me. But sometimes in the spring or fall, the pollen counts get too high and the Claritin isn't enough. Doesn't help that I'm allergic to multiple types of pollen. What helps me a lot is to start taking OTC Flonase. It makes a huge difference. The thing with allergies is, the medications work better if you get out in front of the allergic reactions. You can catch up after they start, but it takes longer.
One tip that helps some folks is to take a shower before you go to bed. This can reduce allergens building up on your pillowcase. Obviously, launder your linens regularly.
Also, vacuum the house (wearing a mask) and replace your HVAC filters frequently. Consider getting better filters that are good for allergies (but note they are expensive).
Don't forget the cabin filter in your car.
Finally, the absolute best allergy therapy that I personally know of is immunotherapy AKA allergy injections. This regimen is a major PITA, but it works really well for some folks. It basically trains your immune system to stop freaking out and tolerate the allergens. I did it as a kid and it completely eliminated my allergies until adulthood when I developed new ones. I have considered doing it again, but I'm making do with the OTC regimen for now.
I hope this was at least a little helpful. You have my sympathy. Allergies are no joke, they can be miserable.
I actually have 4 air purifiers in my room and keep it surgically clean since this whole thing started. I do shower in the morning though, so thats a hot tip. Ill try at night and see if that helps! Ive pretty much been doing everything but the allergy shots at this point. Committing to 3-6 years of shots kind of sucks, but thats why i was asking here. Thanks for the reply!
I hope it gets better for you.
A few more tips came to mind.
Flonase works better for me, but some people respond better to Nasonex.
Also, sometimes switching to Allegra instead of Claritin often helps me when the Claritin isn't working. It costs more, so I always switch back.
I have noticed that the first week or two that im on a new med, It feels like its working better. Maybe there is something going on where your body gets used to the medicine its on, and switching helps? IDK, I'll have to ask my Doctor next time. TY!