Spring/Summer Allergies...Do you have it???

[goodyear]

I've had these in the past and it really picked up this weekend...which was funny because I did yard work all through the long weekend and felt great.

But today, I went for a quick walk and played soccer on a school field and my nose won't stop running and sneezing.

I've used Reactine extra strength in the past. It works well but does not last for 24 hours as advertised.

Just wondering who else has these pesky allergies and what you use to make yourself feel better... over the counter medicine, household remedies or otherwise.

Thanks

[BlackArcher101]

Ugh, kill me please.

[peter12]

Dristan Cold and Sinus works wonders for me.

[vanisleflamesfan]

Plural noun tense agreement... do you have it?

[RedMileDJ]

nm

[Street Pharmacist]

You can take Reactine twice daily (maximum 20mg/day) if needed (assuming no needed reason not to). Often though, it's not the medicine wearing off so much as the exposure to allergens increasing throughout the day. Switching between 2nd generation antihistamines seems to work for some people though there's no proof of that. In general Reactine (cetirizine), Claritin (loratidine) and Aerius (desloratidine) are all equally effective, though everyone find one that works better for them. Generic Reactine is usually the cheapest and it's what I use. First generation antihistamines are shorter lasting and make you tired, so avoid using them (Benadryl, Chlortripolon). Also, be careful with combination antihistamines ("Dual Action" or "Plus Sinus") as these contain decongestants which are stimulants and are slightly more dangerous and cannot be taken twice daily.

Remember that antihistamines are much better preventative medicine than treatment medicine, so take it daily during allergy season or it will be far less effective. They are very safe, even if taken daily

[calgarygeologist]

I am, or was, allergic to grass. I stopped taking allergy medicine at least 12 years ago and over the last few years I haven't had any allergy issues. I guess I got lucky at outgrew my allergies which I've read is possible.

[Burninator]

I have allergies to grass and trees. I hate the spring.

[FlamesAddiction]

My allergies seemed to subside the last couple of years. It used to be hell. Nothing like cutting the grass and then sneezing to a point that your sinuses ache and you feel like passing out.

And I never found any of the medication to be non-drowsy. It might be for the short term, but the crash at the end of the day was always bad. That was the worst part.

I wish I knew what helped my allergies recently, but I really don't know what has changed.

[Nammer403]

Its a hit or miss for me throughout the season but my doctor prescribed Nasonex spray

[Reaper]

I'm a Benadryl myself. It seems to do the trick.

[EuKnoLikeMonny]

I use a combination of Aerius and Flonase, I think Aerius is the one that is the best though, as sometimes I forget to take my flonase (nasal spray) yet still feel alright.

[chemgear]

My main allergy is a year round issue, allergic to the general population.

I find Reactine works for the minor pollen but not the greater issue.

[Mazrim]

Tried a nasal spray for a while, but for whatever reason I would get a bloody nose fairly regularly, so I switched back to allergy pills. Eventually those didn't do enough so I got allergy shots for a year. Now I take prescription allergy pills (double the strength of over the counter stuff) that I cut in half. I only take two when it's bad.

5 years ago I would have a few days a year where my seasonal allergies would keep me home from the strong reactions, now it's just an annoyance and only gets really agitated by pets or camping. As long as I take the full prescription pills daily it's not too bad this time of year.

[polak]

Out of all the genetic "F*** You"'s I got from my loving parents, I was luckily spared any allergies.

[automaton 3]

I take Reactine daily. It worked like a charm when first prescribed a few years ago, but seems to be less effective as of late.

My Dr. recommended I try Aerius and I found that it to be less effective, so back to Reactine.

I had zero allergies up to my mid 30's. Not sure what changed to bring them on but they are a royal pain in the ass.

[Muffins]

Ragweed does a serious number on me. End of June through August is just brutal.

I have yet to find a pill that does the job. Nasal sprays are the only thing that can give me any sort of relief.

I've got a pretty good air filter in my bedroom and I frequently wash my sheets and vacuum in order to eliminate as many pollens as possible so I can actually get some sleep.

This year i'm gonna try adding in a Neti Pot and see if that helps to curb some of the symptoms.

[troutman]

I'm only allergic to something around the first two weeks in July. Itchy eyes and sneezing.

Something from the poplar trees?

I had no allergies at all until about age 40.

[habernac]

mine have gotten better with age, my poor mother's have gotten worse now that she's almost 70

[Tyler]

Originally Posted by troutman

I'm only allergic to something around the first two weeks in July. Itchy eyes and sneezing.

Something from the poplar trees?

I had no allergies at all until about age 40.

Same, happens to me every year. Seems to always conclude around the time Stampede comes to an end oddly enough