Allergies

[flames_fan13]

My allergies have started to act up the last few weeks, ever since the A/C at my work started running again. I've taken what is supposed to be 24 hour lasting Claritin to try and battle but it is losing the battle. So I'd thought and see what other Allergy sufferers use to combat the sneezing and dry eyes.

[MJK]

I am very interested in this thread. My biggest problem is a runny nose. I think I have tried all medicine with crappy results.

[Canada 02]

there are so many anti-histamines and decongestants; the effectiveness varies from person to person. For me, Zyrtec-D works great. Zyrtec is ceterizine; the Decongestant part is pseudoephedrine

For me, Zyrtec-D works better than just Zyrtec

other common anti-histamines are:

diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
fexofenadine (Allegra)
loratadine (Claratin)

common decongestants are:

ephedrine, phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine

I gave the chemical drug names so you can look at the name brand or the cheaper, but identical generic

[Swarly]

my allergies trigger my asthma and I've been having a heck of a time lately, taking my puffer almost everyday. In winter I take it maybe once a month tops. Must be some pollen flying up from Montana again. Thats the last time my allergies/asthma were this bad.

[Stillman16]

If your allergies are really bothersome, then maybe you should talk to your doctor.

I went, jumped through all the hoops he wanted me too (took the nasal spray for 6 months), and he refered me to an allergy specialist.

The specialist tested me for all common allergens, and determined my allergies, so he could treat my allergies with shots. I have seasonal (grass, weeds and trees=pollen) allergies, so I get shots (weekly for about 2 months, in increasing doses) to "desensitize" before the pollen season.

I used to have really bad runny nose, watery eyes, etc, and my wife definetly notices the diference.

[Otto-matic]

To deal with itchy eyes due to seasonal allergies, I believe I use the Cromolyn brand eye drops

[blankall]

My allergies have been going nuts the last few days. It was a slow buildup over the last couple of weeks. I've been using Reactine which was working great up until a few days ago.

I'm wondering if my allergies have gotten worse and the medicine just isn't strong enough. I tried double dosing one day, which seemed to still have no effect.

Maybe I need to rotate through different medicines through the season as I adjust to one? Anyone else tried this? I've also heard it's best to have one medicine build up in your system.

[Boblobla]

I swear by Reactine. My fiancees mum gets these awesome trail packs at work so I dont have to pay an arm and a leg for them.

[FlamesKickAss]

I use claritin allergy and sinus (same as claritinD) in the states works pretty good. I have also used allegra d which worked good too

[troutman]

I am 42, and never had any allergies until about three years ago. Now for a few weeks every Spring, I get Hay Fever. Sneezing, watery/red eyes, runny nose. Reactine helps, but makes me a bit drowsy. I think it is all the pollen in the air - the last few rainy days were tolerable as the pollen was put down.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hay_fever#Hay_fever

Many people with pollen allergies reduce their exposure by remaining indoors during hay fever season, particularly in the morning and evening, when outdoor pollen levels are at their highest. Closing all the windows and doors prevents wind-borne pollen from entering the home or office. When traveling in a vehicle, closing all the windows reduces exposure. Air conditioners are reasonably effective filters, and special pollen filters can be fitted to both home and vehicle air conditioning systems.[11]

Because many allergens cling to clothing, skin, and hair, regular cleaning reduces exposure and therefore symptoms. Many people bathe before sleeping, to minimize their exposure to potential allergins that could have stuck to their bodies during the day. Some people use nasal irrigation to physically remove contaminants from their noses.

Frequently cleaning floors and washing bedding can significantly reduce local irritants such as dust, as well as those tracked in by family, pets and visitors.

Several antagonistic drugs are used to block the action of allergic mediators, or to prevent activation of cells and degranulation processes. These include antihistamines, cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, epinephrine (adrenaline), theophylline and cromolyn sodium. Anti-leukotrienes, such as Montelukast (Singulair) or Zafirlukast (Accolate), are FDA approved for treatment of allergic diseases.[12] One antihistamine, Azelastine (Astelin), is available as a nasal spray.

[enthused]

This is the first year I have ever experienced allergies, and so far its absolutely terrible! I constantly have dry, scratchy eyes. I sneeze about a thousand times a day. My throat is dry no matter how much water I drink.

What's the best thing to take for those kind of symptoms?

[habernac]

allergies suck this year, worse than most years for me. Claritin works ok, I mostly just put with it.

[KevanGuy]

Same with me, worst year that I can remember. They have been going strong for three weeks now. I've tried the rotation of diff meds with no success. Reactine usually works for me but it hasn't been effective at all so far this year.

[habernac]

I've had bad hay fever since I can remember. The one year I didn't get it was the 6 months I lived in Venezuela. Different trees or something I guess. I think the worst for me is snow mold and poplar.

[81flames]

Apparently, if you take a tablespoon of local honey a day, it helps in reducing allergy symptoms. I’m not 100% sure that it works, but my sister swears by it….she doesn’t get allergies. It has to be local honey though.

[kermitology]

Dear lord my sinuses are so clogged right now.

I've tried neti pot, decongestant, reactine.. ugh. I wonder if someone is sticking toy soldiers or crayons or something in my nose..

[North East Goon]

Benadryl gives you one hell of a buzz, at least it does for me. The come down effect or burnout is on par with smoking a joint though!

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I'm looking at the puddle on my deck and can see that the edges of it are drying yellow like chalk dust.

Time to hit the Reactine methinks......

[troutman]

Originally Posted by 81flames

Apparently, if you take a tablespoon of local honey a day, it helps in reducing allergy symptoms. I’m not 100% sure that it works, but my sister swears by it….she doesn’t get allergies. It has to be local honey though.

http://archaeoporn.wordpress.com/200...dical-miracle/

This sounds quite amazing, but it’s likely false. You see, most pollen allergies come from tree and grass pollens, not flower pollens. This means, of course, that these aren’t the pollens bees are likely to collect and put into their honey. It appears to be just another aspect of this “natural is better” craze that is strong right now, even though it is so often illogical and unproven (or disproven).

Don’t believe me? A controlled study in the Annals of Allergies, Asthma, and Immonology, (Abstract here) concluded that

This study does not confirm the widely held belief that honey relieves the symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

[Lucifer]

I usually just stick with Claritan, seems to help me.

Thankfully, my allergies haven't been acting up thus far.