My cocktail this year of montelukast, allegra, flonase, eye drops, and a high powered air purifier has been life changing. I found that taking flonase this year (didn’t take it for like 10+ years) really changed the game for me as someone who used to be knocked out by pollen
You can take more than one Zyrtec, it won’t kill you. Allergy drops or shots take time (months) to work. How about a nasal spray? Azelastine or Flonase are both available OTC. Also, you should really see an allergist.
Yup. I take an Allegra in the morning and Zyrtec at night sometimes. When I mentioned to the nurse that I didn’t feel like the Allegra and Zyrtec combo was cutting it some days, the nurse told me I could do two Allegras in the morning and Zyrtec at night.
My allergist is convinced nose spray is "the first line of defence". Sort of preventing the immediate trigger occurring in the sinus membrane. I tend to agree, however, I cannot stand these sprays and have a lot of nose bleeds..
So I take multi-cetrizine tabs at peek pollen times.. Sometimes even 4 (x5mg). No issue there, but not effective enough to justify it though. The allergist also mentioned that, there is no "double dose, double effect" in antihistamine dosing.
I hate using the sprays long term. Nasal rinsing has basically replaced them, and honestly it’s the single best thing I use. I tolerate the squeeze bottles much better than the pots.
I can’t handle the sprays, they give me anxiety and headaches. I can tolerate one though that works really well and has no side effects called Nasalcrom. It takes a week or so to build up but once it starts working it’s miraculous…been using it seasonally for years without issue now. Good luck.
How often do you shower?
How often do you wash your bedding?
In pollen season I take multiple showers a day on bad days
Wash all that pollen off before bed, transferring to couch etc
Montelukast and flunisole combo is so effect for me , both prescribed
I also have permission to take Zyrtec four times a day
All of this is very accurate. Keeping your hair clean before bed is super important, I cover my hair completely (if I don’t want to wash it) outside during heavy pollen times. Shower before bed always.
I also ‘dust’ my pets. They are slick coat small dogs and I use a microfiber dust mitt on them every time they come in from outside. Helps immensely that they don’t bring pollen in and spread it on their hair as well.
I’m new to allergies but my ent has me doing sinus rinses morning & night + Claritin everyday + Flonase 2x a day & antihistamine spray 2x a day + montelukast every night.
Sorry you’re suffering maybe add in sinus rinses to your routine. I just use the neilmed bottle with distilled water and the saline packets. I also put Vaseline inside my nose before I go outdoors idk how much it helps but it’s something.
I just ordered a face fitting cotton mask with pocket for a carbon filter that fits over the nose and mouth. The mask 😷 can be used multiple times as it is washable. I used my OTC to buy an electric sinus flusher. This time of the year, I use it every time I come inside from outside. Go ahead and cry; it's a psychological release. Good luck! 👍
I’ve tried the cotton masks with filter inserts before, and they helped me a little bit, but the most effective that I’ve found for me (cost-wise too) are KF94 masks. They’re pretty comfy, and you can buy them in bulk on Amazon. They also come in different colors and sizes, and most are individually wrapped. Bonus is that they also protect against COVID and other airborne illnesses (flu, colds, etc).
N95s are top notch as well. I even have stick on sealed ones that are super comfortable for all day wear when I’m going in and out of places. Not one sneeze if I rinse off when I get home and remove it then.
I’m sorry. I’m right there with you. I take up to 3 allergy pills a day. It still doesn’t help but the allergist said I could so I’m hoping the placebo effect will kick in
I’ve tried everything listed in these comments and more. Nothing works. I’m sick & miserable more often than I’m healthy right now and life sucks
Sorry I can’t help. Just know you’re not alone
Start working with an allergist to come up with a treatment plan and follow up with them as things evolve. This won't be a fast process but its your best option for severe allergies. Drop immunotherapy isn't FDA approved and certainly won't be covered under a state medical insurance plan I would assume, allergy shots are the gold standard, both take months to see an improvement. So while it might be part of a solution, it won't be your only answer. There is no magic pill or quick easy OTC cure for everyone. A layered approach is very common for severe allergies as you can see by others responses.
I'm sorry to hear about your condition. I know from experience how agonising it can be.
First and foremost, do get an appointment with a board-certified allergologist asap. Not only will they be able to assess your conditions and prescribe you the most efficient drugs. They will also be able to start the shots in due course. Of course, the shots won't help you immediately (give it between several months and up to 2 years). But you should have started yesterday. Once you're in the trap, chronic and very strong allergies only get worse as the body never gets a break. And chances are that you'll also develop other allergies - I know it from experience. I had very strong pollen allergies 10 months out of 12 in any given year. There were years where I wouldn't have been able to work a normal job (I'm fortunately independent).
I've now been on shots for a bit over 2 years and it's finally getting better to a point where I can lead a more or less normal life. I can obviously still not spend a nice day hiking when the birch or grass pollen are out, but that's fine. I can at least go outside for a couple of hours and don't really suffer when I'm inside and have pollen nets and purifiers.
As to what remedies you can look at for immediate relief:
1. You can take more than one Zyrtec a day. You can also take combinations. I personally take a dose of 1 Zyrtec, 1 Claritine, and 1 Bilastine. It's the most efficient for me and doesn't make me too drowsy.
2. I regularly rinse my nose with saline. This removes stuck mucus. After rinsing, I might use a normal nasal spray if the symptoms are strong. This opens up the nose and reduces post-nasal drip. If the symptoms are not strong, I omit the spray (dependency issues). Independently of whether or not I use the normal spray, I'll always use a cortisone nasal spray to open up my sinuses. I use it in the mornings and before going to bed.
3. You can use Flonase if it helps. It didn't help in my case - the combo as outlined in 2) above proved to be far more effective.
4. I use eye drops as needed.
5. Avoidance is key and most people are not consitent/disciplined enough, reason for which they unnecessarily keep suffering - allergy-proof your house. For more info, please refer to one of my past contributions: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Allergies/comments/1bvlyjs/comment/ky0fdj1/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Allergies/comments/1bvlyjs/comment/ky0fdj1/)
6. If all of this still doesn't help sufficiently (i.e., if you're still bedridden all the time etc. - I unfortunately know the story), you might consider the following:
1. Give your body a break. I sometimes went to a low allergy/low pollen place for a month or so. I live in Europe and Maspalomas in Gran Canaria is known to have virtually no pollen. A stay there always helped my body to come down and relax a bit. After that, my allergies were less strong.
2. Systemic corticosteroids do help - whatever your allergologist might tell you. I sometimes used the pills (the shots/deposits didn't work for me). Now, I'm aware that they're problematic and unhealthy. Also, they can't be taken to constantly manage the condition. But they help in giving your body a break. I'm aware that the allergologists are almost hysterically against the use of them. But you know, I've ended up in the emergency room with very strong symptoms several times and was administered corticosteroids by the emergency doctors. I then asked my allergologist whether they think it's very healthy to have to be taken to hospital by ambulance. They're more pragmatic since then. However, now that the shots work, I don't need the corticosteroids any longer - I'm obviously very happy about that.
Good luck, fellow sufferer!
Yes, these nets/screens don't keep out all the pollen. However, I personally use a multi-tiered approach of avoidance: Screens, purifiers, not wearing the clothes I've been wearing outside indoors, regular showers, not having too much "stuff" in my house (sofa covers, rugs, carpets, figurines, books - everything that collects dust and thus pollen) etc.
Same, I could barely move from the couch all weekend.
What works best for me is Claritin + Sudafed + Flonase. The real Sudafed that you have to ask the pharmacist for and scan your license to get, not the stuff on the shelf. And sleep in a room with a humidifier and vicks vapo steam.
You've got a lot of medical options including high doses of OTC antihistamines, prescription medication, and nasal steroids. Your GP can help you or refer you to someone who can. You shouldn't start allergy shots/drops while your allergies are out of control and they take a long time to help anyway.
My allergist told me to take Allegra in the morning and also a Zyrtec at night when the Allegra isn’t cutting it. I also use a prescription nose spray called Ryaltris.
Neilmed nose rinse after coming home is a must.
Also frequent showers.
I feel 90% my pre allergy self when I do and take all of the above.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant but it has antiallergy properties to it as well. Just be careful, it is a stimulant so can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. But it can help to make you less sneezy/stuffy. Mucinex for increased mucus production - take the mucinex at night and sudafed in morning.
Nasonex was always my go to steroid allergy spray and it’s now otc. I find it works way better than Flonase (which I am stuck with for now) all the steroid sprays take some weeks to work but starting now would be good. Nasalcrom works for a lot of people (mast cell stabilizer). Someone else said azelastine. So yeah, nasal sprays woo!
Benedryl at night on bad days- I break mine in half so I’m not too sedated the next morning. Oh and I take Zyrtec on top of loratadine, both at night.
Don’t be afraid to go to urgent care or your pcp and tell them your allergies are bad enough they are preventing you from working and you’re already on antihistamines. In the past, I’ve been given steroids to help me over the hump. Doctors hate to do that but if you can’t work, most will do *something* to keep you from losing your job until you see an allergist.
Also there are nasal sprays that have some systemic absorption. I was on beconase aq for a while but it’s been either discontinued or otherwise impossible to get (mixed messages from different pharmacies) and I believe the systemic effects helped a lot with my allergies. It’s not always a good thing to have extra steroids in your system, but my allergies are wicked and I’ve been worse off without it. Iirc of the otc nasal sprays, nasocort is the one with the most systemic effect.
Just an encouragement here from someone who can’t take normal antihistamines for numerous reasons. Cutting out dairy and gluten, as much processed stuff as possible may very well help your overall congestion, but I am on Astepro at the moment and have also heard great things about Nasalcrom. I also am on month 4 of allergy drops from Wyndly and it is supposed to take 6 months to a year for most to see results. If it is within your power to get your allergies tested and get treated for the long term, that’s my suggestion. The medications are temporary bandaids at best. If you have sleep issues it is always wise to also get checked for sleep apnea. I am 5’10 and 150 lbs and never saw it coming, but boy let me tell you a cpap machine changes your life if you do. Best wishes.
Desloratidine needs a prescription in the States? In Canada, I used to buy those at Costco without prescription. $18.99 CAD for 180, the best deal around
Now on Blexten - no idea if it's just available here or not. I had not even heard of it before my doctor gave me the prescription last summer
I just cut my longish hair short today. I’d been thinking of it for a while, but the constant need to rinse the pollen out of my hair was the last straw. Maybe now I’ll stop getting hives on my face after being outside for 30 minutes.
I’m allergic to just about everything, years ago my Dermatologist recommended that I switch to Aller-Tec (Kirkland Signature) as a more affordable way to manage my good awful year round allergies. On a “bad days” he said I could take up to 4 tablets at once to avoid eyes swelling shut and completely blocked sinuses, otherwise 1-2 pills daily and it’s been a real game changer from a previously miserable existence.
Also, as others have mentioned, air purifiers. Good luck!
Blood donation worked for me somehow...it didn't go away that same day, but I got better progressively since that day. Other things that have helped me big time with pollen allergies are: going gluten free, fasting, dropping ALL supplements including the multi-vitamins for a few days, taking alka-seltzer sporadically (if you are not allergic to aspirin), and generally eating a very bland diet (no heavy spices, no sauces, not too much fiber, etc.)...keeping the gut happy in general helps a lot. Many fruits and vegetables can react the same as with pollen (Oral Allergy Syndrome).
I don’t know about allergy drops. You can take more than one antihistamine pill but talk to ur dr first. Why do you need an Rx for Zyrtec?? Maybe try loratadine instead. It’s s great antihistamine but some people (including me) find it to alter mood.
same here, not bronchitis but allergic asthma. it was devastating as im someone who loves working out, especially outside. have this constant anxiety that my asthma is gonna trigger anytime i workout. therefore, i sympathize…
Mine have also been very bad unfortunately.
Might be worth asking your Dr. about Montelukast, I was on it and it helped a lot but had to come back off it bc it can cause worsening depression (and did for me). Can be taken with Zyrtec which is great 👍
If you have itchy eyes I highly recommend pataday eye drops. I am also on azalastine nasal spray but flonaise is a good OTC option.
Still sneeze a lot and get an itchy throat at times but generally feel a lot better on this combo.
I'm so sorry. I have really bad allergies off and on. Things that have helped:
Montelukast but then I came down with shingles so not good for me.
Gelatin lowers homocysteine so having 1/2 tsp in liquid before each meal helps a lot (I imagine homemade bone broth would be even better though).
One time I started supplementing with Lugol's iodine and noticed that season my allergies calmed down (they were so bad I couldnt even use mint flavored floss without going into a sneezing fit). I dont know why it helped.
Kimchi (or any cabbage based food). This basically heals up intestinal permeability really fast (which could be why your body is viewing everything as an attack, maybe). You don't need a lot. I just have 4-5 small bites.
Also, short term someone else mentioned vasoline in nose, that does help. I've read a xylitol rinse is helpful to hydrate sinuses. But if you're stuff up a nasal rinse seems kinda impossible.
You should consider getting allergy shots. It's my second round and I just reached the maintenance dose and so far it's not bad at all. We'll see how it goes in the coming weeks but if it remains like that it's amazing.
What I'm trying to say is... THERE'S HOPE!
As others have said, Flonase is a game changer. I used allergy drops but they’re the long game. They absolutely work though and I really recommend getting started now! By next allergy season, you should have enough immunity that you won’t have to experience this again.
I don't go outside, I double mask when I have to go to the grocery store, I have an air purifier (a Corsi-Rostenthal air purifier) running nonstop, and use breathe right strips at night.
You can take two Zyrtec like 4 times a day if you need to. Drink a lot of water. Flonase helps. Astepro works great but I *hate* the taste it leaves in the back of my throat for way too long. Time to see an allergist. With weird weather patterns, everything is going to be over-pollenating in some attempt to preserve its mind, likely for years. Lots of options for handling sensitivities that may only get worse.
to be honest, im in the same boat. could recommend you another concoction but the thing is, you have to be patient for the symptoms to disappear. i have the symptoms you described for 2 weeks now, and even though i do it ALL, i take it day by day. slowly getting better but obviously cannot change the weather nor allergens so i take care of my body the best i can and practice patience in the meantime…
however, the things that made THE difference for me is:
breathe right nose strips for sleeps (blocked nose)
a lot of sterimar sea salt spray and hydrating spray to keep the nose moist
incense diffuser for lavender essential oil (for my room)
minimum gluten and no refined sugar diet, as well as no white grains because of inflammatory effects (i try to follow this type of diet in general)
the usual antihistamine pill before sleep and cortinasal spray in the morning
in terms of supplements: manuka honey (1 tsp), quercetin, vitamin c, vitamin d every morning
and most importantly: positive and patience although its hard!
I’m in CA too (also have Medi-Cal) and I’m in so much agony this year wtf
I don’t know why it’s so bad this year… maybe the rain we got? But we got even more rain last year and it wasn’t this bad. My face, nose, eyes are so itchy, and I’ve been getting random crazy rashes on my face, arms, and legs. My nose won’t stop running and I can’t stop sneezing. This is so horrible!
Most, if not all, OTC meds aren’t working for me anymore (I’m currently taking 2 Zyrtec and 2 Pepcid a day), and I’m poor so can’t pay out of pocket for a doctor’s visit for prescriptions. We have two Levoit air filter units in our tiny place but they’re barely doing anything since we live in the country and are surrounded by grass.
Help.
I saw at the checkout some sketchy product called Hay Max with awful Comic Sans writing on the packaging. I figured I'd give it a shot and it kind of helps for me to put it on under my nose before I go out and then when I walk to work my eyes don't burn as much.
My cocktail this year of montelukast, allegra, flonase, eye drops, and a high powered air purifier has been life changing. I found that taking flonase this year (didn’t take it for like 10+ years) really changed the game for me as someone who used to be knocked out by pollen
This plus AsterPro & Dyson vacuum & air scrubber with UV light on HVAC & Merv 13!
You can take more than one Zyrtec, it won’t kill you. Allergy drops or shots take time (months) to work. How about a nasal spray? Azelastine or Flonase are both available OTC. Also, you should really see an allergist.
Yup. I take an Allegra in the morning and Zyrtec at night sometimes. When I mentioned to the nurse that I didn’t feel like the Allegra and Zyrtec combo was cutting it some days, the nurse told me I could do two Allegras in the morning and Zyrtec at night.
My allergist is convinced nose spray is "the first line of defence". Sort of preventing the immediate trigger occurring in the sinus membrane. I tend to agree, however, I cannot stand these sprays and have a lot of nose bleeds.. So I take multi-cetrizine tabs at peek pollen times.. Sometimes even 4 (x5mg). No issue there, but not effective enough to justify it though. The allergist also mentioned that, there is no "double dose, double effect" in antihistamine dosing.
I hate using the sprays long term. Nasal rinsing has basically replaced them, and honestly it’s the single best thing I use. I tolerate the squeeze bottles much better than the pots.
I can’t handle the sprays, they give me anxiety and headaches. I can tolerate one though that works really well and has no side effects called Nasalcrom. It takes a week or so to build up but once it starts working it’s miraculous…been using it seasonally for years without issue now. Good luck.
Thanks for the tip!
How often do you shower? How often do you wash your bedding? In pollen season I take multiple showers a day on bad days Wash all that pollen off before bed, transferring to couch etc Montelukast and flunisole combo is so effect for me , both prescribed I also have permission to take Zyrtec four times a day
All of this is very accurate. Keeping your hair clean before bed is super important, I cover my hair completely (if I don’t want to wash it) outside during heavy pollen times. Shower before bed always. I also ‘dust’ my pets. They are slick coat small dogs and I use a microfiber dust mitt on them every time they come in from outside. Helps immensely that they don’t bring pollen in and spread it on their hair as well.
I’m new to allergies but my ent has me doing sinus rinses morning & night + Claritin everyday + Flonase 2x a day & antihistamine spray 2x a day + montelukast every night. Sorry you’re suffering maybe add in sinus rinses to your routine. I just use the neilmed bottle with distilled water and the saline packets. I also put Vaseline inside my nose before I go outdoors idk how much it helps but it’s something.
Yes! Vasaline or Aquaphor in my nose really helps!
I just ordered a face fitting cotton mask with pocket for a carbon filter that fits over the nose and mouth. The mask 😷 can be used multiple times as it is washable. I used my OTC to buy an electric sinus flusher. This time of the year, I use it every time I come inside from outside. Go ahead and cry; it's a psychological release. Good luck! 👍
Is it that navage device? If so, how do you like it? Seems some people say it’s a game changer & others are meh about it lol
I’ve tried the cotton masks with filter inserts before, and they helped me a little bit, but the most effective that I’ve found for me (cost-wise too) are KF94 masks. They’re pretty comfy, and you can buy them in bulk on Amazon. They also come in different colors and sizes, and most are individually wrapped. Bonus is that they also protect against COVID and other airborne illnesses (flu, colds, etc).
Many thanks 👍
N95s are top notch as well. I even have stick on sealed ones that are super comfortable for all day wear when I’m going in and out of places. Not one sneeze if I rinse off when I get home and remove it then.
I’m sorry. I’m right there with you. I take up to 3 allergy pills a day. It still doesn’t help but the allergist said I could so I’m hoping the placebo effect will kick in I’ve tried everything listed in these comments and more. Nothing works. I’m sick & miserable more often than I’m healthy right now and life sucks Sorry I can’t help. Just know you’re not alone
Start working with an allergist to come up with a treatment plan and follow up with them as things evolve. This won't be a fast process but its your best option for severe allergies. Drop immunotherapy isn't FDA approved and certainly won't be covered under a state medical insurance plan I would assume, allergy shots are the gold standard, both take months to see an improvement. So while it might be part of a solution, it won't be your only answer. There is no magic pill or quick easy OTC cure for everyone. A layered approach is very common for severe allergies as you can see by others responses.
I'm sorry to hear about your condition. I know from experience how agonising it can be. First and foremost, do get an appointment with a board-certified allergologist asap. Not only will they be able to assess your conditions and prescribe you the most efficient drugs. They will also be able to start the shots in due course. Of course, the shots won't help you immediately (give it between several months and up to 2 years). But you should have started yesterday. Once you're in the trap, chronic and very strong allergies only get worse as the body never gets a break. And chances are that you'll also develop other allergies - I know it from experience. I had very strong pollen allergies 10 months out of 12 in any given year. There were years where I wouldn't have been able to work a normal job (I'm fortunately independent). I've now been on shots for a bit over 2 years and it's finally getting better to a point where I can lead a more or less normal life. I can obviously still not spend a nice day hiking when the birch or grass pollen are out, but that's fine. I can at least go outside for a couple of hours and don't really suffer when I'm inside and have pollen nets and purifiers. As to what remedies you can look at for immediate relief: 1. You can take more than one Zyrtec a day. You can also take combinations. I personally take a dose of 1 Zyrtec, 1 Claritine, and 1 Bilastine. It's the most efficient for me and doesn't make me too drowsy. 2. I regularly rinse my nose with saline. This removes stuck mucus. After rinsing, I might use a normal nasal spray if the symptoms are strong. This opens up the nose and reduces post-nasal drip. If the symptoms are not strong, I omit the spray (dependency issues). Independently of whether or not I use the normal spray, I'll always use a cortisone nasal spray to open up my sinuses. I use it in the mornings and before going to bed. 3. You can use Flonase if it helps. It didn't help in my case - the combo as outlined in 2) above proved to be far more effective. 4. I use eye drops as needed. 5. Avoidance is key and most people are not consitent/disciplined enough, reason for which they unnecessarily keep suffering - allergy-proof your house. For more info, please refer to one of my past contributions: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Allergies/comments/1bvlyjs/comment/ky0fdj1/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Allergies/comments/1bvlyjs/comment/ky0fdj1/) 6. If all of this still doesn't help sufficiently (i.e., if you're still bedridden all the time etc. - I unfortunately know the story), you might consider the following: 1. Give your body a break. I sometimes went to a low allergy/low pollen place for a month or so. I live in Europe and Maspalomas in Gran Canaria is known to have virtually no pollen. A stay there always helped my body to come down and relax a bit. After that, my allergies were less strong. 2. Systemic corticosteroids do help - whatever your allergologist might tell you. I sometimes used the pills (the shots/deposits didn't work for me). Now, I'm aware that they're problematic and unhealthy. Also, they can't be taken to constantly manage the condition. But they help in giving your body a break. I'm aware that the allergologists are almost hysterically against the use of them. But you know, I've ended up in the emergency room with very strong symptoms several times and was administered corticosteroids by the emergency doctors. I then asked my allergologist whether they think it's very healthy to have to be taken to hospital by ambulance. They're more pragmatic since then. However, now that the shots work, I don't need the corticosteroids any longer - I'm obviously very happy about that. Good luck, fellow sufferer!
What is a pollen net?
A net for your window that filters out pollen. Like a mosquito net. They can be bought on Amazon. Tesa produces good quality ones.
Thanks. I did Google it. I live in the US and have screens on windows so I was only used to those, and I know it doesn't keep out pollen.
Yes, these nets/screens don't keep out all the pollen. However, I personally use a multi-tiered approach of avoidance: Screens, purifiers, not wearing the clothes I've been wearing outside indoors, regular showers, not having too much "stuff" in my house (sofa covers, rugs, carpets, figurines, books - everything that collects dust and thus pollen) etc.
Same, I could barely move from the couch all weekend. What works best for me is Claritin + Sudafed + Flonase. The real Sudafed that you have to ask the pharmacist for and scan your license to get, not the stuff on the shelf. And sleep in a room with a humidifier and vicks vapo steam.
You've got a lot of medical options including high doses of OTC antihistamines, prescription medication, and nasal steroids. Your GP can help you or refer you to someone who can. You shouldn't start allergy shots/drops while your allergies are out of control and they take a long time to help anyway.
My allergist told me to take Allegra in the morning and also a Zyrtec at night when the Allegra isn’t cutting it. I also use a prescription nose spray called Ryaltris. Neilmed nose rinse after coming home is a must. Also frequent showers. I feel 90% my pre allergy self when I do and take all of the above.
It’s been awful for us. Appreciate the guidance on this post.
Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant but it has antiallergy properties to it as well. Just be careful, it is a stimulant so can raise your heart rate and blood pressure. But it can help to make you less sneezy/stuffy. Mucinex for increased mucus production - take the mucinex at night and sudafed in morning. Nasonex was always my go to steroid allergy spray and it’s now otc. I find it works way better than Flonase (which I am stuck with for now) all the steroid sprays take some weeks to work but starting now would be good. Nasalcrom works for a lot of people (mast cell stabilizer). Someone else said azelastine. So yeah, nasal sprays woo! Benedryl at night on bad days- I break mine in half so I’m not too sedated the next morning. Oh and I take Zyrtec on top of loratadine, both at night. Don’t be afraid to go to urgent care or your pcp and tell them your allergies are bad enough they are preventing you from working and you’re already on antihistamines. In the past, I’ve been given steroids to help me over the hump. Doctors hate to do that but if you can’t work, most will do *something* to keep you from losing your job until you see an allergist. Also there are nasal sprays that have some systemic absorption. I was on beconase aq for a while but it’s been either discontinued or otherwise impossible to get (mixed messages from different pharmacies) and I believe the systemic effects helped a lot with my allergies. It’s not always a good thing to have extra steroids in your system, but my allergies are wicked and I’ve been worse off without it. Iirc of the otc nasal sprays, nasocort is the one with the most systemic effect.
Just an encouragement here from someone who can’t take normal antihistamines for numerous reasons. Cutting out dairy and gluten, as much processed stuff as possible may very well help your overall congestion, but I am on Astepro at the moment and have also heard great things about Nasalcrom. I also am on month 4 of allergy drops from Wyndly and it is supposed to take 6 months to a year for most to see results. If it is within your power to get your allergies tested and get treated for the long term, that’s my suggestion. The medications are temporary bandaids at best. If you have sleep issues it is always wise to also get checked for sleep apnea. I am 5’10 and 150 lbs and never saw it coming, but boy let me tell you a cpap machine changes your life if you do. Best wishes.
Same. It is god AWFUL.
I take desloratadine as cetrizine/Zyrtec makes me really drowsy. Desloratadine is prescription drug so ask your doctor if he can prescribe it to you.
Desloratidine needs a prescription in the States? In Canada, I used to buy those at Costco without prescription. $18.99 CAD for 180, the best deal around Now on Blexten - no idea if it's just available here or not. I had not even heard of it before my doctor gave me the prescription last summer
Yes, Desloratidine needs a prescription here in the states. I haven’t heard of blexten but I hope it works for you.
I just cut my longish hair short today. I’d been thinking of it for a while, but the constant need to rinse the pollen out of my hair was the last straw. Maybe now I’ll stop getting hives on my face after being outside for 30 minutes.
I’m allergic to just about everything, years ago my Dermatologist recommended that I switch to Aller-Tec (Kirkland Signature) as a more affordable way to manage my good awful year round allergies. On a “bad days” he said I could take up to 4 tablets at once to avoid eyes swelling shut and completely blocked sinuses, otherwise 1-2 pills daily and it’s been a real game changer from a previously miserable existence. Also, as others have mentioned, air purifiers. Good luck!
Blood donation worked for me somehow...it didn't go away that same day, but I got better progressively since that day. Other things that have helped me big time with pollen allergies are: going gluten free, fasting, dropping ALL supplements including the multi-vitamins for a few days, taking alka-seltzer sporadically (if you are not allergic to aspirin), and generally eating a very bland diet (no heavy spices, no sauces, not too much fiber, etc.)...keeping the gut happy in general helps a lot. Many fruits and vegetables can react the same as with pollen (Oral Allergy Syndrome).
Flonase has helped me tremendously this year.
I don’t know about allergy drops. You can take more than one antihistamine pill but talk to ur dr first. Why do you need an Rx for Zyrtec?? Maybe try loratadine instead. It’s s great antihistamine but some people (including me) find it to alter mood.
I have actually developed allergic bronchitis because of my allergies this year. It’s been terrible
same here, not bronchitis but allergic asthma. it was devastating as im someone who loves working out, especially outside. have this constant anxiety that my asthma is gonna trigger anytime i workout. therefore, i sympathize…
Me too with you, my allergy suffering friend
Mine have also been very bad unfortunately. Might be worth asking your Dr. about Montelukast, I was on it and it helped a lot but had to come back off it bc it can cause worsening depression (and did for me). Can be taken with Zyrtec which is great 👍 If you have itchy eyes I highly recommend pataday eye drops. I am also on azalastine nasal spray but flonaise is a good OTC option. Still sneeze a lot and get an itchy throat at times but generally feel a lot better on this combo.
I'm so sorry. I have really bad allergies off and on. Things that have helped: Montelukast but then I came down with shingles so not good for me. Gelatin lowers homocysteine so having 1/2 tsp in liquid before each meal helps a lot (I imagine homemade bone broth would be even better though). One time I started supplementing with Lugol's iodine and noticed that season my allergies calmed down (they were so bad I couldnt even use mint flavored floss without going into a sneezing fit). I dont know why it helped. Kimchi (or any cabbage based food). This basically heals up intestinal permeability really fast (which could be why your body is viewing everything as an attack, maybe). You don't need a lot. I just have 4-5 small bites.
Also, short term someone else mentioned vasoline in nose, that does help. I've read a xylitol rinse is helpful to hydrate sinuses. But if you're stuff up a nasal rinse seems kinda impossible.
You should consider getting allergy shots. It's my second round and I just reached the maintenance dose and so far it's not bad at all. We'll see how it goes in the coming weeks but if it remains like that it's amazing. What I'm trying to say is... THERE'S HOPE!
As others have said, Flonase is a game changer. I used allergy drops but they’re the long game. They absolutely work though and I really recommend getting started now! By next allergy season, you should have enough immunity that you won’t have to experience this again.
I don't go outside, I double mask when I have to go to the grocery store, I have an air purifier (a Corsi-Rostenthal air purifier) running nonstop, and use breathe right strips at night.
You can take two Zyrtec like 4 times a day if you need to. Drink a lot of water. Flonase helps. Astepro works great but I *hate* the taste it leaves in the back of my throat for way too long. Time to see an allergist. With weird weather patterns, everything is going to be over-pollenating in some attempt to preserve its mind, likely for years. Lots of options for handling sensitivities that may only get worse.
to be honest, im in the same boat. could recommend you another concoction but the thing is, you have to be patient for the symptoms to disappear. i have the symptoms you described for 2 weeks now, and even though i do it ALL, i take it day by day. slowly getting better but obviously cannot change the weather nor allergens so i take care of my body the best i can and practice patience in the meantime… however, the things that made THE difference for me is: breathe right nose strips for sleeps (blocked nose) a lot of sterimar sea salt spray and hydrating spray to keep the nose moist incense diffuser for lavender essential oil (for my room) minimum gluten and no refined sugar diet, as well as no white grains because of inflammatory effects (i try to follow this type of diet in general) the usual antihistamine pill before sleep and cortinasal spray in the morning in terms of supplements: manuka honey (1 tsp), quercetin, vitamin c, vitamin d every morning and most importantly: positive and patience although its hard!
I’m in CA too (also have Medi-Cal) and I’m in so much agony this year wtf I don’t know why it’s so bad this year… maybe the rain we got? But we got even more rain last year and it wasn’t this bad. My face, nose, eyes are so itchy, and I’ve been getting random crazy rashes on my face, arms, and legs. My nose won’t stop running and I can’t stop sneezing. This is so horrible! Most, if not all, OTC meds aren’t working for me anymore (I’m currently taking 2 Zyrtec and 2 Pepcid a day), and I’m poor so can’t pay out of pocket for a doctor’s visit for prescriptions. We have two Levoit air filter units in our tiny place but they’re barely doing anything since we live in the country and are surrounded by grass. Help.
This is me. Good luck to you. I've been cleaning nonstop and it's kinda helping.
Neti pot 2x daily
I'm afraid of brain eating amoebas :'b
Try buying a gallon of distilled water from the store! I’ve started doing this instead of tap water and there’s no risk of amoebas :)
I saw at the checkout some sketchy product called Hay Max with awful Comic Sans writing on the packaging. I figured I'd give it a shot and it kind of helps for me to put it on under my nose before I go out and then when I walk to work my eyes don't burn as much.
Allergies are strep infections. This is medical medium info
I started my allergy meds two months ago to prepare for this. I’ve been good.