Is anyone else suffering?

I live in the Northeast and this October has been miserable for me. It is now November and I am still suffering with Sinusitis, Sinus headaches and dry itchy bloodshot eyes. I feel like this will never end. I never had allergies up until a couple of years ago. Now every May, August and September and October are miserable for me. What could be effecting me this late in the year? We already had several frosts. Could it be mold from all the fallen leaves? I am at my wits end. Flonase and antihistamines seem to do nothing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination it is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis,but it looks like you are having hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances.

When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen such as pollen or dust, antibodies are produced. When the antibodies are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine and other chemicals are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production.

Pls contact an allergic specialist and get skin tests like skin ***** test done. In this a small amount of allergen is introduced into the skin of the forearm and the reaction of the skin is noted. If there is any redness then that person is allergic to the allergen introduced.

You can also get blood tests like RAST done.

You can take OTC antihistaminics like benadryl or Claritin. Longer-acting antihistamines are available by prescription. They cause less drowsiness and can work just as well. These medications include fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).

You can also use nasal corticosteroid sprays like nasocort or flonase. Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, but they should not be used for long periods. Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray (Nasalcrom) for treating hay fever. Eye drop versions of cromolyn sodium and antihistamines are available for itchy, bloodshot eyes.

If the symptoms are intense then you can go in for immunotherapy

I hope it helps.Take care and regards.