Just Seasonal Allergies?

I'm a 21 year old male and I have had seasonal allergies throughout my life. Before this year, I had been taking allergy medication and Zyrtec did the job and I was never miserable. Since my allergies started acting up this season, I've been taking Zyrtec once a day consistently. It helps for the first 6 to 8 hours, and then after that I'm miserable again: sneeze attacks, runny nose, watering eyes to the point of not being able to see very well, and coughing.

Zyrtec is pretty strong stuff. Why isn't it working as well anymore? Should I go see an allergist and get tested? Should I get allergy shots? Any information or advice would be helpful.

Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

It seems that 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. Pls contact an allergic specialist and get allergy tests done.

You can take OTC antihistaminics like benadryl or Claritin.You can also use nasal corticosteroid sprays like nasocort or flonase.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 pls do keep me posted.