Help I think i'm dieing

[sneezystu]

I have had hayfever since childhood. Started as red itchy eyes then over the years running nose. Never was to bad and a few claritins would get me through the rough months. I used to live in the countryside and moved to a major city in sept for university. This is my first spring in the city and my allergies are deabilitating. My eyes are bad but its my nose that is just killing me. I can't stop sneezing, it is always running, and it feels like my sinuses are plugged and swollen. Nothing seems to help, claritin wont touch it, benadryl does little to nothing. I bought a nasal spray but do not like using it since it also couses problems after a few days. When I took a trip to a northern city(Canada) for a few days I felt great with no meds. The day after I came back I am worse then ever. What can I do? I cant go to school, I cant sleep I cant do anything!

[motherwith3]

Until you can get better confirmation on what is causing your issues, try Zyrtec. I have found great success with this compared to Claritin, which wouldn't even touch my allergies. Its better to take at evening or a few hours before going to bed, since it can make you sleepy. I don't get drowsy, but I know of others that have. If you take it at 7 one night, then take it around 6 or the following days, just so there is some overlapping.  Best of luck!!

[Sacramento49]

You sound a lot like me.  When I was 19, I commented quite seriously to a friend that complained of allergies that I couldn't recall a time in my life that I could breath out of both nostrils.  I took allergy shots for years until they finally became totally ineffective.  If you can find a chiropractor or naturopath who practices NAET or Bioset accupressure treatments you can find relief with them.  That is what finally helped me.  Visits are not cheap though.  I needed 10 visits my first year at $50 each.  After that, I only needed three.  

Since my practioner moved to Utah, I have had to try two others.  I can telll you that not all are equal.  My original practioner used good hard pressure on the points.  The one who took over his practice used a massager.  Not the same.  The results didn't last as long.  I treat myself now.  If you want more information on the process, you can email me at pa_burnham***@****.  Mark it as important.  I get so much junk email that I sometimes erase large blocks without reading them.  I know what you are going through, so I'll help you if I can.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for the update!
Yes, pollution can make things difficult for you. Suspended dust, carbon and harmful gases in air can make allergies worse. Taking any medication can cause side effects, especially why take them if they are not giving much relief. You must consult an allergy specialist. There are many medications available which can help you better. Use a wet cloth over your nose when you move out. Use a humidifier at home. Avoid carpets, thick curtains and other such things which collect dust. Vacuum clean regularly.  
Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[sneezystu]

I've also read that pollution can make allergies alot worse, is this true? Since
I lived in the country where is was clean and now live a major city. Also is there any danger in taking to much Claritin or benadyl? I take a clartitin in the morning with a benadryl and maybe two more Benadryls throughout the day.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
What is important is you must find out what is causing this allergy. Common allergens are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, synthetic fiber, cosmetics or drugs. Seasonal allergies are generally due to pollen or dust. You must get an allergy test done, either a skin test or RAST, to know what you are allergic to. Many masks are available in the market to be worn over the nose so that you do not inhale dust.
Hope this helps. Consult an allergy specialist. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!