Sneezing

[Ally20]

Hi. This is kind of strange but every time any form of heat turns on my nose and sinuses go crazy. I get incredible sinus pressure, my eyes water, I start sneezing continuously, and sometimes it is so hard to breath that I can't talk (It just feels like my throat is closing up). It won't take long for this to happen but it is especially fast/bad when I am in a car right next to the vent, which makes things interesting in the wintertime. It is only the heat that does it though because I could be in the same place and if the ac turns on i feel like I can suddenly breath again and I am back to normal. I have looked over the internet in different blogs to see if anyone else has this happen to them and more over why but I haven't been able to find anything. I just don't understand because at first I thought it might be dust but my parents put heavy duty filters in the vents and this happened even when I got my car that wasn't used. I know that there are small particles of dust that go out when the units are turned on but I feel like there is dust everywhere and it is such a stark contrast in my breathing/sinuses that I will instantly know if someone put the heat on before I can even feel the warmth.

[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.

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 or non seadting antihistaminics like Zyrtec.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.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[abhijeet v ghosh]

hello ally20,
well one thing is sure that you are suffering from allergic reaction. Allergic reactions have got no definate cure. you need to keep yourself away from the allergic stimulus. And in this case you know where the problem lies. So better avoid the temperature which is causing you the problem.
And please find time to report this to your family physician, as he will help you out more.

Keep me informed about latest developments or other queries.
regards
abhijeet