coanstant throat irritation and rash

Hi, I am diagnosed with allergy to house dust mines. My serum IGE is 288 IU / ml. Also I was suffering from cold for past 2-3 months which cured last 10 days.

Now I have constant throat irritation on LHS only. Also there is rash on my body near my right shoulder. Also the skin is becoming red near the rash for some time of the day.

The throat becomes red and I have constant some feeling in throat. while swallowing my salvina also I feel something there. Despite strong medications like allegra and citrizine this condition is not reduced.

Pl help as it has affected my work and personal life.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Since you were having cold for the past 2-3 months, it had become chronic in nature. The feeling of something in your throat is post nasal drip or catarrh. It is causing throat irritation. Moreover your allergy to dust mites is aggravating it.

Take some warm saline gargles and inhale steam. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot (but not boiling water) may help to soften, and loosen, the build up of mucus in your sinuses. You can add menthol crystals, or eucalyptus oil to the water. Also take plenty of fluids throughout the day. Also reduce yourself constantly being exposed to dust mites by removing drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters and soft toys. Replace carpets with linoleum or wood. Vacuum soft furniture and curtains as well as floor and use HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners. Also, wash all bedding in hot water (hotter than 130°F) every 7 to 10 days. Don't use mattress pads and cover mattress and pillows with plastic covers.

Pls keep on taking the antihistaminics as sometimes they have to be taken for prolonged periods. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant combined with an anti-inflammatory analgesic (pain reliever) like Ibuprofen. However, you should not use decongestants for more than 5-7 days at a time. If the symptoms still do not improve then pls consider showing yourself to an immunologist as steroid sprays or oral steroids may be needed and they are available on prescription. Immunotherapy can also be considered.

Hope it helped. Take care and regards.