terrible allergies are messing up my life

i had sinus operation in 2009.......but my sinuses are terrible at the moment. i have these allergies that dont seem to go away.........well my doctor told me that the operation would cure my sinuses for good..so i decided to go for the operation....but now the allergies r back.....im on cetrizine and septilin,....but nothing is working...my life hasnt bn the same after the surgery.....i just dont seem to feel good about ma self ,,and dont enjoy nything i do...pliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiz help me..plizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

The symptoms are suggestive of allergic rhinitis. 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 allergy symptoms.

Please 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. But the best treatment is avoidance of allergens.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.