Chronic Rhinitis Onset 2 Years

Had sudden onset of acute nasal congestion 2 years ago and has been chronic ever since.  I originally thought it my be my cats who moved in three months prior but had allergy test which results have been negative.  Have seen ENT who looked through scope and found nothing other than inflamation (inflammation) of right turbinate, preformed CT scan of sinus with no sign of infection.  Had multiple(4) PFT's which showed decrease in lung function FEV/FEV1 was 73, Have smoked in past, 8 pack years, quit two and half years ago.  I work with carbon fiber and was unprotected for two years, My boss was just diagnosed with mesothilioma.  Curently I am taking symbicort 4 puffs a day and avymus 2 squirts aday.  Sinus symptoms are better but feel my breathing is worse, I wake in the middle of the night and feel it is harder to catch a breath.  On all the PFTS the reccomendation was to preform a challenge test, but no one has done it.   My question is could this still be caused by my cats or work environment, or is it due to history of smoking.  I feel much better when I am out side!

[ChitChatNine]

Hi,

I am not a Dr., but have significant experience with RAD as it regards to my two children -- one of whom was triggered extensively by allergy to our cat and only displayed a tiny welt on the allergy test.  Did they do a RAST blood test or just skin?

Also, it could be something else inside your home -- esp. if you say you are much better outside.

Not to drive you crazy with ideas, but here is one that is overlooked oftentimes but can be a trigger as it is for my oldest daughter who is 18.

Formeldahyde .. it can be in paneling, furniture, etc.  

Have they tried and/or maybe ask your Dr about Singulair which now is FDA approved for allergies, too ... that helped both my daughters a lot with the severe turbinate swelling that was revealed on my dd's CT Scan.  Also the nasal steroid sprays helped, too.  But finding the trigger is the most important part.

Even if you kitty finds a temporary home, his/her dander is still in the carpet but you can see if it iminimizes things by maybe finding her a vacation home for a few weeks .. just a thought.

Also, foods can cause swelling of the turbinates.

Keep us posted and WELCOME!!!!

C~

[Tammy2009]

I had a 4+ reaction on the skin for cat dander (although it was not itchy) and a very weak response on the RAST test.  

Look for a product called allerpet-c, it is a third party tested liquid you wipe on the cat and it destroys the cat dander.  It takes a couple of weeks to notice a difference but sure helped me.  

Make sure you are cleaning and vacuuming well, try to use a hepa filter in your vacuum.

[Cornell1]

Thanks

For the reply

In fact my inlaws will be taking the cats for 6 months to see if there is any relief.  I will check into the Singulair.  I dont think it is Fromeldahyde because we have moved twice and no change in condition.  Just a skin test was preformed, but I will look into blood testing.  

Thanks for the advice