I have always had allergies, but usually when I get an allergic reaction it is very violent and I immediately get itchy eyes, sometimes hives, lots of sneezing and extremely runny nose. For the third time this year, my nose is swollen almost completely shut with no mucous at all, my ear is plugged and ringing, and it feels as though my uvula is being pushed downward towards my windpipe. I've been waiting three months to get into the specialist and still haven't received a call. Any ideas? I was on the prescription Reactine and Flonaise, but for some reason the ear and nasal swelling occurred anyway. I dislike the Reactine because it makes me retain water (10lbs) and makes me extremely drowsy because the prescription form doesn't come in non drowsy, and the regular form was no longer strong enough for me.
Also, my doctor gave me 5 days of prednisone after she referred me to the specialist, and as it is such a harsh drug I would never want to be on it long term, but it completely unswelled my sinuses and gave me a taste of normal life (albeit with many allergic reactions, as I could now smell normally again and was allergic to most strong scents having not smelled anything for so long).
I would really appreciate having some ideas to throw at the specialist when I go to him, and I want to know if I should try to get rushed because my ear is now ringing from being swollen shut.