Severe Allergies

[Lasaro]

My mother has been suffering from extreme allergies for the past two months. She has always had allergies since she moved to the U.S. nearly 20 years ago. But this is the first year, it's been this bad. When she wakes in the morning she habitually has nosebleeds and sneezing fits. Her nose is regularly "clogged". Claritin doesn't work for her anymore. And when her doctor recommended NeilMed, it alleviated some of her symptoms but only for a short time. Her doctor doesn't seem to know what else to do. Any suggestions on diet, medicine, or other things she can try to relieve her allergies? Thanks.

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
It seems that your mother is 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.

Ask her to consult an allergist and get herself tested for allergies by getting skin tests and blood tests like RAST done.Then avoidance of that allergen is the best treatment.

Also consult an allergist and get her prescribed antihistaminics,steroids and an epi pen.

Hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[kitkat777]

Your mother should go to an actual allergist and get tested.  Once they figure out what is the cause for her discomfort, then you can work on "cleaning" or removing the allergen from her living area to make her feel better.  Sometimes a good air purifier is all that it takes, but it depends on her allergies.  Also an allergist can prescribe appropriate allergy medications to help her.  She may just need something stronger than Claritin. Hope this helps.