Allergy, rhinitis? I don't know

[deomac8]

When I was about fourteen I started having these sneezing fits which were brought about by seemingly everything. I would sneeze from five to fifteen times at once about seven times a day or more. My nose was in a constant state of dripping and itching, burning and other weird sensations which I don't know how to describe.

This was not abnormal In my parents view since my father and his entire family suffered of the same thing their entire lives. So it wasn't a big deal For them. My life, on the other hand, was a mess. I couldn't study since I couldn't lower my head over a book without my nose dripping all over the place.

I am now 23 and most of it has gone away since I'm on constant meds. Benadryl, Claritin, ohm, a few corticosteroids in spray form and a few other pills. If I fail to take any of these for more than 3 days my symptoms all come back. The sneezing fits, the constant dripping, the itching. Going from cold to warm temperature makes me sneeze nonstop. Wearing cologne, different scents, pollen, somebody touching my nose, etc. This has greatly diminished my quality of life. I cant eat dairy because my symptoms increase exponentially to the point where its hard to breathe.

Ive been to so many doctors and they all tell me its rhinitis. Is this really what I have? Every day of every year? Is there a definite medicine for me to take? They all keep prescribing the same things over and over... I am typing this and my nose is dripping....

[bsmsl]

I agree with Tammy.  See an allergist for allergy testing.  You might want to change your antihistamine to Zyrtec (or generic), but other than that, many people with various forms of rhinitis have to treat it daily with multiple meds.  It might be that you just haven't stumbled onto the right combo for you to have good control.  Treatment does depend somewhat on what form of rhinitis you have - allergic, non-allergic, vasometer...  Generally though a nasal steroid (Nasonex, Omnaris, Verimyst, and a few others), oral antihistamines (a large number, and realize that not all generics are the same - one generic may work for you while another doesn't), nasal antihistamines (Astepro or Patanase).  You might also find sinus rinses very helpful.

Unfortunately some conditions take a lot of trial and error to come up with an effective treatment plan.  Don't give up, but do try to find a doctor that will work with you to find that treatment plan.

[Tammy2009]

I would talk to an allergist and see about allergy testing and possible allergy shots.  If there are a couple of more severe reactions, treating them with shots should allow you to reduce your allergy medications.  

Allergy shots do involve a large time investment are more than worth it.

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, sorry to hear about your condition, we can understand the magnitude of discomfort you are going through. As I have already stated in previous posts, rhinitis and allergy are linked. A knowledge about aeroallergens present in your geographic location and the allergens in your home and work areas is essential in this process.  

You are already on the standard medical therapy available for your condition and your symptoms have improved. It shows that you are more likely to have allergic rhinitis. There are many allergens present in your surrounding. Unless you stop further exposure or unless you take measures to minimize the exposure, medical therapy will be not enough.

Some measures which will be helpful to you are-
- Treatment of the outside of a house with pyrethroid (pyrithrin) chemicals prior to cold weather is one of the best measures.
- you need to close the windows of the car and home, stay indoors when possible, and use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to filter the air during times of peak symptoms. It will be particularly helpful, if you are allergic to mold or pollens.
- Showering before bed to remove allergens from hair and skin can help reduce contamination of the bedding.
- Use over the counter nasal saline sprays which will help washout allergens.
- Water leaks should be fixed and swamp coolers should be cleaned periodically.

I hope this helped you. Take care and regards.