Hi, great to find med help.
I have found it most helpfull to read the posts in the thread i have noted here. Doesn't seem like there is an answer to the problem of chest infection that is inevitable at the same time every year. For me , symptons started just a couple of days ago (20 July). It as if the perfect conditions are when the weather changes from the very dry summer to the rain. I wonder if that has lifted some pollen in the damp air.?
I have the usual visit to the doctor, prescribing me with Ventolin inhaler, antihistamine and bronchodialators with or without steroids.
Could you help with the post 'Diagnosis is done by skin testing. Confirmatory test is by blood test (RAST).' What does this invove?
Any how, it is good to make a start on identifying the causes. I hope one year 'soon' It will be chest infection free.
Are there other places threads that I can find more information? Thankyou.
M@
Matthew Lang
Lancashire
40 yrs old
For the last 10-12 years I come down with a chest infection around the changing of summer to fall. I do have Sinus problems and nasal drip. What can I do to prevent this nagging infection from reacurring? I always end-up on atiobiotics.
Hello,
You seem to be having pollen hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Most pollens are windborne; they can often blow indoors (typically through open windows and doors) and trigger allergic symptoms such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) within your home, not just outdoors. Wind-pollinated trees, grasses, and weeds produce pollen during various times of the year.
Many people who are allergic to pollen may show allergy or cross reactivity to dust mites or molds also. Since the symptoms are more at night so you may be allergic to dust mites in the pillow or mattress or on curtains etc.
Diagnosis is done by skin testing. Confirmatory test is by blood test (RAST).
Remain indoors when the outdoor pollen levels are highest like windy days. You can also use a pollen and dust mask. Use a clothes dryer instead of hanging the wash outside, where it acts as a filter trap for pollen. Make sure to clean and replace your air conditioner and air cleaner filters regularly. Also effective are various types of air-filtering devices, which can be added to the heating and cooling systems in the home. . To reduce dust mites in your home, remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters and soft toys. Replace carpets with linoleum or wood. Wash all bedding in hot water (hotter than 130°F) every 7 to 10 days. Don't use mattress pads. Cover mattress and pillows with plastic covers. Lower the humidity in your home.
You can take OTC anthistaminics like benadryl or zyrtec.You can also use some nasal decongestants but use them for a few days only. . Corticosteroids and bronchodilators can also be used. You can also use saline nasal sprays or steam inhalation at home.
Another effective agent that is available by prescription is cromolyn sodium. In severe cases, Immunotherapy is advised.
Hope I have provided you with sufficient information. In case you need any more then pls post us.
My son had a similar response each September for three years. He has allergic asthma and September is one of the worst pollen periods of the year in Texas. Since he started allergy injection treatments, he has not had a response like bronchitis or pneumonia and does not have any asthma symptoms. If you can not look into allergy immunotherapy injections, I would start allergy and airway treatment over the counter medications (in the future) by July, such as an antihistamine and bronchodialators with or without steroids- daily until you are confident the allergy culprit has subsided. We are also told that a known allergy susceptible period requires stricter avoidance of other irritants and a healthier diet to keep the immune system stronger to battle the harsher allergens. Hope this helps because it does sound like an allergen probably in your pollen season.