I think I'm allergic to cleaning, my house or both!

[April2]

I say that in all seriousness. My allergies have gotten worse and worse, especially this last year. I've had sinus pain and headaches almost daily. I've gone to the doctor several times for antibiotics for sinus infections but then they wondered if I was having tension headaches.
All I know is it's miserable and almost daily. I'm taking allergy medicine and/or a pain reliever for the headaches almost daily. I really don't know what else to do.

On top of that, I've noticed the last several times I cleaned the house, using bathroom cleaners, floor cleaners, etc., that my symptoms are much, much worse. I actually was feeling a bit better till I started cleaning the house yesterday and today. Now I'm miserable, headachy, sore throat, runny nose. My sinuses are killing me. My whole face hurts, even my teeth, it's so bad.
Other than making others clean the house and leaving so I don't breath it in (which I'd love to do but don't think that will happen!), opening windows, etc., is there really anything else I can do?
And if I'm allergic to things in the house, what can I do about that? I already take allergy medicine and pain medicine for the headaches.
It's really getting to me because I feel like my allergy symptoms are only getting worse, not better. I'm tired of this.

Is there anything else I can do?

[kiskovi]

Hello April.  I have cold urticaria for seven years, but also allergic to cleaning product, certain medications, etc. but i never had any skin rashes.
I tried all the antihistamins,but none of them worked for me.
I also had headaches, neck pain and I became very depressed over all that.
I had all the silver fillings out of my teeth, had root canal done and my problems did not go away.  I had ear aches as long as six weeks, and no antibiotics could fix it.  Long story short, avoidance is a great advice, but we have a life to live.
What I did i use only natural cleaning products for cleaning the house, problem is solved.
We have to stop and think.  ALLERGIE??? How did this happen?  Something went wrong with our immune system.  So, we have to fix what is broken, wright?
I am taking herbal remedies from health food stores and already seeing some benefits (it is a long process), but you have to make sure they don't sell you everything from the store.
Do some reserch on google about immune system and try couple of products at first.
If I can do it, you can do it too.                Take care and good luck to you!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One of the possibilities for your allergies is allergic rhinitis due to dustmites. The residue that dust mites leave behind in the form of their feces and decaying bodies mixes with dust and becomes airborne. If you are allergic to dust mite, inhaling the residue can cause bothersome allergy symptoms, including wheezing, sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose.
Diagnosed by skin ***** or patch tests. In these tests, a small amount of allergen (dust mites)is injected into your skin by a doctor. If you are allergic to dust mites then you will develop a red, itchy bump on the site if injection. Confirmatory test is by blood tests (RAST).

Treatment includes avoidance of allergen. 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. Vacuum soft furniture and curtains as well as floor Wash carpets and upholstery with special cleaners, such as benzyl benzoate or tannic acid spray. 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 use antihistaminics like benadryl, zyrtec, decongestants and corticosteroids. In severe cases, Immunotherapy is advised.
Please consult an immunologist for confirming the diagnosis and starting the treatment.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Jade59]

Hi April, I know just how you feel with the chemicals.  What I've had to do is wear a mask, like a surgeons mask when using cleaning products, otherwise my sinuses close up completely.  All windows have to be open, as well. You are highly sensitive to these products.  My husband has these masks for when he's working with hard core chemicals - I'll ask him where he gets them.  

From your latest description including the face pain, it's definitely a reaction to the chemicals, but also, have you been to your dentist to have your occlusion checked?  Your bite might be off.  All the stress and tension you've been under, you very well might be grinding your teeth at night and clenching during the day. This will eventually throw your occlusion off and you will experience the pain you describe. Your post describes how I feel to a T and I have TMJ along with headaches and neck pain.  Do you feel pain on one side or the other?.  Does it radiate to your shoulder, even?    

A nightguard helped me tremendously yrs ago, but they are expensive.  You could try an OTC one before you go the dental route.  You pop it in the microwave to heat it up, then put it in and it forms uniquely to your mouth and will help relax your jaw and facial muscles.  They are sold at Rite Aid or CVS.  I'm also thinking you may need a prescription pain med (I have a specific one in mind) to interrupt the cycle since I know you've felt this way a long time.  

Good luck, Sweetie (I'll PM you after I ask my husband about the mask)

[April2]

I haven't noticed any mold or mildew but will look again.

[trdofbeingtrd]

Check for mold and or mildew, it might be what is causing the problem. Search for it with a mask on preferably anywhere that there is moisture and places that are dark and closed off like cabinets.