nasal congestion for over a year

[mysstic]

I have had chronic nasal congestion for about a year now. Most of the time it;s so bad that I can't breath through my nose at all. Sometimes though it clears, noticed in air conditioned places also feel a bit better
Tried everything, nasal sprays, antihistamines, saline, different diet, etc,  none helped. Also had surgery with very little improvement.
When travelled though to a different country, I had no symptoms. Only stayed away though for 1 month.
I'm wondering whether it's something to do with the climate here, I live in a hot tropical area.
My ENT says that's it's some allergy, but test only showed dust mites and cats. But I am congested regardless of being inside or outside. My ENT said he doesn't have the test for everything, so no idea what I could be so badly allergic to.
How can you treat something if you don't know what's causing it???!!!!
Has anybody relocated because of severe allergy?
Don't know what to do, I feel so miserable, frustrated, and nothing seems to help.
Any advice?
Thanks

[Jerry_NJ]

I read your congestion is 24 hours a day, not just (or mostly) at night when trying to sleep, as is mine.

I find I get great relief from the over-the-counter products like Afrin, but one can get into more difficulty if they use this type product for more than a few days.  I in fact seem able to get away with using it once a day, at bedtime, with no rebound.  

I have tried the prescription nasal sprays, none work as well as Afrin, and I have tried the prescription as directed, using in the morning and at bedtime and exected gradual improvement. There may have been some improvement, but not great.

I use saline spray several times a day and usually a couple of times during my sleep period when (not if) I wake up, usually about every 3 or 4 hours.  

I have used the Nette Pot with no significant benefit.  It takes some getting used to so that you can let about 4 oz of saline/soda water solution pour from one nostril to the other and hence to the sink.  I still try it if I have been mowing and stirring up a lot of dust and pollen, figuring washing the frontal (that's all that the Nette reaches) sinus areas.

[evewisewoman]

Hi mysstic,

I just finished reading your comments. How horrible and uncomfortable
to have chronic nasal congestion. You said that you have used nasal
sprays. I used to use them on occasion too in the past. Then I read somewhere that nasal sprays can have something called a rebound effect.
I would suggest perhaps making an appointment with your family doctor
and asking for a referral to an allergist. You might be allergic to house
dust. I am and we ( my husband and I ) have to make sure we keep our
house really free from dust. This includes the bedroom of course.
I also have asthma which complicates the issue. My husband is also
sensitive to dust. We found having an air filter in the bedroom is helping
both of us to sleep at night without coughing. We leave the air filter on
during the day and shut if off at night because it's a little noisy although
I could put it on low which is less noisy. You said you've tried saline
solutions. Some are better than others. I use a product called " HydraSense".
It's specifically for nasal and sinus congestion relief. I'm looking at the
box right now. It says safe for long-term use with no rebound effect,
no chemical additives and its 100% natural-source seawater. I don't use
it every day, but when I do feel congested, I find it very effective.
There is something called a " Netty Pot" available in some drug stores
and in most health food stores. My sister swears by it and says its really
effective. I find hydrasense a really effective product so I'll stick with this.
You could try looking into purchasing a " Netty Pot". You may find it
helpful. That's my advice. Hope it helps. Evewisewoman ( Eve) .