Enviroment , making me sick?

[jennijeans]

I am a dance teacher and very healthly with no allergies,no medications... and I keep getting like a head cold constantly!! The symptoms are stuffed nose, sore throat, fever and headache and sometimes my stomach feels upset. It normally lasts from 3/4 days and I KEEP getting this almost EVERY month. I just came back from Miami to my home in Montreal and not even a day later I was sick!!  My home is a regular downtown apartment not even 20 years old but my dance studio is a very old building with cement and I am thinking it used to be a garage. I really feel it is in my enviroment, how can I find out or can it be something else?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

You seem to be having allergic sinusitis.Sinuses are small hollow spaces under the eyes,forehead and in the cheeks.In case of allergy(to pollens,molds,dust mites or other air borne allergens),allergic rhinitis leading to allergic sinusitis can occur.

As you are saying that your dancing studio is an old building,so it may be due to allergic sinusitis to dust mites’ residue or molds. . These are very small,microscopic organisms, which thrive in warm, humid environments — eating dead skin cells and nesting in dust-collecting bedding, fabric, carpet and furnishings.

Treatment includes avoidance of allergen. You can use over the counter antihistaminics like benadryl,zyrtec or Claritin.Nasal decongestants and corticosteroids are also helpful. In severe cases, Immunotherapy is advised.

The golden rule for chronic stuffy nose is steam inhalation.Severe cases may require surgical drainage of sinuses.

Hope it helps.If you have any additional queries,then pls post us.
Take care and regards.

[jennijeans]

I forgot to mention that in my house a lot of people who come over sneeze and my boyfriends daughter who comes over every second weekend is also constantly sick with fever, upset stomach and she does have asthma and we do have 2 pets so I don't know if there is a relation?