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Post by RealPitBull on Mar 31, 2009 8:31:09 GMT -5
I developed allergies a few years ago. This season they seem to be worse than ever. I've had a sinus headache and snuffily nose for weeks now.
Anyone else dealing with allergies? What to do you take to help? I prefer to stay away from the drugs - but I tried Zyrtec and Claritin and they didn't seem to help much.
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Post by bamapitbullmom on Mar 31, 2009 8:51:44 GMT -5
I developed allergies about 11 years ago when I moved all of five miles from a cul de sac to my husband's land which is cattle land, pecan orchards and fields. Interestingly, my allergies aren't consistent, sort of sporatic but when they flair up it can get bad. I've tried various OTC drugs and every one knocks me out. So I tried the nasal stuff which seemed to help somewhat, mostly with the sneezing and runny nose, not so much with pressure. Recently our Live oak started shedding all the little fluffies off and there is pollen all over everything which the monsoon rains have eliminated, thankfully. There's not much I can do for mine and would love suggestions. I don't really consider my issues problematic since it's so infrequent but it would be nice to be able to rely on remedies that don't put me in a coma.  |
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Post by maryellen on Mar 31, 2009 8:52:12 GMT -5
i grin and bear it.. and sometimes under extreme conditions use a nose spray. which i HATE.. i have had allergies my whole life, so i just deal with it, or sometimes pop a benadryl which makes me sleepy but works.. tylenol allergy/sinus and advil allergy/sinus both actually work really good for allergy/sinus issues..
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Post by RealPitBull on Mar 31, 2009 9:15:38 GMT -5
I usually ignore my allergies or just deal with them, too, but for some reason this season they are REALLY dragging me down. I'm going to try the Tylenol or Advil to see if that helps. Thanks ladies  |
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Post by crystalbbr on Mar 31, 2009 11:36:50 GMT -5
lol I've always had the WORST allergy problems. I started taking allergy shots about a year ago and went from having to take 1 (sometimes 2) allergy pills a day to just having to take them the day I get my shot (limits my reaction). For me...Zyrtec always helped the best, Claritin did nothing, and the other OTC drugs didn't help at all for me. All the other stuff I take now is prescription though that really makes a difference. Zyrtec would always be my 1st OTC suggestion, but I dunno if it isn't helping  |
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Post by valliesong on Mar 31, 2009 13:12:27 GMT -5
Bee pollen really helps Bonnie and my sister, but it has to be local or it won't work. I get mine at the local farm market from a guy in the next county who harvests it from his own bees. You take something like a 1/4 teaspoon a day and work your way up to 1/2 a teaspoon.
I personally use Hyland's Homeopathic Seasonal Allergy. I can get it at my local pharmacy, or the health food store. (Pharmacy is cheaper.) I am mostly allergic to dust, but it seems to help with my periodic pollen flare ups as well. You take one tablet sublingually every 4 hours.
Rinsing your nasal passages with saline spray can really help as well. It will loosen the mucus and flush out the allergens. When you are really congested, you can put your face over steaming water. Artificial tears eye drops (find ones without preservatives) can really help with eye symptoms. Particularly do these things after you have been outside. Unfortunately I haven't found anything that helps with the fluid in my ears.
I cannot take any antihistamines because I get the side effect of being EXTREMELY irritable. Decongestants can interact with the other medications I am on. So these are the things I have found that help me.
Oh, and I also run air purifiers in the house.
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Post by RealPitBull on Mar 31, 2009 13:19:58 GMT -5
Ooo, great ideas Valerie, thanks!
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Post by bamapitbullmom on Mar 31, 2009 14:48:56 GMT -5
What was that thing called that made it onto the daytime talkshows some time back, it looked like a mini teapot and you literally pour salt water into you nose to flush the sinuses.
Anyone else see that? I've heard that it really, really helps. I'll see if I can dig something up on the net. It isn't the most attractive "procedure" but people raved about it and some said they no longer have allergy issues at all.
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Post by bamapitbullmom on Mar 31, 2009 14:53:18 GMT -5
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Post by RealPitBull on Mar 31, 2009 14:53:43 GMT -5
Salt water into the nose! Yowch! But hey, I'll try (almost) anything at this point LOL If you could dig up the info, I'd be really curious to see it.
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lola1
I Love RPBF!
Lola and Reed
Posts: 372
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Post by lola1 on Apr 1, 2009 19:59:41 GMT -5
If you are going to use a nasal spray, be sure to use either saline, or an Rx from your doctor. Some of the other nasal sprays ie. Afrin, etc. can be very addictive. My sister-in-law actually got addicted to Afrin. I know it sounds stupid, and kind of funny, but she really had to wean (sp?) herself off of it.
I have always used nasal sprays Rx'd by my doctor. I prefer to not take oral medications. They seemed to work fine. It's been awhile though since I really needed allergy meds.
Anyway good luck.
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Post by RealPitBull on Apr 7, 2009 11:53:59 GMT -5
Afrin addiction? Hmm interesting.......thanks for the heads up |
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Post by bamapitbullmom on Apr 8, 2009 8:07:50 GMT -5
I believe it, I was addicted to Tums for a day...just couldn't stop chewing them. |
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Post by RealPitBull on Apr 13, 2009 11:04:50 GMT -5
Ewww Tums! LOL I hate those things.
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Post by bubsy on Apr 13, 2009 12:57:43 GMT -5
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Post by RealPitBull on Apr 13, 2009 13:41:47 GMT -5
Hmmmmmmmmmmm I didn't know Nettle was good for allergies. I have a big bag of it setting in my cabinet. I'll give it a shot. Thanks |
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