I went for a checkup recently just because I hadn't had one in about 25 years. Anywho, I've had this congestion in my throat for awhile - seems to be drainage from my sinuses. The doc told me I have an allergy to something. Never had allergies before as far as I know. He said take a combination of Sudafed and Benadryl. I took some but I really don't like taking medication. And, of course, I have no idea what I'm allergic to!

What allergies do you have and what do you do about them? Do you just treat the symptoms, or have you had tests to determine the cause?

 

Deb -- I also have allergy-related ("hay fever") sinusitis, and I recently got a prescription for a non-steroid nasal spray, used once a day at bedtime. It cost a bundle (but was covered by my insurance) and seems to be helping. It beats the crap out of the OTC antihistamines because there are no annoying side effects. I'll post the name of the stuff this evening when I get home. HPH

 

Thanks!

 

Deb,
I did the testing and fond that I'm allergic or sensitive to dustmites and grass and a few others.
I went through the shots to desensitize me to the allergens.
I'm not sure how beneficial that was other than irritating me for six months.

Allegra/fexephenadrine works great for me.
I don't have any noticeable side affects.
I found it worked great last year for me. Unfortunately my stupid insurer decided that they would take it off the formulary for this year.

A word about the sprays.
It is essential that you be religious about daily use if you go that way.
They are useless once your sinuses have gotten blocked up since the spray can't get delivered.

If it get really severe, there are saline sinus flush kits available over the counter to help provide some relief.
Once you get past the oddness of the experience, they are very helpful.

 

I am fortunate that I have no allergies that are a big problem however, each time I see an Acura NSX, I begin to salivate.

 

I am in the same boat Deb. I've had cold like symptoms for almost a month now. I am just suffering through most of it w/o medication because I don't have the time or energy to go thru all the doctor visits to find out for sure.

Her guess was possibly the mold that forms from having wet leaves everywhere this time of year (which we have in large qty all around my apartment).

I was better a couple days in Watkins Glen (all pavement where I was for 3 days) so perhaps that is all the problem is.

Have to see how things go once I move.

 

I can sympathize

I'm having fits every time I look out the window and see snow on my S

 

I have never suffered from any allergies my whole life. Until two years ago. Now for whatever reason, I get hives the size of silver dollars when I eat cooked shrimp. Must be some heat altered protein.

 

Almost every fall I get the sore throat/ nasal congestion/ chest congestion syndrome.....just when the dry leaves start to fall. I'm sure that there's a 'house dust' allergy mixed in as well.

Started about a week ago and is now working it's way out.....with a lot of nose blowing etc. I do a salt water gargle :arrrggggggHHHHHHHHHHH: and use a saline water spray to move things along....

I take a Claratin generic every morning, and have started the nasal spray again (Rhinocort). As noted above, you're supposed to maintain a regular dosage to get the best benefit.

Kathy swears by this ^^^ stuff, but I'm not a big believer.

 

I've had hives in the past but once I was put on thyroid medicine, I never got them again. Before that, I'd get them out of the blue about once a year. I was skin tested but wasn't allergic to anything. Hives can be a side effect of low thyroid function.

For my stuffy nose I have Nasarel, a sniffer. Out here, my problem is also the dry air so I use a lubricate for my nostrils, Ayr. I used to take generic Dimetapp but found out the side effect of high blood pressure was affecting me, so I quit.