Why does it hurt every time I breathe in?

Why do my lungs hurt every spring?

• Every spring I have a week or two when my lungs hurt extremely bad, as well as my trachea. It hurts really bad to breathe, and I am bedridden nearly the whole time. But I also find it hurts worse when I lay down. I've never smoked in my life, but I live with smokers. Everyone thinks it's because of all the falling cottonwood this time of year. I live in Tulsa Oklahoma so yes, there is a lot of cottonwood around now, but could that really be it? And if so, how do I get rid of the pain? It was so bad 3 days ago that I couldn't get up, and just layed in bed crying. I have been taking benedryl and ibuprofen, but the benadryl makes me very sleepy. I'm so glad college is out or there's no way I'd be able to attend. Please give me some advice,Thankyou very much.

• Answer:

  It sounds like allergies (my throat hurts a lot in the spring because of allergies). Benadryl is designed to knock you out. You need a non-drowsy antihistamine like cetrizine (Zyrtec).