Allergy Relief?

Seasonal allergy relief?

• I have severe seasonal allergies to several different trees, grass, and weeds. Cottonwood and juniper are two of the huge list that I remember the allergy doctor going over, which I know in my area (Idaho) are currently high in pollen count. Things I have tried include: saline nasal irrigation, along with several different nasal sprays including fluticasone (nasal steroid), astepro; and a couple others, with no improvement in symptoms. I do the nasal irrigation 2 hours prior to using the prescription nasal spray. I also use over the counter allergy medicine, allergra, claritin, benadryl. I have been using warm mist humidifiers with vicks vapors, vicks rub all over my chest and under my nose. I have also changed all the filters in my house and have a HEPA air purifier. I just have a small one for a small room but there's no difference when I stay in that room either. The only thing that has offered a couple hours of relief is mucinex full force nasal spray, but the directions say to only use it for a short period of time or it could make things worse and it is extremely irritating to my nose and has been causing nose bleeds. I also have an inhalar because last summer perfumes put me over the edge and I was sent to the hospital 4 times for symptoms similar to an asthma attack which my doctor later said I had reactive airway disease, not asthma, but to still keep the inhaler just in case as it could help open up my lungs. Doesn't really help a congested nose and post nasal drip. I've also tried the steam inhalar thingy and it doesn't help either. I can't afford to keep going through expensive prescriptions that don't do anything for me. The doctor pretty much gave up on trying to find me relief. I don't know if anybody has run into allergies this severe and if they found a simple solution. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

• Answer:

  You bet darlin'. You most certainly aren't alone! I have been through the wringer and back with allergy medication my whole life, (i am also anaphylactic to numerous foods too so...that doesn't quite help) Right now, i am on 180mg of Allegra, but it isn't doing anything as the pollen is so bad where i am. I'm also on a regular inhaler every 4 to 6 hours or for rescue (in between neb treatments). And i am doing neb treatments every 4 hours. nothing seems to work for me either. Everyone always says - oh go take some benadryl. I'm allergic to benadryl and most other anti histamines so i understand your pain. I don't know if you get rashes or hives from your seasonals (i do) but i use aloe vera and/or triple anti-biotic cream of them and that seems to help. For my sinus' and headaches i switch between this cold pack thing, and a warm one, the temp change helps some, sometimes. and tylenol. itchy eyes, drops if you have them, otherwise rinse your eyes with cold water; clean your entire face and hands / arms really well, and then rinse your eyes with the cold water again, and then run a washcloth under the cold water and place it over your eyes. wish i could be of more help.