My hayfever is just unbearable, what do I do?

Question

I have suffered the worst this year since 1999 and I can hardly sleep at nights. I am doing my A levels and it is a nightmare! I have tried EVERYTHING! I take piriton, zirtek, anti-hayfever tablets, doctor-prescribed anti-histamines, I bought a very expensive air filter, hold a cloth over my mouth, wash my face all the time, got steroid injection which hurt like hell but didn't have any effect whatsoever... I'm in despair! It is making my life unbearable.... my eyes are swollen and itchy, my nose red, I feel sick and find it hard to breathe at night, and my throat is constantly itchy and I have scratched it with my tongue so much it is inflamed and I still scratch it in my sleep. I just don't know what do do... I feel it is affecting my performance in my exams....

I'vebeen to doctors for jab, it hasn't worked. In fact, I'm suffering even worse...

Answer 1

I know how you're feeling - three a levels left! All I can say is wash everything - bedlinen, clothes, hair - that's where pollen can always get stuck. My anti-histamines aren't very effective, either. I am living indoors the whole time at the moment!

Answer 2

I'm in the same boat that you are. I think that this year is just horrible for everyone with allergies in general. A few things to consider:

* Your stress is exacerbating the condition. If there is anything you can do to decrease your stress, it may be helpful. (I know that that's a lot easier said than done, but maybe try throwing an indoor workout into your day... it could help a lot)

* Try to make sure that you are on a routine schedule. Go to bed at the same time each day and wake up at the same time each day. Your body will appreciate it.

* It may be your home. My allergies worsened 10-fold when I moved to the apartment that I am in now. I think it's because of the trees close to my window and the fact that it is an old building. I know that moving is not a likely option, so maybe try having carpets changed, have someone else come in and dust all surfaces thoroughly, make sure air conditioning filters are
changed at least monthly.

* Ask your doctor if you might switch up your antihistamines, rather than taking them together, use them in a rotation. (Each one for a week maybe?) Make sure you eat well so that the medicine will be efficiently absorbed into your system.

Things that can help when you have that inevitable attack:
* A cold compress (to constrict the blood vessels and keep them from delivering anaphylactic chemicals to your tissues)
* Sleep!!
* Someone else suggested seawater in your nose, this would work, but a more palatable alternative might be to get a saline nasal spray. Saline is a salt water that will help to clear your sinuses.
* Afrin works great
* A hot shower, the steam will help to clear the sinuses

Finally, you might talk to your allergist/ENT about starting allergy shots.

Answer 3

I was the same way. I couldn't even breathe at times, I could barely talk because my throat was so raw from sneezing and dripping. I was taking Zyrtec, but it was doing just about nothing to help. I tried all different kinds of allergy meds, prescription, over the counter, and even natural and none helped. About a month ago, I started going to a chiropractor twice a week to get an adjustment (where he cracks your spine and all that and straightens out the bones). Since then, I've stopped taking my medicine and I usually feel fine! I've needed my Zyrtec only one day since I stopped taking it! I highly recommend getting an appointment set up, ASAP.

Another problem your probably having if you're at school is the dorm dust. They don't clean out those vents which KILLED me during the school year. If you're living on campus, you might want to see what the newest dorm is or even move off campus to an apartment or house with a bunch of friends. That might be cleaner. My roommate and I have an air purifier in our dorm and the filter needs to be changed about every week. It's disgusting; no wonder I couldn't breathe!

Answer 4

Have you tried Nasaleze? It's a vegetable powder that coats the nose lining with a mucous type substance. As it's a natural substance it's supposedly got no side effects.

I'm using it at the moment - I'm sensitive to Elderflower pollen - there's a tree right outside my back door and I haven't sneezed...yet. Normally I will get an attack in the morning, but it hasn't happened.

One little bottle is about £6 - expensive yes, but I tried it in desperation as none of the antihistmaines work very well on me.

It's got to be worth a try!

Answer 5

I sympathize. I'm in the same boat. Have you tried nasal saline solution? That helps me a lot. Also - believe it or not - stress will bring on a major attack. I see you are doing exams. Try to relax a bit. Do you drink wine? Wine has a LOT of histamines in it and will absolutely give you the worst case of hay fever you have ever had. Same with beer - only not quite so bad. If nothing helps - go to the doctor and be checked for asthma.

Answer 6

Try butterbur
To help with symptoms, take an herbal extract standardised to contain 8 mg of petasin per tablet two or three times a day for two weeks

Get relief with nettle leaf
Ease symptoms by taking 450 mg of nettle leaf capsules or tablets two to three times a day

Go on a low-allergen diet
Work with a knowledgeable health professional to find out if dropping certain foods from your diet will help your hay fever

Take an allergy test
Make an appointment with your doctor or an allergist to find out what airborne agents you may be allergic to and how you can reduce their effects

More information and remedies here ...

http://www.solgar.co.uk/healthnotes/healthnotes.asp?org=boots&ContentID=1024007

Regards,

Answer 7

All my sympathy. I do know how you feel. Iused to sit in my bedroom all summer long, with the air conditioner.
But I was given this tip and it did work for a year. Please remember I am not a doctor and am not responsible for your health.
A pharmacist told me to take one of each kind of antihistamine - so I take one loratadine tablet and one cetirizine. If worked for me, although it is no longer as effective as it used to be. If you do this, make sure to take the non-drowsy tablet in the morning and the other in the evening.
I've tried the honey to no effect, homepaths haven't helped me. My doctor knows about my taking the pills, doesn't approve but says he can't see any harm.
Good luck.

Answer 8

This sounds weird but I was told by a beekeeper to eat a teasepoon of natural honey a day. It must come from bee's that live within 100 kilometres of where you live...something to do with them collecting the pollen from near where u live. This is supposed to build up ur immunity from allergies. Anyway a couple of friends have tried it and they reckon it really works. Talk to a beekeeper they will be able to explain better I'm sure.

Answer 9

Maybe it's the sress of your exams aggravating your condition, its a long shot but as you've tried everything else it may be worth looking into.
I've suffered with hayfever since i was a kid and the only thing thats ever worked for me is beconase nasal spray, get it over the counter at the pharmacy.
I feel for you babe! cos I know wot its like!
Good luck!

Answer 10

Instead of antihistamines, try a steroidal nasal spray. It is available by prescription only. However, it takes several days to start working. Be cautious with honey, some people with hayfever are allergic to honey also. I know I am.