I am going to an allergist in September but I need help for the meantime! I've had allergies all my life and I am allergic to things I cannot avoid, such as weeds, grass, and weird things like formeldahide. I think I am ruining my kidneys because right now I take a Claritin and 2 Sudafeds in the morning when I wake up, 2 Sudafeds every few hours throughout the day, 2 Benadryls at night, and another Benadryl in the middle of the night when I inevitably wake up sneezing and itching. I've even tried drinking apple cider vinegar, which was very unpleasant and didn't really work! Does anyone have recommendations for how to cope with allergies? Perhaps homeopathic ways that don't involve a lot of pills? Thanks!
2006-06-26 14:13:07 · 6 answers · asked by angelsister23 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Allergies
P.S. The reason I am seeing an allergist in September is because I don't have insurance right now, but in September I will. I am really poor right now and the insurance I have is this weird thing for people who don't have insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid, but they only pay for regular doctor visits for specific illnesses, like the flu.
2006-06-26 14:31:16 · update #1
Well....as an ALLERGIST/IMMUNOLOGIST I can tell you no doc worth his/her salt and interested in helping patients MAKES a patient wait, so it's likely as you stated your delay is your elective choice due to insurance issues. Until then, you are taking OTC meds, some of which have side effects, but not really to a young person's kidneys. For Benadryl watch for sleep cycle disruptions (you may get easily sedated to GET to sleep but awaken feeling "hung over" due to this!), and sudafed is the opposite -- stimulation, caffeine-like side effects (also therefore NOT a great choice at bedtime!). For OTC relief until Sept., I'd recommend a non-sedating antihistamine such as Claritin or Alavert for AM use or PM use, with an added Sudafed for congestion if necessary earlier in the day (AM or PM, but NOT bedtime!). Nasal saline washed 4-8 times a day are wonderful, zero side effects and very cleansing of nasal mucosal tissues, which helps avoid pollens from adhering to them, thus precipitating allergic symptoms!! GOOD LUCK!!! Let me know how you're doing (and where you're at...I'll let you know if your selected Allergist is board-certified!).
2006-06-27 04:33:21 · answer #1 · answered by Jeffrey G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ugh- That's no fun! My husband and I have to watch out for a few things too.
If you can, get an air cleaner. That hopefully will take care of most of the air-borne allergens in your home.
If you're going to be doing anything that will kick up ANY dust, wear a mask: I do that when I mow the lawn, and it saves me a lot of misery.
Use a damp cloth to dust around the place a lot, rather than a dry cloth: A dry cloth will most likely just push the dust around or kick it into the air. And vacuum a lot.
Consider washing your curtains (gently) to get the dust off of them. And do the same with your bedding, if you don't already. It's surprising what can collect there!
Drink lots of water: That should help flush stuff out of your system.
Good luck with your allergist!
2006-06-26 22:08:43 · answer #2 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't wait until September to see the allergist. If you haven't been yet, how do you know what you're allergic to? If the allergist doesn't have an appointment before September, find another one!
2006-06-26 21:24:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anne N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't say anything about your environment. Are there smokers in your house? get rid of them. Do your burn perfumed candles? Stop it. Are you living with 5 dogs and 2 cats? Stop it. Is there black mold in your tub or basement? Get rid of it. Do you wash your bedding in hot water and dry inside the dryer at least weekly with non-perfumed soap/softener and air your pillows out for dust mites? Do you live near a field of ragweed? Get Flonase nasal spray from your doctor. You need to be tested and then start cleaning up your environment of all offenders and you will feel much better! Aspirin and yellow dye#5 (that is in everything ) are 2 of the worst offenders we use commonly. yellow dye is in alot of shampoo and soap. I buy Clear or Allfree products/read the labels. Good Luck!
2006-06-27 00:03:16 · answer #4 · answered by Maija 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you take a lot of medicine. Have you tried allergy filter for your air conditioner and vents. Only taking them pills when you have to.The doctor may give you eye drops that might help. I can pray for you, Lord , Jesus heal this person of these allergies.lay you hand upon them and cover them with your healing power. To God be the Glory. Thank You Lord in Jesus Name Amen.
2006-06-26 21:31:27 · answer #5 · answered by e,bronze 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the emergency room if you feel you can't breath
2006-07-01 13:57:03 · answer #6 · answered by Linnie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋