do I have a dust allergy or hayfever?

Question

I've had what I think is some kind of allergy for quite a few years now, it comes and goes. When at it's worst, I can get it 2 or 3 times a week, and sometimes I can be lucky and be ok for a month maybe 2 months without it. It happens all year round so I don't think it is hayfever. I've had it in mid winter.

The symptoms usually start in the morning shortly after I have had a shower / bath. This seems to disturb it. I will get watery red eyes, runny nose, a bit of drowsyness, and lots of sneezing - in a day I could easily sneeze over a hundred times, sometimes I sneeze 20 times non stop!

I also get it if I wear something out of the warddrobe that I havent worn in ages, say if it was getting near winter and I started wearing a fleece or jumper that I havent worn in a long time.

If I was to rearrange a room's furniture, dust and hover the room out that can also set it off.

The symptoms last at minimum half the day, and at most about 2 days. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks,

Answer 1

You are allergic to dust. Actually they are referred to dust mites (it is the excrement from these mites that you breathe in and cause the allergic reaction)

I have had the exact same thing most of my life. If you want to wear something that has been in the closet or in the drawers a long time----wash it!

When you clean wear one of those surgery type facial masks.

Vacuum Vaccuum Vaccumm

So many docs have told me to cover the boxspring of my bed in plastic casings----get rid of the feather pillows and down comforters (I've done neither). I was told to also get rid of my cats...(2) I won't do that.

I did get allergy tests and dust mites came out as my highest allergen, next were cats.
You may want to seek out the expertise of an allergest to find what medications he thinks you should be on.

Unless, of course, you are going to maintain a dust free enviornment 100%..talk about hard.

I take Singulair, Zyrtez and Flonase (nasal spray) all year round and it controls my allergies without any ill effects.

Answer 2

Agreed, see an allergist.

Hayfever occurs only in certain times of the year, in reaction to pollens- usually pine or ragweed, though any kind could cause it.

Allergic reactions can occur any time of the year, and while hay fever is an allergic reaction not all allergic reactions are hay fever.

I'm inclined to think your problem is connected with dust, since it seems to kick up most when you stir dust up.

Answer 3

Go to an allergist or your Dr. and they can tell you. There are medications you can get over the counter for allergies that may help. You could also wear a mask when in a dusty area.

Answer 4

Could be dust mites or mildew. See an allergist