Janie Grace Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Oh, for real? In my mid-30's, I started suffering from spring allergies for the first time ever. It's 3-4 weeks of pollen-induced misery during some of the loveliest days of the year. Now here I am thinking I have a cold or strep throat or something (sore throat, sneezing, itchy eyes) and it just dawned on me that maybe something is "blooming" this time of year, too. I looked and found out that grass and weed pollen are "very high." I really think that's what is going on with me. Is anyone else suffering right now? If so, what are you taking for it? Claritin and Zyrtec give me anxiety symptoms (I had never experienced that before, but it is VERY much tied to using those drugs). I discovered Flonase this spring and it worked great... guess I'll give that a shot unless someone here has a different suggestion. The world of fall allergies is new to me, so I would love to hear any BTDT advice. I'm so sad because I have been loving having my windows open and AC off. So long, fresh air... :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 like you, I didn't start suffering from seasonal allergies until I was in my30s. Yes, I have fall symptoms too. I can no longer have windows open or I'm miserable the next day. I take Allergra, but I think if Flonase is working you should stick with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandragood1 Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 I wish my allergies had waited until my 30's! I take Flonase (steroid Nose spray), Astepro (antihistamine nose spray, rx) and Zrytec. Also Afrin at night for up to 4 nights in a row. Then at least a week off because it is addictive to your nasal passages. Benedryl is generally the most effective antihistamine but it causes drowsiness for most people. If you are really suffering you can take it at night. Other helps: You may want to upgrade the filter in your hvac and run the house fan 24x7 for a while to remove the pollen currently in the house. Wash your hair before bed every night to remove pollen. Change your pillow cases often to put pollen free fabric next to your face at night. Maybe have everyone change into clean clothes at the front door to limit pollen being tracked around the house. Neti pot or similar can really make a difference, too. Unfortunately, allergy management is a lifestyle here. I hope you feel better soon! Winter is coming! :) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Ragweed is a big allergy trigger for us. DH takes Claritin (generic) year round. The boys and I take it as needed. The dog gets Zyrtec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scholastica Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 The ragweed here has been off the charts. Even my dh, who normally doesn't react, is having allergy symptoms. My kiddos are suffering horribly. I'm in no great shape either. We feel your pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 An ounce of prevention, as they say, is better (and cheaper!) than a pound of cure. Wear a hat or a headscarf when outside. When you come in, change your clothes, wash your hands and face. Rinse your eyes frequently (and I find it's both cheaper and more effective to use anti-histimine eyedrops than a pill such as zyrtec). Consider investing in a neti pot. Shower at least once daily. Get an air purifier for the most problematic rooms - bedroom for sure, and any other room where you spend a great deal of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Weed pollen has been high here lately. So yes to fall allergies for us. Bleah! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Marmalade Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 The only allergies I have are the fall allergies. I take Zyrtec when they strike, but it takes me a few days to acclimate. I feel sluggish and tired for two days once I start taking it, then I even out and feel fine. Allegra works for me for my cat allergy, but it's more expensive so I haven't tried it for the fall allergies. Since it could be months until we get that hard frost/freeze to take care of the allergens, I go with the Zyrtec. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 I have horrible fall allergies. DD and I take Alavert, which contains the same drug as Claritin. Zyrtec worked much better for my allergies, but left me too sleepy to function, so I stick with Alavert. We also try to eat local honey (gathered in the fall) since it helps with allergies. A few years ago, my dust allergies and fall allergies were horrible and leading to asthma attacks. We were in the middle of a move, so I was constantly exposed to dust while packing up the basement and closets. I got a kenalog shot from the doctor and it helped. It does take a few weeks to kick in, so it may be too late for you this year, but it would be worth looking into. There are some possible side effects, but I didn't have any. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEmama Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Yep. I'm new to spring, summer and fall allergies--they've all just hit in the past couple of years. I take Flonase and find its really helpful. It doesn't make me drowsy like Claritin sometimes can (although sometimes I take that, too). I hate relying on medication to get me through, but I'm miserable without and prone to sinus infections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 I have Fall allergies that are worst than my Spring allergies. For both I take a 1/2 dose of Benedryl, so one pill. It's the only thing that's effective without causing mood issues (Singulair and Allegra) or just not working (Claritan and Zyrtec). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 You might look up some old threads about allergen-proofing your home. These are great tips so far though. If you don't have as many options with meds for control, you might want to look into shots if your allergies get bad enough, or you develop asthma. Also, i found that good quality fish oil, probiotic, and a multi vitamin all helped over time. If I don't take this stuff, I have far worse symptoms. Extra C and zinc when it's the worst also helps quite a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 The ragweed gets me. I take Zyrtec (or generic) in the morning and Benedryl at night. I tried Allegra and it works for me too, but not so much better that it's worth the extra cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 I have mold allergies and a LTFA to cinnamon. Fall and I don't get along. I take Zyrtec daily at this time of year, Benedryl every night, and I HATE the pumpkin spice fad-a ton of innocent looking foods now have cinnamon in them, and cross contamination is an even bigger problem than usual. If I can get through Christmas without the EpiPen/ER run, I'll be really, really happy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 Thanks all! So when does ragweed END? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G5052 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Ragweed is worse for me than the spring or summer pollen. And September is bad because it's still warm enough that the ragweed is happy blooming away. Thankfully as it gets colder, it begins to drop. I've noticed a difference this week. Around here, the first hard frost ends it. Usually mid-October or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 My allergies usually don't let up until everything freezes for at least a couple of days. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Yes, but I'm some sort of freak. They usually only hit me in the morning, and I'm fine after 8 or 9am. I do not know why. I sleep with windows open, leave them open all day, and spend a lot of time outside through the day. So I don't take anything except maybe on unexpected, really bad days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 My usual approach is to just whine and complain about them. My family loves me. My worst symptom can be itchy eyes. For that, I have some plain, unmedicated eye drops that help flush out the allergens. Didn't see that mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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