Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) affects about 30 million people in America and has increased in prevalence over the last 25 years. Allergy medications have dominated the shelves in many pharmacies as a result of the increasing brands of antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. Despite the pletho...
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At a loss
hopeless
Monday, September 14, 2009 at 09:40 PM
I am not able to use any medications. I have chronic rhinitus and never have a calm period where my symptoms do not bother me. If it is not one symptom it is another. I have been on the shots for over a year, but have such severe side effects, I frequently miss a week to feel better. Today I had my shot and developed a large welt about 5 inches that has now dissipated to 3 inches in diameter that was hard to the touch, hot burned and itched. I have no idea what is considered bad and get tired of the people treating me like I am overreacting when I get my shots. I have had smaller reactions, but they act like Its no big deal, so I have learned to ignor it. I have no idea what the level of concentration is, but I am still not at my full dose. I have developed a tolerance to zyrtec, claritin and have bad reactions to allegra. The only over the counter medication I can take is bendryl, but I am waiting to develop a tolerance to that also. The only nasal spray that sometimes helps is astepro. I have to use inhalers frequently, but only will use 1 spray and refuse to use steroids because of the weight I have gained for other emdical reasons. I am an avid runner and refuse to give this up. I know the shots have helped because I can breath and swallow most of the time and even though I am sick daily, I can usualluy function. I am just tired of being sick and want to know if ther are any other medicaiotns I can take to prevent symptoms. And how do I get the ENT office to stop acting like I make it up or that I am bad for skipping shots ebcause I am frequently really sick from the allergies and my body could not handle the extra boost. I work 2 jobs, have a family and am in a masters program full time. I have to be able to function.
re: At a loss
James Thompson, MD
Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 12:19 AM
Hi,
I'm sorry about the delay in getting to your question. I wish I could give you a consultation in my office. There is a lot more I would need to know before making any suggestions. Furthermore, I cannot advise you in this medium (online, non-secure site).
You inferred your allergy care is being managed by ENT specialist. If you have not had full evaluation by a board certified allergist, you should. Allergists have more comprehensive training in treating allergy problems than other specialists. There is nothing wrong with getting another opinion.
ENT doctors in my area assist me with many of my patients and are very good at what they do. But they leave allergy shots and complex allergy problems up to me.
I hope this response is helpful to you.
J. Thompson, MD
I am not able to use any medications. I have chronic rhinitus and never have a calm period where my symptoms do not bother me. If it is not one symptom it is another. I have been on the shots for over a year, but have such severe side effects, I frequently miss a week to feel better. Today I had my shot and developed a large welt about 5 inches that has now dissipated to 3 inches in diameter that was hard to the touch, hot burned and itched. I have no idea what is considered bad and get tired of the people treating me like I am overreacting when I get my shots. I have had smaller reactions, but they act like Its no big deal, so I have learned to ignor it. I have no idea what the level of concentration is, but I am still not at my full dose. I have developed a tolerance to zyrtec, claritin and have bad reactions to allegra. The only over the counter medication I can take is bendryl, but I am waiting to develop a tolerance to that also. The only nasal spray that sometimes helps is astepro. I have to use inhalers frequently, but only will use 1 spray and refuse to use steroids because of the weight I have gained for other emdical reasons. I am an avid runner and refuse to give this up. I know the shots have helped because I can breath and swallow most of the time and even though I am sick daily, I can usualluy function. I am just tired of being sick and want to know if ther are any other medicaiotns I can take to prevent symptoms. And how do I get the ENT office to stop acting like I make it up or that I am bad for skipping shots ebcause I am frequently really sick from the allergies and my body could not handle the extra boost. I work 2 jobs, have a family and am in a masters program full time. I have to be able to function.