How do I make my allergies combine with work?

September 26, 2007 1:54 PM

Allergy meds wear off. Head asplodes. Only issue: Head's asploding at work.

For whatever reason, maybe the heavy rains we had mid-summer this year, my allergies are KILLING me. It's likely to be ragweed and/or grasses, both of which I'm highly allergic to.

I'm under the care of an allergist, who has me on Allegra-D, Clarinex, Claritin, AlleRX day/night, and we're thinking hard about eyeing Zyrtec... I just hate to add another to what I'm already taking. I can't take benadryl.

Even under all that medication, if I go outside and drive down the road that leads to my house, I start thinking about what I'll do if I need to hit myself with my Epi-pen as my eyes tear up, my jaw and throat gets sore/swells, and my sinuses start dumping mountains of snot down the back of my throat. Not to mention that Histamine reactions make me all sleepy. The car's a/c is even on recirc at that point. :-P

Indoors in my house, I'm fine. I have a HEPA filter in the A/C duct, a portable HEPA filter in my room, and I vacuum with a HEPA-rated vacuum every day. Except for the swelling in my throat, my symptoms usually lessen within a few minutes of getting back in my sterile home environment.

I've thought about buying a filter mask, which wouldn't be out of the norm for the crazy group of programmer, video nerd, and ad sales guys I work with, but that's not the most comfortable thing to wear on a 90 degree day even if we are in an office.

Are there any solutions I've missed? I'm thinking of either getting a doctor's note suggesting heavily that I telecommute for the next few weeks till the allergens pass, or just taking a week of vacation.

posted by SpecialK to work & money (11 comments total)

I know it's more of a long term thing, but have you considered allergy shots? It might make things better for you for next year.
posted by rbs at 2:00 PM on September 26, 2007

rbs: Yes, just started them at the beginning of last month ... but we've had to put them on hold because the swelling means that I'm moderately close to going into a bit of shock as it is, so they're making me skip this week.
posted by SpecialK at 2:03 PM on September 26, 2007

You might have to just telecommute until it's better.

I personally had a wicked time this summer until I found some generic Tavist (clemastine fumarate) at Walgreens. It's a pain to find and I don't know if your inability to take Benadryl (allergy? too sleepy?) will apply to it. It's a first generation antihistamine like the two that are in AllerRx. That third-generation stuff, especially the two loratadines, do nothing for me.

In addition, washing/rinsing your hands and face more often will help a bit.
posted by cobaltnine at 2:15 PM on September 26, 2007

My hubby suffers as you do and what only works for him is a cortisone shot. A little info here. I feel for ya.
posted by Sassyfras at 2:21 PM on September 26, 2007

None of those medicines worked for me, but I got amazing relief from steriod nasal sprays like Flonase and Vancenase. They pretty much make my symptoms go away.

The downside is that long-term use may not be safe. I try and give my body a break from them for a few months every winter.
posted by Xazeru at 2:40 PM on September 26, 2007

Have you tried adding a HEPA filter to your office and car yet? Target has some okay portable units for less than $100 and I know I've seen some others that plug into you car's cigarette lighter.
posted by 517 at 3:01 PM on September 26, 2007

I've had good experiences I'm taking both oral meds and symptom-specific ones. In particular, Nasonex (or similar) nasal spray does wonders for the congestion, and Zaditor eyedrops let me stop wanting to claw my eyes out for itching. I know those won't help with the more serious swelling etc., but it feels wonderful to have the more watery symptoms under control. Good luck.
posted by bassjump at 3:33 PM on September 26, 2007

I use Nasalcrom. It is OTC, and instead of relieving symptoms, it prevents them from occurring. You have to use it for a week or so before you see results, but once it kicks in it works very well. You can also use it in conjunction with allergy pills. You do need to use it a few times a day.
posted by procrastination at 4:50 PM on September 26, 2007

I started taking Singulair some time back and my allergies have been better than normal this year. In the past I've used all of the medicines you listed above and nasal sprays always cause bloody noses. The Singulair is supposed to work significantly differently than most allergy medicines so may be worth a shot. I take them with Chlortrimeton(sp) when I really need something extra.

Note, I also can't take Benadryl but the Chlortimeton is another anti-histamine you could try.
posted by Octoparrot at 7:10 PM on September 26, 2007

This may not help when going to work, but when you come home, take a shower to wash off all the pollen, mold, allergens.
posted by Taken Outtacontext at 10:31 AM on September 27, 2007

Warning about the Kenalog "allergy" shot: I got it from my nurse-practitioner and initially loved it... I even talked about it here on AskMe in other allergy threads. However, about a week after I got it, my elbows and upper arms broke out in horrible itchy sores.

I went to a doctor who said that it was body acne, which steroids can cause (Kenalog is a steroid) exacerbated by dry skin. The sores became very scabby and infected, which I had to take antibiotics and use a cream for. Doc also said that steroids have other risks, like raising your blood pressure, and that most doctors don't give Kenalog for allergies. Went back to nurse-prac who said my symptoms were unusual... she gives it to some 60 patients a month and they don't have problems.

I still have dark pink scars from the scabs and am embarrassed to wear short sleeves. On the bright side... those 6 weeks were the best my nose and sinuses have ever felt... that part of the shot was amazing and wonderful. If you are willing to take the risk, go ahead.
posted by IndigoRain at 1:54 AM on September 28, 2007