OTC allergy help?

August 1, 2011 5:33 AM

YANAD, but I bet you have some good practical advice on managing these allergies.

For about four months now, I've had really bad drainage. It's like there's a little thing at the back of my throat that's constantly either dripping something down my throat or gagging me. Like, out of nowhere I'll get really bad gagging fits. The change of season didn't help like I thought it would.

I've never been to an allergist and they've got ridiculous wait times for a first appointment around here. I don't think an urgent care center or a "little clinic" will be able to do anything. Is there anything over the counter that will help? Have you encountered anything like this? I've tried Claritin and stuff like that, none of which did anything.

posted by jbickers to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

This is not a cure, just something I've found that helps.

Perrier. Something about the specific carbonation in that stuff just cuts right through the gunk in my throat. I usually mix it with orange juice to make it more palatable. I'll go half and half orange juice to Perrier unless the gunk is really bad, then I'll do 75% Perrier. I've also found that the lemon-lime flavored stuff tastes the best when mixed this way.

I've tried other carbonated waters and nothing works as well as Perrier.

I hope you feel better soon!
posted by TooFewShoes at 5:52 AM on August 1, 2011

I would try the clinic. It may not be an allergy at all, perhaps a sinus infection or glandular problem. If it is allergy you could try a neti pot or similar to try to flush any irritants out. If you do, be sure to read the instructions and warnings carefully.
posted by Yorrick at 5:57 AM on August 1, 2011

Guaifenesin will help thin out the mucus that is building up. Mucinex is the brand name.
posted by COD at 5:59 AM on August 1, 2011

At my recent visit to an allergist his OTC suggestions were: neti pot, zyrtec and mucinex.
posted by kbuxton at 10:08 AM on August 1, 2011

IANAD, IANYD, etc. It sounds to me like you may have a fungal infection. If the change of seasons did not impact it and you don't notice a difference between how you react at home and elsewhere, it might be something like a common fungus. They have a way of hanging on. I would see a family practitioner and be sure to mention the possibility of a fungal infection. There is a very simple test for it and it is easily treated.
posted by Old Geezer at 5:37 PM on August 1, 2011