Seasonal allergies help
May 20, 2021 7:25 AM Subscribe
I have seasonal allergies and they’re way worse than usual this year. I’m already using daily Zyrtec, Flonase nasal spray, and Alaway eye drops (all generics). Is there anything else I can use when it’s particularly bad and I can’t stop sneezing?
I seem to be most sensitive to tree pollen, which is I think is peaking right now. I usually take the Zyrtec during spring/summer/fall, and the Flonase only during tree pollen season in the spring. Sometimes I take (also generic) Claritin instead of Zyrtec, I don’t notice a difference in effectiveness.
I have all the windows closed and several HEPA filters running. I changed all the filters in them earlier this morning. I’m uncomfortable even indoors, though of course it’s much worse outdoors.
I can probably make an appointment with my doctor for tomorrow if there’s something they can prescribe that will help. It would be even better if there’s an OTC drug I can go get right now. I’m in the United States.
I am 100% sure this is due to seasonal allergies, and not due to a cold or Covid.
I seem to be most sensitive to tree pollen, which is I think is peaking right now. I usually take the Zyrtec during spring/summer/fall, and the Flonase only during tree pollen season in the spring. Sometimes I take (also generic) Claritin instead of Zyrtec, I don’t notice a difference in effectiveness.
I have all the windows closed and several HEPA filters running. I changed all the filters in them earlier this morning. I’m uncomfortable even indoors, though of course it’s much worse outdoors.
I can probably make an appointment with my doctor for tomorrow if there’s something they can prescribe that will help. It would be even better if there’s an OTC drug I can go get right now. I’m in the United States.
I am 100% sure this is due to seasonal allergies, and not due to a cold or Covid.
Try Benadryl. It will make you sleepy at first, but if you take it regularly for about 3 days that effect will go away. Zyrtec does nothing for me. Benadryl knocks out the symptoms in about a half hour, it's magical.
posted by fritley at 7:33 AM on May 20, 2021
posted by fritley at 7:33 AM on May 20, 2021
You might want to try Allegra (fexofenadine) - I think on average it's about equally powerful with Zyrtec or Claritin, but it might work better for you. Also ask your doctor about doubling up on allergy meds. For many people it's safe to change up the dosage of the every-24-hour type drugs to every 12 hours.
posted by mskyle at 7:36 AM on May 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by mskyle at 7:36 AM on May 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
Right now you're only taking H1 antihistamines (claritin, zyrtec, benadryl). What's happening is your mast cells are overactive and H1 blockers only solve part of that problem. Flonase is good for reducing inflammation but it's treating the symptom, not the cause.
You should consider adding an H2 blocker, which will help stabilize mast cells overall and reduce the intensity of the histamine flare. These include Pepcid and Zantac. Food supplements containing bioflavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin are also helpful.
You can also ask your doctor about leukotriene inhibitors like Singulair, and direct mast cell stabilizers like Gastrocrom.
Oh, and wash your hair every night before bed or you'll be sleeping on a pillow covered in pollen all night.
posted by ananci at 7:42 AM on May 20, 2021 [7 favorites]
You should consider adding an H2 blocker, which will help stabilize mast cells overall and reduce the intensity of the histamine flare. These include Pepcid and Zantac. Food supplements containing bioflavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin are also helpful.
You can also ask your doctor about leukotriene inhibitors like Singulair, and direct mast cell stabilizers like Gastrocrom.
Oh, and wash your hair every night before bed or you'll be sleeping on a pillow covered in pollen all night.
posted by ananci at 7:42 AM on May 20, 2021 [7 favorites]
Azelastine has changed my entire life. It’s a nose spray but at least for me, it is WAY WAY more effective than Flonase et al, without the side effects. It is Rx only, though. I take it with Xyzal (similar to Zyrtec) and my asthma meds. I no longer need eye drops! I cannot express enough how much better my symptoms are. They used to be debilitating.
In the meantime benadryl is OTC and will work, but you shouldn’t use it too often.
(I had tried everything else listed here, btw.)
posted by goodbyewaffles at 7:47 AM on May 20, 2021 [4 favorites]
In the meantime benadryl is OTC and will work, but you shouldn’t use it too often.
(I had tried everything else listed here, btw.)
posted by goodbyewaffles at 7:47 AM on May 20, 2021 [4 favorites]
I strongly recommend not using the generics. I know it's not supposed to matter, but it does seem to matter. Every time I get generic Zyrtec, or any version of Zyrtec that isn't the plain white tablets, I end up regretting it and buying the real thing again.
Additionally, I have a friend who swears by using eyeshadow primer on her eyelids as a way to keep allergens out of her eyes. She doesn't wear eyeshadow- just the primer.
posted by aabbbiee at 7:52 AM on May 20, 2021 [3 favorites]
Additionally, I have a friend who swears by using eyeshadow primer on her eyelids as a way to keep allergens out of her eyes. She doesn't wear eyeshadow- just the primer.
posted by aabbbiee at 7:52 AM on May 20, 2021 [3 favorites]
I was taking Flonase, Singulair, and Zyrtec 365 days a year, but still having symptoms. My allergy doc added Atrovent (ipratropium), which is an anti-cholinergic nasal spray, and it has changed my life! I can confidently leave the house without a wad of Kleenex in my pockets. My nose doesn't run when I eat food or look at the sun. My eyes don't water when I yawn. It took some getting used to, but my overall energy levels and focus are better, too.
posted by Schielisque at 7:54 AM on May 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by Schielisque at 7:54 AM on May 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
I wasn't getting enough relief from the same stuff you're using (plus allergy shots), so my allergist prescribed montelukast. It helps quite a lot.
posted by wryly at 8:00 AM on May 20, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by wryly at 8:00 AM on May 20, 2021 [2 favorites]
Hi, my husband is allergic to literally every type of tree and grass pollen he has ever been tested for, so I have some experience helping with this.
You may already be doing some of these things, but here are some suggestions I have for reducing exposure indoors:
- EVERYONE who enters your house needs to take their shoes off at the door.
- Jackets, hats, etc., come off at the door too and go into a closet, if you have one.
- If you have wall-to-wall carpet, it will aggravate your allergies until the day you move to a new place without it, or remove it. But in the meantime, it helps to shampoo / steam clean it (you can rent or borrow a carpet cleaner if you don't own one-- I suggest asking friends if they have one to lend). If you don't have carpet, but do have area rugs, vacuum them thoroughly once or twice each week.
- Bare floors should be vacuumed or swept, and mopped-- mopping is important for getting all of that pollen. If you are using a reusable mop head, be sure to wash it thoroughly after each use.
- Wash all of the textiles you can possibly wash in your house as often as reasonably possible. This includes bedding, throw blankets, throw pillow covers, throw pillows, throw rugs, bath rugs, doormats and curtains (a lot of people forget about washing curtains, but they can trap a lot of pollen and dust that comes in through doors and windows).
- Enclose your bed and pillows in washable, allergen blocking mattress and pillow covers.
- If the pillow you sleep on is more than six months old, replace it.
- If you have throw pillows , rugs, curtains, etc., are not machine washable, consider replacing them with ones that are.
- When you wash your clothes, if possible, use the extra rinse cycle on the washing machine to remove more pollen, especially if you have been outside.
posted by BlueJae at 8:05 AM on May 20, 2021 [5 favorites]
You may already be doing some of these things, but here are some suggestions I have for reducing exposure indoors:
- EVERYONE who enters your house needs to take their shoes off at the door.
- Jackets, hats, etc., come off at the door too and go into a closet, if you have one.
- If you have wall-to-wall carpet, it will aggravate your allergies until the day you move to a new place without it, or remove it. But in the meantime, it helps to shampoo / steam clean it (you can rent or borrow a carpet cleaner if you don't own one-- I suggest asking friends if they have one to lend). If you don't have carpet, but do have area rugs, vacuum them thoroughly once or twice each week.
- Bare floors should be vacuumed or swept, and mopped-- mopping is important for getting all of that pollen. If you are using a reusable mop head, be sure to wash it thoroughly after each use.
- Wash all of the textiles you can possibly wash in your house as often as reasonably possible. This includes bedding, throw blankets, throw pillow covers, throw pillows, throw rugs, bath rugs, doormats and curtains (a lot of people forget about washing curtains, but they can trap a lot of pollen and dust that comes in through doors and windows).
- Enclose your bed and pillows in washable, allergen blocking mattress and pillow covers.
- If the pillow you sleep on is more than six months old, replace it.
- If you have throw pillows , rugs, curtains, etc., are not machine washable, consider replacing them with ones that are.
- When you wash your clothes, if possible, use the extra rinse cycle on the washing machine to remove more pollen, especially if you have been outside.
posted by BlueJae at 8:05 AM on May 20, 2021 [5 favorites]
I second Benadryl. I take zyrtec daily, but some days, I just need more. Two Benadryls will dry me up almost instantly.
posted by hydra77 at 8:16 AM on May 20, 2021
posted by hydra77 at 8:16 AM on May 20, 2021
Here's what I would add to what you are doing:
- Double-mask every time you go out. That's a cloth mask AND a surgical mask.
- Wash your face and do a nasal rinse every morning and every time you come back from outside. Any saltwater rinse is fine, either in a neti pot or a plastic bottle
- Shower and wash your hair before bed
- Add an H2 histamine, like ananci mentioned
- If you start sneezing and you can't stop, arrest the sneeze mechanism with a cough drop or a hard candy. Seriously, 95% of my sneezing fits can be stopped by a maple candy (I think cough drops would be more effective but I'm allergic to menthol)
- INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO ICE. Ice -- like, ice -- has had the biggest impact on my allergies. I have several flat ice packs and a couple of ice eye masks and every time my face is itchy I put one on and then my face stops itching. FOR HOURS. It's incredible. Also works on itchy arms and legs.
I have terrible, unbearable allergies and at the age of 40 I have mostly figured out how to not be miserable. I hope this helps you as well!
posted by kate blank at 8:39 AM on May 20, 2021 [3 favorites]
- Double-mask every time you go out. That's a cloth mask AND a surgical mask.
- Wash your face and do a nasal rinse every morning and every time you come back from outside. Any saltwater rinse is fine, either in a neti pot or a plastic bottle
- Shower and wash your hair before bed
- Add an H2 histamine, like ananci mentioned
- If you start sneezing and you can't stop, arrest the sneeze mechanism with a cough drop or a hard candy. Seriously, 95% of my sneezing fits can be stopped by a maple candy (I think cough drops would be more effective but I'm allergic to menthol)
- INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO ICE. Ice -- like, ice -- has had the biggest impact on my allergies. I have several flat ice packs and a couple of ice eye masks and every time my face is itchy I put one on and then my face stops itching. FOR HOURS. It's incredible. Also works on itchy arms and legs.
I have terrible, unbearable allergies and at the age of 40 I have mostly figured out how to not be miserable. I hope this helps you as well!
posted by kate blank at 8:39 AM on May 20, 2021 [3 favorites]
I’ve found contact lenses and wrap-around sunglasses helpful for keeping the pollen out of my eyes (both in my case but either/or would help). Also as well as using allergy eyedrops, I carry around some eyedrops for dry eyes, just to rinse my eyes out.
And I carry around Fisherman’s Friend menthol and eucalyptus lozenges for when my palate gets really itchy. It just numbs the area for a bit, and it’s a very temporary solution but at least it offers a bit of relief and makes you feel like you’re doing something.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 9:33 AM on May 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
And I carry around Fisherman’s Friend menthol and eucalyptus lozenges for when my palate gets really itchy. It just numbs the area for a bit, and it’s a very temporary solution but at least it offers a bit of relief and makes you feel like you’re doing something.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 9:33 AM on May 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
I also have terrible seasonal allergies. I have tried pretty much everything mentioned in this thread and others, such as eating local honey and CBD. Every doctor I have seen throws up their hands.
The only thing that gives me real relief is several years of allergy shots, from an allergy specialist. If this is possible for you, I would highly recommend it.
posted by umwhat at 9:49 AM on May 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
The only thing that gives me real relief is several years of allergy shots, from an allergy specialist. If this is possible for you, I would highly recommend it.
posted by umwhat at 9:49 AM on May 20, 2021 [1 favorite]
I live in Arizona and have year-round allergies which at their worst, give me vertigo and debilitating fatigue. I've tried everything you have but Xyzal has been a game-changer for me
posted by simonelikenina at 10:10 AM on May 20, 2021
posted by simonelikenina at 10:10 AM on May 20, 2021
You have plenty of great suggestions in this thread, but I'll just nth one of them: MASKING. I can definitely tell that it helps (no runny nose! no sneezing!). In fact, before this whole thing started I got a mask with a removable filter just for allergy season, which is all year round in Austin. It doesn't do much for the itchy eyes, though. But it helps.
posted by fiercecupcake at 12:15 PM on May 20, 2021
posted by fiercecupcake at 12:15 PM on May 20, 2021
I have similar allergies and similar sneezing fits. I take Zyrtec twice a day when pollen is out of control. It helps a great deal.
In addition I don't open the windows or patio doors when pollen is bad, even if the day is lovely and I really want to feel a breeze. Pollen seems to be worst in the morning, so if you simply must open windows, at least wait till mid-day.
Take your shoes off at the door. If you can hose down the steps into your house from the street daily it will reduce how much dust and pollen is tracked into your house. Vacuum frequently and if you have floors that aren't carpeted mop often - a Swiffer-type device works well.
Wash your hair more than you probably feel you need to, and change your pillowcase every single day. Change your washcloth every morning if you use one to wash your face at bedtime.
If you have an air conditioner replace or wash the filter, depending on whether it's a window or central unit. Damp wipe all your registers to prevent dust from blowing about. Some people swear by air purifiers, but I've never tried them.
Masks can help a lot, but you'll need to replace a disposable mask daily, or if you use cloth masks you'll need a clean one every day.
posted by citygirl at 12:47 PM on May 20, 2021
In addition I don't open the windows or patio doors when pollen is bad, even if the day is lovely and I really want to feel a breeze. Pollen seems to be worst in the morning, so if you simply must open windows, at least wait till mid-day.
Take your shoes off at the door. If you can hose down the steps into your house from the street daily it will reduce how much dust and pollen is tracked into your house. Vacuum frequently and if you have floors that aren't carpeted mop often - a Swiffer-type device works well.
Wash your hair more than you probably feel you need to, and change your pillowcase every single day. Change your washcloth every morning if you use one to wash your face at bedtime.
If you have an air conditioner replace or wash the filter, depending on whether it's a window or central unit. Damp wipe all your registers to prevent dust from blowing about. Some people swear by air purifiers, but I've never tried them.
Masks can help a lot, but you'll need to replace a disposable mask daily, or if you use cloth masks you'll need a clean one every day.
posted by citygirl at 12:47 PM on May 20, 2021
Much good advice upthread. Things I haven't seen mentioned and/or have been mentioned but provide extreme results:
-Shower before bed. Wash your hair. Yes, every day, at least during pollen season.
-Change up your nasal spray once a month during pollen season. I switch between Flonase and Nasacort.
-There are Rx formulations of nasal sprays that are AWESOME and in really bad years I get those from my doc.
-If you can avoid it, don't open your windows during pollen season. I have to remind family members every year that yes, the fresh air is amazing but I cannot breathe if you open that window.
-Neti Pot.
posted by cooker girl at 1:14 PM on May 20, 2021
-Shower before bed. Wash your hair. Yes, every day, at least during pollen season.
-Change up your nasal spray once a month during pollen season. I switch between Flonase and Nasacort.
-There are Rx formulations of nasal sprays that are AWESOME and in really bad years I get those from my doc.
-If you can avoid it, don't open your windows during pollen season. I have to remind family members every year that yes, the fresh air is amazing but I cannot breathe if you open that window.
-Neti Pot.
posted by cooker girl at 1:14 PM on May 20, 2021
Nasal rinse is a game changer for me. I find a neti pot difficult to use, I like the Neil Med squeezey bottle. It may take a couple daily rinses to start helping.
As mentioned, agree that you could try Allegra instead of Zyrtec or Claritin. You could also try Nasacort instead of Flonase.
Recommend also seeing an allergist, they can do an allergy test to determine exactly what you're allergic to, and recommend the correct meds.
posted by radioamy at 9:32 PM on May 20, 2021
As mentioned, agree that you could try Allegra instead of Zyrtec or Claritin. You could also try Nasacort instead of Flonase.
Recommend also seeing an allergist, they can do an allergy test to determine exactly what you're allergic to, and recommend the correct meds.
posted by radioamy at 9:32 PM on May 20, 2021
Find an allergist who will prescribe sublingual allergy drops. Absolutely life-changing, I swear!
posted by bookworm4125 at 11:55 PM on May 20, 2021
posted by bookworm4125 at 11:55 PM on May 20, 2021
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Constance Mirabella at 7:30 AM on May 20, 2021 [3 favorites]