Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 27, and my seasonal allergies have gotten so severe that they are affecting my work and sleep quality. My nose is constantly stuffy and runny, my eyes are red and itchy, and I sneeze probably 50 times per day. The post-nasal drip makes me cough constantly, and my throat is always sore. I work in an office, and my coworkers are annoyed by my constant sniffling and tissue use. I have tried every over-the-counter antihistamine and nasal spray, but nothing provides lasting relief. Benadryl makes me too drowsy to function, and the newer antihistamines do not seem strong enough. I sleep terribly because I can not breathe through my nose, so I am exhausted all the time. My allergy symptoms seem to be year-round now instead of just seasonal; tree pollen in spring, grass in summer, and ragweed in fall. I love being outdoors, but hiking and gardening are miserable now. I have started avoiding friends' houses if they have pets because that triggers symptoms, too. My primary care doctor suggested allergy shots, but that seems like a huge time commitment with weekly appointments. I am also worried about the cost and potential side effects. Should I see an allergist for testing to identify specific triggers? Are there prescription medications that might work better? I am tired of feeling miserable and relying on tissues and nasal sprays just to get through each day.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
Allergic rhinitis can affect the quality of life if not taken care of. Your symptoms are severe. Hence, you must consider undergoing an Allergen test. It will help in controlling the symptoms and acute episodes.
If allergy shots are taken appropriately for some duration, it improves the overall condition and reduces the recurring episodes. Hence, you must consider taking allergy shots.
Advice-
Kindly get an allergen test done. Try to avoid allergens to prevent acute episodes.
Steroid nasal sprays containing Fluticasone propionate generally help if taken properly for six to 12 months. This can help in preventing the next episodes.
Oral medications with a combination of Levocetirizine and Montelukast help.
Steam inhalation during blocked nasal episodes.
All the efforts must be towards reducing the allergic markers in the blood.
Hope this helps in controlling your condition. Investigations to be done:
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
IgA (immunoglobulin A).
IgE (immunoglobulin E).
I hope this helps.
Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Reema Wankar
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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