Does anyone have severe seasonal allergies?

**nadine64** · 05-05-2009, 03:07 AM

I need any kind of advice/help that is out there. I have seasonal allergies. Usually I can keep it under control w/24 hr claritin (generic brand), but the past 8-10 days, I've been on claritin PLUS benedryl every 4 hours. I've heard that unpasterized honey every day can help and even pure peppermint oil. Open to all suggestions. Thanks!!!

**2ndGenGranola** · 05-05-2009, 04:36 AM

They say that a local grown honey will work (contains the pollens you are exposed to and builds up kind of an immunity). I've seen it help people with mild allergies but it didn't phase me. After trying everything in the book, I finally gave up and went to an allergist. Mine did intradermal testing (little, tiny shots just below the skin) and out of 90, I was allergic to about 86. I took 8 shots a week for a period of time. While I can't say that I'm allergy free, compared to where I was I feel like I am. I still have to take the occasional Claritin, but it is not year round like it was.

**pop goes the weasel** · 05-05-2009, 07:27 AM

The honey thing didn't work for me either but you would not believe how much hot tea did. I asked my dr and he said that there's a natural ingredient in tea that helps keep passages clear. I am not near as bad as what I was. My dr is an old time farm dr that still makes house calls if need be. Don't know if this would help you or not, probably depends on how bad the allergies are, but if it works it's cheaper than all the drugs they seem to want to push and safer for you too.

**quilting2day2** · 05-05-2009, 04:03 PM

Well I have allergies bad. I would suggest keeping windows closed and air conditioner on. Peek pollen times are early mornings and evenings.
Make sure you shower and wash your hair if you have been outside during the day . You don't want to go to bed with all the pollen. Drive with your windows up and airconditioner on set so it recirulates the air in the car and not pulling air from outside.
A saline nasel spray several times a day wil help also. This can be bought at the drug store.
Hope this helps.
Off the top of my head I do not remember what foods cross react with tree pollens so you might want to look in to that . As certain foods can make symptoms worse.

**AmyBoz** · 05-05-2009, 05:02 PM

Saline nasal spray...it's what we use and we have been MISERABLE this spring. It's helped a bit. My kids take Allegra, with the exception of the baby who takes Zyrtec. They've also been taking Benadryl, and I'm taking Sudafed. My dd has an appointment with the allergist next week. She's going to start with allergy shots. I got them from the age of 8 until I was 30. They were extremely helpful at managing the seasons.

**frugalwarrior** · 05-05-2009, 05:08 PM

Your immune system needs a boost. Drop the sugar,eat the veg,drink the anti oxidants,get more sleep,lose weight if you need to,excercise. Got to give your body something to fight with. Drink calcium and take your vitamins too. Cut back on caffine. When your body is week alergens, bacteria,toxins,viruses can get a better foothold. Shore up.

**savvy_sniper** · 05-05-2009, 06:13 PM

I have a friend that SWEARS by his netty pot. You can google it. It will come up no matter how you spell it.

**lisaflex** · 05-05-2009, 06:46 PM

mine get so bad this time of year, my doc gives me a shot of depomedrol in the rump! i take veamyst and singulair every day also. some days i need alavert-d also

**lisaflex** · 05-05-2009, 06:47 PM

also - my dd has them quite bad also. she takes allegra -d and nasacourt daily and benadryl at night

**nadine64** · 05-06-2009, 02:12 AM

Thanks everyone, so many great suggestions. Thankfully, today hasn't been too awful. Tried to limit how many times I went outside. Kept my windows rolled up when I was driving. Kind of worn out though from the past 2 days of pure misery. I'm definitely going to try the suggestions listed. Thanks again.

**pollypurebred39** · 05-06-2009, 07:22 PM

My husband's step-Daughter swears by this. I'm going to give it a go.

http://www.immunesupport.com/92fal004.htm

**old_lady_in_the_shoe** · 05-06-2009, 09:57 PM

I would suggest a neti-pot...works wonders. It cleans out the sinus area and removes all the "gunk" like allergins and dust, and has a salt that is a natural anti inflamitory and anti infectant. It soothes and "restores" some balance in the sinus areas. You can get them at walmart now, they usually come with little pre sized packets of power (salt solution) to add to the neti pot. Make sure you are using distilled water, or boil your water(then let it cool) so your water is pure. It makes a world of difference.

**frugalfranny** · 05-27-2009, 01:10 AM

I SWEAR by my neti-pot. Love it, wouldn't be without it and even take it with me if I travel.

Get the one with the skinny nozzel......works much better as it has to fit just inside your nose. I have the recipe to make your own powder and will post it in a new thread...under health....if I don't screw it up.....still new here.

We had horrible wind today and I really suffer with that. Was starting to get a sinus headache and used my neti-pot and it was gone!! Honest...they are terrific. Cost around $10 and most drug stores carry them.....I didn't like the ones that Wal-mart had. (they had the big nozzels) If you don't want to do that investment right away......try just a bottle of saline first...does the same thing.

They were saying that my area was having what they call a 'super bloom' for allergies due to all the moisture we got last winter. so...if U had a lot of moisture the pollens could be worse.