Allergy/sinus questions

[Palooka]

I have a horrible time discerning the difference between just allergies and the common cold and sinus infections...to a degree.

I've been told that allergies can have the same affect and pretty much knock you down like a cold.

That's what happens to me and I can't function and need sleep and a bottle of Ben/Nyquil Cough and all. But I'm also prone to sinus infections and about once a year need an antibiotic.

So all you doctors out there... Can you help decipher and share your experience.

I thought I had a horrible cold but I found out the Pollen count was really high! *sigh*

[Russ]

Would it help if you tracked pollen and mold counts to determine if your symptoms are caused by one or the other?

This site might help. AAAAI - NAB: Pollen & Mold Counts, Select Location

To help with my sinuses I use a nasal spray every night. Just a simple generic spray.

[Palooka]

Would it help if you tracked pollen and mold counts to determine if your symptoms are caused by one or the other?

This site might help. AAAAI - NAB: Pollen & Mold Counts, Select Location

To help with my sinuses I use a nasal spray every night. Just a simple generic spray.

That's a cool gadget but it said no levels available in our area today.

Yeah, I really need to keep up with the nasal stuff.

BTW, your avatar scares me!

[imagine]

I treat a cold and allergies pretty much the same as they feel the same.

Allergies congestion can turn into sinus and then infection. Then antibiotics would be needed so I try to keep it from getting that far.

I try to prevent the symptoms with allergy meds but if that doesn't work I treat it like a cold.

Hot showers for sinus congestion. (doc suggested musinex and decongestant also with the hot shower)

I also take more naps during allergy season as I need them just like as the symptoms wipe me out.

[Contrary Housewife]

Cold symptoms; fever, fuzzy head, copper taste in mouth

Allergy symptoms: itchy eyes, headache, sneezing

Plus the usual achy, tired, stuffy head stuff.

For a sinus headache it's just pain, usually, in my head and neck.

[2ndGenGranola]

I used to get several sinus infections a year until I started using a neti pot. It works much better than sprays.

For me, I feel much worse with allergies - almost flu like. Colds are a breeze. Watching the pollen counts do help some. For me it is difficult because I am allergic to 85 of the 90 outside things they tested me for. I am so thankful for the 8 shots a week that I endured.

[imagine]

Cold symptoms; fever, fuzzy head, copper taste in mouth

Allergy symptoms: itchy eyes, headache, sneezing

Plus the usual achy, tired, stuffy head stuff.

For a sinus headache it's just pain, usually, in my head and neck.

Isn't it interesting how everyone experiences things differently?

I have experienced some of the things you listed for cold symptoms as allergy symptoms.

My son use to get a high fever ( around 103/104) every time we went to Grandma's house. On the 3 hour ride home his fever would go away and not come back. We thought it was a coincidence until it happened everytime. His pediatrician said he had to be allergic to something at Grandma's house.

[Russ]

That's a cool gadget but it said no levels available in our area today.

Yeah, I really need to keep up with the nasal stuff.

BTW, your avatar scares me!

The spray has really helped me. The young guys on another forum called me a grumpy old man today, so it fits.

I used to get several sinus infections a year until I started using a neti pot. It works much better than sprays.

.

I'm going to have to look for a neti pot although with my luck I'll drown myself. :gaah:

[Palooka]

Cold symptoms; fever, fuzzy head, copper taste in mouth

Allergy symptoms: itchy eyes, headache, sneezing

Plus the usual achy, tired, stuffy head stuff.

For a sinus headache it's just pain, usually, in my head and neck.

I don't get these same symptoms at all. No fever with a cold but maybe with a sinus infection... if it's bad. I don't even remember the last time I ever had a fever though..with a sinus infection.

I think some people think I walk around stoned or something or I should put more stock in Visine. My eyes show it! lol

The thing with me is my head feels like a bowling ball and I'm so dizzy and can't get enough sleep or function. I went to bed at 8 last night with meds for the second night and feel way better today, so I guess it's not a virus although it felt like it!!

i can also just touch certain parts of my head and it will be sore to the touch, but not always.

[Libby]

For me - my symptoms of allergies are:

* itchy watery eyes
* constantly dry scratchy throat - sometimes includes dry hacking cough
* stubbed up/runny nose & sinuses
* slight difficultly with breathing in my chest area
* sometimes fuzzy/groggy head syndrome

If my body is sore all over and I have any type of fever - it usually means a cold for me.

[lisaflex]

i have allergies, get colds and both turn into sinus infections...yuck! often too!

i take singular daily. nasonex daily. every time i come home, i use a saline nose spray to help get out any allergens or junk from outside. i also take alavert-d when i am stuffed up and sinusy/allergyish....

[Palooka]

So by reading this....I think I have not had a common cold in years. Don't they usually last a couple weeks or so and no med can really help them, but maybe a little relief.

I guess it's my allergies as I cough with the window open in my room with the beautiful looking field in the back.

[Libby]

I guess it's my allergies as I cough with the window open in my room with the beautiful looking field in the back.

Oh duh! that will do it...you're retriggering yourself daily. I tend to keep the house closed up in the am's and evenings when flowers, plants etc are waking up/blooming for the day and closing up for the night. I only open windows mid-day unless I'm heavily medicated & prepared.

Feel better soon Palooka!

[Palooka]

Oh duh! that will do it...you're retriggering yourself daily. I tend to keep the house closed up in the am's and evenings when flowers, plants etc are waking up/blooming for the day and closing up for the night. I only open windows mid-day unless I'm heavily medicated & prepared.

Feel better soon Palooka!

I guess it's a matter of priorities. I rather suffer in the coolness of it...the attic fan at night, buy meds, than turn the air conditioner on this early in the year.

[frugalfranny]

Hope you feel better soon palooka.

If it is allergies.......it could be awhile.

I swear by my neti pot. Haven't had a headache since I started using one and it REALLY helps with the allergies. Doesn't eliminate them.....but sure helps.

When my eyes get real itchy is when I reach for the allergy drugs. With sneezing I go to the neti pot.