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Allergy Question

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  • Allergy Question

    Allergy sufferers, I looking for recommemdations for relief for all over, intense, sinus pressure in my face and ears. I don't have any drainage, just pressure in all sinuses causing daily migraines. I have Nasonex and OTC allergy meds that do not work per suggestion of my PCP. Iam considering seeing a dr. I am unsure if I should see an ENT, an allergist, a neurologist or my PCP. It's been disruptive to daily activity.
    Needs

  • #2
    Dr wives are the best Drs - take my free advice for what it's worth. My DD suffers horribly this time of year. Last year, she was put on Veramyst, which is a nasal spray, and it has been life changing for her. Unfortunately, she still suffers a ton and is on a bunch of other meds, but we're trying to avoid allergy shots at all cost. I think it took three med combination changes last year to get her the most relief. I also vacuum daily during this time, change our furnace filters frequently, and don't open the windows.
    -Deb
    Wife to EP, just trying to keep up with my FOUR busy kids!

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    • #3
      I think I'd start with an allergist or ENT. What do ENT wives think?
      -Deb
      Wife to EP, just trying to keep up with my FOUR busy kids!

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      • #4
        I'd go to an allergist first. You might benefit from allergy treatments, they have been life changing for my brother.
        Tara
        Married 20 years to MD/PhD in year 3 of MFM fellowship. SAHM to five wonderful children (#6 due in August), a sweet GSD named Bella, a black lab named Toby, and 1 guinea pig.

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        • #5
          Also, have you tried regularly scheduled sudafed plus Tylenol? I find that works better for the pressure than actual allergy meds.
          Tara
          Married 20 years to MD/PhD in year 3 of MFM fellowship. SAHM to five wonderful children (#6 due in August), a sweet GSD named Bella, a black lab named Toby, and 1 guinea pig.

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          • #6
            I also didn't realize until last year that some allergy meds do have to titrate up into one's system. I was giving DD Zyrtec just on bad allergy days, not realizing it can take two weeks to kick in and a day "off" just set her back. I was trying to keep her from being medicated all the time, but the reality is that she has to be to survive spring.
            -Deb
            Wife to EP, just trying to keep up with my FOUR busy kids!

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            • #7
              Sudafed does work best for me. It tends to make me dizzy so I try not to take it. I Typically have allergies like this in late summer and fall. So this is newer plus all of the rain we have been getting. Dh's allergies are worse than I have ever seem. He won't take anything.
              Needs

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              • #8
                Cassy, I'm with you on the Benadryl and using the neti pot. Ugh, hate allergies!!! Zyrtec didn't seem to do much for me. I'd go see the allergist first before ENT...

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                • #9
                  Some OTC meds work better than others - I only function on zyrtec. I had a prescription for rhinocort and then flonase that really helped, but it expired and I was too lazy to find a new doctor and get a new one, so I've just dealt with it since then. It made a big difference though. Nasal rinses or a neti pot also helps tremendously.
                  Allison - professor; wife to a urology attending; mom to baby girl E (11/13), baby boy C (2/16), and a spoiled cat; knitter and hoarder of yarn; photographer

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                  • #10
                    I got a trial of Qnasl that is working nicely. I hate using steroids though so I only use it twice a week. But it's beautiful when I do. I also use Zaditor for my eyes because I can't afford Pataday. I was taking Zyrtec but I stopped so I could do a skin test and haven't had time to schedule the skin test. :/
                    Mom of 3, Veterinarian

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Michele View Post
                      I got a trial of Qnasl that is working nicely. I hate using steroids though so I only use it twice a week. But it's beautiful when I do. I also use Zaditor for my eyes because I can't afford Pataday. I was taking Zyrtec but I stopped so I could do a skin test and haven't had time to schedule the skin test. :/
                      OMGOMGOMG! I have been waiting for YEARS (like probably over a decade) for another aerosol nasal steroid to come on the market. The liquid ones are horrible. Beconase (and probably others) had to discontinue theirs when the EPA cracked down on nasal aerosols with CFCs; the damn pharm companies refused to pay the licensing fees for the non-CFC aerosol propellants that were available. SO SO SO glad there's finally one out there. Luckily, my allergies here still aren't bad, but if we move back to the PNW, I will be all over qnasl. YAY! Thank you for making my day.
                      Last edited by poky; 04-24-2013, 08:16 PM.
                      Sandy
                      Wife of EM Attending, Web Programmer, mom to one older lady scaredy-cat and one sweet-but-dumb younger boy kitty

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by Michele View Post
                        I got a trial of Qnasl that is working nicely. I hate using steroids though so I only use it twice a week. But it's beautiful when I do. I also use Zaditor for my eyes because I can't afford Pataday. I was taking Zyrtec but I stopped so I could do a skin test and haven't had time to schedule the skin test. :/
                        Target also makes a generic zatidor

                        Wife to PGY3
                        Loving wife of neurosurgeon

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                        • #13
                          Just chiming in here... I'm biased but I say go to an ENT. Especially with the sinus pressure and migraines.

                          We did go to an allergist for allergy shots for ds11-- they have been very helpful and while a major pita because you need to go in for shots regularly, they are very helpful.

                          A dirty little secret allergy specialist don't want you to know is that many ENT clinics offer allergy treatments that are just as effective as shots-- but given orally. My dh is certified to tray allergies and often does, but they don't usually advertise this because allergists get territorial.
                          Peggy

                          Aloha from paradise! And the other side of training!

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                          • #14
                            Dh also says you should try Flonase. The kids and I take Zyrtec and Flonase year round.
                            Peggy

                            Aloha from paradise! And the other side of training!

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                            • #15
                              Originally posted by peggyfromwastate View Post
                              Dh also says you should try Flonase. The kids and I take Zyrtec and Flonase year round.
                              So does DH. He also buys xyzal, with an rx, because the OTC Zyrtec makes him super drowsy. Another option if Zyrtec makes you feel the same way.


                              Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
                              Wife to Family Medicine attending, Mom to DS1 and DS2
                              Professional Relocation Specialist &
                              "The Official IMSN Enabler"

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