Allergy question

[cdmurphy]

I did not have any allergies until I moved to DC for college in the early 90s, and then kablam! I was miserable for years until I finally did allergy shots. Now I'm usually fine but this week has been bad, with the oak pollen, high heat, and dry air. I don't take prescription meds anymore but I've found that for times like this, the Costco version of Zyrtec works pretty well for me.

[ajzjmsmom]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their input, my son sees the allergist in June to see if we can't get ahead of the game and then I will see him later on this year. Nice to know that Zrytec works, hubby uses the Sam's brand and it works well for him, maybe my son and I need to be on it.

[ChristineVA]

One of the phenomena of allergies is that you get a "honeymoon" period when you move. This happens when you change locales and go to a place that has different flora than the area you left. I had horrible allergies, moved to Japan and didn't get any allergies for almost 3 years. You might move here an be fine the first year and not get hit until the next year as your body gets sensitized to what we have here.

The mid-Atlantic region has so many different types of trees and grasses that it is an allergic person's nightmare. At 45, I have mainly gotten over my allergies but I suffered TERRIBLY as a child. My son, who has allergies and asthma, is having a rough time right now. He is currently on Singulair, Zyrtec, Nasonex, and Advair. If it weren't for these meds, I doubt he'd even be functioning.

I have heard that the pollen coverage we are having right now is oak. I will say it is the worst I've seen it in a long time. My blacktop driveway has a carpet of green dust on it. If I go out and stomp on my driveway the pollen puffs up around me. We also are able to track footprints in it. I never remember being able to do that.

[Yankeesfan]

One of my children has bad allergies but they are well-controlled now by medications and shots (he's gone from weekly to every two weeks). My car was coated with pollen this morning but he is breathing free and clear. So yes, I agree that going to the allergist is better than suffering. Also agree with the taking off of shoes, keeping the windows closed (sigh, I love open windows but it's not worth having him suffer -- in a few years we'll be able to open them again), and using an air purifier at least in the bedroom.

[janie01]

ScranBarre, If you were moving here this week you would be miserable! Most people I know are affected one way or another. Everything is coated in green. Even my driveway is lime. I was told it is worse here because of the abundance of flowering decidious trees and plants, but it is so worth it. Spring is gorgeous here. The azaleas in the older neighborhoods are unbelievable. Not sure if an air purifier would help, but keep your windows closed when you see the green stuff forming on everything. By the time you get here, I think the green spell will be over, but be prepared for your allergies to persist.

[cdmurphy]

My allergies were definitely worse when I lived in Falls Church (I'm currently in eastern Loudoun). Many more mature trees to cause trouble. But springtime is so beautiful there (especially the azaleas, as janie01 mentioned), it's worth it.

[vagardengal]

The question about the air purifier is a good one, but I'd like to hear from those who do have them.
My allergist advised putting one in the home because all purifier release ozone, which is not only bad for the environment, but also an allergen to many people.

So for those that have an air purifier - did this statement factor into your buying a purifier? Or do you find it helps regardless (you're not allergic to the output)?

[Mike From NIU]

Originally Posted by vagardengal

The question about the air purifier is a good one, but I'd like to hear from those who do have them.
My allergist advised putting one in the home because all purifier release ozone, which is not only bad for the environment, but also an allergen to many people.

So for those that have an air purifier - did this statement factor into your buying a purifier? Or do you find it helps regardless (you're not allergic to the output)?

Actually, not all purifiers produce ozone. The ionizing kind (like the ones that Sharper Image and Consumer Reports got into a spat about) are the only type that produce ozone. Most non-ionizing air purifiers are portable versions of your furnace/AC's fan system. They consist of a fan sucking and blowing air through HEPA-style filters, and thus do not produce ozone.