Asthma/Allergies

[AksarbeN]

Interesting information Kat 7, thanks. The allergy season is upon us NOW! I couldn’t believe it today. I’ve had doors and windows open to enjoy the air from outside and it’s triggered my allergy problems. Hard to believe I may have to turn on the A/C and close up the house again.

Phoenix is not the place for people with allergies and asthma troubles. The air is polluted and it isn’t getting any better!

[thatgrl]

visited arizona thinking sinus would get better but did not. I had continuous headaches and nose bleeds. I was so dry I thought I'd die! Kept a bottled of water in my hand constantly. There is something to be said for humidity. There are alot of wrinkled people there..sorry

[tucsondesertdweller]

That girl. Try one of the saline nose drops/spray. I also suffer from sinus problems. But then again when I lived back east, my sinus headaches were worse. Can't win

[Creyente]

I used to suffer from both allergies and asthma but I've recently beaten both!

Here's my story:
I have always been allergic to cats but because they're so cute, I've learned to live with them and as a result I've had a sniffly nose my whole life and accepted that as part of life. I would also have weekly sneezing fits (to the point where by-standers would look at me like I was faking) but it wasn't until 4 years ago when the asthma came. I lived abroad a year (away from my cats) but when I returned I had a severe reaction to them - involving nightly coughing fits and bronchial constrictions. I finally went to an allergist at the renown Cedars Sinai Hospital here in LA. After a three hour doctor's visit, I was given a sheet of paper documenting the fact that I was indeed asthmatic and allergic to my cats as well as a number of other common allergens (ie., dust mites and mold). I was told that if I wanted to truly shake the allergies I should consider getting bi-weekly shots for the next six months which would then be tapered off to once a week and then once in a while. I also received a paper bag of the standard asthma meds and told that I should try all of them and see what works for me, as everyone is different and some may work better than others. Can't say that information made me feel confident in the doctor. I went home and tried the meds. Things gradually improved and I went off the meds. Then this past December, I went to visit my family for two months and when I returned, the same thing happened, only worse. I couldn't breath at night, every night, and the coughing was frightening. I decided to do something different: see an acupuncturist/herbalist. Within two weeks, my allergies were completely gone with NO medication. PLUS, I have no more sniffles, or runny nose. Now, when I hear anyone complain about allergies and asthma, I can't help but butt-in and try to spread the gospel. One of the most valuable things I've learned about allergies and asthma, is that these are indicators that your immune system is compromised. You can try to avoid the triggers, but you're not addressing why your system is reacting in this way.

I know this thread is about finding a new place to live where allergies are lessened, but I don't think you need to move, you can beat them.

Now, if you are interested in acupuncture I highly recommend that you research your doctor. It's very important to make sure the doctor is also an herbologist. This is key; the herbs are an important part of the healing process.

Ok, I wish you luck. Allergies and Asthma are no fun!

[bluebelt1234]

Originally Posted by Malvie

I live in Arkansas and suffer from severe allergies and worsening asthma. I'm an active individual, and these respiratory ailments are putting a crimp in my lifestyle, to say the least.

I've always heard that moving to the desert will help. Leaf mold is one of my big triggers, and we have enough leaves here to sink the Titanic. I wonder if moving there would alleviate?

Anyone have any experience with relieving allergies and asthma by moving to Arizona?

I have recently been diagnosed with asthma. I never had asthma problems in Indiana. My asthma is really bad. I have to use my inhaler twice a day. Plus I have to take Advair, Singulair, Nasonex, and Allegra. I even have to go to the doctor about twice a year for oral steroids. Since moving here, I have had to stop living the active life I lived in Indiana. I even studied martial arts for a while. Now, I can barely exercise anymore without having an attack. I exercised all the time in Indiana with no problems. I REALLY, REALLY wish I knew of another part of the country that needed teachers right now. From my experience, if you have asthma or allergies and can find a job outside of Arizona you really need to take it.

[asthmainaz]

Does anyone know how high up the smog goes? Is Flagstaff or other areas out of the smog range? Also - any suggestions on where in AZ might be better for asthma? My 6 year old is dying out here. We just moved from WDC in which we had no problems. HELP!

[bluebelt1234]

Originally Posted by asthmainaz

Does anyone know how high up the smog goes? Is Flagstaff or other areas out of the smog range? Also - any suggestions on where in AZ might be better for asthma? My 6 year old is dying out here. We just moved from WDC in which we had no problems. HELP!

I think Flagstaff is supposed to be better for asthma. I was nearly dying out here as well until I started taking vitamins and drinking Emergen-C. I was doing breathing treatments everyday, four times a day, having asthma attacks so bad I could barely walk. Then, I discovered Emergen-C and things improved.

[CraftTeutonic]

your allergies will probably get worse here to be honest. phoenix is not really a desert anymore when you consider that everyone has a front and back lawn plus trees all over. this means that allergies are up year round with no cold weather to stave them off. i myself live in phoenix with allergic rhinitis and I constantly have trouble breathing through my nose. i take allergy shots every other week

[tom myers]

i LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME OF 1200 A MONTH I CANNOT DEAL WITH THE COLD ANYMORE IN OHIO i HAVE ARTHISTIS AND COPD IS THERE ANY PLACE I CAN GO TO AND MAKE IT WITH MY INCOME AND I CAN STILL PAINT AND WALLPAPER AND DO HANDYMAN CHORES. THANKU TOM

[HotRodBetty]

When I lived in Phoenix metro area 2 years ago the air quality on a scale from 1 being worse to 100 being great. Mesa/tempe/Phoenix ect was a 1% when we looked at Lake Havasu City it was a 45%. So we headed to Lake Havasu City. Now up here my Asthma is bad during the winter months. We went up to Golden Valley /Kingman and when I was having issues back here I wasn't there. I have tried Breath Free Tea and that helps with honey. ut I have been taking 2000 mg of vit c a day and that has help quite a bit.I would do a city search first and look at the air quality before moving .Good Luck!