Another Allergy thread . .new diag'noses" (Raleigh: how much, transfer, allergies)

[SALUKI_LOVER]

I was certain that had some strain of flu/cold season but turns out I have joined the ranks of the allergy sufferers. I have several friends that have relocated from CA to NC and now that I think of it a few of them now have allergies.

What's a girl with allergies to do? Any advice for a newbie.

I'm extremely active and this has rendered me inactive for 2 weeks with laryngitis . . .

How do I determine if i'ts food or environment?

Maybe an individual? just kidding. . ..

thanks Forumites . .you're always helpful.

[Poggly Woggly]

I get the occasional mystery allergen this of year....probably environmental. A good flushing with my trusty netti pot followed by a Zyrtec usually does the job. I always try to get out ahead of all kinds of upper respriratory stuff with the netti pot as well. I'm a believer in the little pot

[michgc]

You can get tested for allergies and see what you are allergic to.

[RDUBiker]

I developed allergies after living here for several years. I finally got to the point where OTC meds weren't helping enough so I went to see an allergist. After a full test, he set me up on some injections which have helped a lot. They do cost a lot and take a lot of time to get done until you're on the maintenance phase, but with nowhere else to turn, for someone like me who loves (needs) to be outside a lot, this was my only choice. I'm much happier now - and spring was the best it's been in many years for me.

The injections don't "cure" the allergies, but they greatly lessen their effects to where OTC meds can take care of 99% of the remaining symptoms. It may be worth looking into.

I went to Dr. Gurdev Judge - great guy and really helpful.

Good luck.

[lilhippie1]

Go get tested, a lot of GPs can do the testing for you nowadays so you don't need to find an allergist unless you really want to go to one first. I went to my GP, got tested, and found out I'm really allergic to all sorts of indigenous trees. Fun! I now take allergy "drops" which are similar to the shots, you just put the serum under your tongue rather than have it injected. I can't tell how well it's working yet since it is my spring allergies that are the worst but, I'm hoping for the best!

Good luck!

[RaleighLass]

I also developed allergies after living here a few years. I've tried everything...almost. You need to do some investigating yourself to help your doc. I suggest you check out the website pollen.com where you can put in your zip code and see which allergens are in the air. Keep track of this as seasons change. You can also keep a food diary and note each day how your allergies are. This helped me figure out a couple of food allergies such as Flax gives me cold symptoms, stuffy nose etc.. I also am a big fan of the neti pot or even the saline spray for first timers. Each is sold at drug stores and Walmart and Target. You can ask your doc if you can take probiotics...they work wonders in supporting immunity. If it's a pollen allergy and you work in your yard or jog, be sure to shower afterwards as it can get into your hair and then transferred to your bed. OTC meds my doc started me on were first Claritin, then allegra, then Zyrtec. I now take astelin. It's very good and I barely have symptoms since also adding a good probiotic and using the neti every now and then.

Good luck, and so sorry you have joined our club....

[Bpobill]

My sister in law has had major relief with acupuncture. It took quite a few months but she does not take any more pills at all.

If you are not sure if you have allergies, I would suggest taking sovereign silver. Anytime I start to feel a crappy, I take that stuff several times a day and I never get sick. A couple days ago I felt a sore throat coming on, so I took that several times that day. I woke up the next day and felt 100% again. I would also suggest a good local raw honey. That helped my wife with some allergies she had.

[Bpobill]

Originally Posted by RaleighLass

I also developed allergies after living here a few years. I've tried everything...almost. You need to do some investigating yourself to help your doc. I suggest you check out the website pollen.com where you can put in your zip code and see which allergens are in the air. Keep track of this as seasons change. You can also keep a food diary and note each day how your allergies are. This helped me figure out a couple of food allergies such as Flax gives me cold symptoms, stuffy nose etc.. I also am a big fan of the neti pot or even the saline spray for first timers. Each is sold at drug stores and Walmart and Target. You can ask your doc if you can take probiotics...they work wonders in supporting immunity. If it's a pollen allergy and you work in your yard or jog, be sure to shower afterwards as it can get into your hair and then transferred to your bed. OTC meds my doc started me on were first Claritin, then allegra, then Zyrtec. I now take astelin. It's very good and I barely have symptoms since also adding a good probiotic and using the neti every now and then.

Good luck, and so sorry you have joined our club....

I would also recommend a good probiotic.

Get your vitamin d level checked. Most of Americans are extremely low. The good news is all it takes is more sun and a trip to the vitamin store if your levels are low. I take 8,000iu per day to maintain. 10,000-15,000 per DAY if you are on the low side. Most traditional doctors have no idea how much vitamin d needs to be taken to bring your levels up. Doing these things will help your body start to function better and make you feel better.