mea_M Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Anyone suffer from allergies here? If so, can you tell me if you've had testing and how that went? I'm mainly speaking of ragweed. Its apparent that around this time each year, I tend to get symptoms of a ragweed allergy but, mine are to the point that it triggers an almost asthma like response. I don't normally have asthma and its been highly annoying. Feedback appreciated. Mea Link to post Share on other sites
johan Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Never been tested, but I think ragweed is my nemesis. This year has been the worst in a very long time. Link to post Share on other sites
Author mea_M Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 Never been tested, but I think ragweed is my nemesis. This year has been the worst in a very long time. Thanks. Sorry to hear. Its been very bad up here. *Gasp* Mea:) Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Never been tested either, but I've gathered over the years that I'm allergic to tree pollen. This year has been horrific for me too. Link to post Share on other sites
Author mea_M Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 It may be a bad allergy season in many places this year. The testing is not covered by my insurance and I'd rather not go through it if I don't need too. Also, I don't know if ragweed is one that gives a good strong positive or negative result. I'm very sensitive to meds so I don't wish to start poping over the counter stuff. Funny how when I was recently on Zithromax for swimmers ear, the breathing issue and symptoms were controlled. They say zithromax has benefits for those with asthma. This is why I'm guessing the ragweed triggers an asthma like response in me. I don't know? Mea:) Link to post Share on other sites
EasyHeart Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 Ragweed is the most common human allergy. This year has been historically bad so that even people who don't normally have much in the way of allergies have had symptoms. (I have a really severe ragweed allergy, so I've been hibernating. ) All that allergy testing can do is identify the allergens that affect you. If you already know that you are allergic to ragweed, then the allergist can't do much more than confirm it for you. The number one treatment for any allergy is avoidance. If you know you are allergic to ragweed, for instance, stay inside as much as you can, close your windows and get a air purifier for your bedroom. Ragweed season is usually mid-August through September (with regional variations, of course). The main medical treatment is antihistamines, most of which are now available over the counter. Benadryl is the most effective antihistamine, but it is also a strong sedative so a lot of people don't like it. I only take it at bedtime. The non-drowsy antihistamines are Allegra, Clairitin and Zyrtec. People respond differently to each one, so an allergist will just tell you to try each one and experiment with dosages until you feel better. It's basically all trial and error, so most people can probably do it on their own. You can buy Benadryl, Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec (and cheaper generic equivalents) at Walmart, Target or any drugstore. And this time of year, they're usually on sale!! Having said all that, if your allergies are so bad that you're having asthma-like symptoms or having trouble breathing, that sounds kind of scary and would send me to see an allergist. They have prescription drugs (mostly steroids) that can help people who have really severe reactions. Hope that helps! (And if you're anywhere near Chicago I can hook you up with a really good allergist! ) 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author mea_M Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 Easyheart, Thank You! I can take benadryl that I know for sure. Don't know if that will help though? And I agree about the breathing issue. My darn primary is on vaca till the 16th and this is driving me nuts. Steroids are a no, no for me as they are a contradiction to patients with Lyme disease. Steroids can make Lyme disease worse believe it or not. In my case my Lyme is in remission and my immune system testing via a CD 57 marker look great. I ended up beating Lyme back pretty good via natural remedies. But the fact remains, I still have Lyme even though I'm symptom free at the moment. It would be very bad to go in the wrong direction. Added the Lyme bit to provide a better picture. Mea Link to post Share on other sites
Woggle Posted September 7, 2013 Share Posted September 7, 2013 I am allergic to tree pollen and I still go for monthly shots. It works wonders. After this year I will no longer have to go. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Author mea_M Posted September 7, 2013 Author Share Posted September 7, 2013 (edited) I am allergic to tree pollen and I still go for monthly shots. It works wonders. After this year I will no longer have to go. Thanks Woogle. Glad the shots work. I'm really guessing its ragweed and if there is a shot for this allergen I would be glad to stick out my arm. Mea:) Edited September 8, 2013 by mea_M Link to post Share on other sites
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