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Message |
    
Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 129
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 12:06 pm: | 
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Is it me or was the current tree pollen situation really really bad? This past weekend it was coming down like snow! I never get affected by pollen but definitely could feel it this time... others around me seemed to be hurting.
Remind me again how long this usually lasts since this is the first time I've noticed it.
Thanks! |
Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 383
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 12:33 pm: |
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For me, it sucks on into July. Ugh. |
Fabulouswalls
Citizen
Username: Fabulouswalls
Post Number: 65
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 12:38 pm: |
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Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Chooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Story of my life  |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2738
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 12:51 pm: |
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I'm affected only once in awhile (not in the 3 yrs here) but this year, it's awful as of Sunday for me. Tried drugstore Claritin (scarcely any effect). Now trying Chloretrimiton. Bought Benadryl D for tonight. My nose is a volcan, a geyser! Keep hearing that if it rains, it will help. I sure hope so. Thought it would be better here in Jersey City given the river, and less green stuff. No dice... |
Taurus5208
Citizen
Username: Taurus5208
Post Number: 156
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 1:07 pm: |
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Is it possible for dogs to have pollen allergies...because mine has been sneezing constantly since last week! |
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 437
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 2:04 pm: |
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Is anyone else coughing a lot? I am, and sometimes my throat hurts. No fever, no headache. I suspect it is all this pollen. What treatment/meds do you recommend? |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2739
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 2:08 pm: |
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mickey, I have all of that. Great gushes of itchyness and wetness. I think that this wet stuff running down the throat creates some of the irritation.
I found lotramine (the Clariten ingredient) inadequate. I'm an hour in on a Chlortrimetron (sp?) and while I'm a tad better, not enough. Next up! Benadryl tonight. Still very stuffy and itchy in the nose. I guess I need more serious antihistamine...and I'm in an a/c building |
Projects Dude
Citizen
Username: Quakes
Post Number: 130
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 2:12 pm: |
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I'm not really hacking it up or anything, but do feel somewhat heavy-ish in the chest and occasionally a mild irritation in eyes. My poor wife seems to be experiencing the same symptoms as Cynicalgirl though. It's kinda scary but my driveway has loads of the tree pollen strings clumped up just over 1 day on Saturday.
Well, here's the scary forecasts...
http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/allergies/hotspots?pollentype=tree |
Zet
Citizen
Username: Zet
Post Number: 36
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 2:34 pm: |
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Mickey:
I had just cough, very persistent, that I attributed to a recent sinus infection. Since it was dragging on I called my doctor who suggested to try Claritin (generic version: Loratadine). I was very skeptic as 1. I never had allergies in my life and 2. anything seems to be called allergies recently when the true reason for the symptoms cannot be determined. Anyway I agreed to try Claritin and return to the doctor's office if the condition does not change within the next two weeks. I'm happy to report Claritin is actually helping. Previously I would wake up with scratchy throat and had very tiring dry cough all day long. It took four to five days for these symptoms to disappear but one week later I am so relieved! I am also hoping this is a temporary condition due to the pollen level this year. Check with your doctor and see what they say. |
Morrisa da Silva
Citizen
Username: Mod
Post Number: 450
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 2:42 pm: |
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The Claritan does take about 1-2 weeks of constant use to tell if it will be effective. i guess it needs to build up in the system. I hear the nose sprays (Nasonex etc.) are very effective but I belive they are all prescription. My husband is suffering very much this year and although I usually don't have symptoms till august i too am feeling heavy in the chest and wake up with alot of gunk in my chest and throat. |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2740
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 3:31 pm: |
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Boy, I massacred the spelling of the Claritin ingredient! MOrrisa, I hear the same thing about the delay. Then, a friend on the train suggested some other product (name like Allavert?) -- I read the label in the drugstore and it's the same stuff. I tend to buy generic so I couldn't see why Allavert would be any better than Claritin.
I guess we're all different on this stuff. I'm sad to report that the Chlortrimeton isn't doing jack. When I get home, it's the heavy artillery: Benadryl. |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1206
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 3:45 pm: |
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Tree pollen is unusually bad this year, according to TV weather people. It should be over soon, though. When you start to see big piles of dead oak tree flowers lying in the streets, it means that it's on its way to being finished. Another week or so, and it should be done. I do well with Zyrtec. I took Allegra yesterday, which had no effect. Took a Zyrtec this morning and feel good. I've noticed that you can taste the pollen on the tip of your tongue if you have allergies. |
Zet
Citizen
Username: Zet
Post Number: 37
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 4:00 pm: |
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Cynicalgirl:
I knew how to spell it only because I had the box with me! |
Cynicalgirl
Citizen
Username: Cynicalgirl
Post Number: 2742
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 4:09 pm: |
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I think lotramine is that anti-fungal stuff. Gawd, the pollen has impaired my short-term memory and my thought processes!! Make it stop!! |
emmie
Supporter
Username: Emmie
Post Number: 739
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 4:34 pm: |
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Yes, it is used to treat Ring Worm and the like. The pollen has got me too for the first time in years, so it must be bad. The pollen map on "Acu Weather" for NJ is bright orange, almost as high as the scale goes, red is the highest.
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gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 339
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 5:32 pm: |
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Speaking of worms and allergies:
How to cure your asthma or hayfever using hookworm - a practical guide  |
maaaa
Citizen
Username: Maaaa
Post Number: 130
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 10:58 pm: |
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There's a OTC nose spray called Chromalyn Sodium, that's available in generic and brand name. It takes a few days for it to work, but it actually makes the cells in your nose unresponsive to allergens. I used to take an inhalant version for asthma. Anyway, it has no side effects--- no speediness, sleepiness, or bounce back. Apparently, it stays pretty localized.
They've got it at the CVS in Millburn. It's on the bottom shelf in the allergy section, so it must not be a big moneymaker.
Hope y'all feel better. |
letters
Citizen
Username: Letters016
Post Number: 556
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 11:08 pm: |
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Lil' Letters is having a terrible time of it and it's bothering me more than normal, too.
The best I can figure out is that we have had no rain to wash any of it away. What we need is a good downpour for about an hour to clear everything out and wash it down the drains. Then, maybe, we can all breathe a little easier. |
michelezembow
Citizen
Username: Michelezembow
Post Number: 198
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 11:32 pm: |
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Have any of you tried taking stinging nettle capsules? Don't recall offhand which part of the plant is taken for hay fever and allergies, but you can get it at a health food store. Read about it years ago in one of the older Andrew Weil books...I'd imagine that his more recent books must touch upon some other remedies for all that allergy suffering!
The other thing I remember learning--and trying--at a meditation center (since folks who do yoga and meditation do lots of different kinds of breathing exercises) is to do nasal washing. You can either use a neti pot or something more syringelike and "modern"--they simply circulate warmed salted water through your sinuses to clean them out. You can see it in action with a Himalayan Institute video clip: http://netipot.org/demo_video.htm |
John Caffrey
Citizen
Username: Jerseyjack
Post Number: 222
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 11:54 am: |
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I posted on this a couple of months ago. I purchased a sinus irrigator and am only having minor irritation with alleries this spring. This compares with sinus infections and sore throat in past years.
Google "sinus" and check the commercial sites. I don't remember the site for the product qwhich cost $89. but if you can't find it, p.l. me and I will reply.
JC |
Shanabana
Citizen
Username: Shanabana
Post Number: 385
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 12:06 pm: |
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I just ordered Zyrtec online through some canadian company. Should be here in 3 days--HELP!!!!!!!!!! I know that works, and I should have ordered it ages ago.
This is hell. Every time my son wakes me up at night my nose starts running and itching again. I have a half done project in the back yard that I can't do because it's worse outside. I have taken 3x the claritin dosage, plus some other allergy stuff and my symptoms are worstening. I'll try the OTC nasal spray. |
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 60
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 1:33 pm: |
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Try being pregnant and dealing with not only pollen allergies, but dust allergies from moving! Argh! The sinus irrigation has been helping with the congestion, especially before bed. I bought an "Ayr" brand nasal wash at CVS, but there are plenty of recipes for DIY with neti pots or even thermoses with spouts.
I've been taking Chlor-trimeton because it's supposedly the least invasive for pregnancy, as a Category B drug, but it makes me sleepy some days.
What works best for me is Claritin-D 12- hour, but I don't want to go near it during pregnancy, even though my doctor okays it.
I'm curious about the stinging nettles. I heard about that on the radio a few weeks ago. Anyone have any success with herbal remedies? So far, nothing homepathic has ever worked on any of my allergies, including chiropractic work...but would love to hear success stories. |
Handygirl
Citizen
Username: Handygirl
Post Number: 684
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 2:05 pm: |
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Anyone try acupuncture? |
Jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 749
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 2:21 pm: |
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Another natural tip for pollen allergy sufferers, especially those who are worse at night:
Why would outdoor allergies be worse at night? Sure the post nasal drip is positional, but there's more.
Your hair collects pollen just like your car does, then you lay your head in your pillow and roll your face into the pillow and guess what? Achoo!
If you wash or rinse your hair at night, you might reduce this part of your suffering. Or you could cut your hair off.
May people think she did this for "G.I. Jane." No, it was because of allergies.
J.B. |
mjc
Citizen
Username: Mjc
Post Number: 1121
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 3:02 pm: |
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following on J.B., a few nonmedical thoughts from our allergy-ridden house that may bring some relief:
wash face, hands and if practical hair as soon as you come in from outside
couldn't hurt to also change out of outdoor clothing
keep windows shut ()
use artificial tears and saline nasal spray (or neti) to rinse out allergens, also cromolyn sodium nasal spray to block allergens (though it may not be much help once the reaction is underway)
wash pillowcase frequently if not daily, and keep it covered during the day
an air cleaner in the bedroom may help (not necessarily right away) if you can stand the hum and draft
decongestant may cut down on the waterworks too
rest well and recover, all!
MC |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1210
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 4:54 pm: |
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Antihistamines and decongestants work differently for different people. If one doesn't help you, try another kind. |
anotherkittie
Citizen
Username: Anotherkittie
Post Number: 21
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 5:59 pm: |
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This year is the worst. Nothing is helping me. The only thing that comes close to working is Benadryl, but it knocks me out so I only take it at night. I've been shooting saline and Zyrtec for Allergies regularly, but no real serious relief. Tonight we do a rain dance. |
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 65
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 8:46 pm: |
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Thanks so much for the tip on showering before bed. Such a simple idea and I never thought about it. I washed the pillowcases and did the shower before bed last night and I do think my night was a little improved.
I'm trying to be diligent about all of us getting out of our pollen-covered clothes before going near my bed. It's hard but hopefully will become routine soon enough. |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3156
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 8:57 pm: |
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I find a couple shots of moonshine does wonders |
Heather
Citizen
Username: Heater33
Post Number: 50
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 10:02 pm: |
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SO, I'm not sure how pollen is measured, but my M-I-L told me that for this time of year the count is usually at 500-600, but this year it is up to 1500 - way above average for some reason. I love claritin - take one, once a day. |
HOMMELL
Citizen
Username: Hommell
Post Number: 168
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 10:17 pm: |
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Heavy rain Friday and Saturday should help |
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