Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Do I Have Allergies, It Seems Like I Do?

396545383 Ok, so I usually get a stuffy nose around September-October and it usually lasts until spring. Sometimes it drips which is annoying and it usually is white mucous. Sometimes only one nostril is stuffed and then it switches sides. When I exercise, it goes away but then comes back. Do I have allergies?
Posted by at
Labels:

1 comment:

  1. rebesSeptember 20, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Book Reager - It would be in your best interest to see an otolaryngologist which is an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT). I have had a lot of sinis and allergy issues over the years. In my early 20's I had 3 sinus surgeries, so I know how frustrating it can be. It is hard to diagnose yourself, because sinus problems can mimick allergy problems, and vise-versa. Many ENT's have allergists in their office, so you can be examined for sinus problems, as well as allergies. An allergist will give you a scratch test on your forearms. Usually they gently prick both of your forearms with the 10 or so most common allergies. The way your skin reacts indicates whether or not you have an allergy. (You may also feel some of the pricks getting very itchy, but don't scratch!) Your ENT and/or allergist may first try some nose sprays such as Flonase, Patanase, Rhinocort or Nasalide. He/she may want to try oral antihystamines and/or steroids as well. If your worst problems are allergies, the allergist may want to give you allergy shots. They are no big deal. Once a week, you go in for allergy shots for your worst allergies, and after a year or so, your body no longer reacts to the allergen.
    As much as you want to diagnose yourself, you will drive yourself crazy if you try. An ENT is your best bet to get a proper diagnosis.

    Feel better!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)