Hayfever suffers please read!

[sunshine03]

Hi,
Can anyone offer any advice to relieve my hay fever - I am really struggling this year!! I take an antihistamine every morning but not giving any relief at all! We also have a dog (partner already had this when I met him) but having the dog doesn't help and he brings all the grass pollen into the house when he's been rolling around. Unfortunately, my partner doesn't understand how much I'm suffering and how horribly hayfever actually is - its ruining me enjoying these nice days outside!! I try to keep the dog out of the living room but as my partner doesn't understand how I'm feeling I am fighting a losing battle! Can anyone offer any magic remedies to help or recommend anything......?

 

[seoj]

No magic cure... sorry-- but I have it, so does hubby AND our LO... no fun!!! Mine is for sure at it's worst in spring-- and I take allery meds (over the counter)- but every year I have to try a new one- as when I've used it the prior year it doesn't seem to help as much. But if your allergies are not responding to over the counter meds- then I would recommend you see your doctor to get allergy tested and they can prescribe meds more for your specific type of allergies. My friend had to do this for her son- and now his allergies are very very mild with meds- he used to get swollen eyes (to the point he couldn't see!)- and they really caused him a lot of trouble.

Sorry your partner doesn't "get it"- it really does suck! Try explaining it's like having a horrible cold you can't get rid of!!! And maybe get a better vacuum for the house that can better deal with dog hair? Just a thought. Best of luck!

 

[sunshine03]

Thanks seoj - may try a trip to the doctor and see if they can advise anything! I have a 19 month old who's sneezing like mad at the moment so I'm hoping he doesn't have it too! Got a dyson pet Hoover so that's quite good but as the dog is always at home, it's just in the air isn't it!

Hope your not suffering too much and thanks for replying!

 

[Niccal]

I'd also recommend talking to your doctor, I went and they also prescribed a nasal spray to use along with the tablets. Once you start using it, you do need to carry on for the whole pollen 'season' but it really improved things for me.

I think you can buy the same sprays over the counter, but the prescription ones are larger so it worked out cheaper.

 

[magicwhisper]

nasal spray works for my mum but a hayfever tablet that isn't a one a day helps me. as one a day ones don't work

 

[Broody85]

Nasal sprays have worked wonders for me

 

[Rachel_C]

Is it just OTC tablets you've tried? Only the older types of antihistamine are available to buy without prescription so definitely see your GP and trying some different ones. Sometimes one won't work at all but another will be perfect.

For next year, you could look at sourcing some local honey. If you start eating a tablespoon a day before the hayfever season really starts, it helps your body get used to the pollen (which is why it needs to be local honey, as the pollen will vary by area). I also try to drink plenty of home made elderflower cordial... I have no idea if that works but I know I react badly to elderflower pollen so I'm hoping the cordial might help in the same way as honey!

 

[dgirllamius]

My OH suffers really bad with hay fever and he bought some stuff you spray up your nose. It cleared it up really well.

 

[MellyH]

Have you tried a neti pot? I find OTC antihistamines either don't work or make me loopy, so I can't take them. I flush my eyes and nose out basically twice daily in spring with warm, salty water, and the relief is both instant (in terms of soothing poor inflamed membranes) and longer term, it stops the build-up of pollen and irritants in your nose and eyes.

After I have ended up somewhere long term (about to move across the state next month!) I am planning on doing the allergy desensitisation program (regular injections of increasing amounts of the allergen so your body learns to cope). Is that an option for you longer term?