my own allergies

[Calicat]

Hi,

Since you are all such a knowledgable and helpful bunch, I am BEGGING for a little advice for myself now. And since allergies can be one of the root triggers for tics, I'm sure there are people here who know plenty about this topic.

 

I have had slight allergies that would pop up once in a while from the time I've been 19 or so. But after moving into this rental unit 2 years ago (I'm in my 30s now), my allergies have gotten soooo bad. My symptoms gradually fade away when I'm outdoors, so I know it's not pollen. Indoors, I sneeze 50 to 100 times a day, have a stuffed up and runny nose, and recently experience an "itchy" throat plus itchy, watery eyes, too. For non-allergy sufferers, this may not seem like a big deal, but I can not concentrate on anything or get anything done. And once the symptoms have kicked in, I experience them in other people's houses and stores, too.

 

For most of the past two years, I have used a steroid allergy nose spray about once a week, and it was all I needed. Symptoms would stay away for the week, and then I'd know they were slowly coming back, so I'd give another spray. Well, within the past few weeks, that has COMPLETELY stopped working, even if I give 2 sprays a DAY!! (the maximum dose). So I tried Claritin for three days in a row, but it only slightly relieved symptoms. Then I tried Reactine, and it seemed to work for the first two days, but now I'm on the third day and it is no longer working as well. I've checked the box, and I can't up the dosage. Also, it is not supposed to be used long term.

 

I am ABSOLUTELY MISERABLE and no allergy medications seem to work for me, and I'd really prefer not having to take them anyway. What is wrong with my body? Why do even drugs not work anymore? Why is my allergic response seeming to get stronger and stronger to almost everything? Is it just going to get worse for me until I can't stand it any more and rip my own head off of my neck?

 

We had a rain storm a few weeks ago, and I had a leak for the first time in the house. It came through the stove hood, which is located on the outside wall (inside the house, but attached to the outside wall, if you know what I mean). So the rain must've come in through the roof or wall and run down behind the cupboards and then through the hood. I smelled something, so I bent down to the pot I was collecting the leak in, and sniffed... the rain water smelled of mold, so I assume there is previous water damage inside my roof, or wall, or behind the cupboards.

 

I have hesitated to contact the landlord, because I'm not sure what to ask for. I mean, they're surely not going to rip out the cupboards and the walls over a simple one-time rain leak. I don't have much spare money, so I can't really do environmental inspections and mold testing and all that. What should I ask them to do that would help me, and also likely get done?

 

And if medications don't work anymore, what can I do for relief? Anyone had severe allergies and success with natural therapies? Does this mean something is going very wrong with my body?

 

If I have a chance to put money toward one of these, which do you think is most important... an air purifier, dust-blocking mattress covers, carpets ripped out, dehumidifier in basement, expensive allergen-control vaccuum? I think my allergies are mold and dust.

 

Sorry everyone that it's off-topic, but I'm dying here and would really appreciate a little (or a lot) of advice.

 

Thanks in advance,

Calicat

[Pamela Kay]

Is moving an option? I would bet that the house had a lot of previous water damage and lots of mold. The only other thing I would suggest is a dehumidifier.

 

Good luck

 

Pam

[patty]

Calicat,

 

Since you mentioned you think you are allergic to MOLD & DUST. I would suggest you use bleach to clean up the mold and ask the landlord to fix the leak. As for the dust, use a HEPA vaccum and allergy proof your mattress, pillow and blanket. I would also remove heavy drapery and carpet in the bedroom. A HEPA air purifier may also be helpful to you.

 

I agree with Pamela Kay, moving may be your best option if it is feasible.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Pat

[faith]

Calicat,

Didn't you mention you have a cat? And your allergy tests showed the allergy? What you describe about your symptoms seem pretty classic for cat allergies to me. It's possible you are just developing less tolerance level to it and the bucket may be overflowing. You do say you are better when outdoors, but sneeze 50-100 times while indoors? And the itchy throat? Again, classic symptoms of people allergic to cats. I think you might have to look further into that.

 

The hepa air purifier is my vote and a definite must if you have a cat. And maybe a hepa vaccuum too.

 

Faith