phillykid
Premier Member
Registered on
May-16-2002
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Message #174729 posted by phillykid (Info) May 08, 2008 23:12:42 ET
Yes I am one of the millions who suffer from seasonal allergies and really bad ones at that. This year due to a mild winter in the northeast and the cycle of temps, allergies are expected to be worse. Tree pollen counts have hit over 4000 from an average of 1000 in previous years.
I have found that zyrtec D helps more than claritin-D. Both are available OTC in generic (claritin is loratidine, and zyrtec is cetirizine). Just a caveat, zyrtec is known to make some people a little sleepier than claritin though not as bad as benedryl. 12 hour pills usually work better than 24, the time release is just better. High pollen time is between 5am and 10am so a pill right before bed time may help. For parents of kids with allergies, there have been some anecdotal reports that zyrtec can sometimes make kids grumpy, it actually makes me a little short tempered for some reason.
The most effective treatment is generally steroid nasal sprays, stuff like flonase. Air conditioner is a god send for the allergy sufferer, clean the filter for best results, AC can eliminate up to 90% of allergens.
Other tips
Don't hang sheets outside to dry, pollen clings to fabric.
Take off shoes by the door to avoid tracking in allergen. Change clothes when you get inside and leave the other clothes in a hamper away from the bedroom. Take a shower right after getting in.
Saline nasal sprays (like nasalcrom)can help clean allergens from nasal cavities.
Opcon A or Naphcon A is great if you have allergy related conjunctivitis (severe itchy crusty eyes).
Wash pets frequently.
For severe asthma especially in kids who may panic when asthmatic conditions hit, ask your doc about a nebulizer and ampules of albuterol.
peace and good luck surviving this god forsaken season.
PK
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