Dealing with Allergies

Professor Snugglesworth

Another issue I've had for a long while is allergies. I have no idea what the cause is, but more often than not I find myself with runny, itchy eyes, or one of my nostrils closed up. At least every night I have to use nasal spray, and when things get too much I resort to Sudafed.

I wanted to see an allergist, but my doctor advised against it, saying that any allergist I see will immediately place blame on my dog or cat. I highly doubt they're to blame, since I've been getting these symptoms when I'm in vacation, or when I'm working in an office or at college.

I plan to eventually see my doctor again, but I'd like to read any tips anyone might have to take care of this.

Kate of Lokys

Is there a reason why your doctor can't/won't perform a basic scratch test to check you for the most common allergens? That shouldn't be anything you need to see a specialist for, any general practitioner or family doctor can do them, or can at least refer you to a general-purpose testing lab.

A scratch test can check for dozens of allergens at once - everything from food (shellfish, peanuts) to environmental sources (dust, mold, pollen) to pets. Knowing what you're allergic to is half the battle, if not more, because that knowledge will enable you to minimize or outright avoid exposure to the allergen in the first place. Even if you do turn out to have a mild pet allergy, there are things you can do to reduce the effects: brush your pet regularly to reduce dander, wash your hands after touching your pet, etc. Also, if you can figure out what you're allergic to, you can look into an allergy shot (hyposensitization) regimen to lessen the severity of your reactions, and maybe even eliminate them altogether.

RavynBlackheart

Having actually worked for an allergist for years I can tell you that what your doctor said about placing the blame immediately on your pets isn't a fair assumption. Any allergist worth his salt will sit and discuss your environment and possibly schedule an allergy skin prick test. I have severe allergies plus dogs, cats, and a rabbit and I'm allergic to exactly none of my animals. Turns out that I'm allergic to damn near every tree and weed in existence though. YMMV but I would go see an allergist, even if just for a consult. Until then I've found that loratadine works like a charm (usually Claritin or Alavert).

Inx

Yeah, a good allergist will do an immediate scratch test, and then if there's inconclusive results, will move on to the patch test.

Neither suck too bad, but the patch test is a bit uncomfortable.

an_alt

I had to see an allergist years ago to test for a specific allergy and I was told, "while you're in here, I'll just run a full scratch test since it takes the same amount time anyway." As it turns out, I had some minorish allergies and knowing about them made my life much easier down the road.

I can't imagine that an allergist would rattle off a diagnosis without even considering possible causes. Insist on the referral from your doctor and start getting better.

taeric

Just wanted to echo everyone else to go see an allergist. If you feel that you got a crappy one that did blame your pets, you can always look to see another one.

If you want us to guess what likely causes are, I know I'm allergic to most feathers, so most people's favorite pillow will eventually get to me. If it happens before you even go to bed, what do you typically have for dinner?

Professor Snugglesworth

Well, the place I went to did seem a bit shady. They took forever to see me and gave some bull about how the testing would take multiple weeks to figure out.

I plan to contact my insurance card and see if they can recommend an allergist that can do a scratch test straight away.

Inx

It just struck me that there may be a hidden mold problem where you're living. A good number of people are allergic to mold, and mold can be a NASTY issue, as well as a sneaky one.

Not to be alarmist, but you might wanna look into it.

taeric

Inx wrote: »

It just struck me that there may be a hidden mold problem where you're living. A good number of people are allergic to mold, and mold can be a NASTY issue, as well as a sneaky one.

Not to be alarmist, but you might wanna look into it.

This is contra to the other places he has problems. Unless everywhere he goes has a mold problem.

Inx

taeric wrote: »

Inx wrote: »

It just struck me that there may be a hidden mold problem where you're living. A good number of people are allergic to mold, and mold can be a NASTY issue, as well as a sneaky one.

Not to be alarmist, but you might wanna look into it.

This is contra to the other places he has problems. Unless everywhere he goes has a mold problem.

Well, occasionally a mold problem can follow you around - for example, I had a case of black mold in my dorm room last year, and I felt miserable wherever I went until the problem was cleared up.

Just a thought. At 5am.

taeric

Inx wrote: »

taeric wrote: »

Inx wrote: »

It just struck me that there may be a hidden mold problem where you're living. A good number of people are allergic to mold, and mold can be a NASTY issue, as well as a sneaky one.

Not to be alarmist, but you might wanna look into it.

This is contra to the other places he has problems. Unless everywhere he goes has a mold problem.

Well, occasionally a mold problem can follow you around - for example, I had a case of black mold in my dorm room last year, and I felt miserable wherever I went until the problem was cleared up.

Just a thought. At 5am.

True. I guess I am reading more into what was actually said.

If you are simply feeling bad as you travel, it could still be left over stuff from the house. Possibly even in your clothes. Make sure whatever you where at night is always super clean and you have prestine sheets.

If you only feel bad when you go to bed when you travel, I'd stick with my first guess.

And, definitely still make that trip to the allergist.