Are there any allergens that we DON'T normally have (in the BCS area) that are at high levels right now? I don't think I've ever had allergies before, but my sinuses are going crazy. Don't think it's cold/flu/Covid since I feel basically fine other than a non-stop dripping nose. Same thing with a lot of people I know (but I don't know if they have allergies or not).

Local honey worked for me after years of severe allergies. Of course, I started in November but come spring symptoms were near zero.

Could be vasomotor rhinitis?

I think the local honey hypothesis hasn't really panned out in studies.

bigtruckguy3500 said:

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Could be vasomotor rhinitis?

I think the local honey hypothesis hasn't really panned out in studies.

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Thanks. I'll look into anything. This is horrible!

I never suffered from allergies until I reached my late 40s, early 50s. Was having some strange symptoms that seemed to start to occur in December. The symptoms made me think that it was some sort of food allergy. Finally,after a couple of years I made an appointment with an allergist. She assured me than the symptoms I was having were probably allergic…just not the usual congestion and sneezing variations. Had the back panel test completed. Turns out I'm pretty allergic now to all sorts of tree and grass pollens. Particularly some of the tree varieties that shed in December. Allergist explained that it is common to develop allergies as you age.

So, long way of saying maybe consider an appointment with an allergist. I take a single antihistamine per day. No big deal and no symptoms.

Teaspoon per day?

Buford T. Justice said:

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Teaspoon per day?

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It worked for me, and I'm a believer. My "hay fever" allergies incapacitated me at times every spring for years. I'm talking about a dozen sneezes in a row, pulling my car over because I couldn't see, miserable.

Someone suggested I put a spoon of "locally grown" honey from a farmers market in my coffee every day, so I tried it. The first spring after that came and went with almost zero symptoms.

It's been at least 15 years. While I still get occasional symptoms, they're not nearly as bad as they were. (I don't even take any allergy medicines.)

TMan86 said:

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I never suffered from allergies until I reached my late 40s, early 50s. Was having some strange symptoms that seemed to start to occur in December. The symptoms made me think that it was some sort of food allergy. Finally,after a couple of years I made an appointment with an allergist. She assured me than the symptoms I was having were probably allergic…just not the usual congestion and sneezing variations. Had the back panel test completed. Turns out I'm pretty allergic now to all sorts of tree and grass pollens. Particularly some of the tree varieties that shed in December. Allergist explained that it is common to develop allergies as you age.

So, long way of saying maybe consider an appointment with an allergist. I take a single antihistamine per day. No big deal and no symptoms.

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I can identify with this development of allergies later in life. Really don't want to be on medication but interested which antihistamine you are on? I have the same December - February allergy now, I assume driven by cedar.

I am born and raised in SA and never had seasonal allergies until I was maybe 30 or so. Only thing that really gets me is cedar fever and it hits like clockwork around Christmas and lasts a month or so usually.

This was the first year that I thought to try taking an OTC (generic Zyrtec) in early December and I have had basically zero symptoms. Could be a coincidence but I doubt it. I set a reminder to start it again this year in early December.

In years past I would be miserable with symptoms for a week or two before I started with any meds and I never got any relief.

Thanks!

Allegra. If you decide to try Allegra ensure that you do not use Allegra D. Allergist told me that prolonged use of Allegra D can cause heart issues.

TMan86 said:

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Allegra. If you decide to try Allegra ensure that you do not use Allegra D. Allergist told me that prolonged use of Allegra D can cause heart issues.

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Appreciate that tip!