1. < Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

Allergy Season: Why do I have symptoms out of season?

Posted by fab44 @fab44, Dec 9, 2022

I understand that since we are now in December it is no longer allergy season. That being the case, there should be a drop in allergy cases. I am wondering why my constant throat clearing does not change and continues on through the year regardless of season?

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jfn | @jfn | Dec 12, 2022
In reply to @fab44 "Thank you Sue! I just found out that there is a "Perennial Rhinitis" which is where..." + (show)
@fab44

Thank you Sue! I just found out that there is a "Perennial Rhinitis" which is where I am at. I am dealing with many options that hopefully will help my constant throat clearing condition.
On 11/09/22 I had surgery on my nose and sinuses: ESS, Septoplasty & Turbinate reduction. The surgery was a success and I am breathing better now but still have the constant drainage and throat clearing. I am continually searching for a solution to help. I have what I call my "5:00 PM meltdown" with mucus lodged in my throat. It is on-going very hard to live with.
Thank you!

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Hi @fab44
So, happy that your surgery worked. I am allergic to too many things, so many sinus infections!
I take my allergy meds twice a day and use fluconase (that was a game changer). I do not use the same allergy meds for more than two years, I rotate the type. My allergies are at their worst in the winter. I agree that it sounds like the meds are wearing off. If you have a 24 hour pill you could cut in half, and take it an hour before your body starts having issues. You should contact your doctor first though, I have pratical experience, not medical knowledge.

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 12, 2022
In reply to @fab44 "I understand that completely and when I am having a hard time I think about going..." + (show)
@fab44

I understand that completely and when I am having a hard time I think about going back on the antihistamine. I have done it a few times but always stop after a week. The Mucinex states (in bold print) "do not take longer that 7 days". I believe one of the side effects were kidney stones.
Benadryl had side affects of "dementia & Alzheimer's". This is very concerning to me.
I have ordered an Air Purifier and better filters for my ac/heating system and will see what happens with that.

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Have you discussed with your doctor different ways to cough so that you can get rid of what is collecting in the back of your throat? Google how to cough up phlegm and see which one works for you. It's also important to note the color of your phlegm because some colors can indicate infections or other problems.
Merry

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1 reply
fab44 | @fab44 | Dec 13, 2022
In reply to @merpreb "Have you discussed with your doctor different ways to cough so that you can get rid..." + (show)
@merpreb

Have you discussed with your doctor different ways to cough so that you can get rid of what is collecting in the back of your throat? Google how to cough up phlegm and see which one works for you. It's also important to note the color of your phlegm because some colors can indicate infections or other problems.
Merry

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I have been through the coughing up phlegm thing and nothing worked for me. The vaporizer works best in my situation.
Thank you for your reply!

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fab44 | @fab44 | Dec 13, 2022
In reply to @jfn "Hi @fab44 So, happy that your surgery worked. I am allergic to too many things, so..." + (show)
@jfn

Hi @fab44
So, happy that your surgery worked. I am allergic to too many things, so many sinus infections!
I take my allergy meds twice a day and use fluconase (that was a game changer). I do not use the same allergy meds for more than two years, I rotate the type. My allergies are at their worst in the winter. I agree that it sounds like the meds are wearing off. If you have a 24 hour pill you could cut in half, and take it an hour before your body starts having issues. You should contact your doctor first though, I have pratical experience, not medical knowledge.

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Thank you!
I will check out "fluconase" and am glad that is working for you.
When I was taking Mucinex it was 1200 mg every 12 hours and that worked well for me. It stated on the box "do not use for more than 7 days". In bold print!

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 13, 2022
In reply to @fab44 "Thank you! I will check out "fluconase" and am glad that is working for you. When..." + (show)
@fab44

Thank you!
I will check out "fluconase" and am glad that is working for you.
When I was taking Mucinex it was 1200 mg every 12 hours and that worked well for me. It stated on the box "do not use for more than 7 days". In bold print!

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Please consult your doctor - On the Mucinex 600 mg guaifenesin-only extended release version, it says: "Stop use and ask a doctor if cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache. These could be signs of a serious illness." If it is working for you, it is likely the doctor will tell you to keep using it as needed.

I have take guaifenesin daily for over 35 years without any issues. When I first started, it was a prescription, generic & very cheap. and my ENT at the time said he had used it for years himself... Now it is over-the-counter, Mucinex held the patent on the long-acting version for years, and there are finally cheaper generics coming.

Also, vaporizers are great - just be sure to use a steam one, or if you use a cold one, to clean it scrupulously at least once a week. Otherwise, they can be breeding grounds for lots of nasty bacteria & spray it into the air.
Sue

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1 reply
Wiltslass | @wiltslass | Dec 14, 2022

Why do you say you are out of season? I react to mushroom and tree spores, especially catkins, and the blighters are out a month early in the UK! I just suddenly started sneezing so had to go check. Dont assume hay fever is limited to the hay season. Lots of sites track allergens for longer than just the summer now, but sadly not during the winter, so those of us allergic to the winter flowers and plants just have to play it by ear 😫

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3 replies
Wiltslass | @wiltslass | Dec 14, 2022
In reply to @wiltslass "Why do you say you are out of season? I react to mushroom and tree spores,..." + (show)
@wiltslass

Why do you say you are out of season? I react to mushroom and tree spores, especially catkins, and the blighters are out a month early in the UK! I just suddenly started sneezing so had to go check. Dont assume hay fever is limited to the hay season. Lots of sites track allergens for longer than just the summer now, but sadly not during the winter, so those of us allergic to the winter flowers and plants just have to play it by ear 😫

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P.s. I had a reflexive sniff and nasal drip for decades until I started acupuncture for something unrelated. It helped massively

REPLY
fab44 | @fab44 | Dec 14, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "Please consult your doctor - On the Mucinex 600 mg guaifenesin-only extended release version, it says:..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Please consult your doctor - On the Mucinex 600 mg guaifenesin-only extended release version, it says: "Stop use and ask a doctor if cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache. These could be signs of a serious illness." If it is working for you, it is likely the doctor will tell you to keep using it as needed.

I have take guaifenesin daily for over 35 years without any issues. When I first started, it was a prescription, generic & very cheap. and my ENT at the time said he had used it for years himself... Now it is over-the-counter, Mucinex held the patent on the long-acting version for years, and there are finally cheaper generics coming.

Also, vaporizers are great - just be sure to use a steam one, or if you use a cold one, to clean it scrupulously at least once a week. Otherwise, they can be breeding grounds for lots of nasty bacteria & spray it into the air.
Sue

Jump to this post

Interesting the long term use of guaifenesin. When I was using it it did not do that much alone but when I added Benadryl the two worked together well. I am still concerned about the long term affects of Benadryl.
I am using the steam vaporizer.
I just received the Air Purifier and will be testing it soon.
Thanks for your reply.

REPLY
fab44 | @fab44 | Dec 14, 2022
In reply to @wiltslass "Why do you say you are out of season? I react to mushroom and tree spores,..." + (show)
@wiltslass

Why do you say you are out of season? I react to mushroom and tree spores, especially catkins, and the blighters are out a month early in the UK! I just suddenly started sneezing so had to go check. Dont assume hay fever is limited to the hay season. Lots of sites track allergens for longer than just the summer now, but sadly not during the winter, so those of us allergic to the winter flowers and plants just have to play it by ear 😫

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I am not out of season but the allergy season runs from mid July to the end of November from what I have read. I am perennial (year around allergies). I am not assuming anything about hay fever. I have discovered when there is snow on the ground my situation is much better.

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Wiltslass | @wiltslass | Dec 14, 2022

Thats what Im saying, thats a myth. The allergy season can be all year round, thanks to winter flowering and sporing plants. Yes, snow flattens it down and traps it, but when you get it melting, the plants spring back into action. The only time my “hay fever” lets up is in the typical peak season! As I said, Im very bad with catkins which are tree flowers and they are everywhere just now. The best thing to do is find a pollen count that covers your area and doesnt turn off for the winter.
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