Seriously need help. I have been sneezing my head off all day

[Flying Dream Blues]

and my nose itches so much I want to tear it off. I am miserable...have already taken a Zyrtec. Any ideas?

Thanks...

[kentauros]

1. The non-drowsy stop only succeeds in stealing my money.

So I tend to go with the ones like Benedryl. They'll knock you out, but they take the allergies with them :)

An alternative I've been taking for the last couple of weeks is quercetin. It's a natural anti-hystamine and works for the minor stuff. I had to take some store-brand Benedryl on Friday and once again last night. Sometimes whatever it is causing all of this just builds up or something...

[Flying Dream Blues]

2. Thank you so much. I was hoping to avoid the sleep inducing ones

but I can take some tonight. You give me hope that a dose or two might sort of knock it out. I've never had allergies like this before!
:hi:

[struggle4progress]

3. If you have a persistent fever, sore throat, dizziness, or other symptoms, see a doctor

Personally, for mere nasal problems, I irrigate with warm saline: i.e. just enough salt in warm tapwater to make sniffing comfortable, then repeatedly sniff and spit; repeat with about 1 cup water & 1 teaspoon salt as often as necessary -- maybe four or five times a day - it removes accumulation and tends to sooth and dry the passages

For just feeling crappy from a cold virus, I usually go the route of sipping lots of hot herbal tea (say peppermint) in a nice hot bath, followed by an early bedtime

[Flying Dream Blues]

4. Thanks, no other symptoms but the sneezing and itching!

I will definitely give the hot tea a try, but have always been a bit avoidant of the irrigation. If it doesn't get better soon I will try it.

thanks!
:hi:

[sarge43]

5. See a doctor. n/t

[marzipanni]

9. Take a shower and let the warm water spray against your nose and upper lip

Try to breathe in through your nose gently- some water will go into your nostrils irrigating your nasal passages but without that burning sensation you can get from getting too much water in your nose at once. I do this when I have a cold to help get rid of mucus.

The 'normal saline', or physiological salt solution, that duplicates the saltiness of our tears, blood, etc. so doesn't cause discomfort in nose, eyes, wounds, etc. is made by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt into 1 cup of warm water. If you irrigate your nose with this , it won't make your nose or throat sting.

[Flying Dream Blues]

11. Thanks, I will try this in the morning! nt

[TorchTheWitch]

6. ever tried SinoFresh?

It isn't a drug. It's a nasal spray that kills bacteria, germs and fungi homopathically. Normally, I don't go in for homopathic type stuff, but since I take meds that forbid any use of either decongestants or antihystamines when it comes to allergies I'm willing to try damn near anything. Of all the things I've tried including prescription steriods this is the only thing that's actually worked for me. And no icky side effects!

I have no idea what's in it, and think it smells and tastes a bit like bleech, so it's not real fun to use till you get used to it, but it's the only thing I've found that helps.

http://sinofresh.com/

[Flying Dream Blues]

10. Thanks, I will check into this! nt

[TorchTheWitch]

18. kills MRSA virus in the nasal passages, too

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118670.php How cool. First I've heard about this.

I've been having a lot of problems this fall too with all the molds in the air. And I wouldn't be if I could find a retail store that sold SinoFresh. Rite Aid used to have it, but now it looks like I'll have to start buying it online. Apparently, Wegman's and Publix has it but I don't have those stores where I live, dammit.

[Odin2005]

7. Nasonex. it works wonders.

[Flying Dream Blues]

12. I've seen that! Thanks. nt

[Odin2005]

22. No problem!

[Haole Girl]

8. From what I understand Zyrtec, as well as most antihistamines...

can raise your blood pressure.

You asked for medical advice, I'll give it.

[Flying Dream Blues]

13. Thanks, haole girl...I have pretty low blood pressure

so it should be ok. I wasn't really asking for medical advice, more like: what OTC or home remedy could I try during this awful sneezing fit. It was over the top ridiculous.

Thanks!
:hi:

[Flying Dream Blues]

14. Thanks everyone!

Sorry if it sounded like I was seeking medical advice, which I know is not encouraged. I was really hoping to hear which OTC things worked for you, or home remedies, and that's what I got. I really appreciate all of you who answered; it is better now and I have some benedryl and nose spray for tonight. Hopefully it will be better tomorrow.

Have a good one!
:hi:

[Haole Girl]

16. Benadryl is usually a safe choice

Sleep well. Hope you feel better soon. Don't forget the vitamin C! :hi:

[frogmarch]

15. The only thing that

helped me was getting our furnace cleaned. Expensive, but well worth it.

[Flying Dream Blues]

20. Good point! I think the units are cleaned but

I need to change my filter I'd bet.
:hi:

[One Voice]

17. I use...

Claritan D, it works well for me, and I've had many
all day sneezing fits. They are better since I've had
nose & sinus surgeries, but still occasionally have
to take medication. Nothing else works as well for me.
Wish you luck, I know it's miserable.

[Flying Dream Blues]

19. Thanks, One Voice.

I will remember the vitamin C! I haven't had good luck with Claritin...my doc told me a few years ago that it works for some and not for others, and I guess I'm in the second group.

:hi:

[hyphenate]

21. I've been taking Claritan

which seems to help. My allergies are the same--a couple of days ago, I felt like scratching my eyes and nose right off my face!

[rug]

23. No mucus threads.