Allergies in The Villages??

[jojo]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?

[retiredguy123]

Claritin is called a second generation antihistamine. You may want to try Xyzal, which is a third generation antihistamine, and I guess it is supposed to be an improvement. I don't have a lot of confidence in any doctor really solving an allergy issue unless they can clearly identify a specific cause. Good luck.

[graciegirl]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?

The last two months have been hellish for folks with allergic reactions to the Live Oaks budding and other things just NOW starting to bloom. It "FEELS" to both Helene and I that today is a high allergy day, no matter what the paper says...…... I use saline nose drops four or five times a day and it seems to have kept me from the usual sinus infections. If you do not have a doctor you like, I highly recommend Dr. Rizzi at The Villages Healthcare if that is on your insurance list.

Get better girl.

[New Englander]

Lately the pollen is beating the heck out of me with sneezing, and congested sinuses. I take the Walmart brand that compares with . Sudafed. You have to buy it at the prescription counter but you don't need a prescription to buy it.

[Bjeanj]

My husband and I both use Dr. Vaught (352.753.8448) on Hwy. 441 across from the hospital. I also get allergy shots from there. The pollen here is different than elsewhere due to different plants, etc. I use Claritin, Astelin, and Singulair, but everyone is different. You may need to take a generic antihistamine (you know, the stuff that makes one sleepy) on particularly bad days.

Good luck. Hope you find something that helps.

[jojo]

Thanks Grace. This is awful stuff and I know I'm not alone.

[billethkid]

In addition to the pollen we find that the air here has a lot of dirt/dust in it.
We have never lived anyplace where you can dust furniture/car and the next day it has a coat on it already......consistently for the 16 years we have been here.

We think most of our nasal issues (when they happen) are more the dust/dirt.

[villagetinker]

I have a nasal drainage problem, been to 3 different doctors NO solution. I had the skin tests for allergies NONE found. paid out of pocket ($450) for food allergy test, NONE found. I have learned to just deal with it.

[manaboutown]

I have a nasal drainage problem, been to 3 different doctors NO solution. I had the skin tests for allergies NONE found. paid out of pocket ($450) for food allergy test, NONE found. I have learned to just deal with it.

Have you ever tried using a Neti Pot?

About 20 years ago a person schooled in homeopathy recommended I try using one and it literally changed my life as most of the time I am now drainage free. If for any reason I neglect to use it for a few days my sinus drainage starts up again so I know it works. IMHO the saline solution rinses out whatever pollen, dust and other irritants have entered through a person's nose and mouth and stuck around, so to speak. Neti pot: Can it clear your nose? - Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/neti-pot/faq-20058305)

[karostay]

Welcome to Fla..I have about 3 sneezing fits a day 8 -10 sneezes

[Nucky]

Montelukast. I was given this medicine the first year we got to The Villages and it helped clear up all the nasty allergy symptoms I struggled with my entire life. It is a prescription and I'm almost certain it's either free or only $3. Good Luck.

[TimeForChange]

Get use to it. You are in the South and in FL. Palm pollen is rampant. Good gosh some on here must have been living in a clean room for their entire lives. If you think this is bad try Ga, North FL where the pine tree pollen is four times as bad.

[anothersteve]

Oh Jeez.........maybe it's a strain of "Covid"........................Don't be sneezing or sniffling or coughing near me!!!!
:icon_wink:
Steve

[queasy27]

Sometimes I wryly smile to myself when reading all the posts about the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. More like allergies, heat index, and UV radiation! (Fortunately, the air quality here is generally good. I've almost forgotten about smog.)

I had a turbinectomy (https://www.sinusandnasalspecialists.com/turbinate-reduction-surgery/) in my 20s that relieved the majority of my sinus pain.

[Yung Dum]

Have you ever tried using a Neti Pot?

About 20 years ago a person schooled in homeopathy recommended I try using one and it literally changed my life as most of the time I am now drainage free. If for any reason I neglect to use it for a few days my sinus drainage starts up again so I know it works. IMHO the saline solution rinses out whatever pollen, dust and other irritants have entered through a person's nose and mouth and stuck around, so to speak. Neti pot: Can it clear your nose? - Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/neti-pot/faq-20058305)
It gave me terrible headaches. I don't even remember if it helped my allergies.

[Spikearoni]

Montelukast. I was given this medicine the first year we got to The Villages and it helped clear up all the nasty allergy symptoms I struggled with my entire life. It is a prescription and I'm almost certain it's either free or only $3. Good Luck.
I believe that Montelukast is the generic version of Singulaire.

[kendi]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?

I use Claritin daily which usually does the trick. But sometimes I still get congested and that’s when I use my neti pot. It does a great job of cleaning out the sinuses. Gets the allergens and extra mucus that can’t be blown out with a tissue. Not only feels good, but prevents sinus infections as well. I use it when I get a cold too, works wonders to clear it up quickly since the mucus is not sitting in the sinuses holding all the germs and dripping down the throat. Helps to ward off complications like infections in the sinuses, throat and chest. There are You Tube videos to show you how to use it properly. Buy at Walgreens, CVS, etc.

[kendi]

It gave me terrible headaches. I don't even remember if it helped my allergies.

My brother couldn’t use the neti pot either but I love it. Works wonders for me. Some people have deformed sinus passages (my brother) that prevents the water from flowing through properly. You have to make sure the water was previously boiled, is warm when you use it and has the saline powder completely mixed in.

[graciegirl]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?

It may be wise to consult your PCP today. Now that I have thought about it. Doctors are allowing calls to reach them even on the weekend. Do you have a fever?

For those who don't know Jojo, she has lived here a long time and is one of the smartest folks I have met, let alone having good common sense as well.

Thinking of you, Jojo.

[Yucatan2]

My husband always seems to have bad allergies. I finally got him to consistently use generic fluticasone spray once a day and he has greatly improved. We get it at Sams, much better price than the name brand spray.

[Cheapbas]

Someone on this Forum or ND said switch around medications stating your system may Get used to a certain typeS and lose its 100% effectiveness. So I went from Zyrtec to Allegra and noticed an improvement. I hate paying for this stuff, seems like such a rip. You can get a year supply of some generics on amazon for $20, they are ok in the off season.

[bonrich]

I went to a ENT Dr on Thursday in Ocala. Sinus problems, allergies ramping up. Ended up on an antibiotic to clear up sinus infection. I will be on a daily maintenance dose of Allegra, Montelukast, and a daily nasal spraying of Sinumed, to open and drain sinuses. This has been a rough year for allergy sufferers and have not had to go to these extremes to get relief. May have to go back to allergy injections that I was able to stop 20 years ago.

[mdieffenbach]

Change your pillow case daily. What settles in your hair through out the day, you are inhaling while you sleep.

[jedalton]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?
I have the same problem since I moved here. I think it's different allergies down here.

[Juliebythesea]

Flonase it’s great!

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

My husband and I both use Dr. Vaught (352.753.8448) on Hwy. 441 across from the hospital. I also get allergy shots from there. The pollen here is different than elsewhere due to different plants, etc. I use Claritin, Astelin, and Singulair, but everyone is different. You may need to take a generic antihistamine (you know, the stuff that makes one sleepy) on particularly bad days.

Good luck. Hope you find something that helps. I take 2 generic Benadryl in the morning as I get up and two at night, if a hard day, I take a misting spray once in the afternoon, but not needed everyday. It clears me up and after while the generic Benadryl does not make me sleepy!!!!!!!!

[drgoofy]

I'm finally off allergy shots after 25 yrs. Allergic to dust, pollen, grasses, mold, feathers, cat, dog and more. I once visited a swannery in England and immediately started sneezing uncontrollably and my nose was running buckets! So...there are lot of triggers out there but oak tree pollen is among the worst. Now I take Walmart Zyrtec daily year round and flush my sinuses in the shower. I use Neil-Med available at Walgreens, CVS & probably Amazon. It's a plastic bottle with premeasured packets of saline. Use distilled water for the mix. It easily clears out your sinuses. You will breathe much easier and your sinuses will be moistened.

[NotGolfer]

When we first moved here 10 yrs ago and I was getting set up with my primary, she did the usual checks and said "oh, you have a sinus infection!" I'd not yet had the usual symptoms (they came later), and said so. She told me "you've moved to allergy alley!" She was right, I'm on daily Claritin and this year has seemed bad despite the meds. It's been windy and if you have your windows open or go out you'll have all the symptoms of allegies. It's happening at our house with both of us. Every morning we both wake up with lots of (excuse me if TMI) mucus and drainage and sneezing and blowing. We've noticed the Crepe Myrtle and Jasmine are blooming now and many other flora is as well. Spring has sprung!

[scottid]

Try 3 prong combo recommended by an allergist which works for me. 1) Flonase nasal spray which is OTC. 2) Anihistamine of your choice like Claritin. 3) Saline nasal spray, Ocean, Ayr or generic. 3 to 6 times a day, especially before shower. You can also try Afrin spray if sinuses are bad but no longer than 3 days because it can cause rebound.

[Marykess1802]

Claritin is called a second generation antihistamine. You may want to try Xyzal, which is a third generation antihistamine, and I guess it is supposed to be an improvement. I don't have a lot of confidence in any doctor really solving an allergy issue unless they can clearly identify a specific cause. Good luck.

I have a lot of relief with Flonase. Good luck 🥰

[cathiehines]

I use Pataday eye drops. It clears up itchy eyes and helps with other aspects of allergies. Until recently, it was prescription only. Now you can buy over the counter. Helps me a lot.

[lisa7807]

Claritin is called a second generation antihistamine. You may want to try Xyzal, which is a third generation antihistamine, and I guess it is supposed to be an improvement. I don't have a lot of confidence in any doctor really solving an allergy issue unless they can clearly identify a specific cause. Good luck.

Agreed I love xyzal and points for spelling I just guess 😂

[Betty Wagner]

Exactly what I have, for several years. And no answers. Went through trial of Prilosec, doctor thought it was silent reflex. Not. Allergy testing showed no allergies. Now using saline nasal spray, several nasal sprays, generic Zyrtec. Some days it works, some not. Real problem is mucous buildup. Trying Mother's Apple Cider and honey. Works pretty good.

[JC and John]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?
I am a allergy and asthma person since childhood. My allergies etc were well maintained up north. Moved here and bang had just what you described. I now see Dr. Stewart at Allergy and Asthma Care of Florida 352-622-1126. I see him in his Villages location 2X a year. He did an allergy test and I am highly allergic to the Live Oaks here. He fixed me right up and all is well maintained now for 7 years. I am on a regime of prescription Flonase and Zyrtec (not prescription) everyday. Works wonders. Hope you get better soon!

[pmken2]

I use Xyzal and it works great for me. Nothing else seems to work. You take one every 24 hours and you have to follow those directions.

[Nevinmann]

In addition to COPD, I have a yet-to-be named condition that has diminished my IgG levels, which results in excess mucous and congestion. (You can look that up). This was discovered by my pulmonologist, Jose Diaz in Leesburg. I get infusions at the Florida Cancer Center and congestion has improved 85%. My doc there is Dr. Maen, a hematologist.

Diaz tested for FL allergen reactions and found none. Nonetheless, I am still on decongestants and plan to try Zyzal to replace Claritin.

I spend a good deal of time outdoors bike riding and other things. And, have experienced an increased sinus congestion recently. Nevertheless, still blessed to be living in The Villages.

[Scorpyo]

Last year my allergies really sucked. My eyes itched to the point of hurting and they teared relentlessly and I wasn't even watching any tearjerkers. I tried everything. The operative word is "tried". This year I went beyond try. I started taking Zyrtec and Flonase everyday religiously. Of course I bought the generics. The Zyrtec will make you drowsy but hey I'm retired. Nothing wrong with an occasional nap. The end result - I've improved about 85-90% over last year. For me that's fantastic. Last year was miserable, this year livable.

[justjim]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?

Don’t want to “rain on your parade”, but you might get a temporary fix but it might only be a psychological fix for a day or two. For some of us, no matter what medication we try, Mother Nature in Florida defeats us every time. Another environment might be the answer but I love The Villages and Florida for my retirement. Looked at Arizona prior to retiring to Florida and perhaps we should have looked a little closer. Nah, really disliked all the “brown tones” worse than allergies. Suffer on...

[manaboutown]

My brother couldn’t use the neti pot either but I love it. Works wonders for me. Some people have deformed sinus passages (my brother) that prevents the water from flowing through properly. You have to make sure the water was previously boiled, is warm when you use it and has the saline powder completely mixed in.

When I started using a Neti pot I told my primary care MD about it and he started using one as he also had sinus issues. It helped him but eventually he resorted to surgery which did the trick for him.

[C4Boston]

Lately the pollen is beating the heck out of me with sneezing, and congested sinuses. I take the Walmart brand that compares with . Sudafed. You have to buy it at the prescription counter but you don't need a prescription to buy it.

My wife had same issue after moving from Boston area. Allergy tests showed she was allergic to 34 out of 37 Florida pollens. Now getting allergy treatments and has resumed normal life.

[bassfish]

My Dr. explained it very well. We live in a swamp, this entire interior area of Florida has bad air from swamp water and plants, including the palms everybody had to plant.
So we just live with it, headaches, stuffed noses, etc.

[Jimbo120]

Mold in Florida is always an issue. Allergies change over time

[mgkw1]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?
I suffered for a year before I was sent to Lake ENT and FPS, Rt 441 in the Villages. I am allergic to everything in Florida. Never had allergies before. I am getting allergy shots every week for 2 years. It is working I have the occasional runny nose but I am able to live my life outdoors and not hide in the house (I am at a golf course 3 days a week with no sneezing)

[Buddy134]

When I came to TV in 2015 (full time) I had 3 sinus infections from allergies in the first year. I tried everything from over the counter to prescription medications. None of it worked. I then started taking a supplement made by Natrol. It is called FestivJuice. It comes in a blister pack with a bottle of veggie capsules & a bottle of fruit capsules. Since taking this product for the last 5 years, I’ve never had any more issues. It can be purchased on Amazon for around $28 for two months supply.

[bmarasco]

Before you try any of these medication, I suggest you try local raw and unfiltered pure honey from wildflowers .. works for me !!

[chrissy2231]

RX Ceterizine 10MG & free thru insurance
RX Fluticasone nasal spray also free thru insurance
Works for me & has for years.
Hadn't allergies since my 20s & it started again 10 years ago

[Rick and Hilda]

I cannot use the Net Pot without almost drowning. The applicator is the issue. The same company (Neil Med) has a squeeze bottle applicator and uses the same saline solution. I have an allergic rinitus condition and for awhile could not lay my head down to sleep without severely coughing. After using the Neil Med solution with the squeeze bottle once a day, the problem went away. I normally do not have any allergic issues anymore so long as I use the Neil Med saline solution.

[Carlsondm]

Our whole family now sneezes. Even the cat. We moved from mid-Michigan.
The combination of pollen and construction dusts and blow sand can be very irritating and synergistic. We use saline nasal rinses and are looking for local allergists too. The neti pot was mentioned. We use the Neilmed nasal rinser.

I worked on air pollution and learned about nasal rinsing from a respected Jewish Hospital in Denver. Tried it out of curiosity, and now we both use it. It works very well and you use fewer drugs. A little scary the first time though.

I also run a Coway HEPA air cleaner in the bedroom 24/7. That helps us heal when we sleep.

[Sweet Caroline]

My regime exactly! From GA so I KNOW allergies!! Had allergy test done after moving here and did not learn anything new. The Flonase acts to coat the nasal to protect from allergens entering. I rarely take meds. The saline solution helps to moisten . And I use CBD products.

[kendi]

Change your pillow case daily. What settles in your hair through out the day, you are inhaling while you sleep.

Even better take a shower before bed and be aware that any pets will bring the pollen into the home as well.

[kendi]

I cannot use the Net Pot without almost drowning. The applicator is the issue. The same company (Neil Med) has a squeeze bottle applicator and uses the same saline solution. I have an allergic rinitus condition and for awhile could not lay my head down to sleep without severely coughing. After using the Neil Med solution with the squeeze bottle once a day, the problem went away. I normally do not have any allergic issues anymore so long as I use the Neil Med saline solution.

I was afraid of the Neti Pot at first cause I thought it would feel like I was drowning. But in reality it does not feel that way at all to me.

[Two Bills]

I am very lucky, and do not suffer from allergies to pollens etc.
Yet when we spend our winters here, and I start playing golf, I sneeze my way round all the courses I play.
I always put it down to all the chemicals the greenkeepers spray.

[Caroberts]

Same here.. Zyrtec and one try pot helps.

[Reesie]

Have you ever tried using a Neti Pot?

About 20 years ago a person schooled in homeopathy recommended I try using one and it literally changed my life as most of the time I am now drainage free. If for any reason I neglect to use it for a few days my sinus drainage starts up again so I know it works. IMHO the saline solution rinses out whatever pollen, dust and other irritants have entered through a person's nose and mouth and stuck around, so to speak. Neti pot: Can it clear your nose? - Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/neti-pot/faq-20058305)

Swear by mine. Keeps the gunk cleaned out. Sterile water. I boil it then let it cool. Add the salt. Don’t try to measure your own!!!! Voice of experience speaking here! Tilt the head to the side, breathe through your mouth and start pouring. Then no inversions for awhile. ;)

[vtuller2]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?

My husband swears by local honey...He also was sneezing and constantly blowing his nose when first moving down here. We are not big medicine people so we tried the local honey. He has been really good the last few years and unless the pollen is really high, has no problems. We get our honey at Brown's Farmers Market on 301.

[DeafDeaf]

I hate to sneeze inside my masks. Do? Do?

:a040:

[LLamers]

I have had allergies 24/7/365 since I moved here in 2014. I find that I have to rotate through antihistamines as none work for very long.

[queasy27]

Before you try any of these medication, I suggest you try local raw and unfiltered pure honey from wildflowers .. works for me !!

How much and when do you take it? Straight or mixed in food/drinks? Thanks.

[jimjamuser]

For the first time in my life I am constantly sneezing and have a very runny nose. It just started yesterday. According to the paper the pollen count is not excessive. Tried Claritin, a nasal spray, and nasal decongestant to no avail. Will seek medical help Monday. Who do you recommend?
The paper says low, but google weather.com or google pollen count in your area. It will say high. Don't know why the discrepancy? Also lots of smoke and fires now in Fl.

[jimjamuser]

I am very lucky, and do not suffer from allergies to pollens etc.
Yet when we spend our winters here, and I start playing golf, I sneeze my way round all the courses I play.
I always put it down to all the chemicals the greenkeepers spray.
We need a computerized virtual drive, then irons, then have a pitch and putt set-up with astroturf. Leaving more area for air filtering trees, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

[flymemom]

Me too! Driving me crazy. And bug bites. Yikes!

[Blessed2]

They are called oak trees, water, black, dead. It will take a couple of years but you will adjust. And grass. Can you not hear mowers everyday?

[Velvet]

I cannot use the Net Pot without almost drowning. The applicator is the issue. The same company (Neil Med) has a squeeze bottle applicator and uses the same saline solution. I have an allergic rinitus condition and for awhile could not lay my head down to sleep without severely coughing. After using the Neil Med solution with the squeeze bottle once a day, the problem went away. I normally do not have any allergic issues anymore so long as I use the Neil Med saline solution.

Me too with Net Pot. So I make a warm salt solution which is what they use for saline solution, a teaspoon salt into approximately 1/4 cup warm water. Stir to melt salt. Pour into my cupped hand. Sniff it up by leaning down, first one nostril then the other. Let the saline solution drip into mouth. A small sniff or two is enough. Also produces nice clean breath for me.
Old country prescription to help with colds by my doctor. :)

[1wietrzak]

Try Zyrtec - it works great for us. Also, buy Johnson's baby shampoo for your eyelids. I put 1 drop of shampoo on a warm wash cloth, wipe your eyelids. Rinse cloth & wipe your bottom eyelids. It sounds weird, but it works great (an eye dr. I had up-north told me about it).

[Pickler45]

I have had ongoing allergy-induced sinus issues. Last year my ear, nose, and throat specialist in Cleveland, Ohio prescribed a nasal spray by the name of IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE which was a game-changer for me.

[queasy27]

For irritated eyes, I've also gotten relief using warm compresses (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004385RPS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

[jojo]

Original poster here. What an excellent set of responses and options you all have posted. I think there are 65 responses. Thank you so much. Update - after nonstop sneezing and sniffling last weekend the symptoms disappeared totally on Sunday. I was much relieved but plan to have medications on hand in case it returns again. Thank you all so much for your helpful posts.

[Scorpyo]

I use Pataday eye drops. It clears up itchy eyes and helps with other aspects of allergies. Until recently, it was prescription only. Now you can buy over the counter. Helps me a lot.
Good call. Not too long ago it was over $200 now it’s over the counter for under $20. And the best part it works.