[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by kendi

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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 !!