[gocubsgo]

I've noticed ever since I moved here 4 years ago, my allergies are off the charts, especially first thing in the mornings. My Dr says, literally, I'm allergic to Florida because allergens and germs don't die and disappear down here...they just morph into bigger things. Does anyone else suffer from Florida allergies? What do you take for them? I don't want to end up going into an Allergist once a week for a shot. There has to be a better way. The sinus/ allergy headaches seem to be the worst to deal with.

[quirky3]

I moved to Florida from New England 9 years ago, and I noticed the allergies right away. Different pollens at different times of year. This winter was especially mild with only one or two hard frosts, so the pollen was pretty continuous.

I bought high quality air purifiers for my living room and bedroom, and make sure to change the A/C heat pump filter regularly. If necessary I use claritin or benedryl, but I stay away from sudafed type products becuase they can cause longer term sinus problems from their drying effect.

[mulligan]

How about an electronic air filter for your A/C system ? They supposedly get just about everything out of the air. Talk to your A/C installer about it.

[buggyone]

The electronic air filters do help a lot. If your house has a screened in lanai, consider enclosing it and use glass windows.

I find that the Kirkland allergy relief tablets from Costco have the same ingredient as Benadryl and cost way less. I get a bottle of 400 for around $3.50.

The allergies may bother a little bit but it sure is better than 3 feet of snow, isn't it?

[graciegirl]

My theory is that these are different pollens and your body hasn't ever encountered them before and it sends soldiers to fight these new invaders.

Some of my friends have been helped by desensitation shots from an allergist.

I was so concerned about our daughter Helene's allergies here that those shots were going to be the next step for her.

We bought an air filter for her room and it goes 24/7 year around with her door closed. When she gets bad she retreats to her room.This house has carpet only in the bedrooms and we really go after the dust FREQuENTLY and keep the doors and windows closed.

It has helped her immensely. Be careful of taking allergy pills daily. Some of them can raise your blood pressure. Be sure to check with your doctor.

I feel for you. There are times of the years that trigger allergies in me and I haven't suffered with them for years.

[gocubsgo]

Do the electronic air filters work when the windows are open? I would hate to close up the house when it's so nice to have fresh air come in but I fear that fresh air is my downfall!

[Uptown Girl]

I get help using a nasal/sinus irrigation method -
sterile saline solution containing no preservatives.
It is most convenient to do while you are taking your daily shower.
I buy: Unisol 4 brand by Alcon. I would use no other.

Publix and Walgreens both carry it in their eye care section.

3 bottles to a box. Once a bottle is opened it lasts for 30 days.
My eye doctor, chiropractor and regular doc all agreed it was fine for me to use.
I'm one who frequently gets side effects from meds- so this is my go to remedy.

If you should want instruction on how, let me know.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by gocubsgo

Do the electronic air filters work when the windows are open? I would hate to close up the house when it's so nice to have fresh air come in but I fear that fresh air is my downfall!

Nope. That FRESH AIR at times is laden with pollen.

[Mudder]

I am suffering really badly this winter. My allergist said that the culprits in central Florida are particularly strong. Allegra and nasal sprays sometimes do the trick but it changes hourly with me, sometimes inside sometimes out. I lived in Tampa area for 16 years , never had a problem. But as someone already said I can deal with this better than shoveling snow !

[kaydee]

Tupelo Honey that is bottled from Weirsdale. Can mix in cinnamon and take tsp several times a day.We also use a saline nasal wash.

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by kaydee

Tupelo Honey that is bottled from Weirsdale. Can mix in cinnamon and take tsp several times a day.We also use a saline nasal wash.

Wouldn't your nostrils get awful sticky from all of the honey-cinnamon washes several times a day?

[mrfixit]

Never had any allergies, then moved to TV 4+ years ago.
OMG ...suddenly allergies popped up.....several days every month.

Talked to a guy at some club meeting.......
......he said..."you need to get some of the Good Lord's medication."

...his suggestion was LOCAL Honey...
.........................mixed with some Jack Daniel .
....started taking at least 1 teaspoon every day (of the honey)
................................ without the Jack................................
......within 3 weeks ...no more allergies....for last 4 years.....
......................never stopped taking the LOCAL honey..........

Was told MUST be LOCAL............
............(hives within 25 miles of your home)....
...................................and NOT-processed with high heat.

You can NOW buy it at Brownwood (Paddock Square) FARMERS' Market ...
on Sat from 9ish to 1:45.

[getdul981]

Originally Posted by buggyone

Wouldn't your nostrils get awful sticky from all of the honey-cinnamon washes several times a day?

SALINE NASAL WASH!!! Also known as Neti pots or bottles. You can buy the bottles at GNC or most health food stores. They also sell the salt that you mix in the bottle for each use.

[gocubsgo]

I have heard that taking a few Tablespoons of LOCAL honey helps alot as well.

Although, shoving honey up your nose sounds like a Happy Hour thing!

[lightworker888]

If you get symptoms that are runny nose and itchy eyes, then the homeopathic allium cepa works well. I use it for hayfever together with histaminum, another homeopathic. You can get them at Lake Nutrition. For the netti pot I always have mixed my own equal parts of sea salt and baking soda...about 1/4 tsp. The baking soda raises the PH so the salt doesn't irritate the nasal passage. You shouldn't feel any irritation at all when the amounts are equal and not too big for the size of the pot. Has worked for us for nearly 30 yrs.

I do think that the different pollen in Florida does trigger reactions, but the body seems to adapt over time and depends also on the intensity of the season. Last fall was the first time in 2 years that we had to use the remedies and netti pot and we are hoping that this spring we will be acclimatized enough and the pollen won't be too heavy. Time will tell, but at least we have things to conteract it.