Sqad... help !

[NoMercy]

I've got chronic hayfever. I've taken 30mg of Loratadina and it's not really easing it. Sometimes 10mgs is enough to completely alleviate symptoms, other times it takes a lot more than that. Would a combination of 2, say, Loratadina and Ebastina help?

Thanks X

[Sqad]

30 mgms of Loratadina is a fair wack.

Which of your symptoms are worse and when?

[NoMercy]

I can't stop sneezing, my eyes are slightly itchy and my whole face is really puffy.

[Sqad]

Continue with the Loratadina and get a Beconase orFlixonase Nasal spray which should help the sneezing.

[LazyGun]

Not to crash the party or anything, but I dont really see why a combination of loretadine and ebastine would be of any therapeutic value, since they both work by the same mechanism, ie Histamine H1 receptor blocker.

If you are not getting the benefit that you would normally get,from your standard hayfever treatment you may find greater therapeutic value supplementing your usual loretadine or ebastine dose with an intranasal corticosteroid ( Beclomethasone), and/or ocular or intranasal sodium cromoglycate (opticrom, Optrex Allergy) or perhaps a topical decongestant

[NoMercy]

Thanks Sqad, see you later. XX

[LazyGun]

oops x-posted... nm :)

[NoMercy]

Tbh... I've tried those nasal sprays, and they actually accelerate the sneezing. :-(

[Sqad]

Lazygun....no problem......never hesitate to lend a hand.

Well if steroid sprays make it worse, then go to your GP to see if he will give you an injection of a steroid intramuscularly....e.g Depot Medrone.

[NoMercy]

That's interesting, Sqad... since I had no idea that option was open to me. How long do such injections last?

I wasn't 100% when I was out, but seemed to get a lot better. I've come home and there's been a resurgence in symptoms, so can only conclude that it's an allergic component in the house or garden. Perhaps the jasmine?

[Sqad]

NoM...It varies...from 2 months to the whole season.

In UK there are two options:
a) Kenalog
b) Depot Medrone.

Both steroids.Not sure what they are called Spain.

[beryl100able]

Before resorting to allopathic medication with all its unpleasant side effects that hammer your immune system at best, try honey from local bees, it contains immune boosters to the effects of local pollen. Also take anti-oxidants, vit C and plenty of spring water. And get well soon!

[NoMercy]

Thanks for that. I may try some of the "mil flores" honey... I quite like that.

I do take Spirulina on a daily basis - it's noted for its dense nutritional composition and amune-boosting properties. It's been shown to have a positive effect on allergies too.

[NoMercy]

*immune*

Blame the meds.

[Whickerman]

I get this too. Despite the claims on the boxes about all being made with the same active ingredients, the only antihistamine that ever worked for me is Zirtek (one a day). I also use Beconase on bad days. I know it's not pleasant to spray this in your nasal cavity and I agree it makes it worse at first, but within minutes it reduces the pressure in there and calms down the symptoms

[piggynose]

i´ve had hay fever most of my life, your supposed to take anti-histamines b4 the pollen season to build up the immunity. but i never do. i´ve found a couple of remedies myself whilst here in spain. one is a hay-band, i think it works, might be a placebo, but another idea was to put some vaseline in the bottom of your nostrils, stops pollen entering. as you can see i try to avoid drugs

[sherrardk]

Last summer I just took one teaspoon of local honey a day and only used tablets on really bad days (and the honey is cheaper!).