I also recommend the nasal spray allergy medicines. I use Nasonex and haven't had much a problem since I've been on it. Also, if you need a decongestant to fight some stuffiness, ask for the stuff behind the counter. The "new formulas" of all the decongestants don't work nearly as well, if at all.
Until recently, I used to suffer from allergies and sinusitis all the time, especially every March/April and September/October. While I still have some problems from time to time, it is nothing like it used to be. My doctor says the condition is not curable, but it is treatable. I believe in the nasal sprays and echo previous posters... if you wait until your allergies kick up to start, you've waited too long. What's worked for me: - Daily, i have a script to Flonase. I gave up on Claritin and never liked Allegra. - As needed, I use a script I have for Astelin any time I sense a seasonal allergy attack brewing. It's a nasal spray like Nasacort. It tastes worse but works better for me. When the season is bad, I might use it 2x day, then when it's not bad, I might go 2 weeks or more without it. - If you have mucus building up or draining down your throat, start taking Mucinex, an OTC expectorant drug. Thins the stuff out, works as a decongestant. I like to take it about an hour before bedtime if I sense a problem. Helps keep me from coughing sometimes and keeps me from having the horrible morning gunk to blow out of my nose after I wake up. - For sinus pain and pressure, I take plain ol' Sudafed (the one that's just a little red pill without the pain reliever). Add some acetaminaphen (like Tylenol) if you have a sinus headache, but sometimes I just try the Sudafed alone first since it can relieve the pressure and headache on its own without the additional painkiller. - Lastly, live and eat healthy. Get some rest. I drink orange juice and sleep at least 7 hours at night.
Man, I don't have any allergy symptoms but sinus pain. And it's weird, cause the pain just popped up randomly last friday. I can't even remember the last time I've had sinus pain, but i've had to keep myself constantly medicated (equate severe sinus pain) since then. It's AWFUL pain. Especially since I work in a restaurant, and it's constantly loud and busy. It makes me dizzy and nauseous. I don't know why I even have the pain!!! grrr...its so frustrating.
