Anyone with bad allergies? Need advice...

[lemondog]

DH's allergies have been getting worse and worse as he gets older. This spring has been the worst of all. Working in the yard or mowing literally makes it hard for him to breathe. So he finally made an appt. with an allergist and spent over 5 hours there today. The doctor said he had never, ever seen a case as severe as DH's. He has serious infection in both ears and lower sinuses, the dr. said it has probably been brewing for almost a decade. He also was dx with severe mold allergies (6 on a scale of 1-6), allergies to every kind of grass except one, most trees, and several foods, including pecans, pork, and a life-threatening allergy to shrimp and shellfish. We did not know about the shrimp allergy because he won't touch seafood with a 10-foot pole, but the doctor required him to get and keep an epi-pen anyway as the allergy is that bad.

He was also dx with Reactive Airway Disease. Any idea what that is???? He is now on 8 weeks of antibiotics, and a whole host of daily meds including Singulair, Clarinex, Flonase nasal spray, Astelin nasal spray, and the Asmanex inhaler, plus weekly allergy shots.

My question is...what products do you recommend to help de-allergy the house. The doctor said due to DH's seriously chronic lung problems (only breathing at 60-75% capacity and if he developed something like pneumonia right now he may very well go into respiratory arrest) it is imperative that we immediately buy some kind of mattress, box spring and pillow covers???? And also do a thorough deep cleaning of the house. He also said over time we should replace all carpet with hardwood, but that will take serious $$ as we have a 3000 sq. foot house, so it would have to be done over time. Is there anything else we can do/buy in the short run to help him feel better? Special air filters, HEPA room filters, etc. What has worked for you? Thanks!!

 

[horseshowmom]

DH's allergies have been getting worse and worse as he gets older. This spring has been the worst of all. Working in the yard or mowing literally makes it hard for him to breathe. So he finally made an appt. with an allergist and spent over 5 hours there today. The doctor said he had never, ever seen a case as severe as DH's. He has serious infection in both ears and lower sinuses, the dr. said it has probably been brewing for almost a decade. He also was dx with severe mold allergies (6 on a scale of 1-6), allergies to every kind of grass except one, most trees, and several foods, including pecans, pork, and a life-threatening allergy to shrimp and shellfish. We did not know about the shrimp allergy because he won't touch seafood with a 10-foot pole, but the doctor required him to get and keep an epi-pen anyway as the allergy is that bad.

He was also dx with Reactive Airway Disease. Any idea what that is???? He is now on 8 weeks of antibiotics, and a whole host of daily meds including Singulair, Clarinex, Flonase nasal spray, Astelin nasal spray, and the Asmanex inhaler, plus weekly allergy shots.

My question is...what products do you recommend to help de-allergy the house. The doctor said due to DH's seriously chronic lung problems (only breathing at 60-75% capacity and if he developed something like pneumonia right now he may very well go into respiratory arrest) it is imperative that we immediately buy some kind of mattress, box spring and pillow covers???? And also do a thorough deep cleaning of the house. He also said over time we should replace all carpet with hardwood, but that will take serious $$ as we have a 3000 sq. foot house, so it would have to be done over time. Is there anything else we can do/buy in the short run to help him feel better? Special air filters, HEPA room filters, etc. What has worked for you? Thanks!!

As you said, the carpet will have to wait for a little while, but it really helped us when we did it. We debated between hardwood and vinyl and finally went with the vinyl. I don't have the time to properly take care of hardwood floors and vinyl is easy (we have dogs, cats, and live out in the country with mud and horses). I don't get sick nearly as much (just wait until you see what's under that carpet - you won't believe the silt, and I vacuumed at least once a day - sometimes twice, because while I love my pets, I HATE pet hair).

 

[Aimeedyan]

I have severe asthma and allergies, too. I'm on several of the same meds as your DH (usually 8 at a time) with no relief but I hope that your DH does see relief. Unfortunately, I'm not a candidate for allergy shots due to another disease and those meds =(

We have carpet because we couldn't afford hardwood. We hope to replace it a little at a time. We bought a Dyson; it really has made a big difference from when we had a Hoover. The suction is better and it does get stuff out of the carpets that no other vaccum has gotten out. It was worth the investment.

We replace the AC filters every few months and buy the top of the line allergy ones that catch a lot more stuff in them.

I am going to buy that Febreeze allergen reducer and see how that works.

We have not bought the mattress covers but did have them spray an allergen reducer thing to it when we bought it. Something that repels stains but also serves as an allergen reducer. For what it's worth.

I honestly SHOULD do more to reduce my issues but I've lived with them so long that it's normal for me... my new allergist couldnt believe I was living like this but I'd just grown used to it. But sadly that's all we've done so far.

 

[Mrs.Milo]

I would definitely go with the mattress & pillow covers, they helped me a lot, and wash your bedding in hot water. Every little thing you can do will help. I used an air filter, bought one and carried it back & forth between bedroom & living area, and a vacuum with a hepa filter. Good luck

 

[golfgal]

If you can, put hardwood in your bedroom to start. Pergo would have the same effect too and it is a little less expensive and you can install that yourself. I know that since we have put hardwood through our house our kids' allergies have gotten a LOT better.

Make him take a shower every night before bed too. That will keep what ever is on him, in his hair, etc. out of your bed at night and he won't be breathing in all that pollen or whatever all night long.

 

[Christine]

You can buy the allergy covers for the bedding at Target. But do a google search for it also because there is an online company that sells them.

We buy the Filtrete Ultra Allergan filters for our HVAC system and change them religiously once a month.

We also put in mostly all hardwood in our house although I'm not sure if it helped my son at all because I didn't see any vast improvement.

Never keep your windows open as you want to keep out all the pollens.

Reactive airway disease is exactly what it sounds like. The airways have because inflamed and diseased due to constantly reacting to allergens. I don't think this is a permanent disease and should lessen as the medications start working and the allergens are decreased.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I am so sorry to hear your story. That is frightening! Good news is that you know about it and hopefully he can improve.

I suffer from allergies and the #1 thing you can do right away is dust and vaccum everyday. This is so key!!! Get a Dyson if you can. You need to vaccum ALL surfaces. No more sweeping.

How to Dust? You use a damp cloth, no pledge. Avoid using aerosols of ANY kind from cleaners to deodorants. They pollute your home. When you spray they go everywhere, dry and then become airborne so you breath it in.

No shoes in the house or change into house shoes. Keep the outdoor shoes outside. Shoes track in everything, everywhere.

Clothes & showering. When you come home for the day, take a shower and change clothes. Clothes will carry alot of allergens. Make sure to wash hair.

Of course do not open the windows & change your AC filters monthly.

No pets or fish.

Mattress & pillow covers are inexpensive. Change sheets daily & wash in HOT and dry in HOT! The dryer is what will kill all the little buggers (dust mites), not in the wash.

Get rid of blinds and get washable curtains.

HIRE a service to take care of your lawn.

I hate my allergies!

 

[Crankyshank]

I have severe allergies, asthma, and sinus problems so I know exactly what your DH is going through. It's not the end of the world though, with medication and some lifestyle changes he'll be feeling much better.

- Don't keep the windows open in the house - have the AC running instead.
-the febreez allergen reducer works well but for me it triggers migraines.
- I have Hamilton Beach UV Air purifiers in my living room, office, kitchen, and bedroom. They work wonders. I change the filters regularly
- I bought a dyson. I'm not allowed to dust or vacuum
- mattress covers and pillowcase covers are a must
- do not have DH work in the yard during peak pollen or mold times of the day
- How bad is his dust mite allergy? If it's anything more than mild to moderate washing the sheets and drying them isn't go to do an adequate job killing the mites. I have a special wash designed specifically for dust mites. it's pricey but it made such a huge difference. they also have a spray for carpets until you can afford to change them out

http://www.allergycontrol.com/index.asp?adurl=GAPRO

- don't dry his clothes, sheets, towels, etc.. on the line.
- keep benadryl handy. He's going to have some severe swelling on occasion after those shots and he'll need it. My maple shot on Tuesday caused my arm to itch and swell so bad that my arm is still a bit swollen today

 

[CathrynRose]

Asthma & Reactive Airway Disease are pretty much interchangable:

http://ajrccm.atsjournals.org/cgi/content/full/163/4/822

http://www.aaaai.org/aadmc/ate/reactive_airways.html

 

[lemondog]

Thanks so much for the info everyone! Hmmm...the good news is that here is my excuse to buy a Dyson. The bad news is it sounds like I will be doing a lot more housework.

I am probably going to buy some mattress & pillow covers next week. We are also most likely going to buy a new mattress set as well since ours is 10+ years old. My parents have a large, high-quality Oreck air purifier that we're going to use. Unfortunately getting rid of our 10 yr. old dog is not an option, but we're going to try the anti-allergen pet wash to see if that helps at all.

It's too bad opening windows is a bad thing b/c that is DH's absolute favorite thing! Oh well...the price you pay for living in the nation's 16th worst city for allergies (was on the news last night).

- How bad is his dust mite allergy? If it's anything more than mild to moderate washing the sheets and drying them isn't go to do an adequate job killing the mites. I have a special wash designed specifically for dust mites. it's pricey but it made such a huge difference. they also have a spray for carpets until you can afford to change them out

It's pretty bad -- he ranked a 4, with 6 being the absolute worst. I always wash and dry sheets in super hot water, but this dust mite stuff sounds good too. His doctor gave him a whole bunch of catalogs with anti-allergy products and I think I remember there being something like this in there. I'll have to take a look.

Thanks again for the input. Anyone else with other tips, ideas, etc. I would appreciate them!

 

[Crankyshank]

My dust mite allergy is a 6 and the wash really helps. The dog dander wash works well also. I don't have a dog allergy but my brother does and that's the shampoo his girlfriend uses.

All is not lost with the window thing. I love to crack open my windows - I just make sure to open them a crack and never during peak allergen times

I'm sure he'll notice a difference just doing the things you've all ready decided to do. oh and tell him to not hesitate to talk to his allergist and his shot nurse if he has any questions or concerns, especially with his shots.

 

[SamRoc]

I just got back from the Doctor who gave me a nasal spray for my allergies. I never had them so bad as now. Just got back from 12 days in florida and felt great, here in new york there is so much green stuff on the ground and my sinuses are aching! Thanks everyone here for your advice as I am new to this, I just developed allergies as I got older and they seem to be getting worse every year.

 

[YourMajesty]

This may not apply to you but if you or your DH has a flexible spending account for medical, you can claim hardwoods floors as a medical need with a note from the allergy Dr. It would save a few $$ because the money comes out of payroll before taxes...so you are taxed less. There is a limit (I really don't know but I'll guess $5000)? We have never turned any of these expenses in but the allergy Dr did give us a note one time...just a thought. Also, you and can subscribe to the mold/pollen report for your city so you know what's in the air. I think it's through the nab@aaaai.org...I'm not alway helpful with links. Good luck.

 

[golfgal]

This may not apply to you but if you or your DH has a flexible spending account for medical, you can claim hardwoods floors as a medical need with a note from the allergy Dr. It would save a few $$ because the money comes out of payroll before taxes...so you are taxed less. There is a limit (I really don't know but I'll guess $5000)? We have never turned any of these expenses in but the allergy Dr did give us a note one time...just a thought. Also, you and can subscribe to the mold/pollen report for your city so you know what's in the air. I think it's through the nab@aaaai.org...I'm not alway helpful with links. Good luck.

Really???? Have you done this?

 

[ducklite]

Wow, your husband sounds like me. This year was terrible for me with allergies as well, I'm allergic to many of the same things--most "Southern" trees, most weeds, molds, fireants, a plethera of other things but not dog/cat fur. I'm also allergic to nuts and some shellfish.

I began taking Allegra-D a month ago and feel better than I have in a long time. I've got asthma in addition to the allergies, RAD is similar to asthma. Before going into a situation where I know I'll be faced with an asthma trigger (like a full day at WDW or an outdoor rock concert) I use my nebulizer. I also take Singulair and Advair daily--Advair is wonderful!

I do NOT take all the precautions that are being suggested above. I have three pets--ferrets--who tend to shed less and have less dander than cats or dogs.

I have tile in about 60% of my home, carpet in the rest. And it's not vacuumed daily--but then the ferrets never see it.

I dust the Swiffer dust mop thing on the tile--it picks up the dust and then I throw away the cloth. I use a vaccum with a HEPA filter. I dust the house weekly--fortunately this house just doesn't have the dust problem that previous homes I've lived in have had.

I've got mattress protector and pillowcovers on, and launder frequently.

I keep the windows closed during peak pollen times, and avoid the outside in general, but that's almost over here, and I'm beginning to venture out more often.

I decided not to do the shots. It's a big commitment, and there's no guarantee that they will work. Now that I know what my allergens are through the testing, I"ll just avoid them.

Anne

 

[poohandwendy]

I just wanted to add another idea no one has mentioned, get your duct work professionally cleaned. I know people who swear by having it done annually, much of the dust in your house is sucked into the ductwork and then blown back into the house when your furnace/AC kicks on.

Just a thought. This year, in particular, has really been bad for allergy sufferers/people with breathing issues.

 

[DWDreams]

This may not apply to you but if you or your DH has a flexible spending account for medical, you can claim hardwoods floors as a medical need with a note from the allergy Dr. It would save a few $$ because the money comes out of payroll before taxes...so you are taxed less. There is a limit (I really don't know but I'll guess $5000)? We have never turned any of these expenses in but the allergy Dr did give us a note one time...just a thought. Also, you and can subscribe to the mold/pollen report for your city so you know what's in the air. I think it's through the nab@aaaai.org...I'm not alway helpful with links. Good luck.

True I believe. Also, it may be too late to start a med expense account now, so be sure to save all receipts, etc... because if all these things are substantial in cost, you want to keep track to see if it meets the percentage of income that kicks it into a deductible listing on your return for 2006.

 

[ptrbryant]

Ever since moving South (Kentucky), I've had terrible allergies that lead to bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infections, etc. One year, I was on antibiotics every 7-8 weeks for a whole year---since I can only take one family of anti-biotics, this was especially worrisome.

I finally went ahead with allergy shots. Yes, it's a big commitment, but I felt I no longer had a choice. I've been on them for about 2 years now. During the latter part of the first year, I was noticeably better. This year (2005- 2006), I had bronchitis in April 2005 and am finishing up my second course of antibiotics for bronchitis right now. Still, only 2 respiratory illnesses for the whole year! And, instead of taking 8 prescription meds, I now take an OTC Claritin in the morning and Benedryl at night and am fine.

Other than that, we always keep an air purifier with a HEPA filter on in the bedroom. I do have a cover on my pillow, but not my mattress yet. I try to vacuum often, though it's not every day. We have 2 cats and 1 dog and it's not an option to change that...I try to comb out loose fur on the cats during their brief times outside and have DH brush out our dog after his has a bath. I do very little yard work as my main culprits are outdoor molds.

Best of luck!

Karla B.

 

[Mi3stooges]

I also have allergies....but not as serious as some of you. Just annoying and they can be painful. I usually feel like I have a sinus infection and sometimes makes me feel like I have an abcessed tooth. I go for allergy shots, which help but I switch my meds around. Dr perscribed clarinex, seem to help, but I aslo take Alavert an over the counter med that works FANTASTIC!!

I also have an air filter from Whirlpool, one that you have to replace the filters!!! It works great!!!
I also have a pillow cover, someone mentioned only getting it at target, I found my at Walmart!!!

FInally, clean, clean, clean!!!

 

[ChrisnSteph]

....He was also dx with Reactive Airway Disease. Any idea what that is???? He is now on 8 weeks of antibiotics, and a whole host of daily meds including Singulair, Clarinex, Flonase nasal spray, Astelin nasal spray, and the Asmanex inhaler, plus weekly allergy shots.

My question is...what products do you recommend to help de-allergy the house. The doctor said due to DH's seriously chronic lung problems (only breathing at 60-75% capacity and if he developed something like pneumonia right now he may very well go into respiratory arrest) it is imperative that we immediately buy some kind of mattress, box spring and pillow covers???? And also do a thorough deep cleaning of the house. He also said over time we should replace all carpet with hardwood, but that will take serious $$ as we have a 3000 sq. foot house, so it would have to be done over time. Is there anything else we can do/buy in the short run to help him feel better? Special air filters, HEPA room filters, etc. What has worked for you? Thanks!!

Reactive Airway Disease is a blanket term used as a diagnosis for someone who has chronic unexplained respiratory illnesses or has chronic respiratory infections, at least this is how a couple of doctors explained it to me. It's basically a diagnosis they give when they can't figure out what the problem could be. My son was dx with RAD when he was a baby due to chronic respiratory infections.

I also have bad seasonal allergies. Singulair and Flonase work great, but they take a little while to kick in. Frequently washing the nose out with salt water aalso helps flush out any pollen or dust that's causing him to have a reaction. HHEPA filters on the vacuum and air duct vents help keep the dust down in the house. Vacuum the drapes if you have them, the couch, everything where dust can settle. You can try air purifiers, but the best one on the market for serious allergies is made by IQAir. They are very expensive, but work great. I personally don't own one, but I know of someone who does and I've been to their house numerous times to see that it really works. Good luck and I hope your dh gets some relief from his allergies.