The grass is turning green, my forsythia's about to bloom, spring is in the air - along with ever increasing amounts of pollen. A big percentage of us with fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS) have allergies, which can make this time of year especially hard. As you've probably learned, even mild hay fever can make your other symptoms worse.
There are a few things to keep in mind this time of year:
- Don't forget your allergy meds! If you need to take them every few hours, make sure you carry them with you at all times. Have an extra stash in your car and your desk at work, in case you forget them. If you also have asthma, consider getting an early refill so you won't run out at a bad time.
- Check for drug interactions: If you've started any new medications, be sure to check for negative interactions with your allergy meds. Your pharmacist is the best source of information, but you can also check About.com's Drugs A-Z.
- If your symptoms are bad even on medications, you could have non-allergy rhinitis. It feels like an allergy, but its different and needs different treatment. Read Allergies vs. Non-Allergic Rhinitis.
- Watch for new allergies: Our allergies tend to shift from time to time, so be aware that new things may trigger an allergic reaction. If you suspect new allergies, you might want to talk to your doctor about getting tested.
- Wash your hands & face frequently: Especially if you've been outside, you may have pollen and other particles on your skin. Also, be sure to change your pillowcase more often.
What helps you get through allergy season? Have you been taken off guard by new allergies? Share your experiences so we can all learn from them - leave a comment below!
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More on Allergies, from About.com's Allergy Guide Daniel Moore, M.D.:
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Allergies, stuffy noses, sneezing, watery eyes, and increased symptoms add up to miserable people with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Often with additional, increasing pain because of escalating inflammation and cytokines. I look for practical solutions to handle allergies and discussed 5 important ones today. Anyone is welcomed to comment and add to the information that all of us can use. Allergies: 5 Non-Drug Remedies to Start Using Now
Thanks, Cinda Crawford, host
Whether it’s sneezing and sniffling or full blown allergy attacks that make someone with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome feel miserable and hurt, we need all the info we can find to manage symptoms. You’re invited to check out the Health Matters Show for 5 more ideas that might help. Here’s wishing you good health, Cinda Crawford, show host
I have had a recent case of progressed allergies. I get a bad headache, then can not see due to blurred vision with sharp pain in my eye’s. Any advice for this I would appreciate.
Thank you
I have recently developed bad allergies that show through increased headaches with extreme eye bluriness and painful eye’s. Is there a natural alternitive medicine? ANy advice is appreciated.
Also try sleeping on a silk pillowcase to help with you allergies. It’s naturally hypo allergenic & Anti-fungal.