Blog Classic: May 29, 2008
Who hasn't heard of allergies? If you have fibromylgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, you're at risk for allergies. And if you have allergies, you're also at risk for something most people haven't heard of: non-allergy rhinitis.
Non-allergy rhinitis feels just like an allergy, but there's no histamine involved. That means your allergy meds won't work. Also, have you ever have a negative allergy test for something you know bothers you? I have, and that means the problem is probably non-allergy rhinitis instead.
Basically, non-allergy rhinitis is an irritation caused by some substance to which you're sensitive. Because of our central sensitization, we're sensitive to a lot! Having both allergies and non-allergy rhinitis myself, I've struggled my whole life with congestion. (It doesn't help that I can't tolerate any decongestant drugs.) I've long relied on medicated nasal sprays, but those are really just a short-term fix that can exacerbate your long-term problems.
When I learned that the best thing for non-allergy rhinitis is nasal irrigation, I decided to try something. I'd long ago given up on saline nasal sprays because they didn't give me the instant relief of the medicated kinds. Thing is, I'd only used them sporadically, when I was stuffed up. I started using saline twice a day, three sprays in each nostril. Weeks later, I have to say I'm amazed that I've been congestion free for some time now.
For me, the benefit has been breathing better, which also means sleeping better. Another benefit, though, can be that chronic congestion can lead to nasty things like mold, virus or bacteria taking up permanent residence in your sinuses, which can make symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome worse and also cause a host of illnesses. (I know one woman who had MRSA in her nose!)
Learn more about non-allergy rhinitis and how to treat it here:
Is it Allergies or Non-Allergic Rhinitis?
Do you have a lot of allergies, non-allergy rhinitis or other sinus problems? What works for you? Leave a comment below!
Learn more or join the conversation!
NEWSLETTER | FORUM | BIO | TWITTER | FACEBOOK
- Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms
- Diagnosing Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Photo © Stockbyte/Getty Images
I have CFS, fibromyalgia, and environmental allergies. I’m also mildly allergic to my cat who I love very much, so I live with my symptoms all the time.
I also don’t like the side effects of pill or nasal spray decongestants. The only allergy medication I take is a generic brand of Claritin. I also have asthma and use Advair and Proventil inhalers for that.
I found a product that helps relieve my nasal congestion and helps me breathe better, especially when I’m sleeping. It’s called “Nose Better”. It’s described on the tube as a “non-greasy aromatic relief gel”. It’s available at Drugstore.com or from the manufacturer: http://www.oakhurst-medicine.com. You just dab a little bit of the gel into your nostrils and it helps you breathe better.
My allergies started several years before my CFS and fibromyalgia but my asthma started right about the same time my CFS fatigue started in 1984.
Appreciate the info on non-allergenic rhinitis. I do have some allergies, but wondered why my nose runs constantly despite the season, and my nose frequently will get totally stuffed up only during the evening despite no change in the environment. Makes sense now. Just use caution about the MRSA in the nose thing, many of us have MRSA in our nose and don’t even know it. (Sorry felt obligated to point this out cause I am a nurse and it is a huge thing in hospitals now.)
Check out a Neti pot. They have been used for thousands of years and it actually feels good. It is a warm water and salt irrigation of your nose and sinuses. Be sure to boil the water first or use distilled water. You don’t want to make things worse!
I was nervous the first time I tried it- was worried about a drowning sensation. Nothing like that happened. I was just fine when I followed the directions.
Easier than a neti pot and better than plain saline solution, I’ve found Clear Nasal Spray works wonders! It’s a saline solution with Xylitol, and I use it twice a day. In addition to rinsing out the nasal membranes and sinuses, it actually removes the items you’re allergic or sensitive to, so you get much better breathing and less drip. It’s available at health food stores or at http://www.xlear.com (The bottle/box has two C’s, back to back and touching for a curved ‘X’ in place of the ‘C’ in ‘clear’.)
Thanks, I have been fighting this problem for years. I even had nose surgery to scrape the turbinates with no result. I plan to try Adienne’s suggestion first and if that doesn’t work, I’ll try the clear nasal spray. I have Sleep apnea and I can’t sleep using the cpap machine so I have now also developed congestive heart failure so not breathing properly can have major consequences. Fibro/chronic fatigue is no benign syndrome it is very serious and I wish doctors could realize that so we could get the help we need. I have had diagnosed fibromyalgia for 27 years and Know that we can only hang in there. when I told my Doc that I had chronic rhinitis due to Fibro, he looked at me like I was crazy!! Again, thanks Adrienne for making all your information available.
I had the runniest nose for about 5 years and it just kept getting worse and worse until I couldn’t look down without dripping. Got all the tests…nothing. As time went on, my rheumatologist had me go to occupational therapy for my fibro and he thought I was allergic to gluten. I have stopped eating it to see if I feel better (you have to be very dedicated to give up gluten!) and my nose has slowed down running — to almost not running at all.
I have FMS and HAD super bad allergies!
I’m allergic to my cats, dust, dust mites, most plants and trees and perfume is the worst. I usually have about 3 sinus infections/ear infections a year and used to use a neti pot everyday out of necessity. I took allergy meds for years, and started to not be able to tolerate them. I was getting desperate and considering surgery. But, lately my allergies have dramatically improved!
I am in a support group, and heard about how Gluten helped others with Fibromyalgia with pain, IBS, allergies and fatigue. I gave up Gluten and my allergies are almost completely gone!! It’s kinda hard, but totally worth it! And my fatigue, joint pain and sleep are sooo much better. It took a week to feel something, by week 3 it was pretty dramatic. I should have a sinus infection by now(spring)! But, I don’t!
I highly recommend trying it. Chex is gluten free. And Betty Crocker even has brownie, and cake mix that is Gluten Free(at Target). And I’ve lost about 20 lbs in a matter of a few months.
Also, I take 2 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar in some apple juice and honey. It has helped a bunch too. It keeps the snacking at bay(so i don’t fall off the gluten wagon) and my reflux normal. I credit this for helping me to stay on the gluten free diet and lose weight. And it helps my allergies as well. I didn’t believe it could possibly help! And now I am a believer. It has to be organic and raw(with ‘the mother’-I use Braggs). It has changed my life. Google ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ for weight loss or reflux and you will find lot’s of info! I take it in between breakfast and lunch. It upsets my stomach if I take it first thing in the morning. So find what works for you.
It’s not all perfect, but, I’m about 75% better. I really hope this info helps someone else!! These are all inexpensive fixes that are actually working for me. I hope this works for someone else too.