Question:
When it comes to allergies, I've got another one of those "neither fish
nor fowl" situations. My ENT is *convinced* I have allergies. He says
I have "hypersecretory and hypersensitive" mucosa and "boggy"
turbinates. And he knows I have asthma too, so he's even more sure. But I was tested for allergies by my allergist, both inhalant and food
allergies, and nearly everything tested negative except a very slight
allergy to Alternaria and an allergy to peanuts and chocolate (which I
don't eat anyway).
So then my ENT said "I don't care WHAT the allergy tests showed! You've
got allergies, Steven!" He thinks I might be allergic to some strain of
mold or mildew that isn't covered in the tests.
So once again, I'm stuck.
Would it be worth just trying Singular and/or Claritin to see if my
symptoms improve? My allergist won't prescribe it because my allergy
tests were negative.
Answer:
My general Doc told me I had allergies and gave me claritin, I took
it and never felt any different.so I didnt believe her. But I went to get
tested and NOTHING, then I told the Allergist LOOK, I really think Im
allergic to SOMETHING are there anymore tests?
Well I got the needle test and I got a MOLD allergy! So I'll bet you do have
an allergy to SOMETHING that isnt covered! you can try claritin as it is now sold as a non
prescription med and the same active medicine is in alavert.
Allergy skin tests can not be exhaustive. The possible allergens
number in the multiple thousands at least - just for molds alone. If
you have the symptoms and they are relieved by antihistamines or
Nasalcrom for the nasal symptoms, then it is likely to be an allergy.
Claritin is non-prescription as is Nasalcrom. You appear to be caught in the ongoing (and time-wasting) dispute
between the traditional definitions of allergy and the not-so-new wave
of environmental medicine. And you will be the worse for it if you
don't seize the initiative.
Basically the traditional allergist determines the presence of
allergies within very strict paramaters. If you don't fall within
those paramaters then you cannot have allergies. If you do you get
your Claritin but never any resolution of the problem. On the other
hand, the environmental medicine clinical ecologist will listen
attentively to your complaints, take them seriously and proceed to
work with you to remove the offending substances from your presence.
This approach is well suited to the more inquiring and assertive
patient. It works very well but requires work and doesn't sell much
Claritin.
Take a look at Dr. Doris Rapp's book, 'Is This Your Child?' and do not
be put off by the title. It is an extremely valuable resource. (
http://DrRapp.com )
I assure you that you will be astonished and then gratified when you
see the many diverse symptoms that result from environmental agents
and foods. And how easy it can be to deal with them. (It can be
difficult too.)
