Allergies affecting your riding?
 

Up here in New England the allergy season is in full swing. I can't breath because I'm so congested in my head, the junk settles in my lung and I have a bad cough and I continually cough up phlegm, my eye lids feel like they are made of sandpaper so my eyes are red and raw, and the Claritin makes me constantly exhausted. I haven't been on the bike in two weeks.

Anyone else have this problem, or am I just a wimp?

Looking for moral support!

Bob

I use the generic version of Flonase, a nasal steriod spray. It was a miracle drug for me. But it takes a couple of weeks to build up in your system. I used to sneeze in the spring until I almost would faint. It even helps with the horrible itchy eyes. Oh, and Patanol prescription eye drops can help with the eyes.

My morning routine:
- Neti pot to rinse my sinuses clean
- Fluticasone (2 sprays) and loratadine (10mg) flonase/claratin generics
- Ephedrine (8mg) bronchodilator

My evening routine:
- Neti pot again
- Half a Benedryl allergy tablet
- Singulair tablet

It seems to keep my respiratory allergies and asthma problems at bay during the worst of the mold/pollen/etc. seasons.

I can deal with the congestion and sneezing, but the watery eyes are the biggest problem. I was riding home over the weekend, and I was almost blinded at points with the itching and oozing.

I used to have problems with allergies until I started taking vitamins regularly. I'm not sure if there's a link between the two... there probably isn't (maybe there is?). I've been using Rainbow Light Men's One for about 6 months now.

You are a wimp! Shut up and ride your bike!

I am just yanking your chain!

I have the eye problem, I use over the counter
eye drops, They are called something "plus".
There are different brands, the druggist will
know about them.

Just use them before and after. Avoid people
mowing yards.

You are not really a wimp,, just sort of a wimp!

I grew up in a military environment, Dad is a retired
Airforce General. Complaining was not an option.
You sucked up and did what you had to do.

I tried Flonase, but, it didn't do much. Maybe I need to let it happen over three weeks. For the eyes I use Opcon which relieves the itchiness a bit, but, the watering of the eyes is a problem while riding. I tried the NetiPot but found it pretty weird and didn't seem to do much.

I am heading out this afternoon for 25. No more whining.

I've started having mild allergy symptoms over the last few years. Nothing bad, just noticeable. I've noticed that on long rides, I'll sometimes get a tickle in my throat leading to occasional coughing.

I also started wearing contacts a few months ago. After a long day in the saddle, or just mowing the lawn, I need to get them out for a while. The pollen builds up on them.

Flonase really does take a long time to build up enough to work. You have to start using it before allergy season start. I used it year around.

I am one of those people who starting in February just dread spring time. My allergies for the last 5 years have literally kept me from riding until... I discovered Allegra. Personally, other than Benadryl, which makes me groggy, I thought no allergy medicine would work. This has been a glorious spring for me. I've only had a few allergy attacks which I got under control taking Allegra. I've learned the key is to get up and take the pill every day before am attack begins... and also a neti pot is awwesome with those really bad attacks even medicini doesn't help.

Here's how I use Flonase.

I spay one side using two squirts, but only one side per day.

I then lie face down on the bed, and hang my head over the edge so the stuff will drain into
my nose instead of out, about a minute. Well, it seems like a minute.

That will help.

I also alternate between generic Benadryl and tavist.
I take a half dose each time, and whenever it bothers me.
Some days I wind up taking a lot.

Good news, allergies are breaking!

I did 25 yesterday and another 27 today and didn't have to dose my eyes with Opcon afterwards. I'll probably still take Claritin for a few more days. It's only for about three weeks that I am miserable. When I took Flonase last year, I remember that I had really bad sneezing fits - for like a half hour - after taking. I might take Late's advice about laying down so it penetrates better.

I'll also try Allegra next year. My son swears by Zyrtec so I tried it for a few days. It made me so sleepy it was ridiculous. So, I gave him the rest of the bottle.

Bob

PS, did you notice that since the word Allergy is in this thread that we get advertisements for Claritin at the top? They are paying attention!

I tried both Claritin and Zytec, neither did anything for me and I thought these OTC (and some prescription) medicines are a bunch of crock. I tried Allegra because well, it was one I hadn't tried. What ever allergies I have it works on them and doesn't make me a groggy a real plus.

My allergies usually naturally get better about now and won't hopefully kick back up until Fall. Glad you are feeling better!