Allergies and shortness of breath

[ladybug]

Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.

I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason.

However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. And, they do seem to really dry me out. The thing is, if I'm dry already (no runny nose, eyes, etc.), why would I want drying out??? I haven't been coughing much out lately at all cause I've been so dry feeling. Strange.

Thanks, guys!

 

[ladybug]

Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.

I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason.

However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. And, they do seem to really dry me out. The thing is, if I'm dry already (no runny nose, eyes, etc.), why would I want drying out??? I haven't been coughing much out lately at all cause I've been so dry feeling. Strange.

Thanks, guys!

 

[ladybug]

Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.

I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason.

However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. And, they do seem to really dry me out. The thing is, if I'm dry already (no runny nose, eyes, etc.), why would I want drying out??? I haven't been coughing much out lately at all cause I've been so dry feeling. Strange.

Thanks, guys!

 

[ladybug]

Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.

I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason.

However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. And, they do seem to really dry me out. The thing is, if I'm dry already (no runny nose, eyes, etc.), why would I want drying out??? I haven't been coughing much out lately at all cause I've been so dry feeling. Strange.

Thanks, guys!

 

[ladybug]

Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.
<br />
<br />I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason.
<br />
<br />However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. And, they do seem to really dry me out. The thing is, if I'm dry already (no runny nose, eyes, etc.), why would I want drying out??? I haven't been coughing much out lately at all cause I've been so dry feeling. Strange.
<br />
<br />Thanks, guys!

 

[ladybug]

Oh, and I'm on singulair, flonase and advair 500/50 for my "allergies"/asthma right now. And I still feel sob and tight in my chest. Hmmm....

 

[ladybug]

Oh, and I'm on singulair, flonase and advair 500/50 for my "allergies"/asthma right now. And I still feel sob and tight in my chest. Hmmm....

 

[ladybug]

Oh, and I'm on singulair, flonase and advair 500/50 for my "allergies"/asthma right now. And I still feel sob and tight in my chest. Hmmm....

 

[ladybug]

Oh, and I'm on singulair, flonase and advair 500/50 for my "allergies"/asthma right now. And I still feel sob and tight in my chest. Hmmm....

 

[ladybug]

Oh, and I'm on singulair, flonase and advair 500/50 for my "allergies"/asthma right now. And I still feel sob and tight in my chest. Hmmm....
<br />

 

[saveferris2009]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>

Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.



I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason. </end quote></div>


Some anti-histamines have anti-cholinergic effects, yes. but others don't. My blog has more details but the bottomline is that Benedryl and zyrtec definitely have these anti-cholingergic effects. Allergra and Claritin and Clarinex do no.


<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>
However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. </end quote></div>

You may feel jittery from the pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D) and Zyrtec does pass through the blood brain barrier so it can cause drowsiness.

Give Allegra 180mg a try. It's generic, so it's cheap. It's just as effective as Zyrtec as an anti-histamine and much more effective than Claritin.

Avoid the pseudoephedrine which can dry you out. If you nose feels stuffy, use an intranasal steroid such as Nasacort AQ.

Flonse will definitely dry you out - it contains alcohol. Yuck. Who wants alcohol up theirn ose?

And take care of all of those environmental issues.... get a HEPA filter, keep the doors/windows shut, put carpet treatment for dust mites, put covers on your mattress and pillow, etc.

 

[saveferris2009]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>

Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.



I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason. </end quote></div>


Some anti-histamines have anti-cholinergic effects, yes. but others don't. My blog has more details but the bottomline is that Benedryl and zyrtec definitely have these anti-cholingergic effects. Allergra and Claritin and Clarinex do no.


<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>
However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. </end quote></div>

You may feel jittery from the pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D) and Zyrtec does pass through the blood brain barrier so it can cause drowsiness.

Give Allegra 180mg a try. It's generic, so it's cheap. It's just as effective as Zyrtec as an anti-histamine and much more effective than Claritin.

Avoid the pseudoephedrine which can dry you out. If you nose feels stuffy, use an intranasal steroid such as Nasacort AQ.

Flonse will definitely dry you out - it contains alcohol. Yuck. Who wants alcohol up theirn ose?

And take care of all of those environmental issues.... get a HEPA filter, keep the doors/windows shut, put carpet treatment for dust mites, put covers on your mattress and pillow, etc.

 

[saveferris2009]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>

Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.



I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason. </end quote></div>


Some anti-histamines have anti-cholinergic effects, yes. but others don't. My blog has more details but the bottomline is that Benedryl and zyrtec definitely have these anti-cholingergic effects. Allergra and Claritin and Clarinex do no.


<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>
However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. </end quote></div>

You may feel jittery from the pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D) and Zyrtec does pass through the blood brain barrier so it can cause drowsiness.

Give Allegra 180mg a try. It's generic, so it's cheap. It's just as effective as Zyrtec as an anti-histamine and much more effective than Claritin.

Avoid the pseudoephedrine which can dry you out. If you nose feels stuffy, use an intranasal steroid such as Nasacort AQ.

Flonse will definitely dry you out - it contains alcohol. Yuck. Who wants alcohol up theirn ose?

And take care of all of those environmental issues.... get a HEPA filter, keep the doors/windows shut, put carpet treatment for dust mites, put covers on your mattress and pillow, etc.

 

[saveferris2009]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>

Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.



I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason. </end quote>


Some anti-histamines have anti-cholinergic effects, yes. but others don't. My blog has more details but the bottomline is that Benedryl and zyrtec definitely have these anti-cholingergic effects. Allergra and Claritin and Clarinex do no.


<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>
However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. </end quote>

You may feel jittery from the pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D) and Zyrtec does pass through the blood brain barrier so it can cause drowsiness.

Give Allegra 180mg a try. It's generic, so it's cheap. It's just as effective as Zyrtec as an anti-histamine and much more effective than Claritin.

Avoid the pseudoephedrine which can dry you out. If you nose feels stuffy, use an intranasal steroid such as Nasacort AQ.

Flonse will definitely dry you out - it contains alcohol. Yuck. Who wants alcohol up theirn ose?

And take care of all of those environmental issues.... get a HEPA filter, keep the doors/windows shut, put carpet treatment for dust mites, put covers on your mattress and pillow, etc.

 

[saveferris2009]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>ladybug</b></i>
<br />
<br />Interesting! Thanks... Glad to hear there may be a reason for this. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> I feel good otherwise.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />I've been told before to use some sort of anti-histamine by one CF clinic, but the other (my favorite clinic of all time) had said in the past that they often "dry out" CF secretions, so can work against CF and our need to cough the gunk out. My last clinic actually told me NOT to use benadryl for this very reason. </end quote>
<br />
<br />
<br />Some anti-histamines have anti-cholinergic effects, yes. but others don't. My blog has more details but the bottomline is that Benedryl and zyrtec definitely have these anti-cholingergic effects. Allergra and Claritin and Clarinex do no.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>
<br />However, my current clinic has tried everything from claritin to zyrtec... I don't see any relief from these other than getting super super tired OR jittery. </end quote>
<br />
<br />You may feel jittery from the pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D) and Zyrtec does pass through the blood brain barrier so it can cause drowsiness.
<br />
<br />Give Allegra 180mg a try. It's generic, so it's cheap. It's just as effective as Zyrtec as an anti-histamine and much more effective than Claritin.
<br />
<br />Avoid the pseudoephedrine which can dry you out. If you nose feels stuffy, use an intranasal steroid such as Nasacort AQ.
<br />
<br />Flonse will definitely dry you out - it contains alcohol. Yuck. Who wants alcohol up theirn ose?
<br />
<br />And take care of all of those environmental issues.... get a HEPA filter, keep the doors/windows shut, put carpet treatment for dust mites, put covers on your mattress and pillow, etc.
<br />
<br />

 

[ladybug]

Thanks for the info, Ferris! I appreciate it!

I already do the HEPA filter, matress and pillow covers, no curtains, little carpet, etc. And I never open my windows (even though right now its very tempting with gorgeous days! LOL)

I personally have found flonase to be the best at controlling the stuffy feeling I have (when I do have it) in my nose. Nasocort and Nasonex did nothing for me that I noticed. Nasocort also is no longer covered by my insurance.

I will look into the allegra. I think its odd my current clinic isn't realizing the drying effects of zyrtec as being counteractive to CF. Perhaps they're just more concerned with my nasal drip than my lungs? Who knows. I will deff. give the allegra 180 a shot though! Thanks for the info. Since nothing is covered by insurance (there are too many OTC products), the cost is an issue so I'm glad I can get it generic. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I really appreciate you "dumbing down" the ingredients for me. Allergy meds are all so overwhelming AND to top that off, not knowing what is best for CF lungs adds to my confusion. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif" border="0">

 

[ladybug]

Thanks for the info, Ferris! I appreciate it!

I already do the HEPA filter, matress and pillow covers, no curtains, little carpet, etc. And I never open my windows (even though right now its very tempting with gorgeous days! LOL)

I personally have found flonase to be the best at controlling the stuffy feeling I have (when I do have it) in my nose. Nasocort and Nasonex did nothing for me that I noticed. Nasocort also is no longer covered by my insurance.

I will look into the allegra. I think its odd my current clinic isn't realizing the drying effects of zyrtec as being counteractive to CF. Perhaps they're just more concerned with my nasal drip than my lungs? Who knows. I will deff. give the allegra 180 a shot though! Thanks for the info. Since nothing is covered by insurance (there are too many OTC products), the cost is an issue so I'm glad I can get it generic. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I really appreciate you "dumbing down" the ingredients for me. Allergy meds are all so overwhelming AND to top that off, not knowing what is best for CF lungs adds to my confusion. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif" border="0">

 

[ladybug]

Thanks for the info, Ferris! I appreciate it!

I already do the HEPA filter, matress and pillow covers, no curtains, little carpet, etc. And I never open my windows (even though right now its very tempting with gorgeous days! LOL)

I personally have found flonase to be the best at controlling the stuffy feeling I have (when I do have it) in my nose. Nasocort and Nasonex did nothing for me that I noticed. Nasocort also is no longer covered by my insurance.

I will look into the allegra. I think its odd my current clinic isn't realizing the drying effects of zyrtec as being counteractive to CF. Perhaps they're just more concerned with my nasal drip than my lungs? Who knows. I will deff. give the allegra 180 a shot though! Thanks for the info. Since nothing is covered by insurance (there are too many OTC products), the cost is an issue so I'm glad I can get it generic. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I really appreciate you "dumbing down" the ingredients for me. Allergy meds are all so overwhelming AND to top that off, not knowing what is best for CF lungs adds to my confusion. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif" border="0">

 

[ladybug]

Thanks for the info, Ferris! I appreciate it!

I already do the HEPA filter, matress and pillow covers, no curtains, little carpet, etc. And I never open my windows (even though right now its very tempting with gorgeous days! LOL)

I personally have found flonase to be the best at controlling the stuffy feeling I have (when I do have it) in my nose. Nasocort and Nasonex did nothing for me that I noticed. Nasocort also is no longer covered by my insurance.

I will look into the allegra. I think its odd my current clinic isn't realizing the drying effects of zyrtec as being counteractive to CF. Perhaps they're just more concerned with my nasal drip than my lungs? Who knows. I will deff. give the allegra 180 a shot though! Thanks for the info. Since nothing is covered by insurance (there are too many OTC products), the cost is an issue so I'm glad I can get it generic. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I really appreciate you "dumbing down" the ingredients for me. Allergy meds are all so overwhelming AND to top that off, not knowing what is best for CF lungs adds to my confusion. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif" border="0">

 

[ladybug]

Thanks for the info, Ferris! I appreciate it!
<br />
<br />I already do the HEPA filter, matress and pillow covers, no curtains, little carpet, etc. And I never open my windows (even though right now its very tempting with gorgeous days! LOL)
<br />
<br />I personally have found flonase to be the best at controlling the stuffy feeling I have (when I do have it) in my nose. Nasocort and Nasonex did nothing for me that I noticed. Nasocort also is no longer covered by my insurance.
<br />
<br />I will look into the allegra. I think its odd my current clinic isn't realizing the drying effects of zyrtec as being counteractive to CF. Perhaps they're just more concerned with my nasal drip than my lungs? Who knows. I will deff. give the allegra 180 a shot though! Thanks for the info. Since nothing is covered by insurance (there are too many OTC products), the cost is an issue so I'm glad I can get it generic. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />I really appreciate you "dumbing down" the ingredients for me. Allergy meds are all so overwhelming AND to top that off, not knowing what is best for CF lungs adds to my confusion. <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif" border="0">