If you have insurance allergy shots are wonderful. It's a consistent commitment and I still have some very minor discomforts here and there, but it's the best thing I've done for my well-being. I tried every pill imaginable and destroyed my eyes on a daily basis and was sick of it. The only major issue I've had was a one time reaction to one of the shots, but it got cleared up quickly. Never affected my running.
Benadryl and lots of sleep.
Take the benadryl before you are exposed to the pollen. Basically, it coats the receptors that trigger the autoimmune response to the pollen. Benadryl is still probably the most effective thing out there. Of course, those receptors are also used to constantly jolt our nervous system to help keep us awake. The receptors don't work so well with a waxy benadryl coating.
If you can get enough sleep, you won't really need those nervous system jolts to keep you awake anyway.
Claritin is easily the best choice. Works well, usually doesn't cause drowsiness. Just make sure to take it EVERY day, no matter how well you feel.
PhysMech wrote:
Benadryl and lots of sleep.
This is a running forum. Benadryl being a first gen antihistamin will make you feel tired/sleepy. You don't want that when you want to workout. Only use would be to take it at bedtime.
local honey. within 20-30 mile radius
AllergySufferer wrote:
Benadryl being a first gen antihistamin will make you feel tired/sleepy. You don't want that when you want to workout. Only use would be to take it at bedtime.
I've tried some others, but benadryl works the best. Benadryl doesn't make me feel sleepy during a workout if I take it soon before I start the workout (exposure to the pollen). Taking it after exposure does nothing, since it's much less of a drug than the others and doesn't treat symptoms once you have been exposed. But taking it at the proper time is almost like not even being exposed, since the receptors are coated with a wax-like substance. The other drugs are trying to match the effectiveness of benadryl but have not quite gotten there yet.
Buy from the grocery/pharmacy:
1. Gallon of distilled water
2. Ayr nasal rinse kit
You can mix the salt packet either 1 pack per bottle, or 2 packs per bottle. 1 pack solution will moisten your sinuses, 2 pack solution will kill germs. Drugs hide the symptoms, whereas a rinse will get rid of the cause: pollen.
Works great.
RukiddingMe!! wrote:
read the "Unhealthy Truth" by Robyn O Brian
or continue wineing
See - this is why I love letsrun! Just did a quick google and now that book is on my list. (But I can't give up my wine-ing; I just like wine too much!;) )
I use a really good nasal barrier that traps the pollen before it enters my nose. I find it works well when I'm out on a run because it has no scent and I don't even feel like I've used anything. I used be constantly blowing on a tissue, wiping my eyes and it was affecting my times which was the most frustrating thing for me. Now, even on a high pollen count day I feel great and only occasionally get a scratchy throat. The one I use is sinubalm but there are others and I believe they all work on the same basis.