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Any help anyone can give about what my allergies might be?! (Can any medical tests be done?)

14 replies

AllergyOrCold · 14/10/2023 16:29

I'm at my wits' end with some sort of allergies that seem to crop up at random, usually when I'm at home at the weekend. It's been going on for as long as I can remember and I usually think I've found the cause but it seems to be more frequent at the minute.

Are there any actual tests that can be done?

Currently wondering if it could be houseplants?!

So what happens is: sudden onset of sneezing, puffy watery eyes, streaming nose, constant irritation up my nose, scratchy throat and this lasts for about 24 hours once triggered, so it's not like I can just 'move away' from whatever it might be (or test it like that).

A few years ago I found it was an old feather duvet in the spare room that when washed at the launderette seemed to stop it (I was in there infrequently as toddler child used it as a sort of play room at the time). Have recently washed all feather bedding anyway and it doesn't seem to set me off as far as I can tell.

Houseplants are spider plants and a few others, normally OK as we've had them for a while but after the last onset DH moved them outside, brought in a few at a time, then today the spider plants came back into the kitchen and I've been set off again so I'm just assuming it's them - is it a seasonal thing with pollen?

Things that set me off more mildly but then eventually die down if I move away - cats (we don't have any pets), clothes that have been in storage for a while.

I went on holiday abroad this summer in a mobile home type thing and felt fine for the whole time. It's driving me mad that it's likely something in my house that's ruining my days and I just want to get rid of whatever it is!

I didn't have any allergies when I was a child. I noticed hayfever type symptoms in my early 20s (I'm early 40s).

OP posts:
SoEffingGrumpy · 14/10/2023 17:18

You can ask the GP for a RAST blood test, it will include testing for pollens, dust mites, pets, latex etc

https://gpnotebook.com/simplepage.cfm?ID=355794987

RAST - General Practice notebook

https://gpnotebook.com/simplepage.cfm?ID=355794987

AllergyOrCold · 14/10/2023 17:41

That's brilliant - thanks! I assume you don't have to be currently suffering to be tested?

OP posts:
SoEffingGrumpy · 15/10/2023 10:55

No clue about that-sorry!

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Floofydawg · 15/10/2023 11:23

I'm allergic to dust mites. Well I think I am, have never actually been tested for it as my Dr is useless. I have high dose Fexofenadine on prescription which I take every day.

You don't have to be suffering at the time you're tested.

Greenshake · 15/10/2023 11:31

The last 2 days have been allergy hell. Streaming nose, sneezing fits and terrible congestion. At my wits end with it.

Jewelspun · 15/10/2023 11:50

Did the mobile home have carpets?

fedupandstuck · 15/10/2023 11:56

Sounds like dust mite and pollen allergies. The spider plants could be the culprit for the pollen if they are currently flowering.

I would get the RAST test if you can, and then if dust mite allergy is confirmed, you can follow the guidance from Allergy UK on how to minimise the allergens in your home:

https://www.allergyuk.org/resources/house-dust-mite-allergy-factsheet/

SisterMichaelsHabit · 15/10/2023 12:01

Yes I've a dust mite allergy and mine attacks me seemingly at random then lasts for ages, too. They can test for it but you have to be referred by your GP and some don't see the point of allergy testing (I had to have a massive argument with my GP in 2015 to get testing done and I have anaphylaxis to something else. The GP kept lying and saying my area didn't fund allergy testing until I came back with "I've spoken to Allergy UK and they said you have to refer me, and also I need an epi pen for the anaphylaxis.").

Bubbles254 · 15/10/2023 12:39

How is your gut health? There is lots of evidence on the link between allergies and GI disorders. If this is an issue I would look to slowly increase your intake of fermented foods and fibre.

AllergyOrCold · 15/10/2023 14:02

Jewelspun · 15/10/2023 11:50

Did the mobile home have carpets?

No... but tbf most of our house downstairs doesn't either.

Gut health, no idea really, i eat fairly healthily and don't seem to have any digestive issues.

I was a puffy leaking bag of fluid yesterday and fine today after a sleep.... this is why I never do anything about it even though it's horrendous at the time!

OP posts:
Floofydawg · 15/10/2023 14:04

OP get to the doc's for prescription anti histamines. They make a huge difference to me. I still have bad days, but nowhere near as often as I used to.

AllergyOrCold · 15/10/2023 14:50

Thanks for the tip! Do you take them daily?

OP posts:
Floofydawg · 15/10/2023 15:00

Yep, every morning. They're non drowsy.

ConstructionTime · 15/10/2023 19:10

it does sound like it could be related to dust or similar, but another possible source could be paints/renovation materials; have you changed anything before this phase of reacting to stuff started? Some (new) electronical equipment can also set off watering eyes when the plastic and cables heat up during use and release fumes. New carpets or other new furniture can cause this kind of reaction, too.

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