To think this isn't hay-fever...

[CrazyCatsandIcecream]

I am absolutely fed up of having a severely itchy nose, inside. I have been to the doctors, and they say it is hay-fever. I am convinced it isn't.
I don't have watery or itchy eyes, my nose isn't runny or stuffy. The itchiness is my only symptom. It comes on around fragrance, shopping centres, the school run, around people in general, even sometimes outside no matter the humidity; in the winter. I am fine in the house, but it set off even when my own dm came over, I am guessing it was her perfume. What is this? It is driving me nuts, as I am always itching my nose: it is embarrassing.
Hay-fever meds do nothing, as I don't believe it is that.

Any help much appreciated!

I reread and you've tried antihistamines. Have you tried a nasal spray?

I did try a OTC nasal spray a long time ago, nasal rinses etc and none of it worked. I haven't had a prescribed one before, but they keep saying bloody hay-fever. I am always prone to sinusitis on the back of colds etc, so I think I have a dodgy nose in general tbh.

It can sometimes take a while to find the right antihistamine so I would keep trying. To me it sounds like a perfume allergy and many nasal sprays have steroids in them. I would try another one.

Thank you @poppyzbrite4 yes I think it could be. I wear fragrances, and so does dh but it doesn't set up with those. It is so bizarre!

Edit: Ignore this comment, I didn't read properly and you've tried them already!
Oops sorry!!!

I would try an antihistamine.
Could be hay-fever or allergies.

I am allergic (mildly) to wool and various other things along with having hay-fever and antihistamines always take away my symptoms.

If you try various antihistamines and it doesn't help, then go from there.

Loratadine is a good place to start.

Whether it’s hayfever or another allergy, the advice will be anti-histamines or avoidance.

Yes, but I cannot avoid people, and leaving the house 😂 I'll try getting back in touch with the gp, as OTC sprays haven't worked, and tablets did nothing.

Ask for a prescription of Fexofenadine

You can get fexofenadine over the counter now - try that if you haven't already as better than loratadine or cetirizine for most people.

Have you tried a saline nasal rinse? I use Sterimar for my allergies. It's a bit gross when you first start, it's quite astonishing how much mucus you can have in your sinuses (that might just be me though). Once you get on top of it though it works well and if you come into contact with something that sets you off, you can just rinse it out.

Yes, I have tried everything. I have such narrow sinuses the stuff seems to pour back out. Maybe I just have dry sinuses I don't know, I never get anything! It gets set off so easily I couldn't easily be in a position to do it if that makes sense either.

I think i need something prescribed for allergies maybe, that will work all of the time.

Thank you @ElinorDashwood68 and @Nikkynakkynoo I will look into that one. I haven't heard of it, so that gives me some hope. It is such a small issue but over time it is frustrating.

Fexofenadine is available over the counter, evidence suggests the cheaper alternatives are as effective.

Ear, nose & throat teams recommend saline nasal rinses and/or medicated sprays etc for at least 4 weeks. You can make your own preparation, just look for an NHS link, for example www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/media/jifjk51c/nasal-sprays-how-to-use_dec22.pdf

I was told to use it by ENT consultant. He put a camera up my nose (can't recommend that), I have a narrow left nostril apparently and the saline helps to moisturise and lubricate. It will drip/pour back out until you get the technique right.

The above suggestions are good OP. Please also bear in mind you can get thrush or fungal infections in your nose that can cause itching.

My dd is allergic to 'fragrance mix one', or at least some of the components of it. She gets hives and I don't know if you can be allergic to the smell of it.

I have had the issue for years, so thinking it is definately not those.

Thank you, I'm going to ask for a referral to ENT, because I feel something isn't right. My airways are so narrow at the top, I had my adenoids out when i was a child, suffered all my life from recurrent sinusitis on the back of colds, making me unwell tor weeks. I also am very sensitive to cigarette smoke, irritatants. There has always been issues.