To self isolate and get tested every time my hayfever / allergy flares up?

yarncakes · 2020-08-06T15:37:10+00:00

I have a very sensitive nose and can smell things from a mile off and also suffer from hayfever and dust mites. It has recently flared up so badly that I am very congested, nose streaming, eyes watering and very sore. I've recently found out I'm allergic to either the washing powder and / or fabric softener that I have changed to. The problem is, what happens if this occurs in the winter or even now? When the heating is on, I am terrible for congested nose. My nose is just sore and flaky from blowing it so much :( Would you be expected to self isolate and get a test? As I know on CDC website it says runny nose and sneezing is a symptom of covid. Also wanted to say the last 3 times when my allergies flared up, my test have came back negative.

CrunchyCarrot · 06/08/2020 16:42

In your situation, I wouldn't test. I too have allergies, hayfever from pollen and dust mites, as well as histamine intolerance. It gives me all sorts of symptoms but I know where I am with it, if that makes sense.

If you do have allergies then taking an antihistamine should reduce the symptoms. That's the best way of proving that it's an allergy causing the trouble, not Covid.

I'm allergic to bio washing powder (came out in an awful rash) and avoid it like the plague. There are so many additives in these products, try to find ones that are as natural as possible.

amicissimma · 06/08/2020 16:45

I'm on the Zoe survey. It asks 'Do you feel physically normal?'

I think that's the question: is how you are feeling normal for you? I too get hayfever and am used to getting a sore throat in the evening when the pollen count is high. I sleep with the window shut and my throat is fine in the morning. This happens in the summer months every year and is quite normal for me, therefore I answer yes to Zoe's question.

If the sore throat persisted, or I got a headache, or another symptom, I would report that and probably get a test.

Original poster

yarncakes · 06/08/2020 16:48

Sore throat is another one for me. I am always getting a sore throat and it can last for at least a week before it goes away, then comes back again. Most likely to do with allergies but this is why I'm dreading when winter comes. It's going to be a nightmare! I try and not show my allergy symptoms too much at work in case they panic but it's hard when the air is stuffy.

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Original poster

yarncakes · 06/08/2020 17:06

@CrunchyCarrot

In your situation, I wouldn't test. I too have allergies, hayfever from pollen and dust mites, as well as histamine intolerance. It gives me all sorts of symptoms but I know where I am with it, if that makes sense.

If you do have allergies then taking an antihistamine should reduce the symptoms. That's the best way of proving that it's an allergy causing the trouble, not Covid.

I'm allergic to bio washing powder (came out in an awful rash) and avoid it like the plague. There are so many additives in these products, try to find ones that are as natural as possible.

I'm not coming out in a rash but more affecting my throat, nose and especially chest. It feels tight when trying to breathe and as soon as I put another bedding on that was washed ages ago with a different washing powder, I was absolutely fine. I only put about a tablespoon of washing powder in and always add an extra rinse. Wouldn't that prevent allergies (if I am allergic to bio powder?)

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Lemons1571 · 06/08/2020 17:10

Just go with “do you feel normal for you?”. I’ve had a stuffy nose every day for 42 years despite steroid sprays, no point getting a daily test just for one historically permanent symptom.

frustrationcentral · 06/08/2020 17:21

I've been feeling awful with hay fever this year, never had a year like it. I did think the other day that I could have had Covid and not known about it , although I haven't had a temp or anything

CrunchyCarrot · 06/08/2020 18:19

I'm on the Zoe survey. It asks 'Do you feel physically normal?'

That would make me break out in a grin! I haven't felt 'normal' for years (thank you hypothryodism and associated complaints)! I think it's a case of 'do you have any sensations/symptoms you don't normally have?' would be better.

I'm not coming out in a rash but more affecting my throat, nose and especially chest. It feels tight when trying to breathe and as soon as I put another bedding on that was washed ages ago with a different washing powder, I was absolutely fine. I only put about a tablespoon of washing powder in and always add an extra rinse. Wouldn't that prevent allergies (if I am allergic to bio powder?)

That does sound like an allergic reaction. I know sometimes I have experienced the same thing. You'd be surprised just how much detergent remains in clothes even after rinsing. I remember going for a long walk some years ago and it there was fine drizzle the whole way. By the time I got home, my jeans were completely soaked, but as I was walking a white substance started coming out from them - I sniffed it and it was my washing powder! That horrified me, the thought that so much is still in clothes even after several rinses.

ohthegoats · 06/08/2020 18:22

I've been in a really bad way with hayfever this year, I've not had a test at all.

I've discovered that it's not very nice sneezing in a mask. Urgh.

HRHPP · 06/08/2020 18:27

@CrunchyCarrot

In your situation, I wouldn't test. I too have allergies, hayfever from pollen and dust mites, as well as histamine intolerance. It gives me all sorts of symptoms but I know where I am with it, if that makes sense.

If you do have allergies then taking an antihistamine should reduce the symptoms. That's the best way of proving that it's an allergy causing the trouble, not Covid.

I'm allergic to bio washing powder (came out in an awful rash) and avoid it like the plague. There are so many additives in these products, try to find ones that are as natural as possible.

Have you had the histamine intolerance diagnosed ? I think I have it but GP not interested . It is horrible

Porcupineinwaiting · 06/08/2020 20:16

Is there a problem with you testing often? Does it matter?

Stellaris22 · 06/08/2020 20:25

I have cough variant asthma and I'm also worried about needing to test/isolate every time I get a flare up.

I know what my asthma cough is like but worry about having to stay off work and avoid going out due to other people's reactions to my cough.

MsRinky · 06/08/2020 20:53

The Zoe app specifically asks if your symptoms are over and above your usual seasonal allergies.

CrunchyCarrot · 06/08/2020 21:36

@HRHPP Have you had the histamine intolerance diagnosed ? I think I have it but GP not interested . It is horrible

No, I believe it's pretty difficult to diagnose. Really the only way you know is by eliminating various foods and noting your reaction. I've done all that, and the only thing that fits is histamines! Plus later I discovered oxalates and they are even less fun. My GP is polite about it all but can't really suggest much other than avoiding foods and taking anti-histamines, which to my mind isn't getting to the root of the problem and fixing it. So I'm trying to help myself instead and belong to a couple of FB groups that have helped me find out more specifics about these things. Continually eliminating foods just leads to more and more problems and yes, malnutrition., so that really isn't the answer in the longer term. I've managed to increase the range of foods I can eat and have put on a bit of weight now, but am still too thin and have no muscle tone!

HRHPP · 06/08/2020 21:49

[quote CrunchyCarrot]**@HRHPP* Have you had the histamine intolerance diagnosed ? I think I have it but GP not interested . It is horrible*

No, I believe it's pretty difficult to diagnose. Really the only way you know is by eliminating various foods and noting your reaction. I've done all that, and the only thing that fits is histamines! Plus later I discovered oxalates and they are even less fun. My GP is polite about it all but can't really suggest much other than avoiding foods and taking anti-histamines, which to my mind isn't getting to the root of the problem and fixing it. So I'm trying to help myself instead and belong to a couple of FB groups that have helped me find out more specifics about these things. Continually eliminating foods just leads to more and more problems and yes, malnutrition., so that really isn't the answer in the longer term. I've managed to increase the range of foods I can eat and have put on a bit of weight now, but am still too thin and have no muscle tone![/quote]
What are the groups called ? Had a quick search and can’t find any .
I can’t find out what causes mine as attacks happens at various times of day and often in the morning before I eat. Am desperate to find out more about it and ind out for sure if I have it

Discobar · 06/08/2020 21:53

with no proof at all I think hay-fever is really bad this year because of lockdown. Plants and grass allowed to grow when normally fumes would have killed them off. Im suffering bad this year

Original poster

yarncakes · 07/08/2020 21:30

Sorry this is not related to covid as such but I've discovered it is the fabric softener I am allergic to :( I am gutted because it smells lush and I used it a few months ago and was absolutely fine! I tried to use it 3 times, each time smaller and smaller doses but it still irritated my allergies. So I decided to try Fairy to see if that helps as I know it is for people with sensitivities, and I feel fine when I smell it. I'm wearing my nightie now with a hint of fairy smell and touch wood, no allergies... So that must conclude it. Gutted! The one I had smells lush (aldi strawberry and magnolia if anyone is interested lol), smells fine until I start sneezing and eyes feel like sandpaper

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