How can I manage my chronic allergic symptoms at 19?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 19 years old. I have been suffering from an allergy for almost four years. My mother has the same kind of allergy, but her case is not as severe as mine. I experience a runny nose, sneezing, an itchy nose and eyes, mild rashes after having a shower, and breathing difficulties. My heartbeat becomes faster and more rapid. I also suffer from noise sensitivity; I cannot tolerate loud sounds, which causes my heart to beat faster and leads to dizziness and headaches.

In my residential area, I experience allergies for almost 360 days of the year, feeling suffocated and having a rapid heartbeat. Additionally, whenever I am under mental or emotional stress, my heart rate becomes faster and irregular, and I feel suffocated. A nearby doctor suggested using a nebulizer, but I am not feeling much better.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and there are two components, so I will address them separately.

First, regarding the increased heart rate in stressful conditions: this is likely due to anxiety, which is not uncommon. You can try breathing exercises, but if they do not control the situation or if it escalates into a full panic attack, you may need cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) from a psychiatrist or psychologist, as well as medication. A useful breathing exercise is to place a paper bag over your mouth and nose, and inflate and deflate it completely until your heartbeat and breathing return to normal.

Now, regarding your allergy: it seems to be allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. You can use a maintenance therapy of Montelukast 20 mg once a day along with Softin (Loratadine) once a day. Increase the dose of Softin if you are excessively exposed to allergens such as dust or pollen.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.