I'm dying so far this Spring. I think its tree pollen or something. Stuffed up with a sore throat almost every morning. Extra Strength Reactine is okay, but does not provide full relief.

I've never had allergy problems in the past. I hope this is a one-time thing.

I began to get allergies at around 30 after never, ever having them. Ever. Nothing too severe, I don't suffer badly, but I now eel it each allergy season.

Sorry, it's probably not a one-time thing.

I know people who became alergic to John Byrne after having been fan of his work for decenies.

For the record, i'm not one of them.

It's a bad year for allergies, and I know a number of people who've had trouble this year after never suffering from allergies before. Now, I'm allergic to nearly everything that grows and have been for some time, so I'm definitely feeling it.

Welcome to the geek club! I find Claritin and Flonase to be a (mostly) effective combo.

You know, for some reason this sparked a thought: A change in my lifestyle probably accounts for the onset of allergies. I used to spend every waking moment outdoors, exploring the woods, surfing, whatever. I played outdoors, and often worked outdoors, too. These days, though, I work in an enclosed office all day, and have for years. Most of my recreation is indoors, too, save the occassional round of golf or paintball game. Lack of exposure = body can't handle the pollen anymore.

My theory is genius. No one else use it or I will sue you.

After a life of allergies, last year I suddenly stopped having severe reactions to pollen in spring and late summer. I still get allergies, but very mild and quite tolerable. Even if I have a bad day, it's quick to go away, and I don't get sick with a sinus infection afterward.

Austin is like the kingdom of allergies it seems. Before moving to the area I never had any allergies. Now and again I have some symptoms. I get really dizzy (like two days ago) or the old nose gets stuffed up.

I've heard (but cannot confirm) that taking a teaspoon (is that the big one?) of locally produced honey can sometimes alleviate the allergies and symptoms due to, I guess, the bees using local stuff to make it from. But I can't confirm that and, well, with all the bees dying off and all...

I actually have less trouble than I used to, now that I live closer to the area where I originally grew up. When I lived in central Tennessee it was awful!

Never had a problem.
Then, in 2003 we were relocated to Charleston SC.

I now have allergies that would kill a lesser mortal.


Good luck...and get used to it.

I'm blaming you, Jeff, my recent woes.

... by the way I'm really not expecting this to be a once off. I'm doomed.

I hear that a lot.

I developed my allergy for alcohol abruptly in my late 20s. I was never much of a drinker, mind you, but it was when I was approaching 30 that even a hint of booze caused my throat to close and for me to break out in a terrible rash. Fun stuff.

Of course, it means I'm automatically the designated driver, so my friends don't mind.

I did not develop fall alergies until I was in my late 20's. They last about 6 weeks, normal over the counter meds work, so it is not too bad.

I also never had strep until I was 33. Knocked me on my ass, fever reached 104.5. I then had it 3 more times in two years, but now I have not had it in 6.

My wife's doctor informed her that the pollen in our areathis Spring is about 7 times what it normally is. I'm normally never bothered by this stuff, but I've been popping antihistamines for about three weeks straight.

I find it decidedly unfair that I should grow new allergies -- and I must have done so recently, based on the symptoms -- this late in my life.

No idea yet as to what is triggering said allergies, but there's no other explanations for my spending three minutes blowing my nose each morning and being treated to expulsions spanning every color of the rainbow.

Bad form.

Nope - have had them my whole life, regardless of where I lived. I keep a bottle of Claritin (or as I call it when stricken - Claritid) by my desk at all times and take it with me on trips. One of those will usually, but not always, do the trick.

I think it's dust and pollen. The wife is allergic to cats. She's also allergic to metal in some ways - eyeglasses and necklaces and earrings will give her a rash unless they're gold plated. How conveeeeeeeeeeenient!

And I bet it's got to be good-quality gold plating, too! Yes, very convenient....

I've had allergies to pollen and cats all my life. Even at their worst they've never quite been bad enough that I've taken things for them. I married a much worse allergy sufferer who does have to take medicine for it.