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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Allergies?
        
(Message started by: kcorrigan on Oct 22^nd, 2004, 11:25am)

Title: Allergies?
Post by kcorrigan on Oct 22^nd, 2004, 11:25am

Here's a quick question. Since these things tend to be seasonal for many of us (mine are spring and fall), and histamines are a known factor, can they indeed be brought on by allergens in the air?

My mom is a big allergy freak and is convince. I, however, am not.

This past spring I swear that I held them off with a combo of Clarinex and Flonase. But was saddened when it had no affect on this current cycle. I've also read where anti-histamines may help but again there is no pattern to that either.

On a more positive note: I've passed the time mark today when I usually get an attack. I've had some minor twinges, but no full-blown pain. Perhaps my new treatment is actually working...

Title: Re: Allergies?
Post by vig on Oct 22^nd, 2004, 11:29am

I don't believe allergies cause them, but I AM convinced that they aggravate the condition.
my $.02

Title: Re: Allergies?
Post by nani on Oct 22^nd, 2004, 11:55am

Allergies are probably a trigger. My own experience: Had allergies all my life until I had brain surgery in 1999. Went allergy free until August, then started getting them again. Triggered the worst CH cycle I've had since 1973. :'( I've been chronic for years, with occasional episodes, this one has been an ass kicker... doesn't seem to be over yet.

Title: Re: Allergies?
Post by floridian on Oct 25^th, 2004, 1:09pm

I agree with Vig and Nani - allergies are not the primary cause, but probably can make it worse or trigger. If you have allergies, it makes sense to deal with them for its own sake - if it helps with clusters, great, if not - atleast you can breath.

Flonase is a steroid nasal spray - wouldn't be suprised to find that it helps with allergies and clusters, maybe through 2 mechanisms, maybe just because it is a powerful anti-inflammatory for that region of the body.

Title: Re: Allergies?
Post by Tom K on Oct 25^th, 2004, 7:23pm

No allergies, here. Taking a Claretin everyday did nothing for my CH. It's a hypothalamus thing, not a nose thing....

T

Title: Re: Allergies?
Post by sandie99 on Oct 26^th, 2004, 5:08am

Hmm... I am quite allergy-free. I'm just lactose intolerant and once I had hayfever, but just once.

Title: Re: Allergies?
Post by Renee on Oct 26^th, 2004, 6:46am

I take/use flonase and clarinex. Sure helps with the allergies but doesn't do anything in preventing my ch. I also use advair.

Still, one of my biggest triggers is perfumes, candles, fresh cut flowers, clothing stores, eucalyptus, the aisle with all the rose dust and bug killer stuff on it, etc etc

Title: Re: Allergies?
Post by Kitzer on Oct 31^st, 2004, 1:03am

I agree with the majority that the allergies are just a trigger. I've had seasonal allergies all my life and my clusters tend to to come during allergy season. But, on the other hand I have clusters in the dead of winter when allergies aren't active.