allergys, irritated eye, age, light sensitive?'s

[sea trout]

Hope y'all are doin great!
Is it normal/possible for someone mid/late 40's that's never been sensitive to spring allergies to become sensitive to spring allergies later in life?
Does spring allergies commonly cause itchy, watery, irritaded eyes that become more sensitive to light in the itchy scratchy, watery state?

 

[GeorgiaBob]

Short answer - - - Yes.

Sinus inflammation as a result of repeated exposure to pine pollen especially when combined with some oak pollens and industrial pollutants can be a "cumulative" problem. Even if it didn't bother you as a young adult, eventually your defenses weaken, your resistance to pollutants decreases, and you end up with secondary defenses (histamine reactions like a runny nose and watery eyes) stepping up to help protect your body. It is a common problem.

A doctor can probably tell you several ways to minimize the problems. For me, just a few months short of 70, I have had decades of "dealing with it." And wishing I could stand under the trees on a warm spring day and take a few deep breaths without having to blow my nose. Check with your regular doc and if he recommends it, see a specialist. There are a few things that could minimize your new problems!

 

[Nicodemus]

Yes. Until I hit my 60s I didn`t know what allergies and sinuses were. Never paid any attention at all to pollen. Now pushing 70, it eats me alive.

 

[Deerhead]

I am the opposite of Nic. I suffered with sinus issues from 18yrs until I was 50. I even had deviated septum surgery. Now I can breath and occasionally take a Zyrtec. An allergist should be able to help you.

 

[hopper]

Never had allergies until late 40s. Now 50 I can't hardly leave the house without sunglasses. Claritin D works OK but nothing gets rid of it 100%.

 

[Shotgun1]

The answer is yes. Until I was in my early 60s I really did not think allergies were real. When spring pollen started bothering me I couldn't believe it was happening to me. Finally went to my primary care Doc and got help.Now at 88 it is not so bad. Live and learn.

 

[Waddams]

My allergies fluctuate year to year - some years it's bad, some it's not so bad. I don't know what the difference is. I don't take meds, do the occasional sinus rinse in the shower, that's about it. I will say after I get done with yard work in the spring, each time I head for the shower to get the dust and pollen off as quick as I can. If I don't, I suffer!

 

[2dye4]

Yep, keep living and it only seems to get worse. Hate to be the bearer of bad news.

 

[Toliver]

My wife was born in Canada and grew up in Northern Virginia. She never suffered from allergies until she moved to Georgia in 1999 when she was 29 years old. And dont think I don't hear about it!

I on the other hand have suffered from allergies my whole life. When I was a kid, it was falallergies mostly. I locked up like I had concrete poured in my nose. Afrin nose spray worked to temporarily open me up so I could breathe but it was addictive.

In my 20s and 30s it was spring and fall. They were so bad I could expect to be out of work a week each season. It was as bad as getting the flu with fever and the whole 9 yards. I always joked with my doctor asking if I could just have my sinuses surgically removed. It seems to have eased up some now as I've had a few short-lived bouts here and there that were fairly mild over the last few years. But a few years ago I was introduced to Flonase. I believe that stuff was a gift straight from heaven. For me, it was like a miracle drug.

Good luck figuring out what works for you. And I hate that you're now having to experience it. I wouldn't wish bad sinus issues on Jim Thompson.

 

[RedHills]

I went turkey hunting a week in Georgia 10 yrs ago...and It literally looked like the woods were on fire. I never had any sinus issues what so ever before then. Mid 50's. For 2 or 3 years afterwards, I cancelled a lot of trips because of it. Got over it, back to no problems at Springtime.

 

[Tblank]

Yes, got me in the mid 50’s as well.

 

[Big7]

Hope y'all are doin great!
Is it normal/possible for someone mid/late 40's that's never been sensitive to spring allergies to become sensitive to spring allergies later in life?
Does spring allergies commonly cause itchy, watery, irritaded eyes that become more sensitive to light in the itchy scratchy, watery state?

I was never allergy prone until I turned about 40 then went through a spell that lasted 10 years.

Best thing for your nose is a Netty Pot.

Mine has cooled off 90% but I still use a saline solution and a measuring syringe from time to time.

1/4 teaspoon non iodized salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to 8 ounces distilled water.
You can use as needed as there are no drugs or side effects.

 

[sea trout]

Thanks for the responses y'all!
It really isn't that bad. I don't have severe sinus issues.
Basically I just really wanted to make sure I was normal because this came on all of a sudden a couple weeks ago. Thanks Y'all for clearin that up!
I don't have a Dr yet. I know I'm gettin to the age for check ups and I'll need to pick a doctor close to Commerce anyway.
My wife bought me some antihistamine eye drops but I was in denial at first I guess. But I'll try them.

 

[TAS]

Eyes get Dryer as we age and allergens are not rinsed away as well as they once were. Hot compresses on eyelids can help oil glands function better. Lots of OTC lubricants and allergy drops on market (Pataday, Lastacaft).

 

[27metalman]

I've been taking a tablespoon of honey every morning with breakfast for many years now. I believe in it. Give it a try... but you have to have local honey - recommended to be within 50 miles of where you live.

 

[OffTheBeatnPath]

I never had the first problem with any sinuses whatsoever, until I had deviated septum surgery.
Now I have sinusitis, along with rhinitis. I have to take meds daily for it. Usually antibiotics 2-3 times a year as well.
Itchy eyes, scratchy throat, pnd, etc.
I'm 25 now, and have been dealing with it since I was 22. You did good to make it to mid 40s imo. Lol

 

[Pig Predator]

Yep. Right around 40. Bee stings use to not bother me either but do now also.

 

[oldfella1962]

Eyes get Dryer as we age and allergens are not rinsed away as well as they once were. Hot compresses on eyelids can help oil glands function better. Lots of OTC lubricants and allergy drops on market (Pataday, Lastacaft).

My body is breaking down six ways from Sunday and now I have to worry about my eyes getting drier too?

 

[bfriendly]

I’m gonna say age 45 is when it hit me. We’ve gon fishing in creeks where pollen was so cloudy and blowing so thick that no sane human would go, Yet we never thought about it. Then I hit 45 and winter and spring allergies drip started. I call Georgia the pollen state. Generic Claritin or other24hr OTC med will usually kick. I try not to take the meds every day, but keep a supply in the truck. I’ll pretty much always take one if I’m hunting!

 

[HarryO45]

Dry eye and eye strain- I swear by these

PreserVision AREDS 2 Formula Supplement (210 Count)

Amazon has em.

I started to take them about two months ago and a huge improvement after about two weeks of taking them.