Ever since I had a severe reaction to a combination of pink champagne and Alleve (don’t ask), I’ve had a growing problem with all sorts of allergy symptoms (not to foods, but to airborne allergens) – hives,  runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing; post-nasal drip, cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Usually, I can control the symptoms by popping Benadryl and shooting NasalCrom up my nose a couple times a day during peak pollen season. This year, my usual treatment regimen didn’t phase the allergies, so back in January, I saw my doctor to see if he could recommend anything. He gave me prescriptions for fexofenadine (generic Allegra) and fluticasone propionate (genric Flonase, a nasal spray). That seemed to do the trick, but I often had to add some Benadryl to the mix when things got bad, especially at night.

I eventually stopped taking the meds and was okay for several months, but a couple weeks ago, the allergies returned with a vengeance. I refilled my prescriptions, stocked up on Benadryl and NasalCrom and hit them with everything in my arsenal:

• Generic Flonase
• Generic Allegra
• NasalCrom
• Benadryl
• Afrin
• Sudafed
• My wife’s Albuterol inhaler or my over-the-counter Primateen Mist (for clearing my lungs)
• Mucinex
• Saline solution irrigation (2 cups water + 1/2 teaspoon sea salt + 1/4 teaspoon baking soda + capful hydrogen peroxide) warmed in the microwave for a minute on high and pumped through my WaterPik using a gadget I rigged for it

Eventually the congestion got so bad, I was tempted to snort a couple lit firecrackers to blast through the blockage, but on second thought realized that would probably be a bad idea. Instead, I visited my doctor. Here’s what he did:

• Added Singulair to my generic Allegra and Flonase (boy is Singulair expensive! With my whopping $18 insurance discount, it cost me $105 for 30 pills).
• Told me to reduce my use of Afrin because over the long-term the “rebound effect” could make me more congested. (I could still use it once a day before bed).
• Told me to lay off the Sudafed and Primateen Mist because it could boost my blood pressure into a range of concern.
• Gave me a shot of cortisone, telling me that it’ll clear me up for at least two weeks.

Soon after that shot, I felt much better. Woke up last night sneezing, but when I took the generic Allegra and the Singulair, the combination cleared me up. This morning, I feel like a champ. I’m even thinking of going jogging later.

Yes, I found a new best friend – Cortisone, I love you! Thanks, doc!