Have you tried using a Neti Pot? I’ve always had sinus problems but since I started using that, they have all but cleared up. I’ve heard they are really good for allergies too. You can get them at Walmart for $14.95 and that includes 50 saline packs.

I have tried the neti pot and it works well for the boyfriend, but does little for me. My primary problem is fluid in my left ear (not even getting a tube in my ear helped the pressure and fluid build-up!).

I recommend Dustgrabbers, https://www.dustgrabbers.com. Very professional service, went above and beyond.

Nik–did you find any improvement in allergy issues after having the service?

Thanks for the recommendation–I will definitely check them out!

Did you try pulling up the duct louver tops and attacking the insides with a vacuum first? You can get filter inserts (try Lowes or Home Depot or a hardware store). They go under the louvers inside the ducts to help filter out particles. They get the big particles, though.

Short of biting the needle instead of the bullet, you’ll never know. Of course, this is Nashville, where all allergens go to vacation, but you’ll probably also be allergic to dust, mold, pollens and pet hair.

Definitely. The house is less dusty and the unit seems more efficient. I’ve gone from an allergy pill (Claritin, OTC) a day to as needed. As in, March, but still.

Jim, your suggestion requires some common sense, which I sometimes lack! I’ll try that first before investing big money. I’m fairly convinced that my problems are mostly in my home since that’s where I spend most of my time. And I tend to feel better when I’m not there. I already know I have a mold and mildew allergy as well as pollen. I don’t want to hear that I’m allergic to my cat, too! I might go ahead and purchase an even better filter than I have now.

Nik–thanks again. I’ll definitely keep that info in mind.

We just installed a new unit and seem at first to have a little more dust than ususal. I chalked it up to a stronger unit blowing the dust from the ducts. I bought a couple air purifiers and they have helped a bit. I thought there would be a filter like Jim was talking about and looked for it at Home Depot but found nothing. I’ll look again. What exactly am I looking for? We’re planning to get new ductwork installed this spring, that should help.

that jim, he’s a handy guy.

lesley - i suffer tooooooo

When my hubby and I moved to Nashville last summer, I started having really bad allergy flare-ups that also seemed to coincide with being inside our rental house. Two things I did on the advice of friends — 1. I visited the allergy store in Franklin and purchased an Austin air purifier (ozone-free, runs all the time in my bedroom, about $350); 2. We started running the fan part of our A/C all the time (does not noticeably increase electric bill b/c you’re not heating or cooling — just circulating the air). Thanks to these two changes, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my allergies. (I have incredibly bad allergies — have been on the shots twice in my life but I have stopped breathing both times due to higher dosages, so they’re not an option for me — used to get 8 a week!). I am usually completely miserable this time of year, but thanks to these changes and taking Zyrtec OTC (for past 6 weeks) I’m doing okay for now. (fingers crossed!) Good luck and hope you feel better soon!