Sick - acts like allergies, but doesn't respond to meds

[JennK13]

This is the second time this year I've gotten sick with allergy like symptoms and can't find relief. This time, it started on Saturday, totally like an allergy - my eyes started to itch and I was sneezing with a runny nose. Came on suddenly. Yesterday and today I am just miserable and nothing is helping!! The pressure in my head is incredible causing ear and face pain, and some dizziness, I can't breath (through my nose), my throat is sore from this postnasal drip, and I've taken Day Quil, allergy and sinud medications to no avail whatsoever.
I saw something on line about nonallergic rhinitis, and it sounds like that. Though, the site had little info about getting relief. I have an appointment with my doctor this afternoon, but all he'll do is a give me an antibiotic - these things have a tendency of going straight to my lungs and then I'm really sick.
Just wondering if any of you have experienced this and if you've found something to help with ease it. I NetiPot, too.
Thanks

[bmccasland]

Hope you get to feeling better. I find Sudafed (buy the name brand) has worked for me. Although it's OTC, it's now behind the pharmacy counter.

[indysteel]

When I get a sinus infection, it sounds a lot like what you have. They almost always come on really quickly. I can usually tell the difference from a cold in terms of the degree of my symptoms. Plus, I sometimes (but not always) run a fever. I've had some SERIOUS nasal congestion and a sinus headache the last few days. Nothing but mentholatum (think Vick's Vapo-rub) has helped, including decongestants and my netipot. I keep excepting this to turn into a full blown sinus infections, but so far it hasn't.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on the sinus infection. Going to your lungs (or bronchi) is a dead giveaway IMO. They're still usually viral, so your doc probably won't give you antibiotics unless it's gone on for a week with no improvement. A heating pad on my head usually helps me drain.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Crankin]

I've had this my whole adult life. Can't count how many sinus x rays I've had, bouts of bronchitis, and pneumonia (once). I never get a regular cold. It either stays at an annoying allergy level, or I get really sick. I have been much better since 1) I left Arizona, 2) since I started using the saline sinus rinse (i use the Neil Med one), and 3) exercising outside in the winter.
I also know that if I pass a certain point, it will always go into my sinuses and/or chest.

[malkin]

+1 on heating pad to head, also washcloth over my face in a hot bath. Thermotech moist heat is my favorite heating pad ever!

[Kathi]

I had that a couple of weeks ago, my allergist recommended Mucinex d for the congestion, Afrin nasal spray and Nasonex (prescription) nasal spray used together and Meclizine for the dizziness. No antibiotics. Also, lots of water and hot tea.

I'm also using my nasal rinse 2x a day and stay well hydrated.

Hope this helps.