It all started when we had a flat tire beside a field of tall grass on the way back from delivering a hanging plant for mother's day.  My eyes wouldn't stop itching and I sneezed all the way home.  It came on suddenly, and left the same way.  Since then, allergy attacks have been coming on me unpredictably.  Sometimes inside the house, sometimes outside or in the car, often at night.  I feel sluggish and lethargic.  My eyes are puffy and red.  I know I should start taking some Claritin (I tried it one day), but I keep thinking that it's getting better (and then it hits again).  

The last few days have been the worst.  I've had an itchy nondescript rash on my leg, and painful red bumps on my tongue.  I've had asthma attacks like I haven't had in years, forcing me to use an inhaler every 4-6 hours.  It seems never ending... And the worst of it is that I can't really pinpoint the problem. I thought it was hayfever, but that doesn't seem to account for all of it.  Being in an airconditioned house or car (not mine!) doesn't seem to matter.  I know I am allergic to dust and cats, but breathing outdoor air always seemed to help those before.  

My latest discovery is something called "sulfite sensitivity".  Sulfites are used as a presevatives in many common foods (french fries, chips, jams, guacamole, grapes, canned & dried fruit, etc.).  About 1% of the population has the sensitivity, and 5-10% of asthmatics.  Symptoms are generally respiratory, but many others have been noted.  Sulfite sensitivity can begin with no warning at any time, and usually does not go away.  And I've been wondering lately why certain foods make my mouth hurt and my tongue swell ... especially some that I listed above.  Could this be part of the answer?

So, I must avoid the pollen outside, the dust in the house, and many foods that I am used to eating. Guess we'll just have to see how well that works ... Sometimes it just seems a bit overwhelming.