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Sore Throat, Ear Pain, Pain In The Eyes And Head, Night Sweats, Taken Benadryl, Seroquel And Melatonin, Came Into Contact With Poison Ivey. Could It Be The Reason?

Posted on Sat, 2 Jun 2012

Question: 40, 6'1", 218. About 2 weeks ago I came into contact with poisin Ivey while working in my yard, pollen, I imgaine some mold that we have found in the mulch and anything else blown into my face. Around that time, I got a really bad sore throat and nights. Also, I had pain on the left ear, between the eyes and am irritating pain on the top of my head. I was given cefrin I think is the name. I was also given a shot to keep allergies hopefully away. Also, I live in the Ohio Valley, very well known for sinus and allergies, this year beig one of the worst. Nasal spray and take Benydryl. This just recently started having night sweats. I have had this years ago for a night or so when I was younger, but nothing like this. When ever I go into the yard to work, I always come back in sneazing and post nasal drip. I was also prescibed Singular a few days ago.

Would you consider this to be related? Getting really annoyed not being able to sleep. I also take 50mg of Seroquel at night, 6 mils of Melatonin, 250 Depakote, 200 Lamictal and 1mg klonipim. Never had any trouble with these.

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (33 minutes later)

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query

Since you came in contact with Poison ivy about 2 weeks back and were given allergic shots along with the antibiotic the present symptoms do not seem to be due to that and also it mainly presents with contact dermatitis along with rashes all over.

The symptoms as sneezing,post nasal drip and night sweats can be attributed to cold,sinus infection and even inhalation of irritants as dust,smoke,perfumes etc.

You have already been prescribed the antibiotics and steroids which you have started yesterday only and it would take 3 to 5 days for the symptoms to subside as oral drugs take at least 48 to 72 hours to show improvement.

1)Along with that you can start taking nasal saline drops which are very helpful after discussing with your Physician.

2)Take steam inhalation thrice a day as it will open the blocked sinuses.

3)Drink lots of water so that mucos thickening is prevented.

4)Avoid working in the yard for a week or so as dust and pollen might aggravate the symptoms.

5)You can use a humidifier in the room which will dilate the blood vessels in the nasal passage.

6)Avoid smoking,alcohol and use cotton pillow and bedding in the room instead of synthetic material.

Hope this answers your query.I will be available for follow up query if any.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika

Follow up: Dr. Mitaly (2 days later)

I had to go to the ER a few days ago and they changed my antibiotic to Bactrim and gave me Prednisone which I have been taking. Once I started, the next day I began to feel much better and that night, no more sweats. So, I could possibly have some sinus which developed into an infection. I had pain on top of my head, sinus, the left ear which all at this moment seem to have gone. I just do not ever remember getting one that bad.

Answered by Dr. Mitaly (3 minutes later)

Hello,

Thanks for the follow up

Good to hear that you are feeling much better now.It definitely feels like a sinus infection as you responded well to stronger antibiotic.

Continue with the steam inhalation for next four days, five times a day as the mucus gets cleared up and open the blocked spaces.

Remain home and take precautions not to get exposed to dust, allergens, smoke and polluted air. THe recurrence is much higher.

Wishing you Good Health!

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar