So, my allergies have become just horrible as of late. So bad that I am even getting headaches and every time I talk on a conference call or on the phone I get asked if I am sick. In fact even asthma started to become a daily issue. So after trying for a month to figure out what the heck is going on around my house, work, food intake, etc it comes down to one core contributor.... CIGARS. WTF, really....

I started to kick this hobby in high gear about 4 months ago, well that's when my body started to react. Nose, eyes, and the asthma (all allergy driven). Wasn't too bad at first, but noticeable. But now after I smoke a cigar, I go days with a stuffed up nose, breathing issues and itchy throat.

I love this hobby, love cigars, love talking about cigars, buying cigars, giving cigars away, and just sharing the love of this hobby with friends. But my health is more of a priority. Especially since I am only 32 years old.

I am conflicted, as my collection just got really interesting. I built my wineador, tracked down some awesome Liga's and Tats along with various other highly regarded sticks.... became a Cigar Zombie (most important). All to receive this news.... :-)

Time to think out my next move. ((((Thanks for the rant))))
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Have you looked into allergy shots? They might help and are typically covered by insurance.
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Hoping this may be a solution. The doc has concerns more about the asthma component. I have always had allergies, but seasonal. Managed them with shots when younger, pills within the last couple of years. I am even willing to reduce the volume of smoking if shots bring me back to a more tolerable level.
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Ryan, do you sit outside for extended periods of time when you smoke? Or do you mostly smoke inside?

The reason I ask is my father had the same thing happen to him about 3 years ago. He thought he was going to give up cigars, but finally realized that the long periods outside were making his allergies go off the charts.

I hope it isn't the cigars that's messing with you, brother.
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Mostly outside Jarrod. We discussed some of the elements like grass, hay, trees, etc. But with winter being the season most of these elements are contained or not in bloom (covered in snow).

I even asked if my dog could be a contributor. I am hoping to try shot treatments and spark one up and see what the outcome is.
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If you went through the same shots I did when younger where you went like once a week, then once every two weeks, once a month etc... The tolerance built up only lasts somewhere between 10-15 years or something like that according to what I recall from my Doc. I noticed the last couple years I was getting really bad allergies and couldn't figure it out. Went late last year to the Doc and got re-tested for allergies at which time they mentioned my immunity which kept my symptoms at a minimum or non-existent for many years had run its course and I was advised to start back with the shots in order to get free of the nasal spray and claritin/zyrtec routine of trying to keep the allergies in check which I had been using. I have yet to get back on the shots but my plan is to get on them soon because I suffer from the same things you mentioned above I just haven't done it due to the weekly commitment and work, my shot cost is actually covered under my health plan believe it or not. I wish you the best of luck and hope this might be some info you can use. Oh yea...they say if you get on shots it takes about 6-8 months to really see your symptoms be at a minimum so if you do go this route, by the time you should test it out your sticks will be better aged.
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Great feedback, John. I am going to bring this up with the doc. As many things you mentioned are similar to me.
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Don't have any advice for you, Ryan, but I wish you the best in getting this figured out in whatever way is best for you.
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I think you should grow a pair, put on your big boy pants and quit whining about a stuffy nose and a cough and go fire up a JdN Antano like a MAN!!!!

I kid, I kid...hope it all works out for ya bro. If need be just send me those evil cigars that are causing so many health issues, I will properly destry them for ya :-)
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Ryan, one other set of allergies to consider right now (even -- especially -- outside) are molds. Some go dormant during the cold weather and others don't and can be spread by wind, etc.

In any case, as Tom said I wish you the best!
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Hope you and your doc can figure this one out. Good luck man.
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it might be related to the season. I know my ex wife's asthma used to get out of control during the cold months. Lets pray is not the cigars
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My wife gets the shots and it makes a world of difference. Good luck!
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Ryan, bottom line is you gotta take care of you. Best of luck in your decision/solution hunt.
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Damn this sucks brother. But do what you gotta do. Best of luck.
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Best of luck sorry to hear about this.
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:-)
25,970 posts and I think Mac finally had a good one. :-)
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good luck with this brother. This has suck....
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Hopefully it will resolve soon and get the info you need bro.
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If it's a true allergy then I'd say it's a smoke allergy but get tested just in case it's tobacco related. If it is tobacco related you might have options via shots but more likely you'd have to give it up. A smoke allergy can also be treated but more likely you'd only have to slow down your intake dramatically. Another option is it could be a sensitivity to chemical properties in the tobacco and if it's something like that then you can build an immunity to that eventually. Asthma might be possible but only if you're dealing with inflammation on top of the congestion. No matter what it may be for you just go and see an allergist asap. I know people hate the doctor but all a doctor is gonna give is an opinion which doesn't hurt at all. Good luck brother!
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