I have been suffering from chronic congestion and cough. The cough has led to very sore throat, on liquids only diet (so painful in Italy).
I am studying abroad and living with a host family that has 3 cats. The apartment is small, old, and very dusty. Upon my first day living there, I was overcome by terrible headache which progressed into what I believed to be a sinus infection. The problem persisted into a cough. I have been sick for 3 months now, not counting the 10 days that I was away from this apartment for Spring Break. Within a few days my symptoms all cleared while away. Of course my first day, within an hour of getting back to the apartment after vacation the symptoms all began again. The headaches, the painful dry coughing. I also have stomach issues, acid comes up at times.
At home in the States, I am used to living in very healthy clean environment. I have always eaten all organic, naturally raised crops/animals from nearby farms. As far as cooking, I always grill, roast, or boil. I am careful to clean often, using a vacuum with an allergen reducer/HEEPA filter if I recall correctly. No artificial cleaning sprays, candles, etc are used EVER. While in Italy, I had to adjust to microwave dinners courtesy of where I am staying and a not so clean/health conscious environment. Unfortunately i would be cooking myself, but school regulations does not permit it. As far as eating out, I do so on weekends but have to be careful not to cancel dinner too much so as not to offend my host.
I had seen an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist who informed me that I have chronic sinusitis. However, with a homeopathic spray my symptoms are controlled and minimal.
Could my issue be cat allergies?? I have all the symptoms-- sneezing, congestion, nasal drip, cough symptoms, difficulty breathing (because my throat is inflamed). I am lacking the watery eyes. I wear contacts and use eye drops daily so I am thinking that this presents them from reacting to the dust and dander.
Also, as far as spreading the virus. I have many friends around me all the time. Always hugging and kissing eachother on the cheek, sharing food---none of them have caught anything.
Very frustrated at this point. I just want to get better so that I can stop missing school and start living life again. Going to doctor yet again today to get prescription for allergy test. I am doing this after countless visits to them and a series of antibiotic/cough treatments they have given me over the past few months.
Please help! I dont know what to do! Hate to tell my mom how sick I have been, no need to make her worry.
Thank youu!