Photophobia during dust allergy

[Lifes]

I have allergies to dust and mold and I'm 3+ years into the shots (now 0.2 every week).  I had been at 0.25 every 2 weeks but I was still sick too frequently in-between shots.  The serum is dust, dust mite, mold.


Usually, my symptoms have been: ear fullness and quick over-production of wax, deep voice and hoarseness with scratchy throat (like swallowing glass), and feeling like I have the worst respiratory flu that ever hit humans. My eyelids will swell, depending on how severe the reaction.  I also have an "aura" after the shot and for 6 hours until the above symptoms hit.


Within the last 6 months, I have a new symptom.  After the symptoms hit, I then become photophobic.  My eyelids clamp shut with a normal 25-watt to 75-watt bulb.  If the light remains on for more than a few seconds, my eyes also begin watering as though I'm crying.  There is NO redness, just eyelid swelling.  I tried researching this but I can't find information about why the photophobia has started.  When not in an allergic reaction, my eyes are fine with only slight photophobia.


I receive home care and, therefore, have different people in my house every day.  The workers complain about the low room light, but my photophobia is strong in regular light from windows or light bulbs.  I'd like to send the home care company something to read about photophobia during dust-allergy reactions.  Can you explain here why the photophobia occurs, and point me to a source that explains it also.

Thank you,

Lifes

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

I have to be honest with you - from what you're saying, the allergy shots sound MUCH worse than having allergies.  You are obviously having some allergic reaction with release of histamines and leukitrienes and other immune mediators.  You need to discuss this with your allergies who should be able to modify your treatment which sounds rather troublesome and possibly even dangerous.

MJK MD

[Lifes]

Dr. Kutryb,

Thank you - I have also wondered if the shots are to the point of making me more ill than the actual allergies.  I guess it's a fine line?

My L.P.N. managed to convince the Dr to drop the dose from 2.0 to 1.8 weekly, and re-evaluate in 2 weeks.  Had the lowered dose yesterday and I'm having allergy itching (not usual for me) on back, groin, etc.  Only slight eyelid swelling and slight photophobia, though.  So, we'll do one more week and if I still have these newer symptoms, I'll keep asking about dropping the dose slowly until we find the right level.  

I really don't want to go back to feeling ill -- for months -- with the world's worst "flu" just because of vacumming and dusting the house.

Thank you again,

Lifes