Your symptoms sound consistent with upper respiratory infection rather than allergy. The negative allergy test confirms this. These infections are treated according to symptoms. Medications can include Tylenol ... continue reading  about  For 15 years I've gotten sinus infections in spring and fall. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, nasal drainage, respiratory infection, and rash. I've been tested for allergies (negative). Do you have any idea what this is and how I can treat it?

The only way to know for sure if this is an allergy is to have allergy testing. Winter allergies could be caused by any of the indoor allergens - dust mite, mold or animals. If this is allergic reaction and Cla... continue reading  about  In winter my allergies get worse. My doctor thinks it's from mold and dust mites, and told me to take Claritin, which I'm doing. But it only works for a few hours, and then I'm sneezing and itching again. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Yes, it is ok to take the medication for an extended period of time. However, the "D" formulation has a decongestant (which is what the 'D' represents in the name) and this can raise your blood pressure. I woul... continue reading  about  I have seasonal allergies. I previously went through allergy injections but I didn't feel like they were making much of a difference after several years of treatment. Is it okay to take something like Claritin D 12 hr for an extended period of time?

Here's a direct quote from the FDA about the term "hypoallergenic" as it relates to cosmetics:"Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic... continue reading  about  What does it mean when a product is labeled “hypoallergenic?”

One of two problems is going on here. Either you have ear wax blocking your ear canal (a condition called cerumen impaction), or your allergies won't permit your ears to "pop", meaning that your eustachian tube... continue reading  about  I have spring allergies and this year I have a plugged left ear, which I’m attributing to this. I’ve been using the over-the-counter ear wax remedies which have been working a bit for a day or two, and then my ear becomes plugged again. What can I do?

The closest thing there is to a "cure" for allergic rhinitis is allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots). This uses natural extracts of the offending substance to "desensitize" the immune system from being allerg... continue reading  about  I have allergic rhinitis. I would like to know if there's any cure for it (apart from taking precautions)? I mean, is there any way to build your immunity using physical exercise or other natural methods, so that rhinitis may be completely cured?

Itchy eyes and sneezing certainly do sound like an allergic reaction to something. Significant sources of indoor allergens that could be triggering your symptoms include house dust mites, pets, and molds. If sy... continue reading  about  I seem to be reacting to something in my house lately (itchy eyes, sore throat and sneezing). It only seems to happen in the house, not outside. It feels like allergies, but what could be causing it indoors?

This rash sounds like it can be a contact allergy if it recurs. I would worry about an infection if it seeps. Since allergic rashes and infections are treated with completely different creams or even pills, I w... continue reading  about  My daughter has had a horrible rash around her eyes and sometimes ears for the past two years. The rash is not itchy, gets really dry and seeps at times. Do you have any suggestions?

Neti pots use normal saline to rinse the nose of excess mucous. Normal saline is water to which salt is added and has the same degree of saltiness as your body's fluids. Saline rinses temporarily relieve nasal ... continue reading  about  A friend uses a neti pot and swears that it has reduced her allergies (sinus congestion and headaches) by 75 percent or more. How does the neti pot work and is it safe?