Sneezing on the Job
Simple strategies to control allergy symptoms throughout the workday.
Holistic Help for Allergies
Drug-free solutions to stymie symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies.
Try a Sinus Rinse
Using a neti pot daily can ease allergy and sinus symptoms.
Featured Articles
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Allergy Drug Comparison Guide
A helpful side by side comparison of today's allergy drugs and treatment options.
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Medication Allergies: What to Know
Some people are allergic to ingredients in common medications. Learn how to manage.
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Breathe Easier
Beat seasonal allergies with this advice on everything from nasal sprays to vacuuming.
Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I often have a light rash after playing with my dog. Are allergic reactions to dogs from their fur, their saliva or something else?
Allergic reactions to dogs can be from anything that comes off or out of a dog. Saliva and the skin that is shed with the fur (also called dander) are the most allergenic parts of both dogs and cats. Fur/hair i... continue reading about I often have a light rash after playing with my dog. Are allergic reactions to dogs from their fur, their saliva or something else?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
I had a food allergy test about five years ago. All the tests came back negative. How long are the tests reliable? Can I still get a new food allergy in the future?
The significance of a food allergy test cannot be interpreted out of context. For example, if you had a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to peanuts but the food allergy test was negative, it would not nec... continue reading about I had a food allergy test about five years ago. All the tests came back negative. How long are the tests reliable? Can I still get a new food allergy in the future?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Living in smoggy air in Northern California has certainly made my asthma worse. Could it also be doing any damage to my heart?
Your question is a very good one and is of global concern and research. Markedly increased mortality was first recognized during brief extremes in air pollution as long ago as 1930 in the Meuse Valley in Belgiu... continue reading about Living in smoggy air in Northern California has certainly made my asthma worse. Could it also be doing any damage to my heart?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
How would I know if I have a dust mite allergy? Sometimes when I'm cleaning the house my eyes start to itch, I sneeze, and my asthma kicks in. How would this type of allergic reaction differ from a plant allergy? Is there anything I can do about it?
Dust mite allergy is diagnosed by obtaining a positive history (yours sounds suspicious) and having a positive allergy test (skin or blood) to dust mite. Pollen (plant) allergy would have similar symptoms but w... continue reading about How would I know if I have a dust mite allergy? Sometimes when I'm cleaning the house my eyes start to itch, I sneeze, and my asthma kicks in. How would this type of allergic reaction differ from a plant allergy? Is there anything I can do about it?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
What does it mean when a product is labeled “hypoallergenic?”
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?”
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Does bee pollen help reduce allergies?
There are two reasons that bee pollen would not be expected to help with allergies:The type of pollen that bees carry is not the kind of pollen that causes allergy. It's the wind-transported pollen that causes ... continue reading about Does bee pollen help reduce allergies?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
What are the differences between spring and fall allergies in Northern California? Are there different triggers?
The mechanism for spring and fall allergy is the same but the triggers are different. Spring allergy in Northern California is mainly caused by tree and grass pollen. (Read our article on Central Valley Allerg... continue reading about What are the differences between spring and fall allergies in Northern California? Are there different triggers?
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