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
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Group
My asthma is intermittent and mild. Is the Proventil inhaler the best treatment? Are there any side effects? Is there a more natural method to manage asthma? And are there effective dust and other airborne allergen removers?
Mild intermittent asthma is defined as:One bronchodilator (Proventil) usage no more than twice a week ANDWaking up at night with asthma no more than twice a month ANDExacerbation of asthma resulting in an unsch... continue reading about My asthma is intermittent and mild. Is the Proventil inhaler the best treatment? Are there any side effects? Is there a more natural method to manage asthma? And are there effective dust and other airborne allergen removers?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
Are some allergies and asthma inherited? My sister and I seem to be allergic to the same foods and pollens. Also do children ever outgrow these conditions?
The tendency to be allergic is inherited, but the specific allergens that one is allergic to are not necessarily inherited. For instance, one family member can be allergic to pollen and another to dust mites, f... continue reading about Are some allergies and asthma inherited? My sister and I seem to be allergic to the same foods and pollens. Also do children ever outgrow these conditions?
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?
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
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?
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?
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?”
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
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?
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?
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