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
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I've been plugged up for months with allergies. I've used decongestants, antihistamines, and sinus rinses but nothing seems to help. Any advice?
It sounds as though you have done all of the 'self-help' measures you can. I would recommending discussing with your primary care physician or seeking an otolaryngology referral to try other medications that ar... continue reading about I've been plugged up for months with allergies. I've used decongestants, antihistamines, and sinus rinses but nothing seems to help. Any advice?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
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?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
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?”
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
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?
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?
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?
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
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?
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?
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