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?

Not only is increasing asthma possible during the menstrual period, it's common. When women with asthma are asked about this complaint, 20-45 percent of them state that they have noticed worsening asthma during... continue reading  about  My asthma seems to get worse during my menstrual period? Is this possible?

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 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?

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?

Black mold can look menacing, but generally is benign. The primary symptoms that could occur would be from inhaling mold, including nasal stuffiness, nasal mucus drainage, cough, and occasionally shortness of b... continue reading  about  I found alot of black mold in my home. What are symptoms that mold is affecting me?

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?

Usually when someone has a “seasonal” allergy, it means springtime symptoms caused by pollen. Although pollen allergy certainly can cause nasal, eye or asthma symptoms, it rarely would cause a rash ... continue reading  about  I have a seasonal reoccurring rash. Can this be related to allergies?

Acute hives are actually fairly common, but finding the cause can be challenging. Hives occur when the immune system is stimulated into releasing histamine from inside the blood stream, resulting in the dilatio... continue reading  about  My wife just developed hives for the first time in her life -- on her face, arms and chest. What is known about hives, and what can she do to eliminate the symptoms?