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
Allergy Drug Comparison Guide
A helpful side by side comparison of today's allergy drugs and treatment options.
Medication Allergies: What to Know
Some people are allergic to ingredients in common medications. Learn how to manage.
Breathe Easier
Beat seasonal allergies with this advice on everything from nasal sprays to vacuuming.
Ask an Expert
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
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?
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?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
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
My 6-year-old daughter has recently been sneezing, coughing and is tired. How can I tell if this is caused by allergies or if it's a common cold?
A cold will typically start with a sore throat, then lead to thick yellow or green mucus and possibly a cough. The symptoms last about seven to 10 days. Allergy symptoms include itchy eyes and throat, and clear... continue reading about My 6-year-old daughter has recently been sneezing, coughing and is tired. How can I tell if this is caused by allergies or if it's a common cold?
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?
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?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I was alarmed by an article about deaths related to using tap water in a neti pot. I have been using only tap water. Should I change to filtered, bottled or distilled water?
I have always recommended using distilled, bottled, or filtered water for nasal rinses. An alternative could be boiling tap water for at least five minutes. Municipal tap water should also be safer than well wa... continue reading about I was alarmed by an article about deaths related to using tap water in a neti pot. I have been using only tap water. Should I change to filtered, bottled or distilled water?
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 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
How can I know if I have a lagging reaction to a specific food?
When we're talking about reactions to food, most people think any reaction must be allergic in origin. Not true. There are many reasons why one may have an adverse reaction to a food. A few examples: coffee may... continue reading about How can I know if I have a lagging reaction to a specific food?
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