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 a seasonal reoccurring rash. Can this be related to allergies?
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?
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
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?
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 Group
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'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?
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
I have had asthma since childhood. As an adult, I find that when I'm really stressed or anxious, my asthma gets worse. Is there a correlation? Also how can I tell the difference between an asthma attack and an anxiety attack?
Stress and anxiety can both either trigger asthma or mimic it. With asthma there would tend to also be some wheezing, cough or chest tightness. Also, asthma would respond to Albuterol but anxiety would not. If ... continue reading about I have had asthma since childhood. As an adult, I find that when I'm really stressed or anxious, my asthma gets worse. Is there a correlation? Also how can I tell the difference between an asthma attack and an anxiety attack?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
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?
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?
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