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Breathing and Allergies

Millions of Americans suffer from allergies. If you’re one of them, here’s how to reduce all that sneezing and sniffling.

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

    Ragweed bush with a woman sneezing in the background

    Allergy Drug Comparison Guide

    A helpful side by side comparison of today's allergy drugs and treatment options.

    Prescription medicine

    Medication Allergies: What to Know

    Some people are allergic to ingredients in common medications. Learn how to manage.

    Woman with allergies outside

    Breathe Easier

    Beat seasonal allergies with this advice on everything from nasal sprays to vacuuming.

    View All Breathing and Allergies Articles

    Download Our Allergy Treatment Guide

    Ask an Expert

    Steven Machtinger

    Steven Machtinger, M.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Group

    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?

    Steven Machtinger

    Steven Machtinger, M.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Group

    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?

    Gary F. Milechman

    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?

    Steven Machtinger

    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?”

    Ask the Expert Team

    Ask the Expert Team

    Sutter Health

    I had a pretty bad reaction to a bee sting a few years back, with hives all over my body. I was prescribed an EpiPen. If I get stung again, do I use the pen right away or wait to see if I have a reaction? After using the pen, should I go to the ER?

    If you are stung and start to have any whole body reaction such as hives or any respiratory problems, you should immediately use your EpiPen and then go straight to the ER. If you had whole body hives in the pa... continue reading  about  I had a pretty bad reaction to a bee sting a few years back, with hives all over my body. I was prescribed an EpiPen. If I get stung again, do I use the pen right away or wait to see if I have a reaction? After using the pen, should I go to the ER?

    Ask the Expert Team

    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?

    Steven Machtinger

    Steven Machtinger, M.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Group

    I seem to be reacting to something in my house lately (itchy eyes, sore throat and sneezing). It only seems to happen in the house, not outside. It feels like allergies, but what could be causing it indoors?

    Itchy eyes and sneezing certainly do sound like an allergic reaction to something. Significant sources of indoor allergens that could be triggering your symptoms include house dust mites, pets, and molds. If sy... continue reading  about  I seem to be reacting to something in my house lately (itchy eyes, sore throat and sneezing). It only seems to happen in the house, not outside. It feels like allergies, but what could be causing it indoors?

    Ask the Expert Team

    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

    Steven Machtinger, M.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Group

    My asthma seems to get worse during my menstrual period? Is this possible?

    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?

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