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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

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    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

    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 somewhat, usually for a day or two, and then my ear becomes plugged again.

    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 somewhat, usually for a day or two, and then my ear becomes plugged again.

    Ask the Expert Team

    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?

    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?

    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?

    Ask the Expert Team

    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?

    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?

    Steven Machtinger

    Steven Machtinger, M.D.

    Mills-Peninsula Medical Group

    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?

    Ask the Expert Team

    Ask the Expert Team

    Sutter Health

    I often have a light rash after playing with my dog. Are allergic reactions to dogs from their fur, their saliva or something else?

    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?

    Ask the Expert Team

    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?

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