1. Health

Frequently Asked Questions

A brief, question and answer format of the most commonly asked questions about allergic diseases. These questions are some of the most common questions I am asked in my allergy clinic. The answers are brief, but in many cases have a link to a full-length article on the subject if more information is needed.

Christmas tree allergy -- What to do about your Christmas tree allergy
Think you might be allergic to your Christmas tree? You might be right. Learn about why having an indoor Christmas tree can worsen your allergies.

Swine Flu Vaccine -- Do You Intend to Get the Swine Flu Vaccine?
Do you intend to receive, or have your children receive, the swine flu vaccine? Share your thoughts on whether you think the swine flu vaccine is worth getting, and why you are or aren't getting it.

How Can I Prevent Asthma Exacerbations?
Learn some techniques to prevent asthma attacks and to stay healthy during the cold and flu season.

Can I be allergic to toothpaste?
Think you might be allergic to toothpaste? Find out about the various chemicals within toothpaste that might be causing the problem, and brands of toothpaste that you might be able to use.

I keep getting thrush from my inhaled steroids. What can I do to prevent this?
Some people get oral thrush from using inhaled steroids, even if good mouth rinsing and tooth brushing techniques are followed. Find out other ways to prevent thrush for people that seem predisposed to this common condition.

Do Allergies Affect Your Mood or Energy Level?
Did you know that allergies can also affect your mood, energy level and ability to concentrate? Find out more about the effects of allergies on your behavior, and what can be done about it.

Can bleach help to reduce the amount of allergens in the home?
Learn how using a dilute household bleach cleaner can help the symptoms of asthma and allergies.

Is There an Association Between Peanut and Treenut Allergies?
Did you know that being allergic to peanuts or to one type of treenut places you at risk for being allergic to other types of treenuts? If you're allergic to any type of nut, find out the risks for other nut allergies and what should be done to prevent them.

My child is allergic to wheat. Does he need to avoid other cereal grains?
Learn why most people with grass pollen allergies or an allergy to a single cereal grain, such as wheat, can eat other cereal grains without problems. This is true even if a person has positive allergy tests to multiple food cereal grains.

Why do I get an itchy rash on my face after using my cell phone too long?
Find out why over-using your cell phone could give you an itchy rash on your face.

I’m allergic to peanuts. Do I need to avoid other legumes?
Find out if having an allergy to one type of legume (such as peanuts, soy, beans, lentils and lupine) means that you should avoid eating other legumes.

My Child Is Allergic to Milk. When Might He Outgrow His Food Allergy?
Does your child have an allergy to milk? Ever wonder if, and when, your child will outgrow this food allergy? Find out about the latest research about predictors for outgrowing milk allergy.

How do I know which kind of insect I was stung by?
Have you been stung by an insect recently? Was it a bee, wasp or hornet? Maybe it was a yellow-jacket? How do you know? Learn some of the common characteristics of the stinging insects to help identify the type.

I Have Eye Allergies. Can I Just Use an Over-the-Counter Eye Drop?
Find out why using over-the-counter eye drops for eye allergies may not be a good idea.

Is it Possible to Be Allergic to Odors or Vapors Emitted from Foods?
Learn about food allergies occurring from smelling or inhaling odors from cooking foods.

Could I be allergic to my joint replacement?
Learn about allergies to artificial joints.

Why Did My Albuterol Inhaler Change?
Learn about the new asthma inhalers and why you may not like the new albuterol that is available.

Why are allergies becoming more common?
Find out the reason why allergies are becoming more common.

Can I be allergic to one type of dog but not another?
Ever wonder if you can be allergic to one kind or type of dog but not another? Learn more about the intricacies of dog allergies.

My child is allergic to cow’s milk. Can I give him goat’s milk?
Find out if a person with milk allergy can drink goat's milk or a variety of other milks.

Could I Be Allergic to Alcoholic Beverages?
Find out if the symptoms you're experiencing after drinking an alcoholic beverage could be an allergy.

What's causing my hives?
Find out what may be causing your hives.

I’m allergic to my pet. Does this mean I have to get rid of it?
If you're allergic to your pet, you may not have to get rid of your furry friend. Here are some tips to follow to reduce your allergy symptoms.

I Have Trouble Smelling and Tasting Things. Could This Be Due to Allergies?
Find out how allergic rhinitis and sinus disease can cause trouble with smelling and tasting.

Will My Child Outgrow a Food Allergy?
Find out the ways to determine if your child has outgrown his or her food allergy.

When my allergies get worse, why do I get dark circles under my eyes?
Why dark circles under the eyes occur with allergies.

Why does my mouth itch when eating fresh apples, but not with applesauce?
Ever wondered why eating fresh apples sometimes causes your mouth to be itchy? It's called oral allergy syndrome.

I've heard bad news about Advair. Should I use this medicine for my asthma?
Many people with asthma are concerned about the safety of Advair, and whether they should continue to take this medication.

How Do I Know if my Asthma is Controlled?
How to determine if your asthma is controlled.

What is the best medication for asthma?
Have you ever wondered what the best medication is for asthma? It may not be the one that you're currently taking.

Discuss in my forum

©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.