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Allergies: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Itchy Skin
Feeling itchy can have a huge impact on a person's quality of life, disrupting daily activities and sleep. Itchy skin, also called pruritus, can be localized to one area of occur all over the body.
Bactrim Allergy
Allergic reactions to sulfa medications, also called sulfonamides, are a common occurrence. Many people avoid the entire class of sulfa medications - although this may not be necessary. Find out more about how sulfa allergy occurs, how the diagnosis is made, and what medications should be avoided.
Skin Allergy
Have an itchy rash? Think it might be due to skin allergies? Start here to learn the basics of allergic skin rashes and which type you may have.
Sulfite Allergy
Allergic reactions to sulfites can occur in many forms. Sulfites in foods and medications can worsen asthma symptoms, result in hives and even cause life-threatening anaphylaxis. Learn more about sulfite allergy, how it's diagnosed, and what foods and medications should be avoided for people with an allergy to this common preservative.
Penicillin Allergy
About one in 10 people reports a history of penicillin allergy. Find out more about this common allergy and learn the symptoms, common causes, and ways to diagnose this type of medication allergy. Learn more about other related antibiotics that you should also avoid if you are penicillin-allergic.
Causes of Cough
Do you have a cough that won't go away? You're not alone! Cough is the most common symptom for which people see the doctor. Many people will have a cough that lasts only for a few weeks, while others can suffer from a cough that lasts for years. Find out the most common causes of cough, how a cough should be evaluated, and the treatments used for the various types.
Salt Water Flush
Nasal saline irrigation has been shown to be a beneficial therapy in the treatment and prevention of sinus infections and allergic rhinitis. This all-natural therapy involves rinsing the nasal passages with a salt-water solution, helping to rid the nose of allergens and mucus. This may reduce the need for antibiotics in those people prone to sinus infections.
Causes of Hives
Find out what may be causing your hives.
Eczema Cream
Atopic dermatitis can usually be well controlled with good skin care and prevention measures. When eczema does flare, topical medications typically result in rapid control of symptoms. This article outlines prevention and treatment guidelines for atopic dermatitis.
Urticaria and Angioedema
Urticaria is a common problem encountered by the practicing allergist, yet are very distressing to patients. Dr. Daniel More, a board-certified allergist, removes the mystery surrounding urticaria and angioedema. Special focus is given to the causes and commonly used treatments for urticaria.
What Causes Eczema
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is described, including presentation at different ages, symptoms, and diagnosis. Discussion also includes common triggers, both irritant and allergic, known to worsen atopic dermatitis.
Sinus Infection
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, are one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases, and affects approximately 16 percent of the population every year. Many people with nasal allergies are prone to sinus infections. Learn the basics of sinusitis, including the types of sinus infections, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.
Skeeter Allergy
Most people experience some form of reaction from mosquito bites - the typical itchy red bumps that last for a couple of days. However, some people experience very large reactions from mosquito bites, and rarely can experience severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, as a result of being bitten. Find out more about mosquitoes, the reactions they cause, and what can be done to prevent and treat the reactions.
Alcohol Allergy
Find out if the symptoms you're experiencing after drinking an alcoholic beverage could be an allergy.
Contact Dermatitis Evaluation
The location of contact dermatitis can be a major clue as to the cause of the symptoms. A diagnosis is made with the use of a patch test, which along with the location of the rash and the history of contact with various chemicals. Learn the common causes of contact dermatitis based on the location of the rash.
Allergy Testing
Not sure what to expect on the day of your allergy test? Find out about the most common tests used to diagnose allergy. From skin testing to blood tests, this article explains the types of testing that may be used to diagnose your allergies.
Low Allergen Dogs
While there is no such thing as a non-allergenic dogs, certain breeds of dogs cause fewer allergies than others. Find out which breeds of dogs are the most popular for people with dog allergies.
Steroid Side Effects
Oral and injected steroids can cause significant short-term and long-term side effects. Learn what these side effects are, and why these medications should be taken only when necessary.
Writing on the Skin
Dermatographism is a common form of physical urticaria characterized by red, itchy bumps and lines on the skin as a result of pressure on the skin or with stroking the skin. Learn more about the causes and treatment of dermatographism.
Hives and Heat Rash
Cholinergic urticaria is a common form of hives caused by increased heat exposure. Symptoms of small, itchy red bumps occur after hot showers, exercise, eating spicy foods and from sweating in general. Find out more about the symptoms of cholinergic urticaria, how it's diagnosed and the treatments available.
Aspirin Allergy
Allergy to aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is a common occurrence, especially for people with asthma and sinus problems. Find out the symptoms of NSAID allergy, how this disease process is diagnosed, and the treatment options available.
Sulfa and Sulfite Allergy
There is much confusion regarding allergy to sulfa-containing drugs, sulfite as a preservative agent in foods and medications, sulfate salts of medications and the chemical element sulfur. Many of my patients assume that if they are allergic to one of these agents, then they are allergic to all of them. This is not necessarily true.
Creams for Itching
Find out which types of anti-itch creams should be avoided, and which types are safe to use.
Dog Allergies
Allergy to dogs can be a major problem even for people who don't own dogs. Find out why dog allergy occurs, where the allergy comes from and ways to control symptoms. Also find out how owning dogs may prevent allergies in children, and check out a list of dog breeds that are less likely to trigger allergies.
Eyelid Rash
Learn about the most common causes of an eyelid rash, and how these various conditions are treated.
MSG Allergy
Learn what symptoms to look for if you think you may have an MSG allergy.
Iodine Contrast Allergy
Many people have experienced reactions as a result of receiving IV dye for a radiologic study. Most of these reactions are mild, but some can be severe, even life-threatening. Learn more about why these reactions occur, common myths related to these reactions, and how these reactions can be prevented in the future.
Cold-Induced Hives
Cold urticaria is a form of chronic hives caused by exposure to cold environments, cold food and drinks, and contact with cold water. People may experience severe allergic reactions or anaphyalxis in some instances. Find out more about cold urticaria, what causes it, and the treatments that are available.
Eczema Treatment
Find out about the different types of topical steroids used to treat various allergic skin diseases, the types of topical steroids that are available, and the side effects they may cause.
Allergies During Pregnancy
Many women suffer from allergies during pregnancy, yet many chose not to use medications out of safety concerns for the baby. This article explains allergic and non-allergic forms if rhinitis commonly occuring during pregnancy, how allergies are diagnosed and recommended ways to treat allergies during pregnancy.
Nose Sprays for Allergies
Nasal sprays are the most effective medications for the treatment of nasal allergies. They are used to treat and prevent sinus infections, as well as treat non-allergic rhinitis. Find out more about the nasal sprays that are available, the differences between them, and the correct way to use a nasal spray.
Eye Allergies
Many people suffer from red, itchy, irritated eyes. This could be as a result of eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis. Learn more about this common allergic disease, symptoms that you may experience, testing that can be done and treatments that are available.
Medicine Allergies
Start here for a basic overview of allergic and non-allergic reactions to medications. Specific medications are covered, along with information on symptoms, avoidance, and possible testing for allergies to certain medications.
Non Allergic Rhinitis
Taking medication for your allergy symptoms without relief? Approximately half of all people going to the allergist for nose and sinus complaints have a non-allergic component to their symptoms, which may not respond to typical allergy treatments. Diseases such as vasomotor rhinitis are quite common, and can also occur in patients with allergies. Dr. Daniel More, a board-certified allergist, discusses the non-allergic forms of sinus symptoms, how they are diagnosed and treatments for each.
Latex Allergy
Latex allergy is common among healthcare works and people who have undergone multiple surgeries. Many people with latex allergy notice that they are also allergic to certain foods, which are related to the proteins found in latex. Find out the common symptoms for latex allergy, how it is diagnosed, and ways to treat it.
Anithistamines for Allergies
Antihistamines are the most common medications used to treat allergic rhinitis. Find out which antihistamines work the best to treat hay fever, which have the least amount of sedation and which ones are best to use in children.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis is a form of food allergy that causes severe heartburn symptoms, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and food impaction. This disease can affect people of all ages, from young children to older adults. It occurs most commonly in people with other allergic dieases, such as hayfever and asthma. Learn more about how this syndrome is diagnosed, what foods are the common triggers, and how the symptoms are treated,
Additives and Preservatives
There are thousands of substances, natural and artificial, added to various foods for the purposes of coloring, flavoring and preserving. Food additives have been implicated in the cause of hives, swelling, asthma and a variety of other adverse symptoms. Find out more about reactions to food additives, what to look for and what foods to avoid.
Seasonal Allergies
Think you might have seasonal allergies? Hay fever is the classic form of seasonal allergies, occurring in response to various plant pollens in the air. Find out which types of plants cause allergies during different times of the year, and how you might be able to avoid exposure to these pollens.
Winter Allergies
Learn about the various causes of winter allergies.
Angioedema
Learn about angioedema, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that causes swelling of the lips, throat and tongue, and its possible causes and treatments.
Feline Allergy
Allergy to cats is extremely common, and can be a major problem even for people who don't own cats. Find out why cat allergy occurs, where the allergy comes from and ways to control symptoms. This article is a must-read for any cat owner who is allergic to their pet.
Allergy Shots
A basic overview of what allergy shots are, how they work and the potential risks of this type of treatment. A discussion of who may want to consider allergy shots is also given.
Pictures of Itchy Skin Rashes
Learn what the most common forms of itchy skin rashes look like.
Hives
If you or a loved one suffer from hives, start here to learn all about the causes, evaluation and treatment of hives (urticaria) and swelling (angioedema).
Allergies in Children
Allergies occur with different symptoms at different ages. This article discusses how allergies present in infants and young children, and how these allergies can change as the child gets older.
Exercise Hives
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a severe allergic reaction caused by exercise, and may be related to eating certain foods before exercising. Learn how EIA is different from physical urticarias, such as cholinergic urticaria, how the diagnosis is made, and how it's treated.
Hay Fever Symptoms
Allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is the most common form of rhinitis, affecting up to 30 percent of the population. Learn about the symptoms and diagnosis from Dr. Daniel More, a board-certified allergist. Discover why allergic rhinitis is so much more than just a runny nose.
Bed Bug Allergy
Bedbugs bites can appear as itchy, red bumps and are frequently confused with allergic rashes. Learn more about bedbugs, how to tell if you've been bitten, and what to do as a result.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are growths inside the sinuses and nasal passages that can occur with allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, along with many other respiratory diseases. Find out more about nasal polyps, how they are diagnosed, and the treatment options available.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Ever had itching, tingling or swelling of the mouth after eating fresh fruits or vegetables? You may have experienced oral allergy syndrome. Find out more about this interesting form of food allergy and how it relates to pollen allergy.
Rash on upper arms
Do you have a sandpaper-like rash on your upper arms, thighs or face that doesn't itch? It may not be eczema, but keratosis pilaris.
Latex-Fruit Allergy
Are you allergic to latex? If so, there is a good chance that you may also be allergic to at least one of a large group of fruits and vegetables that share similar proteins with latex. Find out about the latex-food syndrome and what should be done to diagnose this problem.
What is an Allergy?
Most everyone has an idea of what allergies are, but an allergist's definition of an allergy is quite different. Dr. Daniel More, a board-certified allergist, defines what is happening in the body when someone has allergies.
Sunblock Allergy
Over the past 20 years, the dangers of sun exposure have been recognized, from sun-damaged skin to skin cancer. As a result, the use of sunscreens has become a routine part of our daily lives. This has led to various allergic reactions to the chemicals found in sunscreens. Learn more about which sunscreens cause allergic reactions, and the types that can safely be used in people sensitive to sunscreens.
Allergist
Many people are unsure what an allergist is or what they can offer. This article discusses the type of training an allergist receives, the kinds of problems that allergists treat, and why people with allergies would benefit from the care of an allergist.
Corn Allergy
Corn is a cereal grain with proteins that are similar to those in other cereal grains, such as wheat. While allergic reactions to corn are not as common as wheat, those that do occur can be severe. Find out more about allergic reactions to corn, and how to follow a corn-free diet.
Itching
Itching, especially when it's all over, can make a person miserable. There are many causes of itching, including allergic skin rashes, medication side effects, and internal medical conditions. Learn about the most common causes of itching, and the best ways to treat itching, including the use of moisturizers, topical steroid creams, and antihistamines.
Treatment for Hives
Learn the best ways to treat hives.
Allergy Symptoms
Learn about what the most common allergy symptoms are from a board certified allergist.
Contact Dermatitis Causes
The most important aspect of treating contact dermatitis is the identification and avoidance of the causative agent. With thousands of chemicals having the ability to cause contact dermatitis, it may be difficult to determine the exact cause. Find out some important tips on the identification and avoidance of common triggers of contact dermatitis.
Inhaled Steroid Side Effects
Many people, especially parents of young children, are concerned about the side effects of inhaled steroids. When these medications are given for the treatment and prevention of asthma symptoms, it seems that people have many so many concerns about side effects that they frequently choose not to take inhaled steroids, despite their enormous benefit in the treatment of asthma.
Cheap Allergy Medicines
Ever wonder if the medications for allergies available over-the-counter are any good, or if they're safe to use? Find out which OTC medicines you should use, and which ones you should avoid.
Advair Side Effects
Advair is a popular combination medication used to treat asthma. In 2006, the FDA issued a "black box" warning on Advair, based on possible side effects of one of the components of this medication. Find out how Advair works, what the warning means, and whether or not you should use this medication.
Gluten Free Diet
People with celiac sprue suffer from abnormal immune reactions to gluten-containing foods. Gluten is a protein found in various cereal grains, such as wheat, rye and barley, and is very difficult to avoid. Learn how to follow a gluten-free diet, as well as some important nutritional considerations, if you suffer from celiac sprue.
Mold Allergies
Mold spores, like pollen, are a common cause of allergic disease. Learn the different types of diseases caused by mold exposure, the different types of molds that cause indoor and outdoor allergies, and find out how to decrease your exposure to molds.
Treat Allergies
When avoidance of allergy triggers fails, medications are required to relieve symptoms of hay fever. There are numerous types of medications used to treat allergic rhinitis, and the choices can be overwhelming. Dr. Daniel More, a board-certified allergist, explains the different medication choices in an easy to understand format. Find out what medication choice is best for you.
Dry Skin
Dry skin affects people of all ages, especially during the winter months. Symptoms of dry skin, also called xerosis or the winter itch, include red, flaky, dry skin, often with painful cracking on the hands and feet. An aggressive moisturizing technique developed by dermatologists, called soak and smear, can bring relief within just a few days.
Sore Throat and Allergies
Learn how allergies can cause a sore throat
Steroid Shots for Allergies
Many people get a once a season "allergy shot" for their allergy symptoms. This therapy is not a true allergy shot, but rather a steroid injection that may have serious short-term and long-term side effects. Find out more why a "3-month allergy shot" may not be in your best interest.
Allergies and Migraines
Jan 26 2012 What are Migraines? Migraine headache is a chronic condition affecting approximately 6% of
Novocaine Allergy
Ever had a strange sensation after getting an injection of numbing medicine at the dentist? Do you get itchy rashes after using anti-itch creams, or mouth irritation after using oral gels for tooth and gum pain? You may have experienced an adverse reaction or allergy to local anesthetics. Learn more about how reactions to local anesthetics occur, what causes them, and how this condition is diagnosed and treated.
Sun Rash
Solar urticaria is an uncommon form of chronic hives caused by exposure to the sun. Hives can form on areas of skin directly exposed to sunlight. Find out more about solar urticaria, how it's diagnosed and the treatments available.
Allergy Drops
Allergy drops, or sublingual immunotherapy, has been used for years with great success in Europe. This form of allergy treatment in being studied for use in the United States, yet has not yet been approved by the FDA. Learn more about how sublingual immunotherapy works, how it compares with traditional allergy shots and some of the hurdles it must overcome before being routinely in the U.S.
Facial Eczema Creams
Ever wonder if you should be using steroid creams on the face? You might be surprised about the kinds of side effects that can occur from over-using topical steroids on the face. Find out which medications can be safely used on the face for eczema and other allergic rashes.
Makeup Allergy
Cosmetic allergy is a frequent cause of contact dermatitis in both men and women. A huge number of chemicals are in cosmetics that we contact with everyday. Chemicals in soaps, cleansers, lotions and creams, hair care products, nail products, shaving creams and gels, deodorants and antiperspirants, perfumes and colognes, toothpastes, as well as the traditional cosmetics (eyeliner, mascara, lipstick and makeup) all contain chemicals that can cause cosmetic allergy.
Common Childhood Food Allergy
A list of the most commonly seen food allergies in children, and an explanation of each type of food allergy is presented.
FPIES
Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, or FPIES, can mimic food allergies in young children. This syndrome is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and sometimes lethargy and low blood pressure as a result of eating certain foods. While not a true food allergy, children can have recurrent symptoms with re-exposure to culprit foods. Many children with FPIES are evaluated for severe infections in the emergency room, and go undiagnosed for long periods of time.
Cephalosporins and Penicillins
Learn if a person with a pencillin allergy can safely take cephalosporin antibiotics.
Sesame Seed Allergy
Allergy to sesame is becoming more common, and it appears to be related to peanut and treenut allergies. Find out more about sesame allergy, why it's becoming more common in kids, and the foods that are related to sesame.
Nasal Saline Recipe
Learn how to make a nasal saline solution for your Neti pot.
Food Allergies
Reactions to foods are very common, occurring in 1 in 4 people sometimes during their lifetimes. Many of these reactions are not allergic, even though there is a definite cause and effect relationship between eating the food and symptoms occurring. The timing and types of symptoms occurring after consuming the food in question is important in determining whether the reaction is allergic or due to a non-allergic process.
Pictures of Hives
Learn what the most common forms of itchy skin rashes look like.
Honey for Allergies
Find out if eating locally produced honey is helpful for the treatment of allergies.
Nasal Steroid Sprays for Allergies
There are many brands of nasal steroids available for the treatment of allergies. These include Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort, Omnaris, Veramyst, Nasacort, as well as generic versions. With so many choices, are there differences between these medications? Learn all about nasal steroids, including the different brands available, and what the major differences are between the brands.
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a syndrome that closely mimics asthma. People with VCD are often labeled as severe asthmatics who don't respond to typical asthma therapies. Find out more about what VCD is, how it's diagnosed, how it's different from asthma, and the available treatments.
Grass Allergy
Learn about the different symptoms that grass allergy can cause.
Anaphylaxis
Definition of anaphylaxis.
Singulair for allergies
How Singulair is different from antihistamines for the treatment of allergies.
Patch Test
Learn all about patch testing for contact dermatitis and how this test differs from allergy skin testing.
Thrush With Asthma Inhalers
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.
Bee Sting
Most people experience some type of reaction after being stung by a bee or wasp. Usually, these reactions include pain and swelling around the sting. However, some people will develop allergic reactions that can be severe, and even life-threatening. Find out more about insect sting allergy, who should undergo testing, and the treatments that are available.
What Eczema Looks Like
Learn what the most common forms of itchy skin rashes look like.
What Folliculitis Looks Like
Learn what the most common forms of itchy skin rashes look like.
Safety of Eczema Medicines
Sep 8 2011 What are Elidel and Protopic? Elidel (pimecrolimus) and Protopic (tacrolimus) are topical
Best allergy medicines
Ever wonder what the best medicine is to treat allergies?
Allergy Prevention
The ultimate goal of allergy treatment is preventing the symptoms from occurring in the first place, usually by avoiding the allergen.
Empty Asthma Puffers
Using an asthma inhaler until the device stops spraying means that you haven't been getting any medicine for quite some time. Learn how to determine when your asthma inhaler is empty - and when it's time to get a new one.
What Ringworm (Tinea) Looks Like
Learn what the most common forms of itchy skin rashes look like.
Mango Allergy
Do you experience an itchy, red rash around your mouth if you eat mangoes? Find out why this reaction might be related to poison oak rashes.
Living with pet allergies
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.
Omnaris for Allergies
Omnaris is a new nasal steroid used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Because this medication is converted to its active steroid form within the nose, it doesn't have the same steroid side effects as other nasal steroids.
What Dermatitis Herpetiformis Looks Like
Learn what the most common forms of itchy skin rashes look like.
Best Medicines for Asthma
Have you ever wondered what the best medication is for asthma? It may not be the one that you're currently taking.
Sun Allergy
There are many forms of sun allergy. Find out what form of sun allergy that you may have, as well as how these diseases are diagnosed and treated.
Allegra for Allergies
Find out if Allegra is a good antihistamine for the treatment of allergies, and learn about the correct dosage of this medication and its common side effects.
Sneezing
Learn the various causes of sneezing.
Mold and Food Allergies
Find out if mold allergy predisposes you to penicillin or food allergies.
Vaccine Allergy
Find out how having certain food allergies may predispose you to having allergic reactions to some vaccines.
Cold Versus Allergy
Find out how to determine if your nasal symptoms are due to allergies or caused by the common cold.
Post Nasal Drip
While post nasal drip may be caused by allergies, there are a number of other diseases than can cause this debilitating symptom.
Generic Asthma Inhalers
Learn if there are any generic asthma inhalers available.
Gustatory Rhinitis
Have you ever had a runny nose after eating spicy foods? You may have experienced gustatory rhinitis. Learn about this common form of non-allergic rhinitis, and how it can be treated.
Toothpaste Allergy
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.
What Poison Oak and Ivy Rashes Look Like
Learn what the most common forms of itchy skin rashes look like.
Claritin for Allergies
Find out if Claritin is a good antihistamine to take for the treatment of hay fever and hives, as well as the correct dosage to take and the common side effects that may occur.
Nose Runs Like a Faucet
Learn about why your nose runs when you're outside with cold or windy weather and the treatments available for this symptom.
Allergy Treatment
Learn about the various allergy treatments for a wide variety of different allergic diseases.
Red Dye Allergy
Learn about the different types of food colorings, including red and yellow dye, that cause allergic reactions, and how to avoid them.
What is Asthma
There is much confusion about asthma, and yet it is a very common disease. While most commonly affecting the young, asthma can start at any age, even in the elderly. Many people can have symptoms for years without being diagnosed, while others are mistakenly diagnosed with asthma. Find out about the symptoms, diagnosis and ways to treat this potentially dangerous disorder from Dr. Daniel More, a board-certified allergist.
What Psoriasis Looks Like
Learn what the most common forms of itchy skin rashes look like.
Visine for Eye Allergies
Find out why using over-the-counter eye drops for eye allergies may not be a good idea.
Otitis Media and Allergy
Ear infections and allergies are common reasons why children visit the doctor. Could there be a link between the two? Find out if allergies predispose a child to ear infections, and what allergy treatments can help.
Tartrazine Allergy
Also known as FD&C Yellow #5, tartrazine has been suspected as the cause of many reactions, including hives, swelling and asthma. Learn how to avoid tartrazine-containing foods in your diet.
Doxepin
Learn about the use of doxepin for hives and itching.
Astelin and Patanase
Antihistamine nasal sprays are another form of medication available for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. While not used as commonly as nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines offer many advantages. Find out more about the 2 medications in this class, Astelin and Patanase.
Allergies in Pregnancy
Find out which allergy medicines are safe to take during pregnancy.
Autism and Food Allergies
Find out the truth behind food allergies causing or worsening autism. Should your child follow a gluten-free and/or casein-free diet?
Stuffy Noses and No Allergies
Find out what can cause nasal congestion besides allergies.
Zyrtec for Allergies
Learn if Zyrtec is a good antihistamine for the treatment of allergies, and read about the dosage and side effect of this common medication used to treat hay fever and hives.
Fire Ant Allergy
Anyone who has been stung by a fire ant knows how these insects got their name. While the stings are painful, severe allergic reactions to imported fire ants are common. Learn the DOs and DON'Ts of fire ants, and find out how allergy shots can essentially cure fire ant allergy.
Allergies and Pet Rabbits
Learn why getting a pet rabbit this Easter season may not be a good idea for a family with allergies.
Antihistamines and Weight Gain
Find out if the use of antihistamines could result in weight gain.
Xolair
Xolair is a relatively new injectable medication used to treat moderate to severe asthma. It is the only medication that acts to block allergic antibody, or IgE, which is the underlying trigger for allergic asthma. Find out more about how Xolair works, who should use it, and safety concerns regarding this medication.
Wheat Allergy
If you or your child is allergic to wheat, you know how difficult it is to eat a wheat-free diet. Here is a list of common wheat-containing foods to avoid.
Glucosamine and Seafood
Glucosamine is a common dietary supplement used in the treatment of arthritis. Because it is made from the shells of shrimp, crab and lobster, it is not recommended for people with shellfish allergy. Find out more about the possible link between glucosamine and shellfish allergy, and why it may be possible for people with shellfish allergy to take this supplement.
Food Allergy Prevention
Allergic disease is more common than ever, and it is not surprising that more people with allergies are asking how they might be able to decrease the chance that their children will have allergies. One particular question is in regards to the introduction of solid foods into the diet of infants. Various studies show that delaying the introduction of various foods into the diets of infants at risk for allergies may delay or prevent the development of food allergies.
Penicillin Allergy Testing
Penicillins are some of the oldest and most commonly used antibiotics available. They are active against a wide variety of infections, are inexpensive, and are generally well tolerated. However, up to 10% of all people report being allergic to penicillin, despite only about 1% of people actually having proof of true penicillin allergy. Allergy testing to penicillin is available, and has been shown to be very accurate in its ability to diagnose or exclude a true allergy to penicillin.
Patch Testing Guide
Not sure what to expect from patch testing? Confused how patch testing is different from allergy skin testing? Watch a pictoral guide on the step-by-step process of patch testing, from start to finish.
Allergies to Peanuts
Are you allergic to peanuts? You're not alone. Peanut allergy is the most common food allergy in older children and adults. This form of food allergy is particularly dangerous, and life-threatening reactions can occur as a result. Learn all about peanut allergy, who it affects, symptoms that occur, how it's diagnosed and treatment options. Also, find out about outgrowing peanut allergy.
Nasal Steroid Side Effects
Topical nasal steroid sprays are a very effective therapy for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Like inhaled steroids, many people are concerned about the side effects of nasal steroids. However, like with the concerns for the side effects of inhaled steroids, fear about many side effects with topical nasal steroids are unfounded.
Benadryl
Learn why Benadryl may not be the best antihistamine choice for the treatment of allergies, and which other antihistamines are better choices.
Legume Allergies
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.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used medications for the treatment of allergies. Learn all about antihistamines, including how they work, what allergic conditions they are used for, which types are available over-the-counter, and the various side effects that may occur.
Skin Testing
See the step-by-step process on how allergy skin testing is performed, from placement of the skin tests to reading the results!
Alternative Therapies
Nearly half of the population is either currently using or has used complementary-alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for medical problems. The most common forms of CAM include acupuncture, homeopathic remedies, herbal medicines and yoga. Is there scientific evidence to support the use of these costly therapies? Daniel More, MD, a board-certified allergist, reviews the evidence on CAM.
Dark circles under the eyes
Why dark circles under the eyes occur with allergies.
Treat Allergies in Kids
Parents are often unsure about how to treat their child’s allergies. They have concerns about safety and dosage of medications as well as questions regarding the ability to prevent or cure allergies. This article details the approach to treatment of childhood allergies and discusses a potential cure.
Low Allergen Cats
People always want to know about the features of cats that make them more or less allergenic. Find out whether long haired cats, cats that are spayed or neutered, of keeping pets out of the house for a certain amount of time each day will lead to less cat dander in the home.
Albuterol Inhalers for Asthma
Learn about the various types of albuterol inhalers for the treatment of asthma -- including ProAir, Ventolin and Proventil -- and whether there's any significant differences between them.

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