Category Archives: Allergies

The not-so-polite call it phlegm, and there are a few who settle for snot. But for people in polite circles, and healthcare professionals, the word is ‘mucus’. Whatever one may call it, when you have flu or a cold, you usually have an abundance of it. In fact, if you’re very sick, your sinuses may ...click here to read more

In order to properly treat any condition, incidental or serious, you must be able to first properly identify it. Differentiating a cold (sometimes called, infectious rhinitis) from pneumonia is no different, and understanding the symptoms of each leads to better fighting the condition. Pneumonia is normally considered the worst of the two, and before antibiotics ...click here to read more

With allergy season in full swing, many of us are reaching for antihistamines and other allergy medications for temporary relief. Although allergy medications may stop the watery, itchy eyes, they have another side effect you may not be aware of. As we age, many aspects of our body begin to change, muscle mass included. You ...click here to read more

Multiple sclerosis disease activity link to food allergies has been studied. The findings of the study revealed that multiple sclerosis patients with a history of food allergies show an increase in disease activity. The participants of the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of Multiple Sclerosis at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital (CLIMB) completed a self-administered questionnaire. The ...click here to read more

Seasonal allergies 2016 update: spring pollen increases hay fever (rhinitis) and asthma attacks. With winter falling behind us, spring is peaking its head. And although many of us welcome the warm weather and green grass, this season can be a total nightmare for those with seasonal allergies. Pollen allergy is the most common springtime allergy, ...click here to read more

Asthma and atopy is linked to an increased risk of suicide and depression in young adults. Atopy is a genetic predisposition to develop allergies. It is characterized by a heightened immune response towards allergens. Previous research has found associations between asthma and atopy, and an increased risk of suicide and depression. The researchers at the ...click here to read more

Chronic hives (urticaria) and penicillin allergy have a strong association, according to research. The study found that those living with a penicillin allergy are three times more likely to suffer from chronic hives, compared to the general population. The researchers examined medical records of 11,143 patients, where 220 were identified as having self-reported penicillin allergy ...click here to read more

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are more vulnerable to infections which can lead to mortality. Researchers found that hospitalizations of lupus patients due to serious infections are on the rise. SLE, lupus, is an autoimmune disease where the immune system overreacts and attacks healthy joints and organs. Often these patients much take immunosuppressants in order ...click here to read more

Poison ivy is a plant that can cause an uncomfortable and unsightly rash, but it’s important to know that poison ivy rash affects some people more than others due to poor handling and that poison ivy treatment will go a long way in easing rash symptoms. Watch out for the “leaves of three” – that ...click here to read more

Many people assume that allergies and asthma are problems that disappear once the cold weather kicks in, but this isn’t the case, especially during the holiday season. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) two-thirds of allergy sufferers experience symptoms all year round. Even after pollen dies down, there are a ...click here to read more

Nasal polyps can result from chronic inflammation due to asthma, infection and allergies. Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous, painless growths that line the inside of the nose. They hang from the inside of the nose like teardrops and can be a result of chronic inflammation due to asthma, infection or allergies. Small polyps can be ...click here to read more

The risk of winter allergies can be lowered by preventing the allergens that cause asthma and rhinitis. Although the springtime is more commonly known to produce allergens, the winter can also generate allergens. During the wintertime we spend many more hours indoors, which can produce allergens. Common winter allergens are dust and mold, and even ...click here to read more

Asthma in the winter can trigger asthma attacks and seasonal allergies. The cold winter air can be an asthmatic’s worst nightmare as it makes it far more difficult to breathe. Generally, asthma attacks increase during the winter months, not solely because of cold air, but because individuals spend more time inside, which can expose them ...click here to read more

Egg allergy symptoms can affect digestion and raise the risk of allergic reactions. Although not as common as dairy or gluten allergies, egg allergies still rank as a common allergy among young children. An egg allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies proteins found in eggs as harmful, thus creating an immune response. Histamines ...click here to read more