Your immune system protects your body against harmful substances such as viruses. But if your immune system is overly sensitive, it reacts to allergens such as pollen and specific foods. One of the many ways your body reacts to these allergens is to increase mucus production, which causes sneezing, nasal swelling, itchiness in your nose …
If you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to a substance you inhaled, touched, or ate. But how can you be sure which allergens are responsible for your symptoms? Allergy tests, combined with a physical examination and medical history, can give precise information about what you are, as well as what you are not, …
Having and maintaining good sleep hygiene is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle. However, for those who are allergic to airborne allergens, getting and maintaining a good night’s sleep can prove quite difficult. This is because those with allergies often experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and nasal congestion, which can make …
Living with allergies is no easy task, and explaining allergies can be just as difficult; especially to kids. Getting sick when exposed to certain pollens or ingesting certain foods can range anywhere from an uncomfortable nuisance to a serious and life-threatening series of reactions. Coughing, sneezing, the development of rashes, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing …
When someone is affected by allergies, it is because they are allergic to things such as pet dander, pollen, or dust. However, emotional factors can also affect how severe an allergic reaction can be. Anxiety, for example, can exacerbate allergy symptoms and causes allergic reactions to be more severe. This is particularly the case for …
When you are allergic to airborne allergens and contaminants, anything that affects the air quality can exacerbate your condition. Air conditioning, for example, can significantly increase the amount and severity of allergy symptoms for many reasons. Here is a list of how air conditioning can exacerbate allergy symptoms and how to combat the effects. How …
While colds are merely an inconvenience to healthy adults, these infections can increase the risks and complications for young children, elderly individuals, and persons with pre-existing health conditions and serious illnesses. The predominant cause for the common cold is rhinovirus, an infection within the Picornaviridae family of viruses. The treatment is generally focused on symptomatic …
Halloween can be the season of costumes, scary movies, and trick-or-treating. But for parents of kids with food allergies, it can be frightful. This beloved holiday raises concerns of the overwhelming presence of food that may contain peanuts, tree nuts, diary, and other allergens used in many chocolates, caramels, and fruit candies. Even more candies …
Allergies can flare up with the onset of triggers such as dust mites, and pollen from trees or grasses or mold. When this happens, your child can get a runny nose, itchy eyes, or a sore throat. In more severe cases, allergy reactions can upset his or her stomach and make your child feel ill. …
It’s not an allergy… If you sneeze when suddenly exposed to sunlight or other bright lights, you’re not alone: research estimates that up to 30% of all humans share this peculiar trait, known as the “photic sneeze reflex.” Even Aristotle documented his confusion on the matter, writing in his Book of Problems: “Why does the …
