Signs of a Chronic Cough
Many people view a cough as a sign that you are about to get sick, but coughing actually helps your body stay healthy. The body coughs to help remove any unwanted irritants in the lungs. Removing these irritants will help you avoid dangerous infections. While a cough can be a very good thing for your […] Read More >
Safe and Effective Treatment for Medication Allergies
When you take medication, it’s supposed to help you to feel better. The last thing you need is an allergic reaction to something that is supposed to be beneficial to your health. When you have medication allergies, your immune system is working overtime, overreacting to a foreign substance in your body. Certain medications may tip […] Read More >
Are Your Allergies and Asthma Ready for College?
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILL (July 9, 2015) – Going away to college for the first time can be nerve-wracking, and questions abound. How will you find your way around? Will your classes be too hard? What will the other students be like? Students who suffer from allergies and asthma may also be asking: “Can I keep my […] Read More >
Breeze Through Spring without Sneezing and Wheezing
Sanjeev Jain, MD, PhD Columbia Allergy Clinic Most people look forward to spring anticipating sunshine, colorful blooming flowers and trees, and the return to outdoor activities. However, allergy sufferers dread this time of year with the expectation of sneezing, sniffling, itchy, watery eyes, and wheezing. These are the typical symptoms of seasonal hay fever and […] Read More >
What to Do When You Have Dust Allergies
Living with dust allergies can mean a constant battle with sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and itching. There is no escaping the presence of dust in everyday life, but there are things that you can do to reduce the triggers in your home. Diagnosing and Treating Dust Allergies The first step to coping with dust allergies […] Read More >
When Should I Go to the Doctor For A Sinus Infection?
You’ve felt congested for a few days. You thought you may have had a cold, but now you aren’t so sure. If you are concerned that you have developed a sinus infection, how can you know? And when should you seek medical attention for sinus-related complications? Read on to learn the differences between a cold […] Read More >
Do I Have a Sinus Infection or Bronchitis?
Determining if you have a sinus infection or bronchitis isn’t always as easy as you might think. The two conditions share several symptoms and both, typically, start out as the common cold. In fact, a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, occurs when a cold infects the hollow bones under your eyes and in your […] Read More >
Do I Have Exercise-Induced Asthma or Am I Just Out of Shape?
Have you felt shortness of breath or experienced wheezing and coughing during or after exercise? While you may have worried you were just out of shape, you may in fact have a condition known as exercise-induced asthma. Also called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (brong-koh-kun-STRIK-shun), this form of asthma is caused by strenuous exercise and occurs due to […] Read More >
When Do I Need to See An Allergist?
Though we don’t always expect it, we can develop allergies or asthma over time. Determining if you have either of these conditions requires working with a trained and licensed allergist. But how do you know when it is time to seek a diagnosis from an allergist? Read on for the most common symptoms to consider. […] Read More >
Why Am I Not Outgrowing My Allergies?
Some people struggle with allergies starting in childhood. Others find themselves developing allergic reactions as adults. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 50 million Americans experience some type of allergies each year, and allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the country. Regardless of when your […] Read More >
What Can Bring Relief to My Allergy Headaches?
Allergic rhinitis is extremely common, affecting up to 60 million Americans and increasing. In fact, allergic rhinitis is the fifth most common chronic disease in the country. Unfortunately, allergies are accompanied by headaches, leading many to search for relief. Symptoms and Causes of Allergy Headaches According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology […] Read More >
How Can I Help a Family Member With Mast Cell Disorder?
Immediate allergic reactions in the body are caused by mast cells. These blood cells that are part of the immune system release chemicals called mediators which, in turn, cause allergic symptoms. The condition known as mast cell activation syndrome, or MCAS, occurs when the body releases high levels of mast cells resulting in anaphylaxis or […] Read More >
Are My Food Allergies Getting Worse?
According to the Mayo Clinic, about 3% of adults have a food allergy. Food allergies are immune system reactions that occur when eating certain foods. Nuts and shellfish are the most common foods that trigger a reaction. An allergic reaction to food can cause a range of symptoms such as hives, swollen airways, or digestive […] Read More >
When Can I Stop Taking Allergy Medicine?
The pollen counts are climbing, and you are taking your daily dose of allergy medicine to make it through the day. But how long do you have to take your over-the-counter allergy medicine? What should you do if the medication no longer seems to be working? Dealing with Seasonal Allergies Spring is beautiful, but with […] Read More >
How Are Children Tested For Allergies?
Whether they have a consistently runny nose or are breaking out in rashes, you may be concerned about possible allergy symptoms in your children. The key to treating potential allergies is to identify which substances may be affecting your kids and how. Luckily, allergists can help make this diagnosis through allergy testing. We’ll explore why […] Read More >
What Does Exercise-Induced Asthma Feel Like?
Have you noticed that you are easily winded or feel tired quickly during — or right after — exercising? Do you regularly cough after exercising outside? When you run, can you only do so for a few minutes before you have to stop and catch your breath? Answering yes to these questions may indicate that […] Read More >
Why Has My Asthma Gotten Worse?
About one out of every 13 Americans — both adults and children — are living with asthma. Each day, an average of 10 people die from asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). With proper care and awareness, many of those deaths could have been prevented. Is Your Asthma Getting Worse? […] Read More >
Can Allergies Cause Pneumonia?
People who live with allergies may have come to expect problems with sneezing and sniffling. What they may not be prepared for, however, is the possibility that their allergies could result in pneumonia. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans experience some form of an allergy each year, […] Read More >
What Is a Dust Mite Allergy and Can It Be Cured?
How can a tiny, microscopic insect like a dust mite be such a problem? While it may be hard to understand, dust mites — which only reach a maximum size of 0.5 mm — cause the most common household allergic reaction in people. But why? The common house dust mite isn’t parasitic and can’t bite […] Read More >
Do Dust Mite Covers Work? How?
Dust mites are microscopic pests that, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), may be the most common allergic trigger for most people. Invisible to the naked eye, dust mites are arachnids that feed off the skin that people shed in their daily lives. They live in bedding, furniture, and even stuffed […] Read More >
What are the Causes and Treatments for Peanut Allergies?
In recent years, peanut allergies have become more common. In fact, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) said peanut allergies in children increased 21% since 2010. If a child has even a mild allergic reaction to a peanut, you should seek medical attention since allergic reactions can worsen over time. ACAAI notes […] Read More >
What Causes Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)?
Eczema is not a single skin condition but actually includes several different conditions, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. All types of eczema can cause a person’s skin to feel itchy or become inflamed. They may also cause a rash-like appearance. According to the National Eczema Association, […] Read More >
Why Do My Allergies Seem to Get Worse at Night?
Dealing with allergy symptoms is never fun no matter what time of day. But at night or when trying to sleep, the sneezing, coughing, and runny nose associated with allergies can be especially troubling. While allergy triggers vary from person to person, there are several reasons why you may be experiencing worse allergy symptoms in […] Read More >
Why Have Peanut Allergies Increased in the United States?
According to the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization, about 6.1 million Americans have a peanut allergy. The group also reported that the number of children with a peanut or tree nut allergy has more than tripled between 1997 and 2008. Let’s explore what’s behind this rapid increase. Why are Peanut Allergies on the […] Read More >
How Are Skin Prick Allergy Tests Performed?
One way to confirm if an individual has an allergy is through a skin prick allergy test. Doctors perform them to determine what allergen is causing a reaction and how best to treat an allergic reaction. So, what can someone expect during this commonly used test? The Basics of a Skin Prick Allergy Test A […] Read More >
Why Do Our Sinuses Get Infected?
Sinuses are the air-filled pockets in the face. They are located above and below the eyes along either side of the nose. When fluid builds up in any of these cavities, viruses or bacteria can grow. This can cause a sinus infection. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI), about 31 […] Read More >
Are Allergy Shots Appropriate For Dust Allergies?
Allergies to dust and dust mites are very common and can lead to a range of annoying and hard to manage symptoms ranging from itchy eyes and a stuffy nose to eczema and hives. The number of Americans who have an allergy to dust and dust mites is estimated to be around 20 million. Treating […] Read More >
Why Does My Sinus Infection Not Go Away?
Sinuses are air spaces behind the cheekbones and nose and above the eyes. The number of sinuses is different for everyone; most people have four sets, but some people may have fewer. Because sinuses differ from person to person, the length of our sinus infections will, too. While most sinus infections will resolve in 10 […] Read More >
Food Allergies in Infant and Children
INTRODUCTION Due to the increase in food allergies, there has been an interest in how to manage infants and children with these conditions. Food allergy management starts with the pediatrician at birth and continues through adulthood. Allergists should be aware of patients’ diet and environmental factors. WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY: When you have a […] Read More >
FOOD ALLERGIES AND TOLERANCES EXPLAINED:
INTRODUCTION Food allergies and intolerances are becoming more prevalent in the world. While once considered to be rare, an estimated six million Americans have a food allergy. And approximately thirty-six million Americans suffer from a food intolerance of some kind. Food allergies and intolerances can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions such […] Read More >
Sinus vs Allergies vs Covid 19. 4 ways to tell:
INTRODUCTION As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, allergy season has become more complicated. If you suffer from allergies or sinus problems, you may not be able to distinguish between those symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms. There are some similarities between sinus and allergy symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms, so it is a wise idea to know […] Read More >
15 SURPRISING STATS ABOUT ALLERGY AND ASTHMA
There is no doubt that allergies and asthma are among the most common illnesses that humans battle. It is very likely that you may not realize this, because most of these conditions are misunderstood as minor irritations. There are some people who mistakenly believe they can go about their daily business normally while they are […] Read More >
Myths About Allergy And Asthma: Busted
Myths about allergies and asthma: Most people think allergies and asthma are a mild inconvenience that they don’t need to worry about. But actually, there are a number of myths you should be aware of when it comes to allergies and asthma. If you’ve ever had questions about these two conditions, then this article will […] Read More >
