Allergy shots, formally called immunotherapy, are regular (e.g., weekly or monthly) injections under the skin. Allergy shots introduce a very small amount of an irritating substance (an allergen, such as tree pollen) to the body of a person with...
Seasonal allergies---also referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis---affect more than 36 million people in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) in 2006. Seasonal allergies are typically...
Asthma induced by nasal allergies is the result of allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Nasal allergies, or hay fever, are caused by airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites,...
Allergies to grass molds can easily be confused with other types of hay fever, especially allergies to pollen in the grasses themselves. Because people with mold allergies often have sensitivities to other allergens, patients might not zero in on...
A chronic sinus infection is the inflammation of the sinus cavity that lasts for three months or longer, according to MedlinePlus. The sinuses are a large cavity located behind the eyes and cheekbones that are lined with mucus membranes. If the...
Allergen injections are a form of immunotherapy, a treatment based on the concept that if a person's body is exposed to what it's allergic to in small amounts, it will eventually build up a tolerance to the allergen. When over-the-counter and...
Allergen desensitization uses shots to treat people suffering from chronic allergies. Allergy shots are not for everyone and do not work for all types of allergies.
Dust mite allergies include such symptoms as excessive sneezing, coughing, runny nose and itchy eyes. The dust mite is a tiny creature that leaves its microscopic droppings on many household surfaces, according to the Mayo Clinic. When it dies,...
After a long hike with your buddies, you notice your hands are covered in an itchy red rash. Without appropriate treatment, that rash is likely to get worse. Consult with an allergist to discover the cause of your mystery redness so you’re...
Allergies to foreign substances cause your immune system to produce IgE antibodies (named for the immunoglobulin E protein they are composed of) against them, triggering histamines and other chemicals to initiate allergy symptoms such as sneezing,...
If your baby always has a runny nose, it's unlikely that a cold is the cause since cold symptoms subside within a week. Allergies often are the cause of cold-like symptoms that continue for a long period. Consult with your doctor or an allergist...
Myth #1: Moving to Arizona will cure my allergies. Unfortunately, moving to a new location will probably not help your allergies very much. Although the deserts of the American Southwest may lack ragweed and maple trees, other plants grow there...
An estimated 2 million Americans suffer from common insect sting allergies, accounting for more than 500,000 emergency room visits annually, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, or the ACAAI. Insect bite and sting...
With more than 100 viruses that can cause the common cold, it seems that illness is sometimes inevitable. A sore throat, watery eyes and swollen nasal passages make for a miserable day and difficult night's sleep. Among the many remedies you might...
Allergies and viral, fungal and bacterial infections can lead to sinus infection, causing the mucous membranes of your nasal passages to become swollen and inflamed. Sinusitis symptoms cause improper drainage and make it difficult to breathe...
Once you've identified an offending allergen, be it pollen, mites, dust follicles, cat or dog dander, asbestos, chemicals in the air, or mildew and mold, try to remove that allergen from your environment and observe symptoms. It may take a few...
An allergic reaction that causes bumps on the skin is often from allergic contact dermatitis. Direct contact with an allergen causes the area to become inflamed. A systemic allergic reaction can also cause hives on the skin. Consult with your...
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that primarily affects the sinus cavity and the eyes, according to MedlinePlus. Hay fever is triggered by different allergens such as pollen, dust or mold. Hay fever affects some people...
If eating honeydew melon causes your lips to go numb, you may have oral allergy syndrome or a general food allergy. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of lip numbing when you eat melon. Before your appointment, keep a food...
Mushroom allergies are often linked to mold allergies, which are relatively common. They can both trigger symptoms including skin rashes, sneezing and congestion. Although there's no cure, your doctor can prescribe medicines to relieve your...
Most food intolerances will not affect someone with eczema. A food allergy on the other hand can lead to an eczema flare-up. The difference between intolerance and an allergy has to do with different aspects of the body. Food intolerance is the...
Although most allergic reactions only cause minor symptoms, if you’ve been diagnosed with a severe allergic reaction, you may develop extreme symptoms. The most common allergic reactions that cause congestion are airborne allergies and food...
Around 50 million people in the U.S. have allergies, estimates the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America. Allergies or hay fever ranks as the fifth leading chronic disease for adults and accounts for almost 4 million days of work lost or...
A blocked nose, or nasal congestion, secondary to allergies is called allergic rhinitis. According to MayoClinic.com, these symptoms affect one in five people. Allergic rhinitis is caused by a number of outdoor or indoor allergens and for this...
Dust mites produce nasal allergies in 20 million to 40 million people in the United States. Treatment and preventive measures cost the U.S. consumer $1.2 billion a year, but reducing the presence of this microscopic, eight-legged bug can lessen...
An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, a chronic lung disease that can be life-threatening, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. About 10 million of those who suffer from asthma suffer from allergic...
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction to indoor or outdoor allergens that causes cold-like symptoms. Sinus pressure headaches, nasal congestion, sneezing and irritated eyes are common symptoms of hay fever. More than 36 million...
The most severe allergy problem a person can have is anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe full-body allergic reaction that can result in shock and death. If you or someone else is having a severe allergic reaction, do not hesitate to call 911 or...
Allergic sinusitis, also known as allergic rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis, is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or by certain environmental stimuli, such as pollen, dust or mold....
