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Allergies: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
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.
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.
Sulfa 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.
Urticaria and Angioedema
Hives are 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 hives and angioedema. Special focus is given to the causes and commonly used treatments for hives.
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.
Canine Allergy
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.
Heat Urticaria
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.
Dermatographism
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.
Allergies to the Sun
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.
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.
Bed Bug Reactions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alcohol Allergy
Find out if the symptoms you're experiencing after drinking an alcoholic beverage could be an allergy.
Atopic Dermatitis Basics
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.
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.
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.
Advair
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.
Bee Sting Allergy
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.
Anaphylaxis
Definition of anaphylaxis.
Nasal Saline Irrigation
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.
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.
Worst Allergy Places
Do you live in one of the worst places for seasonal allergies? See the list of the top 10 worst cities in the United States for allergy sufferers!
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.
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,
Common causes of hives
Find out what may be causing your hives.
Sinusitis
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.
Prevent and Treat Eczema
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.
Springtime Allergy
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.
Do You Have Allergies?
Find out how to know if you have allergies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hay Fever
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.
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.
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.
Allergic conjunctivitis
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.
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.
Treat Allergic Rhinitis
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.
IV Dye 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.
Food Allergy Basics
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.
NSAID 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.
Allergic to Corn
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.
Wheat-Free Diet
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.
Allergy Shot Basics
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.
Medication Allergy Basics
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.
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.
Sandpaper 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.
FPIES
The 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 evalauted for severe infections in the emergency room, and go undiagnosed for long periods of time.
Start of 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.
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.
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.
Safety of Eczema Drugs
Elidel and Protopic are relatively new non-steroid topical medications used for the treatment of eczema. In 2005, they were given "black box" warnings by the FDA. Find out more about these medications, how they work, what the warning means and who should use them.
Basics of 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.
Topical Steroids
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.
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.
Allergies and Migraines
Allergies and migraine headaches are both common medical problems. Many people with allergies complain of "sinus headaches", but do not have an actual sinus infection. It appears that people with allergies are much more likely to suffer from migraine headaches. Find out if those "sinus headaches" could actually be migraines, and how treatment of allergies may help migraine headaches.
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.
Allergy to Novocaine
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.
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.
Allergy to Ferrets
The domestic ferret is the third most common furred pet in the United States, and allergy symptoms may be worsened with exposure to this animal. Find out how ferret and cat allergy are similar, how you can be diagnosed and what can be done to treat this type of pet allergy.
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.
Soy-Free Diet
If you or your child is allergic to soy, you know how difficult it is to eat a soy-free diet. Here is a list of common soy-containing foods to avoid.
Should I See an 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.
Dairy Allergy
If you or your child is allergic to milk and dairy foods, you know how difficult it is to eat a milk-free diet. Here is a list of other common dairy containing foods to avoid.
Do it Yourself Allergy Care
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.
Stinging Insect Identification
Have you been stung by an insect recently? Was it a bee, wasp or hornet? Maybe it was a yellow-jacket? How do you know? Learn some of the common characteristics of the stinging insects to help identify the type.
Allergy Treatment
Learn about the various ways to treat a number of different allergic diseases.
Creams for Itching
Find out which types of anti-itch creams should be avoided, and which types are safe to use.
SLIT
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.
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.
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.
Systemic 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.
Allergen Avoidance
The ultimate goal of allergy treatment is preventing the symptoms from occurring in the first place, usually by avoiding the allergen.
Tests for Allergies
Learn about the different methods used to diagnose various allergic diseases.
Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Avoidance of allergic triggers is the first priority when dealing with allergic rhinitis. This article details the approaches to avoidance of the most common allergens, including pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches and indoor molds.
Black Box
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration placed a "black box" warning on various allergy and asthma medications. Find out what this warning means, what medications have this warning, and whether or not it is a good idea to use these medications.
Dark circles under the eyes
Why dark circles under the eyes occur with allergies.
Antihistamine Nasal Sprays
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.
Chemical Sensitivity
Do you experience a variety of symptoms with exposure to odors, smells, pollutants and cigarette smoke? Do doctors tell you that they can't find anything wrong? If so, you may have the multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. Learn about the controversy surrounding this disease, what the most common causes are, and various methods that are used to diagnose and treat this debilitating disease.
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.
Nasal 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.
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.
Best allergy medicine
Ever wonder what the best medicine is to treat allergies?
Allergy and Autism
Find out the truth behind food allergies causing or worsening autism. Should your child follow a gluten-free and/or casein-free diet?
Tomato Allergy
Do you get an itchy tongue, mouth or throat after eating a fresh tomato, but don't have symptoms after eating tomato sauce? You may have an oral allergy syndrome to tomatoes, which is related to grass pollen allergy.
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.
Scorpion Allergy
Scorpion stings typically cause moderate to severe pain, and can cause tingling and numbness. Scorpion stings also can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in some people.
Visine for Eye Allergies
Find out why using over-the-counter eye drops for eye allergies may not be a good idea.
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.
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.
Controversial Tests
Non-traditional physicians have used numerous methods over the years as an attempt to diagnose people's allergies. These tests may claim to identify toxins in the body, or foods that are causing someone to be sick or tired. Before spending large sums of money on useless tests, find out which allergy tests are worth having, and which are a waste of your money.
Melon Allergy
Does eating fresh watermelon make your mouth itch? Does cantaloupe cause your throat to feel irritated or swollen? Will honeydew melon result in a burning of the tongue? You may have an oral allergy syndrome to melons, which is related to ragweed pollen allergy.
Basophils
Definition of basophils.
Cold Versus Allergy
Find out how to determine if your nasal symptoms are due to allergies or caused by the common cold.
When to skin test children
Find out what age skin testing can be performed in children, and if skin testing is painful.
Picnic Allergies
With an increase in outdoor activities during the summer, people with allergies are at an increased risk of exposure to various allergy triggers. Find out how to deal with outdoor allergies during the summertime.
Patch Test
Learn all about patch testing for contact dermatitis and how this test differs from allergy skin testing.
Singulair for allergies
How Singulair is different from antihistamines for the treatment of allergies.
FAQ - Oral Allergy Syndrome
Ever wondered why eating fresh apples sometimes causes your mouth to be itchy? It's called oral allergy syndrome.
Allergy to Multiple Shellfish
If you're allergic to one kind of shellfish, you might be allergic to all types of shellfish.
Atopic
Definition of atopic.
Dust Mites and Cockroaches
House dust mite and cockroaches are two of the most common indoor allergens. Find out how to recognize allergy symptoms to dust mites and cockroaches, as well as how to control allergies by decreasing exposure.
Allergies in Pregnancy
Find out which allergy medicines are safe to take during pregnancy.
RAST
Definition of RAST.
What is VKC?
Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a disease mostly affecting children, most commonly occurring during puberty, and more frequently in boys. It is a severe form of eye allergies, affecting the inner lining of the upper eyelids. VKC tends to affect people of Asian and African descent most commonly.
Mold and Food Allergies
Find out if mold allergy predisposes you to penicillin or food 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.
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.
Manage Childhood Allergies, 1
Avoidance of allergic triggers is the first priority when dealing with a child's allergies. This article details the approaches to avoidance of the most common allergens, including pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches and indoor molds.
What is AKC?
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a severe form of eye allergy that can involve the cornea of the eye as well as the inner lining of lower eyelids. AKC usually affects young adults, starting in the late teens to early twenties, and can persist for decades. AKC can lead to complications such as cataracts, eye infections and blindness.
anti-histamine
Definition of anti-histamine.
Sneezing in the Sun
Can you be allergic to sunlight? Find out why you may sneeze when exposed to bright sunlight.
Vaccine Allergy
Find out how having certain food allergies may predispose you to having allergic reactions to some vaccines.
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.
Allergies to Sesame Seeds
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.
Angioedema
Definition of angioedema.
Safety of Advair
Many people with asthma are concerned about the safety of Advair, and whether they should continue to take this medication.
Shellfish-Free Diet
If you or your child is allergic to shellfish, you know how difficult it is to eat a shellfish-free diet. Here is a list of shellfish-containing foods to avoid.
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.
Outgrowing Food Allergies
Find out the ways to determine if your child has outgrown his or her food allergy.
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.
Allergies to Cereal Grains
Learn why most people with grass pollen allergies or an allergy to a single cereal grain, such as wheat, can eat other cereal grains without problems. This is true even if a person has positive allergy tests to multiple food cereal grains.
The Sting of Summer Allergy
Summer is the time of the year when insect allergies are most likely to occur. Find out what types of insects cause problems and the types of reactions that can occur.
BBQ Allergies
Find out if your allergy and asthma symptoms at the neighborhood barbecue are related to the type of wood that was burned.
Outgrowing Egg Allergy
Does your child have an allergy to egg? Ever wonder if, and when, your child will outgrow this food allergy? Find out about the latest research about predictors for outgrowing egg allergy.
Allergy and IBS
Ever wonder if irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is caused by allergies? A recent study shows an association between hay fever, eczema, and food allergies and IBS. Learn more about the link between IBS and allergic disease, and what can be done to treat allergic IBS.
Peanut-Free Diet
If you or your child is allergic to peanuts, you know how difficult it is to eat a peanut-free diet. Here is a list of other common peanut-containing foods to avoid.
Test Preparation
The patch testing panels are prepared by filling small metal cups with the allergens to be tested. This may include chemicals customized for a particular person, or a standardized panel. The TRUE test, a standard panel of allergens pre-loaded onto paper tape, is available and does not require this step, but is limited to 24 allergens.
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.
Number of Epinephrine Shots
How many Epi-Pens should you have on hand? The answer may surprise you. Find out if you've got enough of these potentially life-savings medical devices.
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.
Perfume and Smoke Allergy
Find out what's causing you to sneeze and get a stuffy nose when you smell perfume, strong odors and cigarette smoke.
Oat Allergy and Eczema
Oatmeal-based moisturizers have recently become popular over-the-counter therapies for eczema and other chronic skin conditions. Find out how some people, particularly children, may be allergic to the oats contained in these creams, which therefore can worsen the skin condition.
New Albuterol Inhalers
Learn about the new asthma inhalers and why you may not like the new albuterol that is available.
Egg-Free Diet
If you or your child is allergic to eggs, you know how difficult it is to eat a egg-free diet. Here is a list of other common egg-containing foods to avoid.
Asthma in Pregnancy
It is common for many women with asthma to stop their medications when they learn that they are pregnant. This is usually due to a fear that asthma medications may be unsafe for the baby. However, women may be doing more harm to their unborn baby by stopping their asthma medications.
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.
Allergy to some kinds of dogs
Ever wonder if you can be allergic to one kind or type of dog but not another? Learn more about the intricacies of dog allergies.

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