Sneezing on the Job
Simple strategies to control allergy symptoms throughout the workday.
Holistic Help for Allergies
Drug-free solutions to stymie symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies.
Try a Sinus Rinse
Using a neti pot daily can ease allergy and sinus symptoms.
Featured Articles
Allergy Drug Comparison Guide
A helpful side by side comparison of today's allergy drugs and treatment options.
Medication Allergies: What to Know
Some people are allergic to ingredients in common medications. Learn how to manage.
Breathe Easier
Beat seasonal allergies with this advice on everything from nasal sprays to vacuuming.
Ask an Expert
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
How can I know if I have a lagging reaction to a specific food?
When we're talking about reactions to food, most people think any reaction must be allergic in origin. Not true. There are many reasons why one may have an adverse reaction to a food. A few examples: coffee may... continue reading about How can I know if I have a lagging reaction to a specific food?
Gary F. Milechman, M.D.
California Pacific Medical Center
Living in smoggy air in Northern California has certainly made my asthma worse. Could it also be doing any damage to my heart?
Your question is a very good one and is of global concern and research. Markedly increased mortality was first recognized during brief extremes in air pollution as long ago as 1930 in the Meuse Valley in Belgiu... continue reading about Living in smoggy air in Northern California has certainly made my asthma worse. Could it also be doing any damage to my heart?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
My asthma seems to get worse during my menstrual period? Is this possible?
Not only is increasing asthma possible during the menstrual period, it's common. When women with asthma are asked about this complaint, 20-45 percent of them state that they have noticed worsening asthma during... continue reading about My asthma seems to get worse during my menstrual period? Is this possible?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I have seasonal allergies. I previously went through allergy injections but I didn't feel like they were making much of a difference after several years of treatment. Is it okay to take something like Claritin D 12 hr for an extended period of time?
Yes, it is ok to take the medication for an extended period of time. However, the "D" formulation has a decongestant (which is what the 'D' represents in the name) and this can raise your blood pressure. I woul... continue reading about I have seasonal allergies. I previously went through allergy injections but I didn't feel like they were making much of a difference after several years of treatment. Is it okay to take something like Claritin D 12 hr for an extended period of time?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
My 6-year-old daughter has recently been sneezing, coughing and is tired. How can I tell if this is caused by allergies or if it's a common cold?
A cold will typically start with a sore throat, then lead to thick yellow or green mucus and possibly a cough. The symptoms last about seven to 10 days. Allergy symptoms include itchy eyes and throat, and clear... continue reading about My 6-year-old daughter has recently been sneezing, coughing and is tired. How can I tell if this is caused by allergies or if it's a common cold?
Ask the Expert Team
Sutter Health
I had a pretty bad reaction to a bee sting a few years back, with hives all over my body. I was prescribed an EpiPen. If I get stung again, do I use the pen right away or wait to see if I have a reaction? After using the pen, should I go to the ER?
If you are stung and start to have any whole body reaction such as hives or any respiratory problems, you should immediately use your EpiPen and then go straight to the ER. If you had whole body hives in the pa... continue reading about I had a pretty bad reaction to a bee sting a few years back, with hives all over my body. I was prescribed an EpiPen. If I get stung again, do I use the pen right away or wait to see if I have a reaction? After using the pen, should I go to the ER?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I had a food allergy test about five years ago. All the tests came back negative. How long are the tests reliable? Can I still get a new food allergy in the future?
The significance of a food allergy test cannot be interpreted out of context. For example, if you had a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to peanuts but the food allergy test was negative, it would not nec... continue reading about I had a food allergy test about five years ago. All the tests came back negative. How long are the tests reliable? Can I still get a new food allergy in the future?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
I have spring allergies and this year I have a plugged left ear, which I’m attributing to this. I’ve been using the over-the-counter ear wax remedies which have been working a bit for a day or two, and then my ear becomes plugged again. What can I do?
One of two problems is going on here. Either you have ear wax blocking your ear canal (a condition called cerumen impaction), or your allergies won't permit your ears to "pop", meaning that your eustachian tube... continue reading about I have spring allergies and this year I have a plugged left ear, which I’m attributing to this. I’ve been using the over-the-counter ear wax remedies which have been working a bit for a day or two, and then my ear becomes plugged again. What can I do?
Steven Machtinger, M.D.
Mills-Peninsula Medical Center
A friend uses a neti pot and swears that it has reduced her allergies (sinus congestion and headaches) by 75 percent or more. How does the neti pot work and is it safe?
Neti pots use normal saline to rinse the nose of excess mucous. Normal saline is water to which salt is added and has the same degree of saltiness as your body's fluids. Saline rinses temporarily relieve nasal ... continue reading about A friend uses a neti pot and swears that it has reduced her allergies (sinus congestion and headaches) by 75 percent or more. How does the neti pot work and is it safe?
More Resources
Healthwise Resource Library
Look up helpful health information.
Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.
Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.