Allergies + Original Articles

If you're allergic to nickel, the reaction can be severe. If being allergic to money sounds far fetched to you, think again.  Such an allergy does in fact exist--and it's triggered by the nickel coin. These silver five-cent pieces are created using a combination of metals, and one of these substances-nickel--can cause sensitive people to break out in an itchy rash called allergic contact dermatitis.

Holidays parties are an ideal time to splurge on delicious food--but if you suffer from food allergies, you need to proceed with caution. Why Worry? Holiday season is a time to be merry, but for people with food allergies, you also have to be prepared for anything. The fact is that when you cook meals at home, you know exactly what foods you need to avoid and you can take complete control.

If allergies are impacting your sleep, you can fight back. Don't Let Allergies Cause Sleepless Nights If you suffer from allergies, you know that the sneezing, runny nose, coughing and stuffy head can make it difficult to fall asleep. Further, even when you do drift off, you may wake up again, tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable without success.

These common allergens could be making you miserable. If you suffer from allergies, you probably also have a pretty good idea of the things that make you sneeze. But have you ever wondered if your allergy triggers are the same as everyone else's? And do you think there could be other things that could be causing a reaction that you haven't yet identified? Check out our list of the most common allergy triggers-and get some tips on how best to keep them from making you sick.

MSG is a common food additive that could could be causing you more harm than good. You've just enjoyed a delicious Chinese meal and suddenly you don't feel quite right. Could you be getting sick-or are you having an allergic reaction to MSG? Short for a food additive called monosodium glutamate, MSG can cause a host of uncomfortable, allergy-like symptoms in those who are particularly sensitive to it.

Manage symptoms so you can show your best face. When your allergies are in full bloom, are you tempted to hide inside until your most visible symptoms subside? If so, you certainly aren't alone. The less than appealing effects of allergies can make it very challenging to look your best. But with a little extra care, you can minimize the signs and put your most attractive face forward all of the time.

A new form of rice may be able to fight allergies and improve your health state at the same time. The Concept of Genetically Modified Rice If rice is one of your favorite staples to include with almost every meal, then you may be quite excited about the results of a study that shows that with some modifications, a special blend of rice can actually successfully fight your allergy symptoms.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you could be more prone to illness. Find out how to fight back against infection. Those who suffer from seasonal allergies often wonder whether their risk of getting sick is increased.  And as if the discomfort of your allergy symptoms isn't enough, getting a cold or flu on top of them can make you truly miserable. But you don't have to succumb to the influx of germs that exists at this time of year.

Cooking when you have food allergies is difficult, but our tips help make it easier. If you or someone in your family suffers from food allergies, you probably go to great lengths to cook up allergy-free meals and treats. This can pose quite a challenge, though, since many popular recipes contain ingredients that could trigger allergy symptoms.

An uncommon condition in some women causes itching and burning but it’s treatable. Not tonight, dear, I'm allergic. This excuse sounds even less plausible than a headache but it can actually be a valid one: a small number of women actually are allergic to their partner's seminal fluid. In fact, between 20,000 and 40,000 women in the United States may have this allergy, Dr.

If you find that your symptoms get worse when you're around heavily trafficked streets, you're far from alone. Think you could be allergic to traffic? While this may sound like a joke, the truth is that some people actually do find that their allergies are connected to the fact that they live near a road with a high volume of cars and trucks. The Effects of Air...

If you suffer from fast food allergies, this meal option could serve up more than convenience. Wondering what to serve for dinner tonight? If you don't have time to cook, the convenience of visiting a fast food restaurant can be tempting, especially with the nutritious options some establishments have added to their menus. Yet for people who suffer from fast food allergies, the dangers of eating out may be more than they can stomach.

Carpeting makes your home warm and inviting--but could it also be aggravating your allergies? If you have carpeting in your home, did you know that this choice of floor covering could actually be making you sneeze? Carpeting has long been recognized as a major allergy trigger, in large part because dust mites, mold, and other common allergens can become trapped within the carpet weave.

If you're a fan of hot and spicy, your tastes in food might be easing your allergies. When you eat a particularly spicy meal, did you ever notice that it causes your nose to run? That's because the spice can actually serve as a natural decongestant. In fact, before you turn to allergy or cold medicines, you may want to try this all natural approach and forego some of the side effects that you might get with traditional medications.

If your allergies get worse at night--your bedroom may be to blame. Does it seem as if your allergy symptoms get worse at night when you try to sleep? If so, allergens trapped in your bedroom may be to blame for causing you to lie in bed awake.  But you don't have to stay up until the sun comes up, sniffling, sneezing and itching.

Who would have thought that your allergies could be a blessing in disguise? If you suffer from severe allergies, you may find it hard to understand how your discomfort could actually turn out to be a real blessing.  But some researchers believe that the sneezing, itchy eyes, nose and throat and tiredness that go along with different types of hay fever and allergic reactions could actually be protective.

Stress is detrimental to most critical bodily functions--but it could be making your allergies flare as well. Have you ever noticed that after a bad day at work or at school, your allergy symptoms seem to get worse? Doctors have long recognized that this isn't a coincidence. Now, research is shedding more light than ever on the connection. In fact, the findings of an Ohio State University study reveal that when you experience even a small amount of stress, it can make your allergic reaction much stronger to your everyday triggers.

Learn what to do when your most treasured piece of jewelry is causing you irritation, soreness, and pain. You've said "I do," had the perfect honeymoon, and are finally getting used to being addressed as "Mrs." But while married life is fulfilling, there's something irritating you. No, it's not your husband (at least, not yet!). The problem? Your wedding band.

Surprising discoveries have been made about how to potentially eliminate milk allergies. If you or your child has a milk allergy, you probably go to great lengths to steer clear of all dairy products that can trigger a reaction. Therefore, the findings of a new study may go against your instincts. Researchers representing John Hopkins Children's Center and Duke University recently discovered that drinking milk can actually be helpful in overcoming a milk allergy.

Read on if indulging in a few cocktails leads you feeling sick--and we're not referring to a hangover. If you enjoy having a glass of wine with dinner or a few beers at happy hour, you're certainly not alone.  But have you ever found that even a small amount of alcohol causes you to have a negative reaction?  If so, you might have an alcohol intolerance.

Offenders lurking in your kitchen might be aggravating your asthma symptoms, but with some determination, you can eliminate them for good. Remove Allergens If you suffer from hay fever, you may not think of your kitchen as a breeding ground for some of your biggest symptom triggers. But the fact is that allergens can lurk even in places where you least expect them. That's why the experts stress the importance of remove allergens in your kitchen.

Get the facts on this potentially dangerous--but manageable--reaction. If you have a serious allergy to peanuts or shrimp and have ever found yourself having a reaction to similar foods, you likely experienced food allergy cross reactivity—a problem that causes great concern for many people today. The Truth about Food Allergies According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, food allergies are relatively rare, affecting only about 2 percent of adults in the United States.

No one likes being stung, but insect allergy sufferers need to take extra precaution. No one likes being stung by bees or insects, but if you suffer from an insect allergy, you're probably worried about more than just the pain that goes with it. Today, about three percent of the population in the United States has an insect allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Allergies and sinus infections usually go hand in hand—but they can be prevented. Allegies and Infections When it comes to allergies and infections, it isn't unusual for the nasal symptoms that accompany an allergy attack to linger and spread. In fact, you may find that when the sneezing and itchiness lessens, you're left with more intense congestion, a severe headache, and possibly tenderness or pain when you touch your cheeks or forehead.

So you’re considering starting allergy shots. But will they work for you to cure your worst symptoms or will they only offer a temporary reprieve? A Recognized Treatment Method Allergy shots, which are also called allergen immunotherapy, are a popular treatment method that many people rely on to help control or event prevent their allergies in the hopes that they won't need to continue taking allergy medication forever.

Try these tricks that can help you to manage and even prevent your next attack. If you suffer from hay fever, you will be all too familiar with the range of misery that goes with it, including sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes, nose and throat. Some people with hay fever experience only have mild bouts of these symptoms periodically.

Despite popular belief, raising your child with pets could be the best way to prevent them from developing allergies. Do you have a baby or young toddler who is at risk for allergies? Perhaps your little one is predisposed to the condition because of a family history of allergies that exists. If so, you may be going to great lengths to avoid your child's exposure to a host of allergens, including pets.

Find out how this condition can make more just your head suffer. Hay Fever Effects As many as 36 million people in the United States suffer from seasonal allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).  These are allergies that are caused certain times of the year by seasonal triggers, such as pollen and ragweed.

Find out if race really does affect your allergy risk. Does race matter when it comes to allergies? The experts say yes-- our ethnic background can indeed make a difference when it comes to how indoor and outdoor allergies affect you. In fact, a recent study shows that African American children are at greater risk than other groups for suffering from the effects of seasonal triggers.

Are you allergic to dust? Find out what you can do to beat the sneeze. If you suffer from dust allergies, you know that they are certainly nothing to sneeze at. In fact, dust mites, which are one of a variety of substances contained in household dust, are one of the most common indoor allergens. They lurk in most people's homes, no matter how often you clean.

If you suffer from allergies, could your home actually be to blame for making you sick? Read on to find out if your triggers are lurking in your living room—and how you can choose products that will help to ease your discomfort. Allergy Control Products A main source of allergies can often be found in the everyday items that people use to eat, sleep and play.  But if you think the things you use on a regular basis, such as your bedding, your pillows, your carpets and even your cleaners may be causing your most troublesome symptoms, you can learn more about some of the latest alternatives, which many users say makes a big difference in how they feel on a daily basis.

The symptoms are sometimes hard to decipher between. If your baby suddenly comes down with a runny nose, dry cough and red eyes, you may wonder if he or she is sick or whether the symptoms could be caused by allergies. Sometimes it can be very difficult to tell the difference, but there are a few telltale signs that can help you determine the cause.

If you woke up this morning with a runny nose and cough and have been sneezing and feeling an itch in the back of your throat and your nose, you may wonder if this is just your typical seasonal allergy attack or if you could have be coming down with a case of the Swine Flu. What Ails You If you aren't sure how to differentiate between common allergy symptoms and signs that you could have the swine flu, you're in good company.  But while you may not be sure which it is, the experts say that there are some telltale signs that can help you determine if you really do have swine flu.

Learn about this growing allergy--and if you might be at risk. Could you be allergic to sesame? If so, you are part of a growing number of people who have a reaction to products made from sesame seeds and sesame seed oil. And since sesame is contained in many foods and other products, this ingredient can be very difficult to avoid.

A new allergy vaccine on the horizon may be able to help you cure hay fever symptoms quickly and easily. Wouldn't you love an allergy treatment that would cure hay fever symptoms quickly and easily and would even last for a few allergy seasons without needing to be repeated? The good news is that a new allergy vaccine on the horizon may be able to accomplish these goals.

This popular music player could be aggravating your allergies. You've heard of being allergic to dust, pollen and pets, which are common triggers that can make you sneeze, cough and feel miserable. But did you know that even modern technology can be to blame for causing your allergies to kick in? Some people today who are reliant on the latest technological items such as iPods and cell phones are finding out the hard way that they are actually allergic to these favorite devices.

When your child attends camp, allergies can be hard to control. Read on to find out how. If you have a child with serious food allergies, you probably go to great lengths to ensure your home is free of any foods or ingredients that could trigger symptoms. But when it comes time for your child to go away to summer camp, it can be trickier--but not impossible--to ensure your child will be safe in a strange new place.

It's bad enough that you have asthma, but to make matters worse, do you also have to suffer from a variety of other illnesses? The Link Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways, making them more sensitive to a host of triggers that can cause them to become inflamed and make you cough, wheeze and experience chest pain. If you regularly grapple with the discomfort...

When your seasonal allergies are at their peak, planning a get-away to an allergy-free destination can be just what the doctor ordered. Leave Your Worries Behind If you suffer from allergic rhinitis, you know all too well that when the trees, pollen and grass spring into full bloom, so do your seasonal allergies and all of the misery they bring. This can include sneezing, coughing and itching eyes, nose and throat.

If you suffer from severe allergic reactions, it is likely your doctor has prescribed an epipen, or epinephrine pen, for you to carry with you at all times. When used properly in a medical emergency, this important device can save your life. Get the Facts Every second matters when you have a serious allergy reaction called anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening occurrence that effects the entire body and can cause a host of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, hives, chest pain, and swelling or your lips, tongue and throat and sometimes unconsciousness.

Take these steps to minimize discomfort caused by pollen allergies. Pollen Triggers Pollen are tiny particles that are released by trees, flowers and grasses and they travel through the air, making spring, summer and sometimes even early fall miserable for people whose bodies react to this foreign invader by kicking the immune system into high gear.

Researchers are continually discovering new approaches to prevent and treat this chronic condition. If you suffer from allergies, your symptoms can be stopping you from getting the most out of your daily activities. That's why constantly being on lookout for the best allergy management tips for the utmost effectiveness. The good news is that researchers are continually discovering new approaches to prevent and treat this chronic condition.

Flying in an airplane can make nasal allergies worsen--find out how to alleviate your pain. If you suffer from nasal allergies, you know that many simple activities can feel more difficult when your head is full and clogged. And this can be magnified when you step on a plane to fly, since at 30,000 feet in the air it is even more difficult to control your environment and changes in air pressure in the cabin can make you miserable as the plane begins to climb.

While the link between food and asthma is relatively rare, there are people who do experience it first-hand. The Truth about Asthma and Food When you consider asthma causes, you might be surprised to find out as few as about five percent of the 20 million or so asthmatics in the United States[i] can actually trace their symptoms back to the things they eat and drink.

Find out how eating a diet rich in folic acid can help prevent allergies. Do you eat foods rich in vitamin B9? If so, you may be helping to prevent your allergies at the same time. Vitamin B9, which is also known as folic acid or folate, has long been recognized for its ability to help maintain healthy red blood cells and to prevent spinal birth defects.

If you go well out of your way to avoid the perfume counter at the mall and the mere thought of smelling potpourri makes your eyes water, chances are you have scent allergies. The experts say such sensitivities to different fragrances can pose a growing problem today and it is one that can cause a range of health problems. Further, managing the condition can be easier said than done, since fragranced products are hard to avoid in the course of your day.

Take these simple steps to allergy proof your room so that you can rest easier. If your allergy symptoms worsen at night and prevent you from getting a good night's sleep, allergens in your bedroom may be to blame.  But you don't have to stay up until the crack of dawn, sniffling, sneezing and itching all night long. Instead, you can take some simple steps to allergy proof your room so before you know it, your most bothersome symptoms will be gone.

If you fall ill after eating acidic foods, a citrus allergy could be to blame. Do you often find yourself feeling ill when you eat certain fruits, vegetables or other foods that have a high acidic content? If so, there could be one of several different culprits to blame. You could have an allergy to citrus or to citric acid, or even to foods that have a high level of acidity.

It's official: you have allergies and your doctor has even helped you to identify your biggest triggers. But what next? Keep a Healthy Perspective So you have a list of allergens that can make you feel sick. But you may feel overwhelmed when it comes to figuring out how to make the facts connect to your everyday situation. First, it can help to put things into a broader perspective.

Find out how this new treatment is helping thousands. If allergy shots aren't a good option for you, you may be interested in exploring the option of using allergy drops to build up your tolerance to allergens. This user-friendly method of desensitization is called Sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT, and consists of placing drops (or tablets) that contain allergen extracts under your tongue on a regular basis in order to increase your resistance to these substances.

Find out if this popular treatment can help ease your symptoms. If nothing seems to give you relief from your severe allergy symptoms and you're desperate for something that could help you to feel better, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting allergen immunotherapy, which is more commonly known as allergy shots.

Do your seasonal allergies make you want to hide inside until the next frost comes? If so, grass pollen could be to blame for your discomfort. Grass pollen is a common allergy in the spring and summertime that can cause you to sneeze and cough, your nose and throat to itch and your eyes to water. Allergic Reaction There are as many as 1,200 different types of grasses that can be found in the United States and surrounding areas.

If you suffer from a range of uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms every time you eat foods containing wheat, rye, malt, barley and oats, a gluten allergy could be to blame for your distress. Is it a Gluten Allergy? Do you think you could have a gluten allergy? Or do you have a digestive problem called celiac disease? Both conditions are caused by eating things containing gluten and both have very similar symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate.

No matter how hard you scratch, you can't make the feeling go away. Here's some information you can use to help narrow in on the cause of this itch and some tips to help you keep it at bay. The Allergy Link If you have food allergies, you may be at greatest risk for also having itchiness, according to the experts. The latest statistics reveal that more than a quarter of all children with food allergies also suffer from eczema or a skin allergy.

What is chemical or environmental illness and how can you lower your risk? It’s now common knowledge that many toxins are linked to medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or migraines. This awareness is driving many of us to go green in our homes, workplaces and communities. While some people may not experience immediate symptoms due to toxic chemical exposure, many others aren’t so lucky.

Find ways to manage your allergies. At long last the warmer weather has finally come. But instead of packing a picnic lunch and heading outdoors to enjoy the sun, are you hiding inside with your windows closed? If so, you may be one of the estimated 40 million Americans who suffer from allergies that are caused by a wide range of triggers.

If certain situations always make your nose and eyes itch, make you feel congested and cause you to sneeze again and again, something you are coming into contact with may be causing you to have an allergic reaction. Environmental allergies occur all of the time and can be caused by numerous factors. But while the symptoms are certainly very hard to miss, figuring out what is triggering them can take some good detective work. Environmental Allergies An environmental allergy is really just an allergic reaction to something in the air or in the room.

If you started off with allergy symptoms that seem to have worsened into a headache, pressure and pain in your face that just won’t go away, it may be time to visit your doctor. You could have a sinus infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics. A Sinus Infection A sinus infection, also known as sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinus cavities that are located behind the nose, around the eyes and behind the check bones. This common condition is the cause of approximately 20 percent of all patient visits to an allergist or immunologist, according to research included on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology’s website.

You’ve probably heard of hay fever, but do you know what it is? This common allergic condition, which according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology affects about 20 percent of all Americans1sup>, actually doesn’t have anything to do with a fever or with hay. Rumor has it that the name simply originated when farm workers experienced seasonal allergies while out in the field during haying season.

Pregnant women with allergies may find their symptoms get worse. Many pregnant women experience a host of discomforts as their bodies change. Those with allergies may also find their symptoms getting worse as their pregnancy progresses, making them feel quite miserable. If this scenario sounds all too familiar to you, the good news is that you don’t have to spend the next nine months suffering.

If you suffer from allergies, could your home actually be to blame for making you sick? Usually, there isn’t just one allergen that triggers your symptoms but a host of offenders that cause your immune system to react to them. And yes, many of these factors can occur right in your living space. Triggers like dust mites, mold, pet hair and dander and dampness can all be sharing your home and can be causing you to you sneeze, cough and itch.

Before you take your next dose of allergy meds, experts recommend that you get the facts so you can avoid mixing medications that can cause dangerous interactions. If the itchy eyes and nose, scratchy throat and sneezing that comes with seasonal or year-round allergies is getting you down, you may want to seek relief from one or more of the over-the-counter and prescription drugs available today that can make you feel better.

Are your allergies inherited? Your probably thankful to your parents for passing on their good looks, intelligence and perseverance. Yet when it comes to allergies, you may not be quite as pleased to find out they could be to blame for giving you their symptoms. But the fact is that allergies are often hereditary, which means they can be passed down from generation to generation within families.

Are your allergies inherited? You're probably thankful to your parents for passing on their good looks, intelligence and perseverance. Yet when it comes to allergies, you may not be quite as pleased to find out they could be to blame for giving you their symptoms. But the fact is that allergies are often hereditary, which means they can be passed down from generation to generation within families.

If you suffer from a skin allergy, you know all too well how much the severe dryness and itching can disrupt your daily lifestyle.You are probably willing to try anything that will offer some relief from the symptoms so you can feel comfortable in your own skin, literally. What is a Skin Allergy? When most people think of allergies, they likely think of sneezing, congestion and asthma symptoms. But the fact is that many people also suffer from allergies that affect their skin, causing rashes, hives and patches of irritation and extreme dryness throughout their bodies.

Find out what items you should avoid in order to prevent a reaction. If you have a latex allergy, you know all too well that even some of the simplest activities can put your health at great risk. That’s why it’s important to know what items you should avoid in order to prevent a reaction, which can vary from a very simple rash all of the way to a life-threatening attack.

Find out why why it is essential to take the time to educate yourself about the signs of a seafood allergy. While many Americans look forward to eating out at a nice restaurant, if you’re one of the 7 million people who has a seafood allergy, such an occasion can actually be quite stressful. This is because eating at any dining establishment where seafood is served puts you at risk for being exposed to the proteins that can cause the allergic reaction, and the dangers involved in this scenario can be quite great or even potentially fatal in extreme cases.

Do your seasonal allergies seem to last forever? Do your symptoms remain even after the seasons change? If so, then you may actually be suffering from year-round allergies, not just seasonal ones. One out of every four Americans suffers from allergies and asthma caused by indoor and outdoor triggers, according to the Annual U.S. Prevalence Statistics for Chronic Diseases, and while the causes may be different, the symptoms often look and feel the same, making it had to differentiate between the two conditions.

There isn’t much that can stop Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods — not even the troublesome symptoms of a full blown allergy attack. Woods, who is considered the best professional golfer of all times, was born in 1975 and has secured his reputation during the short course of his career by his impressive talent securing a win on the golf course. In fact, the golfer, who is currently taking a hiatus from the sport to recover from a knee injury, has won a record-setting number of major tournaments.

When most people have a fever or headache, they turn to aspirin or some other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) to relieve their pain. When most people have a fever or headache, they turn to aspirin or some other Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) to relieve their pain. But if you are in the one percent of the population that has an aspirin allergy, you know that such medication may make you worse, instead of better.

Wish you could get your allergies under control for once and for all? If so, getting regular shots to desensitize or “turn off” your reaction to various allergy triggers shots may be a worthwhile treatment option to explore. Wish you could get your allergies under control for once and for all? If so,  getting regular shots to desensitize or “turn off” your reaction to various allergy triggers shots may be a worthwhile treatment option to explore.  Some of the latest studies find that in addition to controlling allergies, this treatment method can even prevent asthma from developing in some patients.

Going green is easier--and more beneficial--than you thought. Having a hard time going green? Maybe you think it’s too time consuming, expensive, or not really worth it. Think again. There are hundreds of ways to be eco-friendly, which means it can fit into any lifestyle. Here are eight reasons why green living is worth it — none of them have to do with assuaging guilt.

Don't let the remedy make you feel worse. Are your allergies making you miserable? If the itchy eyes and nose, scratchy throat and sneezing that comes with seasonal or year-round allergies is getting you down, you may want to seek relief from one or more of the over-the-counter and prescription drugs available today that can make you feel better.

If you suffer from severe allergy symptoms and taking medication doesn’t seem to help you feel better, it may be time to turn to the experts to undergo some allergy testing. This can be a valuable way to find out exactly what your biggest triggers are and to determine how best to avoid them. Who Needs Allergy Tests When medication doesn’t do enough to relieve your runny nose, frequent sneezing and itchy eyes and throat, you may need to seek the advice of an allergist, who can do some strategic testing to find out exactly what is making you sick.

Many of those who think they have a food allergy are, in fact, really suffering from a food intolerance or sensitivity, which can sometimes look very similar to food allergies but actually occurs in a different way. Have you experienced a negative reaction from something you ate? If so, you may wonder if you have a food allergy. A food allergy can be a serious condition that causes a host of symptoms that will make you feel miserable. But the good news is that food allergies are not nearly as common as most people think.

If you are allergic to peanuts, you know how crucial it is to steer clear of anything even vaguely in the nut family. Otherwise, you can be putting yourself and your health at great risk. A Serious Problem Today Peanut allergy is the most common food allergy in the United States, affecting 1.5 million people, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. And while some people only experience mild symptoms, others suffer much more serious consequences.

Simple steps can make your home a much healthier place in which to live. Did you know that the air inside your home can be more dangerous than what's floating around outside? Since people tend to spend a lot of time indoors in cold weather, winter often brings with it a buildup of toxic particles inside the house. Think about it-you probably haven't opened windows in weeks, if not months, and you rarely leave the door ajar longer than it takes to bring in a few bags of groceries.

Your go-to guide for allergy medications. You're all too familiar with the discomfort that comes with an allergy attack all too well: the runny nose, red eyes, itchy throat and dry cough. These classic symptoms can prompt you to rush to your nearest drug store in search of relief, but the vast array of medications on the market today may be confusing enough to make your head swim.

A saving grace for allergy sufferers or a myth? Read on to find out. If you are eager add to a dog to your family but you suffer from asthma and allergies, you may be interested in checking out some of the "hypoallergenic" breeds. The only problem, according to allergists, is that there actually may be no such thing. Low-Allergy Pets? Today, as many as 15 to 30 percent of people who suffer from allergies find their symptoms triggered by cats and dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Your plants may not be as inconspicuous as you think. You may pride yourself on your green thumb, but if you find that your houseplants make your eyes and nose itch and turn red, you just may be allergic to them. The fact is that the soil contained in the plant pots can actually be a breeding ground for moisture and mold, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Try these alternative treatments for asthma. Have you ever tried any alternative methods to treat your asthma systems? If so, you aren't alone. Recent statistics from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America show that one in four people use alternative treatments for various health conditions.

Your home is crawling with bacteria. Where are the biggest hotspots? The front doorknob, the staircase banister, the microwave door. What do these three areas have in common? They're in your home, you touch them every day, and they're likely infested with microorganisms. Or, in layman's terms, germs. By nature, germs spread through the air, but they can linger on surfaces for 2 hours or longer.

Is your city making you sneeze? High pollen and mold counts make some places worse than others. It's so uncomfortable. The watery eyes, the scratchy throat, the runny nose. The annoying (and sometimes, downright miserable) feelings associated with seasonal allergies are familiar to almost half of all Americans, according to a QualityHealth.com HealthOpin poll.

Although COPD triggers can vary by person, it's important to understand the ones that can most frequently lead to flare-ups. For COPD sufferers, flare-ups can come on suddenly-and seemingly from out of nowhere. But according to experts, there are a host of hidden COPD triggers that may be exacerbating your symptoms. In addition to talking to your doctor about your symptoms, it's important to identify your COPD triggers and avoid them.

'Tis the season for allergies. Learn how keep them from spoiling your holiday fun. "It's the most wonderful time of the year," legendary singer Andy Williams and many others after him have crooned about the holiday season. Well, it may not be so wonderful if you're a seasonal allergy sufferer. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), three out of four adults experience an increase of allergy attacks including headaches, eye irritation and sinus congestion during the period from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.

With the slowly, but steadily rising temperatures, what does the future hold for our health? Killer heat waves. Fierce storms. Devastating floods. Natural disasters have been all over the news, and according to organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO), the increase is no coincidence: It's actually a direct result of global warming.

Learn how to reduce the likelihood of COPD flare-ups. More than 32 million Americans are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)--a chronic condition that has no known cure. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help you breathe easier. In addition, follow these tips to help manage your COPD symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Find out if your weird rashes, twitches, lumps and bumps are signs of something serious. You're showering after a workout at the gym when you notice something strange. There's a weird rash on your leg, a bump on your navel or maybe just a couple of indentations on your nail. It definitely isn't normal. But is it a sign of something serious?   Knowing what your body is trying to tell you isn't easy, especially when it comes to more unusual symptoms like these.

Your child has a runny nose and bad cough. You want her to feel better, but is it OK to give her cold medicine? Cough and cold medicines for kids under the age of 2 have been pulled from drugstore shelves, and experts continue to debate whether the medicines should be given to children younger than 6 or 11 years old. But your son or daughter has a cold now you don't have time to wait for pediatricians and government officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reach a consensus.

Want to soothe your pinkeye symptoms, or stop conjunctivitis before it starts? Check out our seasonal survival guide. Redness, swelling, itching, irritation these are just some of the symptoms of conjunctivitis, an eye ailment that affects millions of adults and children at any given time, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Also known as pinkeye, the condition refers to an inflammation of the conjuctiva, the thin, clear membrane that covers the eye's white portion.

What's under that bow? Find out if the gifts you're giving this year are naughty or nice. When shopping for children's toys this holiday season, you may have to pay attention to more than just wish lists and price tags. Dangerous levels of lead in paint and toys that contain toxic chemicals have forced Mattel, Fisher-Price, Disney, and other companies to recall some of their most popular children's products.

Learn to identify the most common culprits so you can breathe easier. For allergy sufferers, attacks can come on suddenly—and seemingly from out of nowhere. But experts are quick to point out that there are a host of hidden allergy triggers that may be causing your wheezing, sneezing, or other symptoms. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), allergy triggers can be hiding inside or outdoors.

Allergens can attack almost anywhere, including your own home. Follow these tips to reduce your risk. Sitting in your living room shouldn't give you hives. Relaxing in your bathtub shouldn't make you sneeze. And cooking dinner shouldn't make your eyes and nose itch. If you find yourself in any of these situations, you may be allergic to your home. According to the American Academy of Family Doctors, allergies are overreactions to things that don't cause problems for most people, and these things are known as allergens.

10 back-to-school tips. For nearly nine million American children, going back to school presents questions beyond what to wear or bring. Are there peanuts in that birthday treat from a classmate? Will running in gym class trigger asthma? Could a bee sting during recess cause anaphylactic shock? Despite all the things confronting them, you can take steps to ensure your kids don't fall prey to schoolhouse allergies and asthma.

How to keep allergies and asthma from traveling with you. When vacations kick into high gear, allergies and asthma often follow suit. The good news? "There are steps you can take to minimize your symptoms," said Dr. Richard W. Weber, an academy leader and allergist in Denver, Colo. He recommends following these tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Consider visiting your allergist or immunologist for a physical if you're planning to go on a long vacation.