Questions and Answers

Pollen is a powder produced by certain plants that can trigger allergies. Throughout the year in the spring, summer, and fall, pollen is released into the air and carried by the wind to other plants to make seeds. This is how plants reproduce, but the pollen that travels in the wind is also in the […] Read More

Pet dander is the proper term for microscopic particles of skin shed by pets such as cats, dogs, rodents, birds, and any other animal with fur or feathers. In some people who are allergic to pet dander, these tiny flecks of skin can cause allergic reactions. In addition, proteins found in saliva, urine, and feces […] Read More

Allergies can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye), which is common in people who have other types of allergies such as hay fever, asthma, or eczema. Reactions to common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, medications, cosmetics, and other allergy-provoking substances can result in allergic conjunctivitis. Read More

The class of drugs used to treat allergic reactions is called antihistamines. Your body releases substances called histamines which attach to cells in the body, causing them to swell and leak fluid. This results in common allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Antihistamines help prevent or relieve allergy symptoms by […] Read More

The term allergic rhinitis is the proper medical term for “hay fever.” Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip (when mucus drains from the sinuses down the back of the throat). Most people develop symptoms of allergic rhinitis in childhood […] Read More

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe, and life-threatening immune system reaction. Most allergic reactions will not develop into anaphylaxis, but in people with certain allergies, the immune system mistakenly responds to the allergens as if they were harmful. The most common allergens, that may cause anaphylactic reactions, include insect stings, foods, medications, and latex. Read More

Allergies are an overreaction of the body’s immune system to foreign substances called allergens. Allergic reactions can result in sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and itching. Most of the time the reactions are bothersome, but in some cases, they can be life-threatening and severe. Allergies may be seasonal, such as hay fever, but they may also […] Read More

Yes. Reducing exposure to one or more of your allergic triggers may help reduce your symptoms. This can only be accomplished by working with your healthcare professional to understand your unique allergy profile. Read More

Asthma and allergies often go hand-in-hand. The majority of people who have asthma suffer from allergies, too. Plus, allergies can trigger your asthma or make it worse. In fact, up to 90% of children and 60% of adults have allergies that may make their asthma worse. When allergies either trigger or worsen asthma, it’s known […] Read More

If appropriate, a specific IgE test for allergen components can be prescribed by your healthcare provider. Read More