Can Masks Reduce Allergy Symptoms?
Masks have seen their fair share of pros and cons over the past year in the pandemic era. On the one hand, they are proven barriers for slowing the spread of COVID-19; on the other, they can muffle speech and make communication difficult for those with hearing loss. Here’s another pro we perhaps didn’t see…
Allergies: How Do They Develop?
Nobody is born with allergies. Rather, all 50 million people in the U.S. who have allergies developed the condition when their immune systems came into contact with the triggering allergens for the first time. Below we review exactly how allergies develop. The Immune System Our immune systems’ job is to protect our bodies from bacteria,…
What’s the Relationship Between Allergies & Stress?
It’s no secret to allergy sufferers that symptoms like sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and hives are unpleasant. But did you know that these symptoms can be made worse by stress? A study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in 2014 uncovered this link. About the Study Until this study, no link between stress…
How to Manage Allergies During Pregnancy
Between nausea, fatigue, frequent urination and mood swings, pregnant people have it tough enough; pregnancy symptoms combined with allergies is just downright miserable. Below we review how allergies present during pregnancy and options for treatment. Allergy Symptoms During Pregnancy For those who normally have allergies and are pregnant, symptoms may be the same as usual…
Outdoor Exercise if You Have Allergies
With the lovely early summer weather, many are tempted to take their workouts outdoors. But if you have allergies, you may think this is not an option for you. Below we share tips for how to work out outdoors safely if running at Wissahickon Park normally makes you itchy and sneezy. Identify Your Triggers Getting…
The Relationship Between Allergies & Asthma
In most cases, allergies cause itchy, watery eyes, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, scratchy throat, postnasal drip and/or hives. But for some people, allergies can trigger asthma symptoms as well. Approximately 25 million Americans have some kind of asthma, and allergy-induced asthma accounts for 60% of these cases. Below we review the connection between allergies and…
Why Are Allergies Worse This Year?
If you’re feeling like your allergies are getting worse with each passing year, you’re not imagining it and you’re not alone. Research shows that allergy season is becoming longer and more severe due at least in part to climate change. We review this research and how to reduce symptoms below. About the Study A study…
What You Need to Know About Summer Allergies
It’s a common misconception that allergy season ends with April showers or May flowers. Allergy season can extend well into the summer, and for some it is year-round! In reality, the length of allergy season depends on what you’re allergic to. Below we review some of the main summer allergens and how to find relief….
What Is Immunotherapy & Will It Help My Allergies?
Many people who experience itchy, watery eyes, congestion, runny nose and sneezing after visiting Doggie Style Pets may feel like there’s no way to find relief from their symptoms. Over-the-counter allergy medications aren’t effective for everybody; for those who need long-term relief, immunotherapy is the best option. What Causes Allergies? Your immune system works to…
Hay Fever: What Is It?
If you experience itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose, scratchy throat and sneezing when visiting Spruce Street Harbor Park, you probably have hay fever. Hay fever goes by many names, including seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis and nasal allergies. Below we review everything you need to know about hay fever. How Common Is Hay Fever? According to…