Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.
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Your searched on: allergies
Allergies
Provides links to info about allergies. Includes allergic rhinitis and food allergies. Also looks at controlling indoor allergens and whether you should have allergy shots.
Allergies: Should I Take Allergy Shots?
Guides you through decision to have allergy-shot immunotherapy to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and allergic asthma. Explains how allergy shots work. Covers who should not have them. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Allergies: Should I Take Shots for Insect Sting Allergies?
Guides through decision to take shots for insect sting allergies. Describes different types of allergic reactions. Includes how allergy shots work. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.
Cow's Milk Protein Allergy in Babies
If you drink or eat dairy products and are breastfeeding, the cow's milk protein is passed to your baby. Cow's milk protein is also an ingredient in most infant formulas. Some babies are allergic to this protein. Signs of cow's milk protein allergy include: Hives. Swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, or throat...
Allergy to Natural Rubber (Latex)
What is latex allergy? A latex allergy is an allergic reaction that happens after repeated contact with latex, such as latex gloves. It affects people who are often exposed to rubber products. What products may cause latex allergy? Medical products that may contain latex include: Gloves. Drains, tourniquets, urinary...
Allergies: Controlling Cockroaches
Cockroaches leave behind particles from their feces, eggs, and shells that can cause an allergic reaction. These particles, called antigens, can travel through the air, and you can breathe them into your lungs. They can cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and trouble breathing. You may even have an allergic reaction...
Allergy Shots for Asthma
Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy treatment. Small doses of substances to which you are allergic ( allergens) are injected under your skin. Over time, your body may become less responsive to the allergens. This means that you may have fewer symptoms. Allergy shots are given after careful skin testing for an...
Allergy Tests
Provides overview of tests used to find out what a person might be allergic to. Covers skin and blood tests. Explains why and how each test is done. Discusses risks. Explains results and offers points to consider before having tests.
Allergies: Avoiding Indoor Triggers
Discusses ways to avoid indoor allergy triggers. Covers common indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Offers cleaning tips to reduce allergens in the home.
Allergies: Avoiding Outdoor Triggers
When you have allergies, you may feel better or worse at different times of the year. Learning what triggers your allergy symptoms will help you manage and treat your allergies. Managing your allergies is an important part of your health and can help you avoid other problems.
Allergies to Insect Stings
Explains allergies to insect stings. Covers symptoms. Discusses local and systemic reactions. Covers diagnosis and treatment options. Offers home treatment tips.
Allergy Shots for Insect Stings
Explains what immunotherapy is and why it is done. Lists specific allergies treated by immunotherapy. Covers how it is done, how well it works, and what to expect after treatment. Covers things that increase risk.
Food Allergies
Discusses causes and symptoms of food allergies. Covers what increases risk. Discusses treatment options, including medicine choices. Offers home care and prevention tips. Covers when to call a doctor.
Drug Allergies
Explains what a drug allergy is. Offers a list of symptoms. Covers medicines that can cause an allergic reaction. Discusses how allergies are diagnosed and treated. Provides home treatment options. Covers when to call a doctor.
Penicillin Allergy
What is a penicillin allergy? A penicillin allergy is an allergic reaction that occurs when your body's immune system overreacts to these antibiotics. Many people who believe that they have an allergy to penicillin don't have it. They may have a side effect, rather than an allergic reaction. Tests can show if you have a...
Peanut Allergy
What is a peanut allergy? A peanut allergy is a reaction that occurs when your body mistakenly identifies peanuts as a harmful substance. When you eat peanuts or food that contains peanuts, your body's immune system overreacts. This can cause a severe allergic reaction that may need immediate medical care. What causes...
Hay Fever and Other Seasonal Allergies
What are seasonal allergies? Allergies occur when your body's defense system (immune system) overreacts to certain substances. The immune system treats a harmless substance as if it were a harmful germ or virus. Many things can cause this to happen. Your allergies are seasonal if you have symptoms just at certain times...
Allergy Shots for Allergic Rhinitis
Explains what allergy-shot immunotherapy is, why it is done, and what allergies it can help. Covers how it is done, how well it works, and what to expect after treatment. Covers risk factors.
Allergies: Rush Immunotherapy
Accelerated, or rush, immunotherapy (allergy shots) is done very quickly to increase your tolerance to an allergen. There are different schedules for the shots that try to achieve a maintenance dose more quickly than usual. For example, a rush immunotherapy schedule might include: Shots given every few hours instead of...
Over-the-Counter Medicines for Allergies
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Allergies in Children: Giving an Epinephrine Shot to a Child
If your child has had a severe allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis) in the past, you know how frightening it can be. Symptoms of breathing problems, itching, belly pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling can come on quickly and become life-threatening. Giving your child an epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an...
Allergies: Giving Yourself an Epinephrine Shot
Covers giving yourself an epinephrine shot to slow down or stop an allergic reaction. Includes directions for how to give yourself the shot and what to do afterward.
Allergic Rhinitis
Discusses allergic rhinitis. Covers common immediate and chronic symptoms. Looks at what increases risk. Covers treatment options. Offers prevention and treatment tips.
Controlling Dust, Dust Mites, and Other Allergens in Your Home
Dust and dust mites are a common indoor allergen. Allergens are things that can trigger an allergic reaction. Allergens can cause a rash, a stuffy nose, or other symptoms such as wheezing or coughing. Dust mites are visible only through a microscope. People are allergic to dust mite droppings, not the dust mites...
Types of Allergic Rhinitis
Experts can classify allergic rhinitis by how often a person has it and how severe it is. Allergic rhinitis is: Intermittent if you have symptoms fewer than 4 days a week or fewer than 4 weeks a year. Persistent if you have symptoms 4 or more days a week and 4 or more weeks a year. Mild if your symptoms do not affect...
Controlling Indoor Mold
Indoor mold (fungus) is very common in humid areas and in homes that have damp areas such as basements. Mold may trigger symptoms, such as wheezing or coughing, or another allergic reaction, such as the rash of atopic dermatitis or the stuffy nose of allergic rhinitis. Substances that trigger these reactions are called...
Allergic Rhinitis: Common Triggers
When you have allergies, you may feel better or worse at different times of the year. Learning what triggers your allergy symptoms will help you manage and treat your allergies. Managing your allergies is an important part of your health and can help you avoid other problems. Pollen Plants make pollen. The pollens that...
Allergic Reaction to Tattoo Dye
Allergy to dye Allergic reactions to tattoo dye are rare. The various colors in a tattoo are made from different materials. For example, the red color comes from mercury, the green from chromium, the yellow from cadmium, and the blue from cobalt. Allergic reactions to red dyes occur more often than allergic reactions to...
Environmental Illness
What is an environmental illness? An environmental illness can occur when you are exposed to toxins or substances in the environment that make you sick. These health hazards may be found where you live, work, or play. Maybe you have headaches that only occur on weekends. Or maybe you began to feel sick and got a rash...
Environmental Health
Provides links to information about various types of environmental illnesses, including lead and carbon monoxide poisoning. Also includes links to tips on reducing environmental pollutants in the home.
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Provides links to info on sore throats, ear infections, and sinusitis. Also has info on mononucleosis tests and decision aids for sleep apnea and allergies.
Asthma During Pregnancy
Covers questions about asthma during pregnancy and labor. Looks at treatment with medicines. Includes treatment of allergies. Covers safety of steroids for pregnant mother and baby.
Insect Stings: How to Remove the Stinger
It is important to remove the stinger as quickly as possible after a sting. Even a delay of a second or two in removing the stinger is likely to increase the amount of venom you receive. In less than 20 seconds after a sting, 90% of the venom is injected into your body. Try these tips to quickly remove a stinger. Flick...
Coughs, Age 11 and Younger
Briefly discusses causes of coughs in children, including common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, allergies, choking, and chemicals in the air. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Fructose or Sorbitol Intolerance
Fructose and sorbitol are two sugars that often are added to processed foods and medicines to make them taste sweet. Fructose is found in fruits, fruit juice, honey, and high fructose corn syrup. It also can be found in soda pop and fruit drinks. Sorbitol is found in diet products, chewing gum, candy, frozen ice treats...
Jellyfish Stings: Allergic Reaction
Problems from jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war stings may develop right away or be delayed for several hours or days. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may affect any body system and require emergency care. Symptoms can include: Shock. Severe pain. Swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, throat, neck, ears...
Jellyfish Sting: Home Treatment
The rash and skin irritation that occurs with minor jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war stings will usually go away with home treatment. Seabather's eruption is a rash that develops from the stings of jellyfish or sea anemone larvae. Although these rashes are annoying, they are not a serious medical problem. When an...
Respiratory Problems, Age 11 and Younger
Briefly discusses respiratory problems that babies and children can have. Covers viral and bacterial infections, allergies, and asthma. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older
Briefly discusses respiratory problems that older children and adults can have. Covers viral and bacterial infections, allergies, and asthma. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Rash, Age 12 and Older
Briefly discusses common causes of skin rashes in those 12 and older. Covers allergies, chronic skin problems like eczema, and contact with poisonous plants like poison oak. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Body Piercing Problems
Briefly discusses common problems from body piercings, including infection, problems with jewelry, torn skin, and scarring. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
Briefly discusses common causes of ear injuries and problems, including infection, fluid buildup, and allergies. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Allergic Reaction
Briefly discusses common allergies, including ones to food, medicine, insect stings, latex, and animals. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Challenge Tests for Asthma
Exercise challenge and inhalation challenge tests are sometimes used to diagnose asthma and workplace asthma (occupational asthma). Exercise challenge test In an exercise challenge test, spirometry is done before and after you exercise on a treadmill or an exercise bicycle. Spirometry measures how much and how quickly...
Antihistamines
Make sure you know about each of the medicines you take. This includes why you take it, how to take it, what you can expect while you're taking it, and any warnings about the medicine. The information provided here is general. So be sure to read the information that came with your medicine. If you have any questions or...
Preventing Bee Stings
To prevent stings from bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets: Avoid flowering plants, gardens, and trees with ripe fruit, where bees spend their time. Do not use perfumes, scented soaps, or suntan lotion. Do not wear bright colors, flowered prints, or rough-textured fabrics (such as wool), all of which attract bees...
Controlling Pet Allergens
All warm-blooded pets, such as cats, dogs, birds, and rodents, have dead skin cells ( pet dander) and make urine or droppings. These things can all trigger symptoms, such as wheezing or coughing, or another allergic reaction, such as the rash of atopic dermatitis or the stuffy nose of allergic rhinitis. Substances that...
Common Stinging or Biting Insects or Spiders
Many insects, such as the following, cause mild reactions: Bedbugs. Kissing bugs. Chiggers. Fleas. Flies. Mites. Mosquitoes. . Ticks. Scabies. Lice. For more information on lice, see the topic Body Lice, Head Lice, or Pubic Lice. Some insects are more likely than others to cause allergic or toxic reactions. A bee leaves...
Bedbugs
Bedbugs are flat, wingless insects about 0.25 in. (0.6 cm) long. They range in color from almost white to brown. They turn rusty red after feeding. Like mosquitoes, bedbugs feed on blood from animals or people. Bedbugs have that name because they like to hide in bedding and mattresses. Bedbugs usually hide during the...
Diphenhydramine Chewable Tablet (DIPHENHYDRAMINE - ORAL)
This medicine is used for the following purposes: allergic reaction, allergy symptoms, coughing, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting, Parkinson's disease, skin inflammation, sleeping. Brand Name(s): Benadryl, Kids-Eeze Allergy. Generic Name: Diphenhydramine.
Nonpoisonous Spider Bites
Symptoms of a nonpoisonous spider bite may last from a few hours to a few days and are usually mild. Symptoms usually occur at the site of the bite and may include: Swelling. Redness. Pain. Itching. Home treatment is often all that is needed to prevent infection and relieve symptoms of a bite from a nonpoisonous spider.
Care of an Insect Sting
Insect stings often cause minor swelling, redness, pain, and itching. Most bites and stings will heal on their own without a visit to a doctor. There are several things you can do to relieve pain and itching and prevent infection from a bite or sting. After a sting After you are stung, try to move away from the stinging...
Preventing Spider Bites
Follow these tips to avoid bites from spiders. Brush a spider off of you. If a spider gets on you, brush it off. Do not crush it. Protect your hands. Wear gloves if working in an area where spiders are likely to live. Avoid spider habitats. Look for spiders in low-lying webs in garages, in barbecue grills, around...
Cetirizine Oral Solution (CETIRIZINE - ORAL)
This medicine is used for the following purposes: allergy symptoms, skin inflammation. Brand Name(s): Aller-Tec, Wal Zyr 24 Hour Allergy, Zyrtec. Generic Name: Cetirizine.
Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac
Discusses rash (also called contact dermatitis) caused by touching poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Covers risks. Offers home treatment and prevention tips. Covers medicines to relieve symptoms.
Diphenhydramine Disintegrating Oral Tablet (DIPHENHYDRAMINE - ORAL)
This medicine is used for the following purposes: allergic reaction, allergy symptoms, coughing, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting, Parkinson's disease, skin inflammation, sleeping. Brand Name(s): Benadryl, Unisom Sleep, Wal-Dryl Allergy, Wal-Sleep Z. Generic Name: Diphenhydramine.
Loratadine Oral Tablet (LORATADINE - ORAL)
This medicine is used for the following purposes: allergy symptoms, skin inflammation. Brand Name(s): Alavert, Claritin, Cleartime Indoor & Outdoor Allergies, Loradamed, Tavist Non-Sedating, Wal-itin. Generic Name: Loratadine.
Understanding Virtual Care (Telemedicine)
This article explains what virtual care (telemedicine) is, when and how it's used, and what the risks are.
Diphenhydramine Oral Tablet (DIPHENHYDRAMINE - ORAL)
This medicine is used for the following purposes: allergic reaction, allergy symptoms, coughing, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting, Parkinson's disease, skin inflammation, sleeping. Brand Name(s): Banophen, Benadryl, Nytol, Rest Simply, Simply Sleep, Sominex, Twilite, Wal-Dryl Allergy, Wal-Sleep Z. Generic Name...
Diphenhydramine Oral Capsule (DIPHENHYDRAMINE - ORAL)
This medicine is used for the following purposes: allergic reaction, allergy symptoms, coughing, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting, Parkinson's disease, skin inflammation, sleeping. Brand Name(s): Banophen, Benadryl, Diphedryl, Diphenhist, Dormin, Genahist, Sleepinal, Unisom Sleep, Wal-Dryl Allergy, Wal-Sleep Z...
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine: What You Need to Know
RSV vaccine can prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
Tattoos: Reporting Problems
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages everyone to report adverse reactions to permanent and temporary tattoos and permanent makeup to the FDA's MedWatch. This agency monitors problems caused by cosmetic products and ingredients, including color additives. To report a problem, contact MedWatch: By mail...
Preventing Insect Stings
You can reduce the chances that you or your child will get stung and have an allergic reaction by preventing or avoiding exposure to the stinging insects. Be cautious when you are outdoors. Pay special attention to areas where stinging insects may be present, such as woods, orchards, flower gardens, picnic areas, or...
Omalizumab for Asthma
Omalizumab (Xolair) is a medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in people age 12 and older who have moderate or severe persistent asthma. This medicine costs a lot more than any of the standard treatments for asthma. The medicine works by blocking immunoglobulin E (IgE) from attaching...
Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites
Briefly discusses the symptoms that can occur from insect or spider bites. Covers skin reactions, allergic reactions, and toxic reactions. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.
Tips for Reducing Indoor Pollutants in Your Home
Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma attacks. It can also cause diseases, such as lung cancer. Pollutants include smoke, pet dander, radon, mold, cleaning products, and other chemicals. You can create a healthier home by following the tips below. Reduce allergens. If pets make...
Phototherapy for Eczema
Phototherapy is the supervised use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat skin conditions, including eczema. Ultraviolet B (UVB) or ultraviolet A (UVA) may be used during therapy. The most common type of phototherapy to treat eczema is narrowband UVB. During phototherapy, you may stand in a booth that contains light tubes...
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (Inactivated or Recombinant): What You Need to Know
Influenza vaccine can prevent influenza (flu). Flu is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years and older, pregnant people, and...
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (Live, Intranasal): What You Need to Know
Influenza vaccine can prevent influenza (flu). Flu is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Anyone can get the flu, but it is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant people...
Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
Discusses pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Covers what causes it and symptoms. Offers home treatment tips. Also offers tips to prevent spreading it. Includes pictures of normal eye and one with pinkeye.
Pinkeye
Briefly discusses causes of pinkeye (conjunctivitis). Covers symptoms like red eyes and itching or burning feeling. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.