What to Do for an Allergic Reaction
Your immune system’s job is to protect your body from diseases, viruses and infections. But for people with allergies, it can sometimes mistake harmless substances for dangerous intruders. When this happens, the immune system tells the cells to release histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation, swelling and itching. This is known as an allergic reaction….
Is It the Flu or Allergies?
If you’re experiencing upper respiratory symptoms like congestion and a runny nose, you may be wondering whether you’re suffering from the flu or just allergies. Identifying which you have is key to seeking proper treatment. Below we review the causes and symptoms of the flu and allergies as well as how to tell which you…
How to Recognize the 4 Types of Hypersensitive Reactions
When your body is exposed to a substance the immune system deems a threat, like bee sting venom at Plant Atlanta, your body can respond with hypersensitivity. There are four main types of hypersensitive reactions. Below we review what a hypersensitive reaction is and how to recognize the four types. What Is a Hypersensitive Reaction?…
How to Help a Child with Allergies
Nobody wants to see their child suffering, which is why allergy season is so tough for children with allergies and their parents. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your child manage their allergy symptoms, which we review below. Practicing Avoidance The best way to prevent allergies is to avoid triggers. The first…
Seasonal Sneezing: Managing Fall Allergies & Asthma
You may think that allergy season is over when the leaves on the trees at Grant Park begin to change colors, but unfortunately for many, this is not the case. Ragweed, mold and dust mites are allergens that can cause symptoms well into fall. Below we review what causes fall allergies and strategies for managing…
What is Allergic Bronchitis?
Bronchitis is a condition where your airways become inflamed, causing coughing and excess mucus production which can make it harder to breathe. There are two main types of bronchitis: acute and chronic. Differences Between Acute and Chronic Bronchitis Acute bronchitis is often triggered by a viral infection like a cold or flu. It produces a…
Waking Up Bleary-Eyed? It Might Be Morning Allergies
While many of us associate worse allergies with a certain time of year, others experience allergy symptoms more intensely during a particular time of day. If you find yourself waking up most mornings with congestion and itchy eyes, there’s a good chance it could be allergy-related. Symptoms of Morning Allergies Symptoms of morning allergies are…
Are Natural Treatments Effective in Relieving Allergies?
Search online and you’ll find countless claims of natural remedies that will treat your allergies. While many of those claims lack any scientific research to back them up, there are several home remedies that have some evidence they might be effective in relieving your allergy symptoms. Nasal Rinse A nasal rinse is an at-home remedy…
What Are Eye Allergies?
We’ve all experienced watery, itchy eyes and for many of us, it’s a minor and infrequent annoyance. However, if you find yourself regularly experiencing red, swollen, itchy eyes every time you walk your dog around the neighborhood or have a family picnic at Piedmont Park you might have eye allergies. How Common Are Eye Allergies?…
Skip the Shot with Allergy Drops
Immunotherapy is a long-term solution to allergies that works by introducing small amounts of allergens into the body so that the immune system can build up a tolerance. Typically, immunotherapy is delivered in the form of shots. However, many are beginning to instead opt for allergy drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy. What Causes Allergies?…
