All articles tagged with #allergies
A mother asks Dear Abby for help because her son's home is dirty to the point that it affects her breathing. Abby suggests it could be an allergy to dust or pet dander and urges a medical test; she also advises telling the son that, due to health concerns, she can no longer watch the pets when they travel.
Climate change is lengthening pollen seasons, potentially worsening allergy symptoms for millions of Americans as tree, grass and weed pollen rise earlier and higher; experts recommend checking local pollen counts, starting treatment before peak pollen, using high-efficiency air filters, and keeping windows closed to reduce indoor pollen exposure.
Allergy seasons in 2026 are starting earlier and lasting longer across the U.S. due to rising temperatures from climate change, with the Southeast already reporting symptoms. Experts urge proactive management: start allergy meds early (24-hour antihistamines often work best), choose appropriate options (nasal or steroid sprays if needed), keep windows closed at night to avoid morning pollen, change clothes and shower after outdoor exposure to prevent spreading pollen indoors, and address dust mites and pet dander with regular cleaning and HEPA filtration.
Long Island's snowy, wet winter is expected to fuel an intense tree pollen season this spring, with early bloom and rising pollen counts already appearing. Doctors advise preemptive use of nasal steroids or antihistamines and practical steps to minimize exposure (close windows, use AC, air filters, and shower before bed), especially for those with asthma or respiratory conditions.
A health and wellness piece cites five science-backed benefits of growing a beard: it can block 90–95% of UV radiation, help slow the skin-aging process, prevent skin infections by avoiding shaving, filter out allergens to ease allergies (with a moustache aiding the filtration), and keep facial airways warmer to potentially shorten the duration of colds and flu.
A Finnish study of nearly 100,000 students from 2006–2020 found that final exams taken on days with alder or hazel pollen had lower scores than pollen-free days. Each 10 grains per cubic meter of alder pollen correlated with a 0.042-point drop and hazel pollen with a 0.17-point drop on a 66-point scale, suggesting pollen exposure may hinder academic performance. The study is observational, so it shows correlation rather than causation, but researchers suggest actions like scheduling exams outside pollen season and improving allergy management to mitigate potential impacts on vulnerable students.
Fox News highlights practical spring allergy relief with budget-friendly picks, including HEPA air purifiers, humidifiers, nasal rinses, nasal strips, and antihistamine/eye drops, plus tips to curb indoor allergens with cleaning tools and pet-dander management. The piece emphasizes items like Levoit purifiers, Navage and NeilMed nasal care, Vicks saline spray, eye-relief drops, and skin care to ease itchy eyes, congestion, and dry skin while noting ongoing deals and discounts.
Black sesame is becoming popular in the US, praised for minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc that support bone, heart, and immune health. A 2025 review hinted that about 10 g daily for eight weeks may modestly improve blood sugar and cholesterol, but benefits aren’t guaranteed. Calories vary by form (about 60 cal per tablespoon for whole seeds; tahini ~90 cal), and black sesame tends to have more minerals and fiber than lighter varieties. It’s generally safe in a balanced diet, but can affect blood pressure meds or anticoagulants, and sesame allergies are relatively common in the US. Oxalates/phytates can affect digestibility, so soaking seeds can help. Also note that lignans in sesame are phytoestrogens with modest, uncertain effects on menopause or cancer risk. Use by grinding or toasting and sprinkling on foods; remember to enjoy sesame as part of a diverse mix of seeds rather than a miracle superfood.
New evidence suggests long COVID is associated with persistent immune dysregulation that may drive new allergic conditions. Studies link SARS-CoV-2 infection to higher risks of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis, with vaccination offering protection. Some researchers also point to mast cell activation syndrome as part of long COVID's allergic manifestations. Clinicians report anecdotal and clinic-based increases in allergies post-COVID and call for early screening, biomarker research, and prospective trials to prevent or modify these outcomes.
DTU researchers identify 4-hydroxyphenyl lactate (4-OH-PLA), a metabolite produced by specific bifidobacteria in early-life guts, that dampens IgE production and lowers the risk of allergies and asthma. The study followed 147 children to age five across Sweden, Germany, and Australia, showing that early colonization with these bacteria correlates with reduced allergic sensitization; vaginal birth, exclusive breastfeeding, and contact with other infants increase these bacteria. The team suggests probiotic supplements or infant formula enriched with the bacteria or metabolite as preventive strategies, with a patent filed. Translation to preventive use could appear in a few years, while therapies for existing allergies may take up to a decade to develop and approve.
Early research from Penn Medicine suggests that new mRNA vaccines could prevent food and seasonal allergies by stopping allergens from triggering immune reactions and inflammation, showing promise for future allergy treatments.
A woman faces family pressure to accommodate her dog's allergies during her sister's wedding visit, with her parents insisting her husband stay elsewhere due to their dogs, leading her to consider not attending the wedding to avoid family conflict.
A study suggests that feeding blueberries to infants between five and twelve months may reduce allergy symptoms, support immune balance, and promote beneficial gut bacteria, highlighting blueberries as a safe and potentially health-boosting first food for babies.
Eating excessive amounts of watermelon can cause digestive issues, trigger migraines due to tyramine, and pose risks for people with allergies or diabetes, despite its hydrating and nutritious qualities. Moderation is key to avoid these side effects.
Scientists are studying why Amish children almost never develop allergies, discovering that early exposure to farm microbes in barn dust trains their immune systems to react calmly to allergens. This 'farm effect' could lead to new preventive treatments like probiotics or dust-derived therapies to combat allergies in the broader population.