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Articles categorized as Allergies

Article imageJoe Graedon - October 28, 2024
Article imageJoe Graedon - October 21, 2024
Article imageTerry Graedon - November 18, 2024 - 7 comments

What Are the Alternatives to an EpiPen? neffy?

There are alternative ways to deliver an epinephrine shot in an emergency due to severe allergic reactions. What about neffy nasal spray?

Joe Graedon - October 14, 2024

Unbearable Itching After Stopping Antihistamines Like Xyzal or Zyrtec

Terry Graedon - October 10, 2024

Show 1403: Managing Year-Round Allergies with Medicines and Herbs

Terry Graedon - October 10, 2024

Are There Natural Ways to Reduce Allergy Symptoms?

Joe Graedon - October 7, 2024

Nighttime Nasal Congestion | Is There a Non-Addictive Treatment?

Terry Graedon - September 5, 2024

Show 1398: Protecting Children from the Perils of Plastic

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Terry Graedon - September 2, 2024

Should You Use NasalCrom for Your Allergies?

Decongestant nose sprays can be used for only a few days before you risk dependence. Using NasalCrom for your allergies is an alternative.

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Joe Graedon - August 19, 2024

Zyrtec Withdrawal Is a Nightmare

Even doctors report that getting off of Zyrtec (Cetirizine) poses a real itching challenge. Is there such a thing as Zyrtec withdrawal?

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Joe Graedon - August 19, 2024

Can You Trust Canadian Online Pharmacies?

Some generic meds have different "inactive" ingredients. Can you safely save BIG money using Canadian online pharmacies to buy brand names?

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Terry Graedon - August 15, 2024

Allergic Reactions May Require Extra Epinephrine

An anaphylactic reaction could be life threatening. Effective treatment may include an extra epinephrine dose by injection or nasal spray.

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Terry Graedon - August 5, 2024

Can You Ease Sinus Woes by Avoiding Dairy?

One reader found that dropping dairy products eliminated sinus woes. Could this be a symptom of a food allergy?

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Terry Graedon - July 1, 2024

Stopping Antihistamine Leads to Unbelievable Itching

Abruptly stopping the antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec) led to unbelievable itching. The doctor who reported this had not seen it in the medical literature.

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Joe Graedon - April 15, 2024

NasalCrom Is a Forgotten Allergy Treatment That Works!

If you are sneezing and sniffling you want an effective allergy treatment WITHOUT serious side effects. Cromolyn might be worth considering.

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Joe Graedon - February 15, 2024

Is Phenylephrine a Worthless Decongestant? FDA’s Dilemma!

Why did it take FDA SO LONG to realize the decongestant phenylephrine is ineffective? Have Americans wasted billions on worthless products?

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Joe Graedon - February 12, 2024

Reader Spanks Us Over Phenylephrine Decongestant!

Phenylephrine is in cold, cough and allergy pills. The FDA says it doesn't work! How about the phenylephrine decongestant in nose sprays?

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Terry Graedon - October 19, 2023

Show 1360: The Pros & Perils of OTC Drugs

In this live radio show, get answers to your questions about the safety and effectiveness of OTC drugs. Can you trust them?

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Terry Graedon - October 1, 2023

Stinging Nettles Soothe Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

People take stinging nettles to ease allergy symptoms such as sneezing and stuffiness. The root extract is reputed to ease prostate problems.

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Terry Graedon - September 21, 2023

Does It Make Sense to Order Your Own Laboratory Tests?

When you order laboratory tests online, make sure you know what the company does with your data as well as how reliable it is.

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Terry Graedon - September 18, 2023

Should You Take NasalCrom for Your Seasonal Allergies?

Some readers found it best to take NasalCrom nose spray for allergies year-round, including house dust mites and cat dander.

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Joe Graedon - July 24, 2023

Should Pharmacists Be Able to Prescribe Behind the Counter Drugs?

Many countries permit pharmacists to prescribe behind the counter drugs such as antivirals, antibiotics, and asthma meds. Why not in the US?

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Terry Graedon - May 1, 2023

Bee Product Propolis Can Cause Uncomfortable Allergy Symptoms

Despite the buzz over bee-derived propolis, some people have allergic reactions to products containing this ingredient.

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Terry Graedon - February 6, 2023

Can You Overcome Allergies with Xlear?

Xlear nasal spray can help clear pollen from nasal passage to ease allergy symptoms. Saline solution may also be useful against allergies.

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Terry Graedon - February 2, 2023

Show 1329: Dealing with Dangerous Food Allergies

Pediatrician Dr. Edwin Kim is ready to answer your questions about preventing dangerous food allergies for children and adults.

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Joe Graedon - January 5, 2023

Prednisone Side Effects: Deal With The Devil?

Prednisone is a valuable medication for many serious conditions, but prednisone side effects can be serious, including sepsis and psychological reactions.

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Terry Graedon - August 8, 2022

Can Quercetin Control Your Allergy Symptoms?

The plant compound quercetin may be as effective as NasalCrom at preventing allergy symptoms. Some readers like it even better.

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Joe Graedon - June 20, 2022

Prednisone Withdrawal: Can You Ever Stop Corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are prescribed to millions of people. Many may not be informed about side effects or strategies for prednisone withdrawal.

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Joe Graedon - May 9, 2022

NasalCrom (Cromolyn Sodium) Is Surprisingly Helpful for Allergies

Are you sneezing, sniffling and congested? Are allergies making you miserable? Antihistamines and corticosteroids are popular. NasalCrom is another option!

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Joe Graedon - January 10, 2022

The Itch That Won’t Quit | Itching After Stopping Xyzal (Levocetirazine)

The FDA finally responded to our questions about itching after stoping Xyzal or Zyrtec. Why aren't people warned about this on OTC labels?

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Joe Graedon - October 4, 2021

Stopping Zyrtec (Cetirizine) Led to Itchy Nightmare

When people take cetirizine for allergy symptoms they do not think about side effects when they stop the drug. But reports of withdrawal itching continue!

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Terry Graedon - September 27, 2021

Can You Take Quercetin for Your Allergies?

Plants make some compounds to defend themselves that can be helpful for people, too. Should you be taking the flavonol quercetin for your allergies?

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Terry Graedon - September 13, 2021

Mystery Allergen Nutmeg Is Tough to Avoid

With a lot of work and some luck, a reader identified nutmeg as the mystery allergen that had been causing misery. Pea protein is another.

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Terry Graedon - May 31, 2021

Does Watermelon or Pineapple Make Your Throat Itch?

If you have pollen allergies, eating certain fruits with related proteins might also make your throat itch.

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Joe Graedon - May 17, 2021

Do Flonase and Nasacort Harm the Sense of Smell?

Steroid nasal sprays may reduce or damage the sense of smell or taste; in some cases, they do not recover.

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Joe Graedon - May 3, 2021

Solve Spring Allergy Symptoms Safely!

Should you use antihistamines, steroid sprays or more natural approaches for spring allergy symptoms?

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Joe Graedon - April 5, 2021

Should You Report Drug Side Effects to the FDA?

Have you ever taken the time to report drug side effects to the FDA? You should! Most doctors are too busy and drug companies hate bad news.

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Terry Graedon - January 4, 2021

Will an Allergen-Free Diet Help Your Joint Pain?

One reader found that following an allergen-free diet without dairy, eggs or gluten eliminated joint pain. Will it work for you?

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Terry Graedon - November 9, 2020

Is Your Pillow the Source of Your Allergy Symptoms?

Your pillow, much as you love it, could be harboring dust mites that can cause allergy and asthma. Do you need to replace it?

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Terry Graedon - October 1, 2020

Show 1229: The End of Food Allergies

Strict avoidance is one way to manage food allergies, but it can be very difficult. Oral immunotherapy now offers an alternative approach.

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Terry Graedon - May 25, 2020

Reader Regains Sense of Smell Lost to Flonase

Some anti-inflammatory nasal sprays have been linked to the loss of the sense of smell. One lucky reader celebrated its mysterious return.

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Terry Graedon - May 4, 2020

Quercetin Is a Natural Way to Relieve Spring Allergies

The flavonoids quercetin and luteolin can dampen mast cell response to allergic triggers and ease symptoms from spring allergies.

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Terry Graedon - April 16, 2020

Show 1208: Keeping Kids Healthy in the Age of Coronavirus

How are parents and grandparents keeping kids healthy when they can't go to school or the playground? Dr. Alan Greene has suggestions for families, 4/18/20.

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Joe Graedon - March 16, 2020

Singulair – Montelukast Warning About Psych Side Effects

Singulair is sold as a generic allergy and asthma drug under the name montelukast. The FDA has just issued a montelukast warning about serious side effects.

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Terry Graedon - February 20, 2020

Are Household Cleaners Harmful to Babies?

Babies exposed to the fumes from common household cleaners during their first few months are more likely to develop asthma as youngsters.

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Joe Graedon - January 20, 2020

Are Your Medicines Delivered in Cold Weather?

Do you get your medicines delivered? Many insurance companies require people to get their drugs through the mail. Are there concerns about cold temperature?

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Joe Graedon - January 6, 2020

Do Doctors Know About Zyrtec Antihistamine Withdrawal ?

Why doesn't the FDA require a warning about cetirizine - Zyrtec antihistamine withdrawal on the OTC drug label? Ditto for levocetirizine (Xyzal). Help FDA!

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Terry Graedon - September 9, 2019

Will You Breathe Better by Cutting Out Dairy?

One reader found a way to greatly improve hay fever symptoms: cutting out dairy. Would this work against your sniffles and sneezes?

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Terry Graedon - June 3, 2019

Why Sterile Water Is Best to Flush Sinuses

You can use a saline solution made with salt and sterile water to wash out your nasal passages and clear your sinuses during allergy season.

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Terry Graedon - May 23, 2019

Show 1166: How Can You Manage the Misery of Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies can make you miserable, but a combination of medication and common-sense measures can help you manage the symptoms.

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Terry Graedon - February 28, 2019

Will Tick Bites Make You Allergic to Red Meat?

Scientists have found that tick bites from two species, not just one, can trigger alpha-gal allergy to mammalian meat.

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Terry Graedon - September 27, 2018

What’s Your Personal Invisible Cloud Made of?

Each of us is surrounded by an exposome–an invisible cloud of bacteria, viruses, fungi and volatile compounds that can have an effect on our health.

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Terry Graedon - September 10, 2018

Is It Safe to Use NasalCrom for Years?

Some people control their allergies with the preventative nasal spray NasalCrom for years. No red flags have been raised about long-term safety.

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Joe Graedon - July 30, 2018

Allergy Symptoms? | NasalCrom to the Rescue!

What do you take for your allergy symptoms? Antihistamines? Steroid nasal sprays? Decongestants? Have you ever heard of NasalCrom (cromolyn sodium)? It might be a good choice.

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Karen Berger, PharmD, RPh - July 12, 2018

A Walk Down the Aisle of Allergy Meds

There are a lot of different allergy meds available without prescription. Here's help in choosing the right one for you.

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Joe Graedon - May 17, 2018

Are You Highly Allergic? What To Do About EpiPen Shortage?

The FDA has just warned about an EpiPen shortage. What took the agency so long? Read a tale of woe and intrigue about a life-saving drug.

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Terry Graedon - May 17, 2018

You Don’t Have to Be a Farmer to Benefit from the Farm

A Dutch study shows that you don't have to be a farmer to have immune system benefits from exposure to animals and their microbes. People who live near farms have fewer allergies.

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Joe Graedon - April 2, 2018

How to Treat Seasonal Allergies: Drugs or Natural Approaches?

Are you sniffling and sneezing. Congestion? Pollen is in the air even if you can't see it. If you are starting to suffer there are many ways to treat seasonal allergies.

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Joe Graedon - December 18, 2017

How Can You Allergy-Proof Your Bedroom to Control Congestion?

Health professionals often prescribe drugs to control allergy symptoms. What if you could allergy-proof your home to eliminate the source of the problem.

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Terry Graedon - November 27, 2017

Should You Take NasalCrom to Overcome Your Allergies?

If you are often troubled with sneezes and congestion due to dust, pollen or dander, consider using NasalCrom to overcome your allergies.

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Terry Graedon - October 26, 2017

A Dog in the Home: Less Asthma and Eczema for Kids?

Babies living in a home with a dog are less likely to develop asthma and eczema than others without furry friends at home.

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Joe Graedon - July 17, 2017

Allergy Sprays and Cataracts?

Allergy sprays seem so simple. How could a medicine you spray in your nose be absorbed into the body and cause cataracts? An eye doctor shares his story.

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Terry Graedon - June 19, 2017

What Are the Downsides to Your Nasal Spray?

A steroid nasal spray like Flonase can combat congestion and other allergy symptoms, but it may also lead to cataracts or changes in the sense of smell.

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Terry Graedon - June 5, 2017

Is There a Sugar from Mammals Hiding in Your Medicines?

An alpha-gal allergic reaction to a sugar from mammals could make certain medicines risky. How can you learn which to avoid?

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Terry Graedon - May 8, 2017

Can You Overcome Dry Mouth with Sugar-Free Sweetener?

Certain products containing xylitol may help you overcome dry mouth. Treating allergies to get rid of nighttime congestion could also help.

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Joe Graedon - May 1, 2017

Should You Worry About Scary Corticosteroid Side Effects?

Most people think that corticosteroid side effects occur only after long-term treatment. New research suggests that short-term therapy also poses a problem.

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Joe Graedon - April 17, 2017

How to Soothe Allergy Symptoms Without Serious Side Effects

Are you looking for safer treatments for allergy symptoms? Tired of steroid sprays or antihistamines? Readers share different approaches for symptom relief.

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Joe Graedon - March 30, 2017

Stopping Xyzal Triggers Horrible Itching

Many readers have found that stopping Xyzal leads to horrible itching. It may take several weeks for this withdrawal symptom to subside.

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Terry Graedon - March 2, 2017

How Probiotics Could Ease Your Seasonal Allergies

A placebo-controlled study suggests that taking a particular probiotic could make seasonal allergies easier to tolerate.

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Terry Graedon - September 8, 2016

Can You Prevent Allergies and Eczema?

When youngsters get multiple antibiotic prescriptions as babies, their risk of developing allergies such as eczema or hay fever increases.

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Joe Graedon - August 25, 2016

EpiPen Price Increase Outrages Americans

The EpiPen price increase has triggered a media firestorm. The CEO defends the $600 price because the system is broken and a $300 coupon solves the problem.

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Terry Graedon - July 14, 2016

Are Kids Who Sucked Their Thumbs Less Prone to Allergies?

People who sucked their thumbs as little children were somewhat less likely to have allergies once they grew up. The hygiene hypothesis at work?

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Terry Graedon - June 27, 2016

How to Ease Nasal Congestion with Saline

A simple saline solution in a spray or a neti pot can help rinse out nasal passages and ease nasal congestion due to allergies or sinusitis.

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Terry Graedon - June 13, 2016

How to Relieve Allergies with Saline Spray

Should you try saline spray to relive nasal congestion due to allergies? Many people find it helpful.

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Joe Graedon - May 14, 2016

Are There Any Allergy Remedies That Won’t Harm Your Brain?

If you are experiencing allergic symptoms you may be caught in a double bind. The most effective allergy remedies may scramble the brain and cause harm.

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Joe Graedon - May 2, 2016

Can Popular Antihistamine (Benadryl) Cause Brain Fog?

Diphenhydramine (DPH) is found in lots of OTC medications. Many people are unaware they are taking a powerful anticholinergic drug that can cause brain fog.

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Terry Graedon - April 11, 2016

Could Nasacort Hurt the Senses of Smell and Taste?

Nasal steroid sprays for allergies alleviate symptoms, but they may harm the senses of smell and taste. This can interfere with sensing a gas leak.

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Terry Graedon - December 7, 2015

Feeling Better on a Gluten-Free Diet

Why do some people feel much better when they avoid eating foods containing gluten, even though they don't have celiac disease?

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Joe Graedon - October 19, 2015

How Old Is Your Pillow? If You Can’t Remember, Throw It Out.

People rarely considerthat their pillow could be a breeding ground for fungi, dust mites & other allergens. Could your pillow be affecting your breathing?

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Joe Graedon - August 24, 2015

Melon Reaction Could Signal Deadly Latex Allergy

A bothersome reaction to eating melons could presage a potentially lethal latex allergy that might develop with little or no warning.

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Joe Graedon - August 13, 2015

Kiddy Meals of Fish Reduce Risk of Rhinitis Later

Youngsters who ate herring, mackerel and salmon at age 8 had half the risk of rhinitis in their teens as kids who rarely ate fish.

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Joe Graedon - July 27, 2015

Watch Out for Nasty Neosporin Reaction

Choose the ointment for cuts and scrapes carefully to avoid suffering a Neosporin reaction.

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Joe Graedon - June 8, 2015

Calming Allergic Reactions with Natural Approaches

A number of natural products can be very helpful in calming allergic reactions and reducing sniffling and sneezing.

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Joe Graedon - March 1, 2015

Reducing the Risk of Peanut Allergy

Giving high-risk babies peanut protein reduced their chance of developing a severe peanut allergy as they grew older.

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Joe Graedon - March 1, 2015

Washing Dishes by Hand Lowers Likelihood of Childhood Allergies

Families that washed dishes by hand had a lower incidence of eczema, asthma and other allergies.

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Joe Graedon - December 18, 2014

Do You Know How to Use Your Inhaler?

Many asthma patients don't know how to use a metered dose inhaler for optimum effect.

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Joe Graedon - November 24, 2014

Turmeric Triggered Allergic Reaction

Despite an exciting range of health benefits, turmeric can cause bad reactions for some people.

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Joe Graedon - November 17, 2014

Scary Reaction to Flu Shot

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Joe Graedon - November 6, 2014

When Allergy Treatment Aggravates the Symptoms

Allergy medicines that trigger allergic reactions can make symptoms worse and be difficult to detect.

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Joe Graedon - October 6, 2014

New OTC Nasacort Is the Same as Rx Nasacort

In switching Nasacort from prescription to over-the-counter status, the manufacturers and FDA did not change the dose.

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Terry Graedon - August 15, 2013

Real Food for Babies Reduces Allergies

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Terry Graedon - April 15, 2013

Beware Zombie Drivers in Allergy Season

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Terry Graedon - April 1, 2013

Overcoming Nose Spray Addiction

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Terry Graedon - March 28, 2013

Allergy Drops Stack Up

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Joe Graedon - September 30, 2012

Allergy Symptoms Persist Year Round

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Terry Graedon - June 28, 2012

Antibacterial Compound May Contribute to Allergies

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Terry Graedon - March 5, 2012

Remedy Required for Nasal Congestion

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Terry Graedon - November 3, 2011

Corticosteroids Linked to Low Levels of Vitamin D

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Terry Graedon - June 27, 2011

Apple Juice and Allergy Medicine Don’t Mix

Taking fexofenadine (Allegra) with apple juice could interfere with its effectiveness. Other drugs are also affected by apple and orange juice.

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Terry Graedon - June 23, 2011

Food Allergies Nothing to Sneeze at

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Joe Graedon - December 16, 2010

Linden Blossom Tea for Congestion

Linden blossom tea is a traditional folk remedy for cold season. The tasty beverage has immune-modulating properties.

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Terry Graedon - December 9, 2010

Do Intestinal Parasites Prevent Allergies?

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Terry Graedon - April 9, 2010

Allergies: How to Stop the Sneezing

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Terry Graedon - November 21, 2009

Cilantro Shuts Down Voice

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Joe Graedon - May 11, 2009

Immune System Overdrive Equals Allergy Misery

The immune system protects you from pathogens, but immune system overdrive may make you miserable with reactions to allergens.

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Joe Graedon - August 20, 2007

Liquid Bandage Eases Earring Irritation

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Terry Graedon - June 1, 2007

Antihistamine Nasal Spray Offers Pricey Relief

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Terry Graedon - April 30, 2007

Allergy Relief Is Complicated

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Terry Graedon - May 7, 2006

Relief from Allergies Is Confusing

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Joe Graedon - May 12, 2003

New Allergy Medicines Offer Relief & Confusion