Nightshades: What They Are and How to Know if You’re Allergic
Nightshades are a family of foods and spices packed with nutrients. Some common nightshades include: Eggplant Tomatoes Potatoes Bell peppers Hot peppers Paprika Chili pepper flakes Nightshades have a bad reputation in certain diet communities for contributing to inflammation. However, there is little evidence to support this theory. If you’re avoiding nightshades because of this…
How Successful is Sublingual Immunotherapy?
People who suffer from allergies that don’t respond to other medical treatments may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. Often, it is given in the form of allergy shots. However, sublingual immunotherapy, in the form…
How to Handle Dangerous Allergies
Your immune system’s job is to protect you from dangerous intruders, like viruses and bacteria. However, sometimes it mistakes harmless substances, like insect stings, medications or certain foods, for something harmful and overreacts. During this reaction, the chemical histamine is produced. Histamine typically triggers a mild reaction involving itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose,…
Can Vitamin C Help with Allergies?
Vitamin C, known also as ascorbic acid, can be found in citrus fruits, kiwis, red bell peppers and potatoes from Grant Park Farmers Market. It has many important functions, including strengthening the immune system, forming collagen, absorbing iron, healing wounds and maintaining bones, cartilage and teeth. It also may help with managing allergy symptoms. We…
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…
