News
Is Your Sunscreen Safe?
Staying protected from the sun is not as simple as slathering on any old sunscreen. While it's good that Americans seem to have become more and more conscious of the dangers of unprotected, prolonged sun exposure, we still have a…
Peanuts on Airplanes – Yes or No?
It's an almost classic combination
Health Effects of Burning Oil
CNN Health reports on the health risks of the smoke clouds formed from burning off the oil from the recent oil spill. The smoke carries with it soot, volatile gases, and other toxic byproducts. Dr. Phil Harber from the Department…
Kroger Recalls Ice Cream
Summer has already arrive here in the South where temperatures have been over 90 degrees for the past week. Ice cream, the cool summer treat, is probably flying off the shelves. But, food allergy sufferers always have to be concerned…
Animal-Free Product Testing for Skin Allergies
The magazine Science Daily reports on a recent study published in Chemical Research and Toxicology that focuses on the development of a way to determine whether chemicals in consumer products and work places may cause skin allergies. The method does…
Chemicals from the Womb
A recent feature Toxic Chemicals Finding Their Way Into the Womb in CNN's series ‘Toxic America’ highlights the chemicals unborn babies are exposed to while still in their mothers' wombs. Over 200 types of potentially hazardous chemicals have shown up…
Natural Fragrance for Your Car
Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold are not the only allergy triggers. Even things that are not typically considered allergens can trigger symptoms. Fragrances are one exaqmple. Whether they're in cleaning products, candles, lotions, or home fragrance sprays, the…
The Allergy Capitals of America
A recent article about allergy suffering in America has some very interesting new information about what has made this allergy season tougher than ever on allergy sufferers. According to the article, Dr. Clifford Bassett, a NYC based allergist, blames this…
High Fat Meals Worsen Asthma
High fat energy meals may be dangerous for asthma sufferers because they can lead to both airway inflammation and the suppression of asthma medication albuterol, research from Australia indicates. As Medical News Today reports, these are the findings of a…
Anemophilous Plants Ruined My Saturday
As I blogged about recently, I've been struggling with seasonal allergies for the first time in my life, probably in large part due to my pregnancy. I moved to Atlanta from California almost three years ago, and it's also possible…
Down Comforter Care for Allergy Sufferers
With temperatures creeping ever upwards especially in our neck of the woods (Atlanta), it may seem like a strange time to talk about down comforters. But as spring cleaning projects wind to a close, you may be laundering your winter…
Rain and Pollen Counts
As the storms that have swept across the Southeast move into Atlanta, home base of achoo! ALLERGY, it's a good time to consider the relationship between rain and pollen
Oil Spill Along the Gulf Coast
The BP oil spill off the coast of Louisiana is a devastating environmental disaster that is already looking like it will eclipse the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Many of BPs attempts to minimize the damage have already been a…
Vitamin D Deficiencies Linked to Allergies, Asthma
ScienceDaily reports that low vitamin D levels are associated with lower lung function and greater medication use in children with asthma. Researchers at National Jewish Health published these findings in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, also reporting that…
Volcanic Ash and Air Quality
Breathing volcanic ash can have a big impact on respiratory health. There are people all across Europe who are suffering from the devastating impact of the eruption of the volcano underneath the glacier, Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland. Health effects are worse…
CNN Investigates Triclosan
To follow up with a story we covered in last week's blog Antibacterial Agent Triclosan Under FDA Review, check out this video from CNN, Concern Over Anti-Bacterial Products. Here are some highlights from the interview with Dr. Sarah Janssen of…
CNN Highlights Spring Allergies
Allergies have made the Health page at CNN.com. This Allergy Season Nothing to Sneeze At reports that this year's spring allergies have hit earlier because the trees are blossoming and pollinating earlier than usual. This happens when warm temperatures occur…
Antibacterial Agent Triclosan Under FDA Review
In this month of spring cleaning, we'd like to again focus our attention on some common but nevertheless dangerous substances found in household cleaning products. Today's spotlight turns to triclosan, a ubiquitous antibacterial agent found in everything from soaps and…
Atlanta Hits Record Pollen Levels
Many of us in Atlanta have been enjoying the great weather for the past week. Temperatures have been in the 80s and the sun has been shining. However, the pollen count in Atlanta has skyrocketed over the last week to…
Top Ten Household Chemicals to Avoid
More and more, we seem to be hearing news of the toxicity of chemicals found in objects and products all around us. Formaldehyde in furniture and upholstery; dyes, fragrances, and parabens (a kind of preservative) in cosmetics and personal care…
NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot
Developed by chronic sinus sufferer Dr. Ketan Mehta, the NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot is a complete, soothing, saline nasal rinse kit that provides much-needed moisture and natural relief from allergy and sinus symptoms. If you are congested, this natural remedy…
Choosing a Size for an Allergy Mask
Most masks we sell are one size fits all. They are adjustable. The key measurement from the top of the mask to the bottom is almost always more than enough for most people. The extra space around your head is…
Keeping Pollen Exposure to a Minimum
With spring officially upon us and pollen season revving up, now
Bedbugs
By now we're all familiar with the resurgence of the bedbug problem over the last few years. Once relegated to only to the catchy ‘Good night, sleep tight
Climate Change Increases Seasonal Allergies
According to a study that will be presented at this year's Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAI), Medical News Today reports in New Research Suggests Link Between Climate Change And Outdoor Allergies that climate…
Pets on Airplanes
The Canadian Medical Association Journal has stated that the preferences of pet owners should not replace the well-being of their fellow passengers, reports ScienceDaily. Since pets can be accommodated safely in cargo holds, the association has decided that airlines must…
SLIT Study in U.S. Boosts Chances for FDA Approval
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology by an allergic disease specialist at Allegheny General Hospital states that oral allergy treatment, or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), is a ‘safe and effective alternative to injections for adults who…
Childhood Eczema Influences Mental Health
A study published in the current issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has uncovered a link between eczema in early childhood and behavior and mental health later in life, ScienceDaily reports. The researchers, who followed almost six…
Valentine’s Day Allergies
A recent Medical News Today article, Could You Be Allergic to Valentine's Day? highlights a topic covered in this month's Allergy Consumer Report. Those with allergies to peanuts and tree nuts
Study of Allergic Children Yields New Insights
We have all heard about how allergies are on the rise, but a new population-based study offers some insight into just how allergies and asthma develop during childhood. As reported by ScienceDaily, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and…
Toilet Seat Dermatitis
An article from the websiteHealth.com recently highlighted an allergy that we don't hear about very often–toilet seat dermatitis. The condition refers to contact dermatitis that is caused by harsh cleaning chemicals and wooden toilet seats. United States' incidents of toilet…
Austin Air Price Increase
Have you been thinking about purchasing a new Austin Air air purifier for your home? Or have you been meaning to buy a new replacement HEPA filter for your Austin Healthmate or Austin Healthmate Plus? There has never been a…
Smoking Cessation Boosts Lung Cancer Prognosis
In respiratory health news, a recent study says that people with early lung cancer who quit smoking could double their chances of survival. Though this may seem intuitive, previously there was little proof that quitting smoking after developing lung cancer…
Avoid Colds this Winter
For allergy and asthma sufferers, getting a cold is not just an inconvenience. Combined with the congestion, stuffiness, and other symptoms brought on by allergy attacks, colds can lead to bigger problems, like sinusitis. Therefore, it is particularly important for…
Stop Sinus Problems Before They Start
Winter weather is in full swing and so are the colds and flus the season brings with it. Though everyone is susceptible, allergy and and asthma sufferers are particularly prone to developing sinus problems when battling cold, dry weather conditions…
More Accurate Peanut Allergy Blood Test Developed
Researchers at University Hospital South Manchester and Phadia AB in Uppsala, Sweded have developed a new and more accurate blood test for peanut allergy,
Eliminate Air Fresheners for Better Indoor Air
As discussed in Indoor Air Quality in the Winter, now is the time of year to be especially vigilant about the fumes and other pollutants we allow to permeate our indoor air. Due to homes sealed against cold temperatures combined…
Clear-Ease Natural Fruit Lozenges
When your nasal passages are congested, there is nothing more frustrating. Headaches and difficulty breathing can keep you home from work and stuck in your home. Sinus cavities are painful when swollen. Clear-ease Natural Fruit Lozenges help reduce the swelling…
Drinking Alcohol and Allergies
Everyone is coming out with a “Best Movies of the Year” list this month. One movie likely to be on the list is the popular 2009 summer movie the Hangover, which told the story of four friends and their comical…
Mothers’ Exposure to Microbes Prevents Children’s Allergies
A recent German study has found that a pregnant woman
Introducing the Dyson DC28 Animal
The new Dyson DC28 Animal is the perfect HEPA vacuum cleaner for an allergy sufferer or pet owner that needs maximum cleaning power in their home. This vacuum is recommended for a large home or apartment with wall-to-wall carpeting; however,…
‘Tis the Season Holiday Sale
'Tis the season to enjoy great savings on almost all of your favorite AchooAllergy.com products. We are excited to announce that we are offering a great combination End of the Year Sale and Prize giveaway. When you place an order…
Five Reasons to Get a Humidifier Now
If you don’t have a humidifier in your allergy avoidance arsenal, here are five compelling reasons to have one and use one during the winter months: Ease cold and flu symptoms: By adding moisture back into the air, a humidifier…
Quitting Smoking Reverses Lung Damage
Recent research published in the December 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has revealed that asthmatic smokers may be able to reverse some of the damage caused to their lungs by quitting smoking. This…
12 Holiday Tips for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers
It seems that every season has unique challenges for allergy and asthma sufferers, and the holidays are certainly no exception. But as always, knowledge and prevention help keep those with allergies and asthma safe and breathing well. The American Academy…
Girl Sneezes Nonstop (Really)
Every allergy sufferer knows how awful it is to sneeze repeatedly during the day. But even what is described as ‘sneezing nonstop’ can't match 12-year-old Lauren Johnson's experience of sneezing up to 12,000 times a day. As reported by Fox…
Three Tips for Avoiding Dry Skin During Winter
Winter can be a terrible time for skin. Cold, dry air and heated dry air can combine to leave your skin less than supple. Here are three easy things you can do to keep dry skin at bay this winter:…
Air Pollution Levels High Near Small Airports
People living near small regional airports may be at risk for increased health problems due to airborne pollutants, ScienceDaily reports in an article titled, Hidden Threat: Elevated Pollution Levels Near Regional Airports. Air pollution near major airports has been a…
Vicks Nasal Spray Recalled
CNN Health reports today on Procter & Gamble's recall of Vicks Sinex nasal spray in the United States, Britain, and Germany. The voluntary recall was announced after bacteria was found in some of the product made in Germany. Although there…
Peanut-Sniffing Dogs Give Kids a Chance at Normal Lives
Few pet-owner relationships are as heartwarming as those between a seeing eye dog and his master. Recently, the Today Show on NBC reported the same kind of dog-helping-human companionship for food allergic children. Peanut-sniffing dogs are trained to sniff for…