achoo! ALLERGY Founder Tested for Allergies – Again
Cade McDonald, CEO and founder of achoo! ALLERGY, was recently re-tested for allergies. He stopped taking his immunotherapy allergy shots a couple of years ago because he developed a bad sinus infection (and it's not a good idea to receive…
Bed Bugs Found in Fox News Channel Newsroom
Mediabistro.com reports that part of the Fox News Channel newsroom contained evidence of bed bugs, and an exterminator was brought in late last week to treat the problem. An employee of Fox News most likely unknowingly transported bed bugs into…
The Air Xperience from Xolair: Asthma Simulator
Several pharmaceutical companies had impressive exhibit booths at the 2007 ACAAI meeting in Dallas. One of the more interesting booths was for Xolair, a medication to treat allergic asthma. Xolair works by blocking immunoglobulin E (IgE), an underlying cause of…
achoo! ALLERGY Rocks at the ACAAI Meeting
I just got back from the 2007 meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in Dallas, Texas. We had an achoo! ALLERGY booth in the exhibit hall to answer questions about Allergy Armor
Home Remodeling for Allergy Sufferers
I just moved into a new home here in Atlanta and had to do quite a bit of remodeling. The floors were in really bad shape, and I decided to rip up the remaining carpet, pull up all the nails…
The Appendix & The Hygiene Hypothesis
The hygiene hypothesis is a hot topic among allergists and immunologists; it suggests that the prevalence of allergic diseases in modern societies is related to our overly hygienic lives. For example, kids who grow up on farms usually have lower…
Childhood Food Allergies on Cover of Newsweek
This week's cover story for Newsweek expores the problem of children's food allergies at school. Peanut allergies among children under five doubled between 1997 and 2002. Kids are developing allergies to all sorts of foods like sesame and kiwi, and…
Californians Face Polluted Air from Wildfires
The wildfires in Southen California may be retreating, but they've left behind high levels of airborne particulate matter and a strong odor of smoke. ‘It's vital that people who live in the affected areas equip themselves with tools that offer…
Is Your Asthma Really Under Control?
Two-thirds of adults report that their disease is under control, according to WebMD. However, more than half experience asthma symptoms at least once a week. Even more telling, one in three adults say they use a rescue inhaler at least…
Have a Happy, Healthy Halloween!
Halloween can be an scary time of year – especially for children with food allergies and their parents. According to HealthNewsDigest.com, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) offers the following advice: When classroom parties are planned, parents…
One in Seven Asthma Cases Linked to Spray Cleaners
Fox News reports that a new study links spray cleaners and air fresheners to one in seven cases of asthma in adults. Researchers say that just spraying a cleaner once a week can trigger an asthma attack, but more frequent…
Osmond Blames Allergies, Poor Air Quality for Fainting
According to accessatlanta.com, Marie Osmond blames her allergies and the poor air quality in Los Angeles for her fainting spell during a performance on the ABC TV show Dancing with the Stars. ‘Right at the beginning . . . I…
Dark Circles Under Eyes Could Be From Allergies
Dr. Daniel More of about.com explains, ‘Dark circles under the eyes, when related to nasal allergies, are called ‘allergic shiners.’ Allergic shiners are related to nasal congestion, which can occur for other reasons besides allergies, such as with the common…
Is Britney Spears Allergic to Underwear?
Fox News reports that allergies may play a role in Britney Spears' aversion to wearing panties. A source in the wardrobe industry claims that Britney has suffered from allergic reactions to underwear in the past: ‘Britney has sensitive skin all…
Deciphering the Secrets of the Immune System
Earlier this month, in the article Allergy & Cancer: Is There A Connection?, I wrote: Maybe one day scientists will crack the code of the intricate immune system, and diseases like cancer and allergies will be things of the past.…
Five Facts about Construction Dust
Recently, thanks to increased awareness about the dangers of construction dust, many builders have started hosing down sites with water to prevent heavy build-up of dust and that’s why construction permits are important so people around can know about these…
Menstrual Irregularity Linked to Asthma
Reuters UK reports that women who have irregular menstrual periods are more likely to have abnormal lung function and asthma. ‘Physicians should be aware that women with menstrual irregularity seem to be at greater risk of asthma and impaired lung…
You’re Invited to Our Open House! Oct. 25
(details) See how we allergy-proofed our new headquarters, and learn how to allergy-proof your life with clean, green living.
California Bans Ozone Air Purifiers
LATimes.com reports that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has banned popular in-home ozone air purifiers because studies show that these air purifiers can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma, which marketers claim they help to prevent. The ban takes effect…
Clean Your Air & Support Breast Cancer Research with New AirPod Pink
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Do your part in the fight against this horrible disease! $5.00 from every Blueair AirPod Pink sale goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Blueair AirPod air purifier stands at only 13…
Over $22,000 in Prizes in achoo! ALLERGY’s 2007 Holiday Giveaway
The 2007 Allergy Relief Holiday Giveaway from achooallergy.com is officially under way! This year we'll be giving away over $22,000 in prizes, including a Tempur-Pedic
Free Blueair Filter with Air Purifier Purchase
Act Now! Offer ends October 31, 2007.
Introducing the World’s Most Efficient Air Purifier: The ECO10
Blueair's eco-friendly engineers have created the world's most energy efficient air purifier, 10 to 20 times more efficient than comparable units. The Blueair ECO10 air purifier uses only 10 watts on its highest fan speed; that's just a fraction of…
Got Food Allergies? Check out AllergyGrocer.com
Recently featured in The Wall Street Journal, AllergyGrocer.com has a large selection of foods for people who have food allergies. Founded as Miss Roben's in 1992, the company initially sold only a few different wheat and gluten free mixes, along…
12 Most Dangerous Household Chemicals
Maybe you’ve been wondering just how harmful the fumes from everyday household products are? Often, when a chemical, fume, or vapor is harmful, its strong smell or odor is the first identifier of this. However, this can also be the…
Pesticide Exposure Linked to Asthma Among Farmers
Reuters UK reports that exposure to common pesticides appears to increase the risk of asthma. According to a study at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in North Carolina, a history of high pesticide exposure among farmers doubles the…
True Food Shopping Guide – GM Food Guide
Since I blogged about the possibility of Genetically Modified Foods being behind the increase in food allergies, I've received several questions (mainly from concerned parents) about how to avoid GM foods. My standard answer has always been that you can…
Allergy Drops Work Better Than Allergy Shots, Less Painful
Sublingual allergy drops constitute a form of immunotherapy – just like allergy shots – but the drops are not injected with a needle. Rather, one drop is placed under the tongue three times a day, and the drops can be…
One in Three College Athletes Has Exercise-Induced Asthma
According to washingtonpost.com, one of out three college athletes has exercise-induced asthma. The Ohio State University study found that exercise-induced asthma typically occurs between five minutes and 20 minutes after intense physical exertion. Symptoms may include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing,…
Dust Bunnies Aggravate Allergies
Yahoo! News reports that 75 percent of homes have unwated ‘dust bunnies’ that aggravate allergies. In an air quality survey, more than half of residents said that someone in their home suffers from allergies, yet only 25% of households report…
Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) vs. Asthma
According to HULIQ.com, new research shows that some children are likely being misdiagnosed with asthma. Asthma is, without a doubt, the most common chronic condition facing children, but many children who are diagnosed with asthma in emergency room settings may…
Allergy Alert: ‘Death by Chocolate’ Cookies Recalled
In an ironic twist, Atlanta-based company Bella Cucina has recalled its ‘Death by Chocolate’ cookies because of undelcared walnuts. People who have an allergy to walnuts are at-risk for life-threatening allergic reactions if they eat these products. According to the…
Penicillin Allergy More Common in Women
Scientific American reports that penicillin allergy is more common in women than men, according to the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. The study found than penicillin allergy is more likely to develop in women, even after factoring in the…
Moth Allergen & Contact Dermatitis
The Open Press reports that common moths can be just as damaging as dust mites when it comes to allergic skin conditions. One study found that 60 percent of people who react to dust mites are also sensitive to moth…
Laser Printers & Indoor Air Quality
The Indoor Air Quality Commission Newsletter reports that some laser printers can generate the same amount of ultra-fine particles as tobacco smoke! Breathing in these tiny particles can irritate the lungs and, over time, lead to more severe conditions like…
Wedding Planning for Allergy Sufferers
Don’t let your allergies ruin your big day! To make sure you say, ‘I do’ instead of ‘achoo,’ follow these wedding planning tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI): If you are still in the planning…
Atlanta Air Quality Hits Danger Zone with Ozone
For the third day in a row, the city of Atlanta (home of achoo! ALLERGY) faces a Code Red smog alert, which means that the air is unhealthy for everyone. With temperatures in the high 90s and heat indexes over…
Researcher Discovers Drug That May Cure All Allergies
According to Daily Express and ScienceDaily, researchers have discovered a ground-breaking drug – a protein that blocks the inflammatory action of mast cells and has the potential to cure all allergic diseases. Mast cells are found in the eye, nose,…
Free Allergy Screenings in Atlanta
Piedmont Ear, Nose, Throat & Related Allergy is currently offering FREE ALLERGY SCREENINGS for a limited time! The free screenings include allergy testing for grass (Bermuda, Bahia, Fescue, Johnson), weeds (Short Ragweed, English Plantain, Red-Root Pigweed, Sorrel, Lamb
Body Piercings Increase Nickel Allergies
I've blogged about temporary tattoos that could bring on allergies, and now, according to the CourierPost Online, the popularity of body piercing has led to a rise in nickel allergies. Nickel is often one of the metals present in piercing…
Are Genetically Modified Foods Behind the Increase in Food Allergies?
The Non-Toxic Times Newsletter reports that some people in the scientific community think that the startling, inexplicable rise in food allergies in recent years can be traced to genetically modified foods. Thirty years ago, food allergies were rare, but now…
Nurses at Higher Risk for Occupational Asthma
Nursing in Practice reports that nurses are twice as likely as members of the general public to suffer from occupational asthma. A nine-year, global study showed that nurses had a 122% excessive asthma risk. Researchers say that this increased risk…
Sick Children May Be Better Off Without Antibiotics
According to US News & World Report, treatment with antibiotics may be useless when it comes to some children's conditions – and antibiotics may even make matters worse. A recent study indicates that the use of antibiotics for any purpose…
Planning a Vacation for a Child with Asthma
The Moorpark Acorn recently published an article about planning family vacations for a child with asthma. Here are some tips: Check the weather at the destination. Extreme hot and cold can trigger asthma attacks. Check pollen and mold counts, too.…
Nasal Tube May Replace Mask for Sleep Apnea Treatment
According to medpage today, nasal cannula may replace bulky continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks in the treatment of sleep apnea. The nasal cannula delivers warm, humidified air, which can significantly reduce the symptoms of mild obstructive sleep apnea. ‘We…
Geographic Differences in Auto Injector Prescriptions – Sunlight, Vitamin D & Allergies
A study published in the July 2007 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggests strong variation in the occurence of anaphlyaxis between northern and southern U.S. states, reports the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Southern…
Gas Ovens & Indoor Air Quality
More than half of kitchens with gas ovens exceed the World Health Organization guidelines for annual exposure to nitrogen dioxide.
Why Are Yawns Contagious?
Even though this topic is not directly related to allergies, I just have to blog about it because this is something I've wondered about my entire life, and I've never heard a satisfactory explanation until now… (And, while this topic…
If You’re Allergic to Nail Polish…
If you’re allergic to nail polish, you can still have great-looking, healthy nails without using it. Linda McCloud of beyondallergy.com writes that nail polish smells so strongly because of the phthalates, solvents, formaldehydes, fragrances, preservatives, and dyes. That’s a lot…
Study Suggests One in Four People Allergic to Cats
In a shocking article, PetClub UK reports that a recent study at Imperial College in London suggests that household cats trigger allergic reactions in 25% of people! Cat dander is one of the smallest, lightest, and stickiest allergens. Researchers admit…