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“Is this a sign of allergies or a bad cold?” This is a common question, particularly during the spring allergy season or the winter months when colds are prevalent. These two health conditions, while sharing common symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and fatigue, are fundamentally different in their causes and treatment options. Allergies, often… [Read More]

It’s possible for adults to notice allergic reactions to alcoholic beverages, even if they’ve never had issues before. Though true alcohol allergies are rare, they still occur and can cause severe symptoms like rashes, trouble breathing, stomach cramps, collapse, or anaphylaxis. Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy’s nationally recognized allergy specialists bring deep expertise in… [Read More]

Shortness of breath can happen for different reasons, and one of them may be allergies. When your body reacts to things like pollen, dust, or pet dander, it can lead to swelling or irritation in your airways, which may make it harder to breathe. So, can allergies cause shortness of breath? Yes, they can—especially if… [Read More]

Allergy shots are a long-term treatment option that can significantly alleviate the symptoms of patients suffering from various types of allergies. These shots are a form of allergy treatment that involves injecting small amounts of allergens into the body to stimulate the immune response, thereby reducing the allergic response over time. The goal of allergy… [Read More]

Allergies affect millions of people worldwide and are notorious for causing a myriad of physical symptoms. These symptoms are often easily recognized and include itchy eyes, a runny nose, and bouts of sneezing. However, there is a less recognized, yet equally debilitating symptom that can significantly impact a person’s daily life – fatigue. Allergy fatigue… [Read More]

An anaphylactic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening onset of a hypersensitivity reaction (typically allergic). It occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an allergen, triggering a cascade of symptoms throughout the body. Anaphylaxis shock can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen and requires immediate medical attention. It is characterized by… [Read More]

Definition of Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within minutes to hours after exposure to an allergen. It is characterized by rapid onset and the involvement of multiple organ systems, including the skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system. Common triggers of anaphylaxis include foods, insect stings,… [Read More]

What is Allergic Asthma? Allergic asthma is a common type of asthma that occurs when the airways become inflamed and narrowed in after exposure to certain allergens. It is characterized by chest tightness, dry cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In allergic asthma, the immune system overreacts to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet… [Read More]

Climate Change and Allergy Seasons: The Connection Climate change, characterized by warmer temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels, is creating the perfect storm for pollen-producing plants. As a result, we’re seeing longer and more intense pollen seasons. It’s like a concert where the music keeps getting louder, and the concert itself lasts longer. The music,… [Read More]