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Are Humidifiers Good for You? Experts Explain Benefits, Risks & Cleaning Tips

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Pet Allergy: Separating Fact and Fiction

Did you know that there is no such thing as a “hypoallergenic” pet? This is often a marketing term used by breeders, but there is no truth to it! ALL dogs and cats produce allergens, which are tiny proteins that can cause allergic reactions. These proteins are in their skin, saliva, urine and other body secretions such as tears. Even hairless cats or dogs that shed very little still produce allergens. That means there is no breed that is completely safe for people with allergies.

Most people think pet hair is the problem, but it’s actually the proteins attached to the fur and skin. When pets groom themselves or move around the house, allergens get into the air and settle on furniture, carpets, and clothing. That’s why even “low-shedding” pets can trigger symptoms.

Allergic reactions to pets can include: sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, skin reactions such as hives, and even asthma symptoms such as cough and wheezing. Asthma can also be more difficult to control in those who are allergic to their pets.

If you already have a pet or are thinking of getting one, there are ways to reduce exposure and manage symptoms:

  • Keep pets out of the bedroom

  • Use HEPA air purifiers

  • Vacuum regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum

  • Wash hands after touching your pet

  • Groom and bathe pets as appropriate

  • Wash bedding and soft surfaces often

  • Consider allergy medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Even though there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat or dog – Many people with mild to moderate allergies successfully live with their pets. The key is knowing your sensitivities and taking steps to reduce allergens in your home. Seeing an allergist before bringing a pet home can help you make the best choice for your health!

Can allergy shots help my seasonal allergy symptoms?

Do you sneeze a lot? Have itchy eyes, a runny nose, or trouble breathing because of allergies? If allergy medicines don’t seem to help enough, allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots may be a good option for you.

Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, help your body learn to react better to things you’re allergic to, such as pollens, dust mites, mold, or pet dander. Allergy shots are regular injections that contain a very small amount of the allergen that causes your symptoms. At first, the dose is very small. Over time, the amount slowly increases. This helps your immune system get used to the allergen instead of overreacting to it.

Allergy shots treat the cause of allergies, not just the symptoms. Many allergy medicines only cover up symptoms for a short time. Allergy shots work differently. Over time, your body becomes less sensitive, so you feel better when exposed to allergens. This not only translates to less symptoms, but also often means less medications! In addition, allergy shots can lead to long-lasting relief and even help asthma.

If your allergies are really holding you back and you want to do more, you should talk to your allergist to see if you would be a good candidate for allergy shots!

What Are Nasal Polyps?

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that form inside your nose or sinuses. They can get quite large and can block your nose, making it hard to breathe. You might also have a runny or stuffy nose, pressure in your face, or lose your sense of smell or taste.

Nasal polyps are more common in people with asthma, allergies, or frequent sinus infections. Sometimes, they happen with a condition called AERD (aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease). Nasal polyps are more common in patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Doctors usually treat polyps with steroid nose sprays to help shrink them. If that doesn’t work, there are other specialized medications, called biologics, that can be used if needed to help reduce symptoms and polyp size.  Surgery can remove large polyps and help you breathe better. However, polyps can come back after surgery! So regular follow-up care and preventative medication is important.

With the right treatment, most people with nasal polyps feel much better and can breathe easier again and may be able to avoid surgery! If you have symptoms that don’t go away, talk to your allergist about your symptoms.

How to emphasize food allergy safety with your teenager

As children grow into teenagers and young adults, their push for independence sometimes clashes with the need to stay vigilant about their food allergies. It’s important for teens to feel independent and make their own choices, and fitting in socially is also important to them at this age. Parents still play a key role in making sure teens with food allergies are kept safe. Here are some tips to consider when navigating food allergies with your teen:

 

Avoid lecturing or arguing
Teens are different from younger kids. Teens often already know what you want them to do. It’s more effective to enforce important safety rules calmly. Repeating rules or scolding can lead to resistance or shutdown rather than cooperation.

 

Negotiate where possible
Carrying an epinephrine device is non-negotiable if someone has food allergy. However, finding areas where you can compromise gives teens some control and ownership. For example, agreeing on how they carry their epinephrine (type of device, carrier, style, etc.).

 

Allow them to take the lead
When dining out, allow your teen to ask questions about ingredients and food preparation. If taking your own food or snacks on a trip, allow your teen to plan ahead for the trip and help decide what to bring. This will also prepare them for navigating the adult years ahead!

 

Use tech to your advantage
If your teen forgets their epinephrine often, have them set reminders on their own phone or smart watch.

 

Help them choose a safety network

Help your teen choose a few close friends who know about their allergy and how to treat it. Knowing you’ve got back up can make social situations less stressful.

 

Use positive reinforcement

Encourage your teen to speak up about their food allergy in social situations, even if they feel social pressure. When you catch your teen doing something “good” –such as asking about ingredients or declining a food they are not sure is safe –praise them for this later. This positive reinforcement can help build confidence in managing their food allergy long-term.

Ragweed Season in Arizona: Why It Still Makes You Miserable

When people think of allergies in Arizona, they often picture dust, desert plants, or spring blooms. But ragweed is a major allergy trigger here, especially in late summer and fall. Even though Arizona’s dry climate limits pollen compared to other states, ragweed thrives in certain areas and can cause months of frustrating symptoms.

Ragweed’s lightweight pollen can travel miles on the wind, especially in dry climates, so even if you don’t see ragweed nearby, you can still have symptoms! In Arizona,, ragweed typically pollinates from August through November

Tips on Managing Ragweed Season in Arizona:

  • Be in the know by checking local pollen counts!
  • Shower and change clothes after being outside to keep pollen out of your home.
  • Use air filters indoors to reduce pollen and dust exposure.
  • Work with an allergist — testing can confirm ragweed sensitivity, and treatments like various medications or allergy immunotherapy (shots or tablets) can provide relief!

If you think ragweed season may be to blame for your fall allergies, call Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute today to schedule allergy testing and get ahead of the ragweed season!

Stings happen – Bee prepared!

We see many patients who are unsure whether their reaction to a bee, wasp, or hornet sting is normal—or something more serious. Most people will have some swelling, redness, and pain where they were stung. But if you’ve ever felt dizzy, had trouble breathing, broken out in hives, or your throat started to close after a sting, that’s a sign of a more serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.

Stinging insect allergies can be dangerous, but the good news is—they’re treatable. At the allergy clinic, we can run simple tests to find out which insects you’re allergic to. If you are allergic, we’ll make a plan together to help keep you safe. This usually includes carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen or similar device), learning how to avoid stings, and possibly starting venom immunotherapy—a treatment that can actually train your body to stop reacting to strings over time.

You don’t have to live in fear of the next sting. If you’ve ever had a serious reaction—or aren’t sure what’s normal—please schedule a visit with an allergist. Knowing the facts and having a plan can be life-saving.

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Is my child with exzema allergic to our chlorine pool?

Many patients or parents taking care of someone with eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) often ask if they should avoid swimming because of eczema. The truth is: chlorine in pools doesn’t always make eczema worse—and in some cases, it can actually help. However, the biggest problem with swimming pools and eczema patients is actually related to not keeping the skin properly moisturized before and after!

Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills bacteria on the skin, and for some people with eczema, that can reduce infection risk and calm inflammation—similar to a diluted bleach bath, which we sometimes recommend for more severe types of eczema. However, for others, chlorine can dry out the skin, especially with long exposure or if the pool water is heavily chlorinated.

So, what should you do?
✅ Let your child have fun and swim!

✅ Apply a thick moisturizer or barrier cream (like petroleum jelly or Aquaphor) before swimming to protect the skin.

✅ Rinse off with clean water after swimming.

✅ Moisturize again after rinsing off to help moisturize and protect the skin barrier

If you notice worsening eczema after swimming, talk to your allergist and your eczema care plan can be adjusted! But don’t assume you have to skip the pool. With the right skin care plan, swimming can be safe and even beneficial for people with eczema.

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May is Food Allergy Awareness Month!

Food Allergy Awareness Month

Every May, communities across the globe recognize Food Allergy Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about the seriousness of food allergies and advocating for those affected. With an estimated 33 million Americans living with food allergies—including 1 in 13 children—raising awareness is very important!

Food allergies occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a certain food as harmful and reacts by triggering symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. The most common allergens—often referred to as the “Top 9” in the U.S.—include milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts (like almonds, walnuts & cashews), soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, stomach pain, vomiting, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Despite the prevalence of food allergies, there are still many misconceptions. Some people think allergies are just picky eating or that a small amount of an allergen won’t hurt—but for many, even trace amounts can cause a reaction.

Here are a few simple yet powerful ways to support those with food allergies:

  • Learn and Share: Educate yourself and others about the signs of an allergic reaction and how to respond
  • Read Labels Carefully: Whether you’re cooking for others or bringing snacks to an event, always check for potential allergens.
  • Promote Inclusivity: At schools, sports practices, birthday parties, or team outings, make sure all kids—and adults—can safely participate. Ask ahead about food allergies and consider non-food rewards or treats.
  • Advocate for Safe Spaces: Support allergy-friendly policies at schools, workplaces, restaurants, and public events.

Food Allergy Awareness Month is a reminder that with a little knowledge and compassion, we can create safer, more inclusive environments for everyone. Whether you’re a parent, coach, teacher, friend, or food service worker, your awareness and actions can make a difference!

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Can’t Smell Your Morning Coffee? It Could Be a Warning Sign

Hyposmia

Have you noticed food tasting bland or that you can’t smell your morning coffee? A reduced or lost sense of smell—known as hyposmia or anosmia—could be more than just a nuisance. It might signal underlying issues like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or allergic rhinitis! These conditions can cause long-term inflammation in the nasal passages, blocking airflow and affecting your sense of smell. Left untreated, they may lead to more serious complications.

An allergist can help pinpoint the root cause, whether it’s environmental allergens or immune-related inflammation, and tailor a treatment plan to restore your senses—and your quality of life. Don’t ignore the signs. Your nose might be telling you more than you think!