The hygiene hypothesis is a theory used to explain why there has been an increase in allergies around the world. What exactly is hygiene? The World Health Organization (WHO) describes hygiene as conditions and practices that help to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases, which means the things that you do to keep …
For many, bringing a fresh Christmas tree into the house signals the season of holidays. But when the tree goes up, some people start to experience allergic-like symptoms and may worry that the tree is at fault. Is there such thing as a Christmas tree allergy? The answer is complex and a number of things …
One of the most common reasons for a young woman to visit me at Oak Street Medical is because she has questions or is unhappy with her current birth control method. When I provide her information about contraceptive options, I always include the intrauterine device (IUD). This is one of the safest, most effective and …
My nose is always running. I can’t stop sneezing. I’m constantly clearing my throat. And I have dark circles under my eyes. I’ve never had allergies, so what’s going on? It could be non-allergic adult rhinitis (NAR), which normally appears later in life. Of those who suffer from this non-allergic condition, 70 percent develop it …
Those who suffer from grass or ragweed allergies and could benefit from immunotherapy treatment now have another option, one that doesn’t involve shots or regular trips to the allergy office. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) been used in Europe for more than a decade with success. Last spring, the FDA approved its use in the United States. …
Many who live in the Northwest are vitamin D deficient. This is due to many reasons. One, is that we do not get enough sunlight to help produce enough vitamin D, often because many people have indoor jobs. Common symptoms include muscle or joint pain, weakness, tiredness and fatigue, and possibly depression. There is a …
New treatments may soon be available for patients with peanut allergy. For decades, our best therapy was identification, avoidance and treatment of reactions with epinephrine and antihistamine. But this could change with a new procedure called oral peanut desensitization. While attending an allergy conference, I listened to a debate about peanut desensitization and whether it is …
If you find yourself using a lot of sticky notes to remember your to-dos, you’re not alone. As we age, it is not uncommon for people to experience memory lapses that may get more frequent and frustrating. Understanding different types of memory loss and normal memory loss that comes with aging may reduce any anxiety …
The beginning of a new year means new resolutions. The No. 1 resolution I hear from people is their declaration to lose weight. They ask questions like, “Is there medication that can help me?” and “What is the best diet?” Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for shedding pounds. However, reaching an ideal weight for …
Many of us lie awake at night wondering when sleep will come. Others fall asleep quickly only to awaken in the wee hours. Whatever the scenario, most adults have experienced difficulty getting a full, restful night’s sleep. Insufficient sleep is linked to chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression. Alternatively, sufficient sleep …
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