People have been mixing up the common cold and allergic rhinitis (hay fever or “allergies”) for years. The symptoms are similar for both, but the causes couldn’t be more different. Common Cold What is the common cold? The common cold is caused by a virus. There’s not a cold virus per se, but instead a […]
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Treating Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis is inflammation of the inner lining of the nose that lasts longer than four weeks. Chronic rhinitis is divided into two categories, depending on the condition’s cause. Allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is caused by an allergic immune response, while non-allergic rhinitis is not due to allergens, but rather general irritants and […]
Winter Allergens to Watch for in Florida
While winter might bring thoughts of evening bonfires and warm coffee to mind for some, many Tampa Bay residents may experience warmer weather until December or January. Identifying the cause of winter allergies is the key to avoiding them, so we’ve compiled a quick list of the most common winter allergens to look out for […]
What Is an EpiPen and Who Needs It?
EpiPen is a brand name for an epinephrine auto-injector. Other brand names include Auvi-Q and Adrenaclick. There are also generic or unbranded epinephrine auto-injectors. All these devices contain epinephrine, a vital medication for allergy sufferers experiencing anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening systemic allergic reaction. What are the symptoms of anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis victims can have […]
When Is an Allergic Reaction Considered an Emergency?
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), one in as few as every 20 Americans experience anaphylaxis or a life-threatening systemic allergic reaction. Many of these people are unprepared, unaware of the danger, and delay treatment. Unfortunately, delaying treatment is often the difference between life and death for anaphylaxis sufferers. Identifying Anaphylaxis […]