Is It Allergies or COVID?
In the Before Times, a scratchy throat or stuffy nose during this time of year was almost certainly allergies. But now that we’re living in the age of COVID-19, you can’t be too cautious. No matter how careful you are when masking up and socially distancing, it’s still possible to catch the virus at the…
How Spring Allergies Affect Your Ears
We are now well into spring, and for those who suffer from seasonal allergies, that means their noses are watering and their eyes are itching. Did you know that increases in tree and grass pollen can impact your ears as well? Stuffy and Clogged Up Ears According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America,…
Is Climate Change Making Your Allergies Worse?
We are now well into the spring allergy season here in Oregon. If you feel like each year is worse than the last, you’re not alone. According to new research, climate change may be making seasonal allergies worse. What Is Hay Fever? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 20 million Americans…
The Creation of Allergy-Free Wheat and Peanuts
Any food has the potential to cause an allergic response, but there are eight foods that are responsible for 90% of all food allergies; these include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish. Scientists are working on creating hypoallergenic versions of some of these common food triggers. What Is a Food Allergy?…
COVID-19 & Ear Conditions
There’s still much we don’t know about COVID-19 or how the virus can affect several systems throughout the body. This includes the vestibular system, which can impact hearing and balance and contribute to disorders such as vertigo or tinnitus. That’s why it’s important to review some of the lesser known, albeit still possible side effects…
What Is Ear Tube Surgery?
If your child experiences frequent ear infections, their pediatrician may suggest ear tube surgery. While the idea of your child undergoing surgery may be nerve wracking, this procedure is common, safe and effective. We provide an overview of what you need to know about ear tubes below. Ear Tubes Treat Ear Infections Ear infections are…
COVID-19 Vaccine and Allergy Immunotherapy: What to Keep in Mind
You might be wondering whether it’s a good idea to delay getting the COVID-19 vaccine if you’ve had allergy immunotherapy. Keeping this in mind, there are other things to consider, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. For instance, patients with allergies to oral medications, foods, insects, latex and environmental allergens are…
What’s Causing Your Winter Allergies?
While spring may be just around the corner, winter is still here for a few more weeks. Many associate seasonal allergies with spring when flowers and trees fill the air with pollen, but winter has its own set of allergens. Understanding what causes winter allergies can not only help you find relief for these last…
Is Climate Change Making Your Allergies Worse?
While some people associate hay fever with a case of the springtime sniffles, for many it has major consequences. In addition to causing discomfort, seasonal allergies can exacerbate asthma, weaken your defense against respiratory viruses and even require a visit to the emergency room. Unfortunately, a new study that examined nearly three decades worth of…
Is Technology Hurting Your Hearing?
It’s truly amazing that in this day and age, you can listen to any song or watch any movie you want with a few swipes of your fingers. However, with great technology comes great responsibility. If you’re not careful with your listening habits, you can permanently damage your sense of hearing. How Loud Is Too…
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