I'd like to read some intelligent, well-sourced and scientifically informed books and articles on allergies (including food allergies) and whether the incidence of allergies and food allergies is on the rise. I'm an educated layperson. Can you recommend anything?
To provide a bit more context, I feel like I've heard and read a lot about allergies in recent years from news sources and friends and acquaintances, but much of the information seems suspect. To give an example, I've had people pass on information about allergies they got from chiropractors or new-agey sources. I think allergies are a real thing, but it seems like there may be lots of mis-information out there about them. I'd like read about this issue and become more well-informed, but I don't know where to start.
posted by Area Man
on Apr 16, 2013 -
6 answers
What practical, non-medical tips do you have for pet allergy sufferers who will have to stay in a home with a pet for multiple days? Next month I'll be faced with this. Reading previous questions, I saw a good suggestion - bring your own Pillow Case. What other things do you do when you know you have to live with someone with a pet for a few days? Any nonmedical suggestions for me, the visitor, are welcome, and I'd love to hear any kooky things you have done in the past that somehow worked for you.
posted by cashman
on Mar 29, 2012 -
21 answers
Had a weird milk-skin contact reaction: does a skin reaction to milk warrant a further investigation into an allergy to ingested dairy products?
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posted by NikitaNikita
on Feb 6, 2012 -
9 answers
Why are my allergies flaring up, and why does it react differently between food and fuzz?
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posted by Saydur
on Sep 1, 2011 -
3 answers
Hello fellow Metafilterians, now that allergy season is upon us, does anyone recommend the best OTC med for: pressure on the eyes, chest congestion, stuffy nose, and sore throat? It's much worse in the morning. Coughing up yellow awfulness (sorry, gross). Claritin and Mucinex-D do NOT work. Sudafed works like a charm but knocks me out, literally for 2 days. Not sure what's out there, haven't had allergies in a couple of years.
posted by luciddream928
on Apr 19, 2011 -
35 answers
Practical, science-based, safe, sane "low carb" book that doesn't pull any punches? (If simply "Atkins," which one?) I'm looking for a book that is gung-ho, but still spells out what can go wrong and why: I'm three days in to a self-created low carb diet. All sorts of good stuff has happened, but all sorts of disconcerting stuff has happened, too.
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posted by zeek321
on Aug 27, 2010 -
21 answers
I'm developing food intolerances/allergies to a variety of foods. Is there a way to stop it? Should I see an allergist?
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posted by joeyjoejoejr
on Aug 22, 2010 -
10 answers
Allergy Filter: are all antihistamines basically the same? I used to take Zyrtec / cetirizine, but it's more expensive and less commonly available than other allergy medicines. Is there any reason (e.g. side effects) why I shouldn't just switch to which ever one is the cheapest?
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posted by k.
on Jun 10, 2010 -
21 answers
Doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals: is this a drug allergy, or am I needlessly worrying?
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posted by Hakaisha
on May 30, 2010 -
5 answers
Is there anything that can be applied topically to relieve my cat's seasonal allergies? He chews/licks the fur off his stomach and legs, and it's too hard to administer oral medications on him.
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posted by wannaknow
on May 19, 2010 -
16 answers
Have you tried encasing your mattress/box-spring/pillows/comforter for allergy relief? Did it help?
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posted by Adridne
on Apr 15, 2010 -
13 answers
What do the following foods have in common that I could be allergic to: walnuts, eggplant, pineapple, banana, almonds and many other nuts but not peanuts...
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posted by brenton
on Mar 11, 2010 -
15 answers
I have met some new friends recently and they have a 10 year old golden retriever who is suffering from a list of allergies so long it could fill a book. Removing the exposure to allergens is impossible. I want to help them reduce the strength of the symptoms.
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posted by Pseudology
on Oct 3, 2009 -
14 answers
I have a really wierd reaction to alcohol. What is it and can I prevent it without giving up drinking forever? (Details inside!)
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posted by Quizicalcoatl
on Apr 11, 2009 -
17 answers
If you were once susceptible to mold and other air quality issues but have since strengthened your immunity how did you do it?
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posted by dino terror
on Jan 31, 2009 -
11 answers
My cat is allergic to, well, everything. Pine, wool, insects, dogs, dust mites, grasses, you name it. So I've ordered her some allergy shots, which I will have to give to her daily. How do I make this as painless as possible for both me and the cat?
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posted by chowflap
on Sep 14, 2008 -
14 answers
Seasonal allergy relief: I've read a bunch of the previous questions, but was wondering about allergy medicines that have gone prescription to over-the-counter or brand-name to generic since last spring. I know there's a
generic Zyrtec now, but was wondering if there are any others that might be more affordable/available than they were last spring.
posted by mediareport
on Feb 7, 2008 -
6 answers
AllergyFilter. What could I be allergic to that causes me extreme throat irritation upon exposure to certain chemicals?
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 5, 2007 -
7 answers
The ethics of getting a cat. A roommate and I have been planning to get a cat when our allergic roommates move out. We got the OK from the new roommates on getting the cats. The day after the three new roommates signed the lease, one of them calls and asks us to not get the cat because his girlfriend is allergic. What should we do? (Apologies for the length inside)
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posted by anonymous
on May 22, 2007 -
95 answers
My dog licks himself --a lot. The Vet suggested a very expensive (and possibly inconclusive) allergy test. Before spending $700-1000 so the Vet can tell me she has no idea I thought I would consult the hive mind.
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posted by MasonDixon
on May 1, 2007 -
17 answers
My wife has fairly severe contact dermatitis on her face. She has tried several different types of "hypoallergenic" brands of makeup, including Almay and Neutrogena, but they all give her hives. Are any made-up MeFites familiar with brands/lines that will not cause her allergies to flare up?
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posted by Rock Steady
on Mar 23, 2007 -
32 answers
Why is my nose blocked outside in LA and New York but not in Pittsburgh or Boston?
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posted by shivohum
on Jul 9, 2006 -
4 answers
I had a very bad allergy incident two months ago--and now I've become sensitive to products that I'd never had problems with before. I haven't found a replacement for my skincare products that I can tolerate and that does the job.
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posted by divka
on Nov 28, 2005 -
7 answers
I have a clear childhood memory of being taught that Johnny Appleseed spread ragweed or some other allergy-inducing "weed" in addition to apple trees. Does this ring a bell for anybody else?
posted by NortonDC
on Mar 30, 2005 -
11 answers
Dear AskMetafilter: In the fall, I have allergies, and several times a day I need to blow my nose. I try very hard to be discrete and do this in locations away from other people, but sometimes I cannot entirely escape the presence of others (in public restrooms, for example). Inevitably, when someone (stranger, acquaintance, coworker, even friend) overhears me blowing my nose, they feel compelled to make some comment about either the loudness or the tone of the action. (For instance, today in the ladies room a random coworker (whose name I don't know) said (over the stall) "you know, I used to have a motorcycle that sounded just like that"). I feel this behavior is rude, and I'm often embarrassed by the comments that people make. Up until now, I've just apologized for blowing my nose, but does anyone have suggestions as to a better way to respond to these comments? Why do people say these things? And (bonus question) can anyone suggest a way that I can blow my nose just as ... er ...
completely as I do now without making such a loud noise?
posted by anastasiav
on Sep 1, 2004 -
18 answers
It's all the cat's fault. I have cat allergies and the only thing that's worked so far is Zyrtec. Great, only the problem is that my insurance company thinks that a fair co-pay for this particular miracle drug is $35 for a month's supply. A quick Google search turned up a lot of (supposedly) Canadian companies willing to sell me branded and generic Zyrtec at much lower prices. My question: is it safe to order prescription drugs -- assuming you've actually been prescribed them by your doctor, which I was -- through online Canadian sources?
posted by baltimore
on May 7, 2004 -
19 answers
I desperately want a cat, and my S.O. is slightly allergic. Does anyone know if there are any breeds of cat that are less likely to provoke an allergic reaction? Any suggestions for keeping his allergies from being a problem, other than a HEPA vacuum? Also, he wants a ferret. Is a ferret likely to cause him any problems? Am I likely to have any problems raising a ferret and a cat together?
posted by stoneegg21
on Jan 5, 2004 -
34 answers
