Sometimes when I eat certain foods I get gas or diarrhea. Does this mean I'm allergic to them?

These symptoms are more likely to indicate food intolerance rather than an allergy. A true food allergy is uncommon. It activates the immune system and often causes problems within 10 to 45 minutes, including symptoms such as hives, itchy throat, vomiting, wheezing and breathing trouble. Both allergies and intolerances can run in families.

I know that allergens get into our bodies when we breathe and also through some of the foods we eat. Are there other ways?

Yes. In addition to the above we can be exposed to them on our skin and mucous membranes, or by sexual contact. They can also be inserted into the body by injection or by insect bite; and we can even manufacture them in our own bodies.

What can I do to improve the air at work?

If you're having trouble breathing due to, among other things, molds, dust, fumes from photocopiers, perfume or cigarette smoke, track your symptoms to see if you can pinpoint a trigger or time of day when symptoms occur. Then adjust your schedule, if you can, to reduce your exposure. You can also check with management to see if ventilation can be improved or if air ducts can be cleaned.

My two year old daughter makes such a fuss when I take her stuffed animals to the dryer to help get rid of dust mites. Any suggestions?

Sure. Tell her you are going to give the animals their very own ride and your daughter can watch them going round and round. This has worked for some!

Does any particular one kind of weather trigger asthma attacks more than others?

Thunderstorms can trigger asthma attacks. In one study, 33% of asthma epidemics occurred on days when thunderstorms were reported. If you have hay fever and/or asthma, take preventive medication when pollen levels are high and thunderstorms are forecast.

Is there any way I can lessen asthma symptoms, like difficulty breathing, without resorting to another medication?

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