I’m allergic to my mattress but there are so many different kinds I don’t know which one to get. What’s best?

You might want to try a latex mattress. They’re a perfect choice for people with allergies because latex mattresses are naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial and thus won’t harbor dust mites. And they combine softness and support. BUT, if you’re allergic to latex, keep looking.

Recently I had a toothache in my back molar, a toothache that lasted for several days. It was on and off and more at night than in the daytime. So I went to my dentist. He looked and then took an x-ray but didn't see anything wrong. Then he said maybe it was a sinus problem. Is this possible?

It sure is. Part of a sinus cavity dips down near the upper jaw. So if the pain lingers for more than a few days it may be necessary to get an MRI to see if the problem is in that cavity. Talk to your allergist who can take the necessary steps to solve it.

I stayed in a hotel recently and started sneezing shortly after I arrived in my room. The manager switched me to another room but it wasn't any better. How can I make sure that I get a more allergy-friendly room the next time I travel?

When you book your room, ask for one that is non-smoking, away from the kitchens and the ventilation chambers, on the exterior of the building, and with windows that open, or at least a well-operating air conditioner. And always carry a non-sedating antihistamine, such as Allegra or Claritin to decrease any allergy symptoms.

What's the best treatment for food allergy?

Strict avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the only way to avoid a reaction. Reading ingredient labels for all foods is the key to maintaining control over this allergy. if a label contains unfamiliar terms, shoppers must call the manufacturer and ask for a definition or avoid eating that food.

Sometimes I feel that I would really like to talk to other parents who are dealing with asthmatic children the way I am. Is there an asthma patient support group that can help me?

Indeed there are groups all over the country. One national support group of parents of children with asthma is Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. which provides patient and public education information and is involved in a variety of advocacy activities for children with asthma.

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