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Allergies & sinus problems

Sources

Every numbered claim on the overview and article pages is listed here with the exact passage it rests on. 60 passages were checked word-for-word against the saved copies listed below.

Pharmacist review pending60 verified passagesUpdated 2026-10-22

Current evidence

  1. 1

    In 2021, 31.8% of U.S. adults had a seasonal allergy, eczema or food allergy: 25.7% had a seasonal allergy, 7.3% eczema and 6.2% a food allergy.

    “In 2021, 25.7% of adults had a seasonal allergy, 7.3% had eczema, and 6.2% had a food allergy.”

    “In 2021, 31.8% of adults had a seasonal allergy, eczema, or food allergy”

    CDC National Center for Health Statistics — Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Adults: United States, 2021 (Data Brief 460)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  2. 2

    In 2021, 27.2% of U.S. children had at least one of these allergic conditions.

    “In 2021, 27.2% of children had one or more selected allergic conditions.”

    CDC National Center for Health Statistics — Diagnosed Allergic Conditions in Children Aged 0–17 Years: United States, 2021 (Data Brief 459)Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  3. 3

    In allergic rhinitis, breathing in an allergen such as pollen, mold, animal dander or dust makes the body release chemicals that cause symptoms.

    “When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen such as pollen, mold, animal dander, or dust, the body releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Allergic rhinitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  4. 4

    Hot, dry, windy days tend to have the most pollen; on cool, rainy days most pollen is washed to the ground.

    “Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have a lot of pollen in the air.”

    “On cool, damp, rainy days, most pollen is washed to the ground.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Allergic rhinitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  5. 5

    Hay fever and allergies often run in families.

    “Hay fever and allergies often run in families.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Allergic rhinitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  6. 6

    The best treatment is to avoid the pollens that cause your symptoms; you may not avoid them all, but you can reduce exposure.

    “The best treatment is to avoid the pollens that cause your symptoms. It may be impossible to avoid all pollen. But you can often take steps to reduce your exposure”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Allergic rhinitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  7. 7

    Allergy testing, most often skin testing, can reveal what triggers your symptoms.

    “Allergy testing may reveal the pollen or other substances that trigger your symptoms. Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Allergic rhinitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  8. 8

    Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, and work best when used every day.

    “Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. They work best when used nonstop”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Allergic rhinitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  9. 9

    Do not use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days.

    “Do not use nasal spray decongestants for more than 3 days.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Allergic rhinitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  10. 10

    Using a decongestant nose spray for more than a few days can cause a rebound effect, making congestion worse.

    “Using decongestant nose sprays for more than a few days may give you a “rebound” effect; your nasal congestion could get worse.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Know Which Medication Is Right for Your Seasonal AllergiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  11. 11

    Steroid nasal sprays can cause stinging and nosebleeds; ask a professional if a child needs one for more than two months a year.

    “Side effects may include stinging in the nose, nosebleeds, and growth effects in some children with long-term use.”

    “Talk to your health care professional if your child needs to use a nasal corticosteroid spray for more than two months of the year.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Know Which Medication Is Right for Your Seasonal AllergiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  12. 12

    Some antihistamines cause less sleepiness, including cetirizine, desloratadine, fexofenadine, levocetirizine and loratadine.

    “Some antihistamines cause less sleepiness than others. These include cetirizine (Zyrtec), desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and loratadine (Claritin).”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Antihistamines for allergiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  13. 13

    Do not drink alcohol with antihistamines, and learn how one affects you before driving.

    “Do not drink alcohol when you are taking antihistamines.”

    “Find out how the medicine affects you before driving or using machinery.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Antihistamines for allergiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  14. 14

    Symptoms are often worst around 4 to 6 a.m.; taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help mornings.

    “For many people with allergies, symptoms are the worst around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Taking an antihistamine at bedtime may help you or your child feel better in the morning during allergy season.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Antihistamines for allergiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  15. 15

    Before taking pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, prostate trouble, or thyroid or heart disease; it can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat.

    “tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure, glaucoma”

    “fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Pseudoephedrine: MedlinePlus Drug InformationPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  16. 16

    Showering before bed removes allergens from skin and hair; stay indoors when symptoms are severe.

    “Shower before bed to remove allergens from the skin and hair, reducing the contamination of bedding.”

    “Stay indoors if your symptoms are severe.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Know Which Medication Is Right for Your Seasonal AllergiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  17. 17

    Seasonal allergies can trigger or worsen asthma and lead to sinus and ear infections.

    “Seasonal allergic rhinitis, the medical term for seasonal allergies and hay fever, can also trigger or worsen asthma and lead to other health problems, such as sinus infections (sinusitis) and ear infections.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Know Which Medication Is Right for Your Seasonal AllergiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  18. 18

    Allergy shots build tolerance with gradually increasing doses of the allergen.

    ““Allergy shots” are a form of allergen immunotherapy, in which your body responds to injected amounts of allergens, given in gradually increasing doses, by developing a tolerance.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Know Which Medication Is Right for Your Seasonal AllergiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  19. 19

    Viruses cause most sinus infections, and most get better on their own without antibiotics.

    “Viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria can cause some sinus infections.”

    “Most sinus infections usually get better on their own without antibiotics.”

    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Sinus Infection BasicsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  20. 20

    When antibiotics are not needed they will not help, and their side effects can still cause harm.

    “When antibiotics aren't needed, they won't help you, and their side effects could still cause harm.”

    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Sinus Infection BasicsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  21. 21

    See a provider for severe headache or facial pain, or symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improving.

    “Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.”

    “Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better.”

    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Sinus Infection BasicsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  22. 22

    A provider may suggest watching and waiting 2 to 3 days before deciding on an antibiotic.

    “Watchful waiting: Your healthcare provider may suggest watching and waiting for 2-3 days to see if you need antibiotics.”

    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Sinus Infection BasicsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  23. 23

    A warm compress over the nose and forehead, and breathing steam, can ease sinus pressure.

    “Put a warm compress over the nose and forehead to help relieve sinus pressure.”

    “Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower.”

    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Sinus Infection BasicsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  24. 24

    Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under 4 unless a provider says to.

    “Children younger than 4 years old: do not use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children unless a healthcare provider specifically tells you to.”

    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Sinus Infection BasicsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  25. 25

    Rinse only with distilled, sterile or previously boiled water; tap water is not safe for nasal rinsing.

    “First , rinse only with distilled, sterile or previously boiled water.”

    “Tap water isn’t safe for use as a nasal rinse because it’s not adequately filtered or treated.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Is Rinsing Your Sinuses With Neti Pots Safe?Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  26. 26

    Boiled water should be boiled 3 to 5 minutes, cooled to lukewarm, and used within 24 hours.

    “Boiled and cooled tap water — boiled for 3 to 5 minutes, then cooled until it is lukewarm. Previously boiled water can be stored in a clean, closed container for use within 24 hours.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Is Rinsing Your Sinuses With Neti Pots Safe?Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  27. 27

    Sinus rinsing can remove dust and pollen and loosen thick mucus.

    “Sinus rinsing can remove dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Is Rinsing Your Sinuses With Neti Pots Safe?Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  28. 28

    Wash the device and let it dry between uses.

    “Wash the device, and dry the inside with a paper towel or let it air dry between uses.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Is Rinsing Your Sinuses With Neti Pots Safe?Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  29. 29

    Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction; call 911 immediately.

    “Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening type of allergic reaction .”

    “Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition that needs medical attention right away. Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — AnaphylaxisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  30. 30

    If an epinephrine injector or nasal epinephrine is available, use it immediately.

    “An epinephrine injector or intranasal epinephrine should be used immediately if it is available.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — AnaphylaxisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  31. 31

    Chronic sinusitis lasts more than 12 weeks.

    “Chronic, which lasts more than 12 weeks and can continue for months or even years”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — SinusitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  32. 32

    Trouble breathing, throat tightness, swelling of the face or lips, or collapse after a sting, food or medicine — use epinephrine if available and call 911.

    “Difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, or high-pitched breathing sounds”

    “Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue”

    “An epinephrine injector or intranasal epinephrine should be used immediately if it is available.”

    “Call 911 or the local emergency number if you or someone you know develops severe symptoms of anaphylaxis.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — AnaphylaxisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  33. 33

    Severe headache, a stiff neck, swelling or redness around the eye, or confusion with sinus symptoms — seek emergency care.

    “If you think that you or your child has symptoms of meningitis, get emergency medical help immediately.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — MeningitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  34. 34

    Severe headache, a stiff neck, swelling or redness around the eye, or confusion with sinus symptoms — seek emergency care.

    “Orbital cellulitis is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away.”

    “Painful swelling of upper and lower eyelid, and possibly the eyebrow and cheek”

    “Prompt treatment of a sinus or dental infection may prevent it from spreading and becoming orbital cellulitis.”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Orbital cellulitisPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  35. 35

    Severe facial pain, or sinus symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improving — see a provider.

    “See a healthcare provider if you have:”

    “Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.”

    “Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without getting better.”

    U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Sinus Infection BasicsPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  36. 36

    Wheezing or asthma that is getting worse during allergy season — contact your provider right away. Severe shortness of breath at rest, drowsiness or confusion — call 911.

    “Contact your provider right away if:”

    “Symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment”

    “Go to the emergency room or call Emergency Medical Services (EMS) right away if these symptoms occur:”

    “Drowsiness or confusion”

    “Severe shortness of breath at rest”

    MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — AsthmaPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  37. 37

    Wheezing or asthma that is getting worse during allergy season — contact your provider right away. Severe shortness of breath at rest, drowsiness or confusion — call 911.

    “Seasonal allergic rhinitis, the medical term for seasonal allergies and hay fever, can also trigger or worsen asthma”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Know Which Medication Is Right for Your Seasonal AllergiesPassage verified word-for-word in saved copy

  38. 38

    Fever, nosebleeds or headaches while using a nasal rinse — see your provider.

    “If symptoms are not relieved or worsen after nasal rinsing, then return to your health care provider, especially if you have fever, nosebleeds or headaches while using the nasal rinse.”

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Is Rinsing Your Sinuses With Neti Pots Safe?Passage verified word-for-word in saved copy

Source documents

Historical perspective: Dr. Majid Ali archive

Historical perspective drawn from the authorized writings of Dr. Majid Ali, preserved in the Clarkson archive. Shown for context; it is not current medical guidance.

  • Undiagnosed Allergy 2014-07-08
    Source of the quoted line. His list of diseases "in reality" caused by undiagnosed allergy is held.
  • Acute Sinusitis 2017-04-16
    His shorter note on sinusitis; historical framing only.

Claims we deliberately did not carry

  • His claims that asthma, eczema, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and other disorders are "in reality" caused by undiagnosed allergy.
    Allergy testing can identify triggers,7 but the sources used here do not support allergy as the hidden cause of these diseases. Not carried.
  • His "oxygen homeostasis" model of why allergy appears, and food and mold elimination protocols built on it.
    Not supported by the sources used here. Allergy testing and diagnosis belong to a clinician.7 Not carried.

Safety wording awaiting sign-off

The 'When to get help now' list is ProperHealth safety wording. Each line cites the official guidance it follows, and those passages are listed above with the other claims. The wording still needs pharmacist sign-off before public use.