Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI
Board Certified Allergist
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (23)
How to Stop a Runny Nose Fast
Looking for ways to stop a runny nose? You're in the right place. Runny noses are extremely common and can be caused by cold weather, allergies, and illnesses like the cold, flu, and sinus infections. Fortunately, there ...
Soothing a Raw & Sore Nose (Plus, Decongestion Tips)
The best ways to keep your nostrils happy and moisturized when you have a coldWe’ve all been there. A sudden onset of allergies or an annoying cold has left you in a pile of tissues. Not only is your nose full of snot,...
How to
Stop a Sneeze
Sneezing is a natural body mechanism. In many cultures it is frowned upon as a social gaffe, especially if one doesn't have a tissue handy. Nevertheless, many people will want to stop a sneeze for various reasons, inclu...
How to
Reduce Nose Swelling
Many things can cause a swollen nose: a rhinoplasty, a pregnancy, an allergic reaction, a facial injury, or a broken nose. Fortunately, although a swollen nose can be a little painful and slightly embarrassing, it’s no...
Effective Remedies to Help Relieve Lactose Intolerance Pain
Medicines and natural remedies to get rid of dairy-induced discomfortIf you’re lactose intolerant, you’re probably all too familiar with this scenario: You want to enjoy something like a nice cheesy piece of pizza or...
How to
Get Rid of Poison Oak Rash
Dealing with a poison oak rash can be annoying, but there are plenty of ways to relieve your symptoms. The rash is caused by urushiol, an oil that naturally covers the surface of the plant. Since poison ivy contains the ...
How to
Use an Inhaler
Many conditions cause you to rely on an inhaler to keep your airways open, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergies, and anxiety. Depending on your condition, the type of...
How to Make Lactose-Free Milk at Home
Avoiding common digestive issues caused by cow's milk Milk is a common staple of many people’s diets. But if you’re lactose intolerant, drinking milk can result in some unpleasant bodily reactions. Fortunately, there...
How to
Get Rid of a Sinus Headache
Many people experience headaches, but if your headache feels like pressure and tenderness behind your forehead, eyes, or cheeks, you probably have a sinus headache. Sinuses are spaces within the bones of your skull fille...
How to
Identify Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is a common plant on the North American continent, noted for its ability to create an itchy rash on contact with skin. It is an extremely adaptable, persistent type of vegetation and as a result, it can be eas...
How to
Identify Allergies
Having an allergic reaction can be scary, especially if you don't know what's causing it. We're here to answer some of your most commonly-asked questions about allergies, including what the symptoms are and what might be...
How to Patch Test Your Skin at Home in 7 Steps
Whenever you add a new product to your skincare or beauty routine, it's important to test it first. You can easily test a small patch of your skin at home for an allergic reaction. In fact, most products say to do a spot...
How to
Treat Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are a great way to ruin a day in the outdoors. Coming in contact with their toxic leaves, stems, and roots can give you an itchy rash that lasts for 1-3 weeks. Although the only way to complete...
How to
Use an Epipen
An EpiPen is an epinephrine auto-injector used to treat a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by different allergies, including food, venom, and drug allergies.. 29 July 2020. Anaphy...
How to
Keep a Cat if You Are Allergic to Cats
Cats make great pets, but if you’re allergic to cats, keeping one is a bit more complicated. Allergies in cats are caused by proteins in the cat’s sloughed-off skin cells, called dander, and its saliva. By maintainin...
How to
Make Almond Milk
Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk and a healthy component for any smoothie or shake. 29 July 2020. Almonds are gluten-free, low in carbs, and promote a good cholesterol balance.https://www.ahajournals.org/...
How to Treat Poison Ivy Rashes at Home
The best products and cures to soothe poison ivy itchiness You know the saying: “Leaves of 3, leave it be.” But sometimes you touch posion ivy before you see it. The oil produced by the plant (urushiol oil) causes re...
How to
Dry Up Poison Ivy Rash
It's a familiar situation: You go for a nice walk in the woods and get a red itchy rash a few days later. Poison ivy is usually easy to spot, but if you're not paying attention or accidentally brush against a poisonous s...
How to
Cope With Scent Sensitivity
If you are sensitive to scents, you are not alone. Many people have scent sensitivities, which may make certain fragrances irritating. Scents from perfumes, laundry detergents, and household cleaners may produce unwanted...
How to
Identify Poison Oak
Hiking or being in nature is enjoyable, but exposure to poison oak causes a very itchy, blistery rash that will quickly put a damper on your fun. The leaves of this plant have a recognizable appearance if you know what t...
