The FDA Says Not to Eat Cicadas If You're Allergic to Shellfish—Here's Why , Portrait of a young girl studying a cicada that she caught in a garden. Little girl looking down with wonder at an enormous insect perched on her fingers. Childhood. Discovery and adventure. if you're allergic to seafood as these insects share a family relation to shrimp and lobsters," the FDA said on Twitter on Wednesday, before linking out to a page on food allergies.

People had plenty of questions in the comments—including why some are actually eating these bulbous-eyed bugs. While eating bugs, aka entomophagy, is common in some parts of the world, it's getting more popular in the US, Jean Tsao, PhD, associate professor in the Departments of Fisheries & Wildlife and Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University, tells Health. "It's bigger and bigger because of the desire to find another protein source that is more sustainable vs. eating cows, pigs, chicken, sheep, and goats," she says.

There's also the dare factor to consider. Some people are eating cicadas "for the novelty of eating big bugs or they were triple-dog dared to eat one," Howard Russell, an entomologist at Michigan State University, tells Health.

But back to cicadas and possible allergic reactions from eating them—what exactly is going on here? And, if you're not allergic to seafood, can you give them a try? Here's what you need to know.

RELATED: 10 Insect Bites to Look Out for This Summer—And How to Treat Them

First: Why can’t you eat cicadas if you’re allergic to seafood?

Cicadas—along with shrimp, crabs, crayfish and lobsters—belong the phylum Arthropoda, Marc Potzler, a board-certified entomologist with Ehrlich Pest Control, tells Health. Other members of Arthropoda include insects like crickets and lady bugs, as well as arachnids like spiders and ticks.

"All arthropods are classified as having an exoskeleton and jointed appendages," Potzler says. And according to Dr. Russell—and aside from a few minor differences—"lobsters are just big bugs that live in the ocean."

In that case, it makes sense that if you're allergic to shellfish at all, you may also be allergic to insects—not just cicadas. Research backs this up, too: according to a recent study published in the journal Food Chemistry, there's a "significant overlap in allergenic proteins found in cricket food products and those found in shellfish like crabs and prawns," Michelle Colgrave, PhD, lead study author and professor at Edith Cowan University's School of Science said in a press release. "There's a good chance that people allergic to shellfish will also react to insects."

RELATED: Thousands of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Are Being Released in Florida—Here's Why

So what can happen if you’re allergic to seafood and eat a cicada?

Shellfish allergies impact about seven million Americans, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). And, if you're one of those people, experts say it's likely you'll develop the same symptoms after eating a cicada that you would if you ate shellfish. According to the ACAAI, those can include:

• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Repetitive cough
• Tightness in throat
• Weak pulse
• Pale or blue coloring of the skin
• Hives
• Swelling that affect the tongue and/or lips
• Dizziness
• Confusion

Depending on how severe your allergy is, you may need to use an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) if you happen to eat a cicada when you're allergic to shellfish.

RELATED: What to Know About Food Allergy Symptoms, From Hives to Anaphylaxis

What if you’re not allergic to shellfish—can you eat cicadas then?

The short answer: Yes. "Cicadas aren't toxic to people," Ben Hottel, technical services manager at Orkin, tells Health.

"Humans have been consuming cicadas and other insects for millenia, in all parts of the world," Potzler says. But, of course, everyone is different and there's still a chance that eating a cicada could make you sick, even if you're not allergic to the bugs.

"Everyone's system differs in sensitivity, particularly to new things," Potzler says. Russell points out that pets can get an upset stomach after eating a cicada because of their hard-to-digest exoskeleton, and the same can happen with people.

There's also the risk of foodborne illness, just like with other forms of protein. "An uncooked or undercooked cicada may carry microorganisms that can cause food illnesses, particularly if birds are common where the cicadas are collected from," Potzler says.

If you want to try out a cicada, Potzler recommends cooking it at a high temperature first. And, if you're unsure how you'll do with them, he suggests starting with one and seeing how you feel before plowing through more. He also adds this tidbit: "From personal experience: Remove the wings before you chow down."

To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter

RELATED: How To Treat Swollen Eyes Caused By Allergies, According to Allergists

Why dust mites make you sick

Dust mites don't bite—instead, you get sick from being exposed to dust mite feces, aka poop. "The proteins in the fecal particles are perfectly sized to cause allergy symptoms in those who are dust mite-allergic," Dr. Patel explains.

How much of these pesky mites you're exposed to matters, David Corry, MD, a professor of medicine in the section of immunology, allergy, and rheumatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, tells Health. "Dust mite allergens are among the most abundant foreign substances people are exposed to, depending on the exact house," he says. And if your home is particularly packed with dust mites, it raises the odds you'll have symptoms.

Where do dust mites live?

Dust mites can technically live anywhere there's dust, but you can usually find them in the following spots, per the NIEHS:

• Mattresses
• Bedding
• Upholstered furniture
• Carpets
• Curtains

It's extremely common to have dust mites in your bed: 84% of homes in the US have detectable levels of dust mites in at least one bed, according to a survey published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

What are the symptoms of dust mite allergies?

Per Dr. Corry, dust mite allergy symptoms can include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Sneezing
• A drippy nose
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Itching in your ear canal
• Asthma
• Skin itching
• Worsening eczema

RELATED: 3 Common Allergy Rashes—and What They Look Like

How to get rid of dust mites

Here's the thing: You can't actually eliminate them completely. "It is almost impossible to completely get rid of dust mites in the home," Dr. Patel says. Still, there are "some things that you can do in the home to help decrease dust mite load without needing a professional," she adds.

That means knowing the conditions that can increase your risk of having a thriving dust mite population in your home in the first place, according to Dr. Corry. Some of the big risk factors include humidity, large areas of fixed carpeting, and lots of dust mite food depositing into the same space (like several people and pets shedding dander in one area). Not changing your bedding or cleaning often enough can help create an environment that dust mites love. Once you know the risk factors, you can better target the elimination and prevention of dust mites.

The NIEHS specifically recommends taking the following steps:

• Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain humidity levels at or below 50%.
• Cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-impermeable covers.
• Wash all of your bedding and blankets once a week in hot water—130 to 140 degrees—to kill dust mites. If your bedding can't be washed, you can freeze it overnight.
• Replace wool or feathered bedding products with synthetic materials, and traditional stuffed animals with washable ones.
• In your bedrooms, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with bare floors.
• Remove fabric curtains and upholstered furniture from your bedroom whenever possible.
• Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust (a dry cloth stirs up allergens).
• Use a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner.
• Wear a mask while vacuuming, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes after vacuuming to allow dust and allergens to settle.

How long it takes to get rid of dust mites "depends on the intervention and the specific environment," Dr. Corry says. But "you can achieve dramatic reductions in mite allergens by removing all carpets, old mattresses, old pillows and cloth furniture, and doing a thorough cleaning," he adds.

Unfortunately, getting rid of dust mites isn't a one-and-done treatment. They come back, which is why regular cleanings are important. Think of the fight against dust mites as more of an ongoing war rather than just one battle.

RELATED: Bed Bug Bites vs. Flea Bites: How to Tell the Difference

What to do if you get rid of dust mites and still have allergy symptoms

If you've followed all the steps to dramatically reduce the dust mite population and you're still struggling with indoor allergy symptoms, Dr. Patel says it's time to talk to an allergist.

They can help come up with a comprehensive plan that may include allergy medications, like nasal sprays and oral antihistamines, to help reduce the symptoms you're experiencing. Your allergist may even recommend that you undergo immunotherapy treatments through the use of allergy shots that expose you to tiny amounts of dust mite proteins, building up your exposure over time. The ultimate goal: to help reduce or stop your dust mite allergies. "We can lessen your dust mite allergy over time," Dr. Parikh says.

Again, dust mites will be lurking around your home in some capacity, no matter how much and how intensely you clean. But if you do regular cleanings and take other steps to take out those pesky dust mites, the odds are high that you'll be able to breathe easier at home in the future.

To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter

The good news: There are multiple treatment options for those who suffer from swollen eyes due to allergies, but not everyone should try treating the symptoms at home. Below, you'll find out about the causes of and treatment options for allergic conjunctivitis, plus when you need to see a doctor for help with your symptoms.

Swollen-Eyes-Allergies-GettyImages-478895324-AdobeStock_247065720 , per MedlinePlus, a resource from the US National Library of Medicine. When your eyes are exposed to an allergy-causing substance, this causes your body to release a substance called histamine. When this happens, the blood vessels in your conjunctivae—the membranes that cover the fronts of your eyes and line the inside of your eyelids—become swollen.

RELATED: These Are the 6 Best Vacuum Cleaners to Use If You Have Allergies, According to Reviews

When you're experiencing allergic conjunctivitis, it might be difficult to tell which part of the eye, exactly, is swollen—and the answer isn't always the same, Feryal Hajee, MD, an allergist and immunologist at Metropolitan Asthma and Allergy in Little Silver, New Jersey, tells Health. Sometimes, when a person is suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, the actual eyeball is swollen. This should warrant an immediate trip to a medical facility. However, other times, the eyelid is swollen, which should be treated, but doesn't necessarily warrant a trip to the emergency room, says Dr. Hajee.

Allergic conjunctivitis has been associated with other allergy-related health conditions, says Dr. Hajee, including eczema (a rash caused by allergies), asthma, and allergic rhinitis (or seasonal allergies). She adds that allergic conjunctivitis can be worse for patients who also suffer from dry eye syndrome.

What are the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis?

In addition to swelling, the following are symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA):

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Watery eyes
• The feeling that there is grit or dirt in your eyes

According to the AAFA, you might notice the following in conjunction with allergic conjunctivitis symptoms: sneezing, coughing, itchy or runny nose, and sinus headache (all of which are other symptoms of an allergic reaction).

RELATED: The Saferest Mattress Protector Is a 'Miracle' for Allergy Sufferers

How is allergic conjunctivitis treated?

Oftentimes with allergy symptoms, the best course of action is to simply avoid whatever triggers an allergic reaction—for instance, if you're allergic to cats and you know your friend has a cat, suggest a meeting place outside their home so you don't risk having an allergic reaction to their pet. The same goes for allergic conjunctivitis, Kanwaljit Brar, MD, an allergist at NYU Langone, tells Health. "The best approach is to be preventative," Dr. Brar explains.

Experts advise making an appointment with an allergist if you find that you frequently suffer from allergic conjunctivitis—if your eyelids start swelling and your eyes start watering at seemingly random times—and you have no clue what your allergen is. "If you see an allergist, you can identify what you're allergic to; we can predict when patients' symptoms will [happen]," says Dr. Brar.

From there, an allergist can help you make simple lifestyle changes that eliminate allergic conjunctivitis and other allergy-related issues, says Dr. Hajee. So if your allergist tests you and determines that pollen is likely what's triggering your symptoms, they can advise you to stay inside during certain times of the day when the pollen count in your region is highest, says Dr. Brar. By tweaking your routine by, say, going on your outdoor run at a different time when the pollen count is typically lower, your symptoms might lessen without the use of medication.

RELATED: 8,000 People Rely on These Allergy Pills for Relief—and They're Nearly 9 Times Cheaper Than Name-Brand Options

If stronger action is needed, there are plenty of other options available. Your doctor might first recommend taking an antihistamine, though that might not help with allergic conjunctivitis as much as you'd like. "Eye symptoms are notoriously more difficult to treat," says Dr. Brar. Because of that, they may suggest you try eye drops, he says, adding that you can often find ones without a prescription.

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor might recommend allergy shots, which work by slowly building up your body's tolerance to your allergens, according to the AAFA. However, there's a good chance that won't be necessary. "Eye allergy symptoms may disappear completely when the allergen is removed," per the AAFA.

When do you need to see a doctor?

While there's a good chance that your symptoms will clear up once you remove whatever's causing them, you shouldn't hesitate to seek medical help if certain concerning symptoms arise, experts warn.

If your eyeball, rather than your eyelid, is swollen, you should head to a doctor's office immediately, Dr. Hajee says. Additionally, if your eyeball is in any pain, or if any area around the eye is in severe pain, that should prompt a visit to the doctor's office, too.

MedlinePlus adds that other symptoms—like if your vision is affected or you have a severe headache—also warrant emergency medical treatment.

To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter

Just a quick refresher: An allergic reaction occurs when your body perceives a harmless substance—such as certain foods, pollen, or pet dander—as a threat. This causes your immune system to overreact in an attempt to keep you safe from that substance, even though it's harmless, per the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Allergic reactions don't just affect the skin—they can also impact the nose, throat, lungs, ears, sinuses, and stomach lining, per the AAAAI.

Atopic dermatitis

Allergy-Rash-Explainer-Eczema-Atopic-Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema, which is far more common among children than adults, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI). It affects up to 20% of children but just 1 to 3% of adults, per the AAAAI, and half of patients who have eczema also suffer from food allergies and hay fever, per the AAAAI. The following are symptoms of eczema, according to the National Eczema Association (NEA):

• Itchy skin
• Sensitive skin
• Dry skin
• Inflamed skin
• Discolored skin
• Rough, scaly, or leathery patches of skin
• Crusting
• Oozing
• Areas of swollen skin

Some people with eczema will experience all of the above symptoms, while others will experience just one or two, according to the NEA. "Eczema [presents as a] persistent, all-over rash," Ronald Purcell, MD, an allergist at Cleveland Clinic, tells Health, adding that it's often caused by a food allergy. But food isn't the only trigger: "Seasonal allergies could certainly cause eczema exacerbation," Kanwaljit Brar, MD, an allergist with advanced training in dermatology at NYU Langone, tells Health.

Where the eczema breakout occurs might depend on the age of the patient, per the AAAAI, which states that the rash usually forms on the knees, elbows, cheeks, and scalp in children, but might also occur on the face, wrists, and neck of adults, in addition to their elbows and knees.

Avoidance of triggers is key in preventing eczema flares, per the AAAAI. A number of treatments are available for eczema patients, and common options include topical moisturizers that lessen itching and topical steroids, which are anti-inflammatory medications that can treat the rash caused by eczema.

RELATED: The Saferest Mattress Protector Is a 'Miracle' for Allergy Sufferers

Allergic contact dermatitis

Allergy-Rash-Explainer-Contact-Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis is another allergy-related rash, which, as you probably guessed, is caused by coming into contact with an allergen. A number of triggers can cause allergic contact dermatitis, including shampoos, makeup products, and nickel jewelry, Dr. Purcell says. Poison ivy, along with certain fragrances and preservatives are some of the main causes of allergic contact dermatitis, per the Cleveland Clinic.

You may not see a reaction immediately after coming into contact with the product that contains the allergen. In fact, it could take several days after the exposure for the rash to develop. Dr. Brar adds that contact dermatitis is often caused by something you wouldn't consider when thinking about a potential list of allergens, such as "your bed linens, a new piece of furniture in the home, a new pair of shoes, the cleaner you're using for your dishes."

There's also a rare form of contact dermatitis that doesn't require direct contact with the skin to cause a flare, Dr. Brar says. It's called airborne contact dermatitis, occurs when plant resins aerosolize, and can be caused by sunflowers, ragweed, and goldenrod. Airborne contact dermatitis can cause a rash on the face, neck, and eyelids Dr. Brar says.

Contact dermatitis is common, according to the Cleveland Clinic, and individuals with chronic skin problems like sensitive skin might be more prone to the condition. Symptoms of contact dermatitis include

• Red rash
• Blistering, oozing, or swollen rash
• Stinging or burning rash
• Hive-like rash
• Painful rash
• Itchy rash

As with atopic dermatitis, avoiding triggers—if you can identify them—is key in managing allergic contact dermatitis. Other treatments, per the Cleveland Clinic, include topical steroids, oral steroids, and, in severe cases, immunosuppressive medications, which might be recommended if multiple attempts at clearing up contact dermatitis with oral steroids don't work.

RELATED: These Are the 6 Best Vacuum Cleaners to Use If You Have Allergies, According to Reviews

Hives

Allergy-Rash-Explainer-Hives-Chronic-Urticaria

Environmental allergens like cats and dogs can cause hives, which present as slightly raised, itchy red bumps, Dr. Purcell says. "They're temporary; they go away after exposure is eliminated," he adds. In addition to animals, hives can be caused when your body has an allergic reaction to certain foods and medicines, per MedlinePlus, a resource from the US National Library of Medicine, which lists the following as potential triggers: pollen, insect bites, medicines, animal dander, nuts, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, and other foods. (FYI: Hives can be the result of causes other than allergens, including emotional stress and excessive perspiration, according to MedlinePlus.)

Treatment options for hives include antihistamines, steroids, an antibiotic called dapsone that can relieve swelling and redness, an injectable medication called omalizumab that treats chronic hives, and other anti-inflammatory medications, per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). If you know cats cause you to break out in hives, and you plan on visiting a friend who has a cat, it might be worth it to consider taking an antihistamine before you arrive at the friend's home, Dr. Purcell suggests. Avoiding triggers that cause hives is also key in managing the condition, he adds.

RELATED: 8,000 People Rely on These Allergy Pills for Relief—and They're Nearly 9 Times Cheaper Than Name-Brand Options

When should you seek help from a medical professional?

Luckily, rashes caused by allergies can often be treated from the comfort of your own home, and some might clear up as soon as the allergen is removed from your environment. Dr. Purcell says it's important to go see a doctor if your rash doesn't respond to what should work, like topical steroids or taking an antihistamine. Additionally, if you can't figure out what's causing your rash, it might be in your best interest to consult a doctor to figure out what's triggering you so you can avoid the allergen in the future.

If you can, try making an appointment with a skincare specialist, like a dermatologist, rather than visiting an urgent care for help with a rash caused by an allergen, Dr. Brar recommends, explaining that urgent care staff might not always know the best course of treatment and might, for instance, recommend oral steroids when milder treatments would suffice. That said, if you are experiencing any more serious symptoms, like shortness of breath, you should, of course, seek help as quickly as possible, rather than waiting to consult a specialized doctor in the future.

To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter

Giacalone, who has a severe peanut allergy, was 27 when the accident happened. She was modeling clothes at a fashion trade show at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, and a friend bought her a frozen yogurt with a bite-sized peanut butter-infused pretzel on top, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Model-Left-Brain-Damaged-After-Eating-Pretzel-How-That-Can-Happen-GettyImages-131861167

How are peanut allergies usually treated?

Peanut allergies are the most common allergies in children, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). Nearly 2.5 percent of children have an allergy to peanuts, and the allergy can persist into adulthood.

Exposure to peanuts in someone with an allergy can cause a range of symptoms, including vomiting, wheezing, shortness of breath, and hives, the ACAAI says. It can also cause anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. That's typically treated with an injection of epinephrine (the drug form of the hormone adrenaline) into the muscle, Catherine Monteleone, M.D., an allergist-immunologist and professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, tells Health. "That's usually safe and life-saving for most people with severe allergies," she says.

But sometimes—like with Giacalone—intramuscular (IM) epinephrine isn't enough. That's when intravenous (IV) epinephrine is needed. "For some people who are having a severe reaction, [IM epinephrine] doesn't work well," says Dr. Monteleone. "With an IV, you get more in and get it faster. Epinephrine is not absorbed as smoothly into the muscle as it would from an IV."

This is what doctors will often do in the emergency room if someone experiences anaphylaxis, Dr. Monteleone says. "If it seems like an intramuscular injection of epinephrine isn't working, they will go to an IV," she says.

RELATED: FDA Approves First Treatment for Peanut Allergy—But It's for Kids Only

How can someone develop brain damage from an allergic reaction?

If someone has a severe allergic reaction and they're not treated properly in time "you don't get the oxygen you need to the brain—and that can lead to brain damage," says Dr. Monteleone.

According to Dr. Monteleone, severe cases of anaphylaxis that can't be treated with IM epinephrine aren't terribly common, but they do happen—which is why it's important that emergency medical services have both types on hand in those types of situations.

Giacalone's father Jack Giacalone said he was "happy" that the verdict meant his daughter "will be taken care of." But, he added, "all the anguish that we've been through for the last eight years, I'm not happy about. I just hope MedicWest changes their ways."

Giacalone's family says they will use the money awarded to them to invest in her future care and a new home that fits her needs better—specifically, a special shower and her own room. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the family will also make a to a foundation for people suffering from similar brain injuries.

To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter

The anti-itch stick has the same key ingredient as Benadryl’s allergy relief medication, the antihistamine diphenhydramine. When applied topically rather than ingested, the antihistamine acts as a pain and itch reliever that treats a range of ailments, from sunburns to bee stings. It’s safe to apply up to 4 times a day and gives hours of alleviation with every application.

RELATED: This Air Purifier Helped My Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Completely Disappear

The extra-strength gel also packs a small dosage of the astringent zinc acetate. This addition gives it a drying effect that can be used to treat rashes from poison ivy, oak, and sumac. And unlike many other ointments, it’s clear and can be worn in public without attracting a strangers’ stare. 

Deemed a “miracle stick” by one reviewer, the portable pick is similar in size to a pen and ships in a pack of 3. Shoppers recommend keeping one stick by the bedside, one in the car, and another in your go-to bag to ensure it’s always on hand. Depending on how much time you spend outdoors, you can also purchase the formula in a larger 3.5-fluid ounce container. 

RELATED: My Face Mask Irritation Disappeared Thanks to Body Glide’s Face Glide

benadryl-stick-itchy-skin , 3 for $7; amazon.com

More than 1,800 shoppers agree this itch-relieving treatment lives up to the hype, leaving it a perfect 5-star rating. In fact, one reviewer called it “the best thing since toilet paper” before revealing it’s the one item they always keep on hand (along with toilet paper). They say their family uses the stick to treat everything from hives to post-wax inflammation—and they’d give it a “million” stars if they could.

Another agreed: “I’ve tried about 10 other products and none were near the relief this provided. My son and I both attract bug bites like crazy, especially on the golf course. I am the type that will absolutely itch until it bleeds and then itch some more. The instant relief with this is a miracle. It’s a winner in my book.”

Whether you’re dealing with hives or a scalp allergy, this tiny stick is the medicine-cabinet staple you didn’t know you needed. Luckily, it’s affordable; A 3-pack of sticks costs just $7, while the less portable tube is just over $4. Now if only we could find a way to keep the mosquitos away for good.

Sign up for our Health Shopping newsletter to get your daily dose of retail therapy with great deals handpicked by our editors—straight to your inbox.

There is one thing that has been foolproof in alleviating my allergies when I’m at home, though. Since I started the Molekule Air Mini+ air purifier a month ago, I haven’t woken up with allergy symptoms once—something that would have previously been impossible during the months of April and May, considering that’s peak allergy season.

RELATED: The Best Air Purifiers for Allergies

I began using the Molekule Air Mini+ in early April, just as my allergies were beginning to worsen with spring approaching. The directions say to  set it up on a raised surface in whatever room you want to purify—I used a side table in my bedroom, since I was noticing most of my allergy symptoms after waking up in the morning. From there, it’s super easy to use. You can completely control on your phone via the corresponding app that’s free to download. There are two main settings to choose from: “auto-protect”,which monitors the level of allergens in the environment and increases or decreases the speed of the purifier appropriately, or manual mode, in which you can set it on a low, medium, or high setting. I’ve tried all of the settings and found that it runs rather quietly on all of them; on a higher setting, you may just hear a low humming sound akin to running a fan or a white noise machine, but I never found that it disturbed my sleep. 

Molekule Air Mini  $499; molekule.com

The app gives you real-time helpful insights on the level of allergens, like dust and smoke, in the surrounding room. The air quality is indicated by green for good levels, yellow for moderate levels, red for bad levels, or purple for very bad levels. The color also glows on the top of the purifier itself, which is useful if you’re not looking at your app at any given moment. (Interestingly, I found that my Molekule glows yellow in the mornings, when my allergies were at their worst, and then moved to green later in the day as the air quality improved.)

Since beginning to use it, I’ve noticed a palpable difference in not only my aforementioned allergies, but also in the overall crispness of the air in the room. It’s easier to take deep breaths, and even with the window closed, the room never feels stuffy. I can even smell the scented candles on my dresser better, and as a result, my entire bedroom now smells of gingerbread (I’m not complaining). The Molekule is designed to  work best inspaces of up to 250 square feet, which is even larger than  the size of most bedrooms. What’s more, the mini model is compact enough that it’s barely noticeable on my side table, and its sleek design doesn’t clash with the aesthetic of my room.

RELATED: The Best Anti-Allergy Bedding

The purifier comes with one of Molekule’s patented PECO filters, which, according to the company, works by capturing dust, pollen, and other allergens, and then breaking them down in the filter. You can also monitor the status of your filter on your app so you know exactly when you need to change it out to a new one. After one month of use, my app still indicates that the filter is at near-perfect health.

Available for just under $500—or a 12-month payment plan of $42 a month——the Molekule Air Mini+is definitely a splurge, but for me, waking up without any harsh allergy symptoms every morning makes this handy little appliance well worth the price tag.

Sign up for our Health Shopping newsletter to get your daily dose of retail therapy with great deals handpicked by our editors—straight to your inbox.

In the simplest terms, allergy season typically starts as soon as the trees begin to start budding, since seasonal allergies are caused by pollen produced by weeds, grasses and trees. That differs across the US, and according to which allergies you suffer from, but for the most part, tree pollen season is from late February to June, grass season lasts all summer, and ragweed allergies start in August and last until the first snowfall, Josef Shargorodsky, MD, an otolaryngologist at Coastal Ear Nose and Throat in New Jersey, previously told Health. Ronald Purcell, MD, an allergy and immunology physician at Cleveland Clinic adds that seasonal allergies usually start bothering people in March and peak during mid- to late-spring where he's based in Ohio.

Because seasonal allergies often begin at the tail-end of cold and flu season (and, this year, coincide with the coronavirus pandemic), it can be difficult to determine if you're suffering from allergies or another common illness—especially because allergies strike different regions at different times, says Dr. Purcell. Here's how you can pinpoint whether you're suffering from pesky seasonal allergies, and what you can do about them to start feeling better.

RELATED: When Is Allergy Season—and How Long Does It Last?

What are seasonal allergy symptoms?

“The typical sufferer comes in with classic upper respiratory symptoms,” says Dr. Purcell—that means a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, congestion (that can often cause snoring at night), and itchy eyes and ears. Unfortunately, many of those symptoms can mimic those caused by respiratory viruses; but a good rule of thumb, according to Dr. Purcell, is to notice how soon those symptoms come on. Respiratory viruses, says Dr. Purcell, come on very quickly, causing you to feel ill over the course of as little as one day. Meanwhile, seasonal allergies develop over time. “A virus will hit you like a ton of bricks upfront; allergies [are] a little more gradual,” explains Dr. Purcell.

It should also be noted that, unlike viruses like the flu and COVID-19, seasonal allergies don't cause a fever, Marc F. Goldstein, MD, chief of allergy and immunology at Pennsylvania Hospital previously told Health.

The hallmark symptom of seasonal allergies, though, is something that isn’t usually associated with the common cold: itching. If you notice that your congestion is accompanied by a pattern of itching and scratching, there’s a chance you’re reacting to pollen in the air rather than suffering from a virus, says Dr. Purcell. He also notes that if you suffer from asthma, seasonal allergies can exacerbate your asthma symptoms.

RELATED: Allergies Vs. Coronavirus: Here's How to Tell the Difference

How can you treat allergy symptoms?

If you find yourself constantly dealing with a coughing, sneezing or other allergy symptoms each year around the same time, it's wise to see an allergist. While the treatment options for seasonal allergy symptoms vary, the first line of defense is usually an antihistamine, says Dr. Purcell. Doctors typically advise trying a non-sedating, over the counter antihistamine, such as Zyrtec or Allegra at first. Additionally, nasal sprays like Flonase, are used to treat allergies (but, quick note: for nasal sprays to be effective, you need to start them before allergy season hits).

If over-the-counter medications don’t work well enough for you, allergy shots are another option, says Dr. Purcell. But there's one pretty big downside: These allergy shots are to be administered over the course of a few years, so you can gradually build up immunity to your specific allergen. Because these allergy shots are so time-consuming, most allergists recommend them as treatment only when your allergies are so bad that they disrupt your daily routine, like causing you to miss work or school.

Overall, if you're used to your seasonal allergy symptoms and have a treatment plan that makes you feel best nailed down, stick to that (with the guidance of your doctor, of course). But if you're noticing new symptoms—especially ones that seemed to crop up this year—check in with your doctor to determine if you are in fact suffering from allergies or if something more serious could be going on.

To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Healthy Living newsletter

Palforzia is approved for children and teens ages four through 17 who have a peanut-allergy diagnosis. Peanut allergies, the most common type of food allergy in children, have increased by 21% since 2010, according to national survey data presented at a 2017 allergy meeting. 

RELATED: Your New Allergy Survival Guide

Peter Marks, MD, PhD, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement released by the agency that peanut allergy affects approximately one million children in the U.S., and only one in five of them will outgrow their allergy. 

“When used in conjunction with peanut avoidance, Palforzia provides an FDA-approved treatment option to help reduce the risk of these allergic reactions in children with peanut allergy,” Dr. Marks said.

It’s a big moment, because peanut allergies can be life-threatening and even minute exposures can be deadly. “Those who are most allergic must spend go to great lengths to avoid any exposure to peanuts,” Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, otolaryngologist (ENT) and laryngologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., tells Health. 

RELATED: What to Know About Food Allergy Symptoms, From Hives to Anaphylaxis

Palforzia doesn’t “cure” a peanut allergy and isn’t indicated for the emergency treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and it must be used alongside a peanut-avoidant diet. But immunotherapy with the drug may desensitize patients and turn a potentially life-threatening reaction into one that may not be as dangerous, Dr. Mehdizadeh explains. 

So how does it work? Well, it’s not a quick fix. Palforzia, which is a powder made from peanuts, decreases the frequency and severity of an allergic reaction via immunotherapy. This involves exposing a person to tiny but increasing doses of peanuts (or whatever they are allergic to) over a period of time. “The child's immune system is desensitized to peanuts by exposing him or her to incrementally increasing amounts of peanut allergen via the medication over time,” Dr. Mehdizadeh says. 

According to the prescribing information provided by the FDA, Palforzia treatment consists of three phases: initial dose escalation, up-dosing, and maintenance. The initial dose escalation takes place over a single day, involving five gradually increasing doses of the drug. Up-dosing consists of 11 increasing dose levels across several months. Both phases take place under supervision at a health care facility. The final maintenance phase requires absolute adherence to the daily dose for the drug to work. 

RELATED: What’s the Difference Between a Food Allergy and Intolerance? Here’s What Most Americans Don’t Know