{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/allergies/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2842-markdown","title":"Can You Be Allergic to Marijuana?","slug":"can-you-be-allergic-to-marijuana","content":"Marijuana allergies—are they a real thing? It seems so, according to some research, a few case studies and that one person you met at a party awhile back. The [first incidence of a cannabis allergy](http://annals.org/aim/article-abstract/685832/allergy-marihuana?volume=75&issue=4&page=571) was reported over 40 years ago. \n\nSince then, there have been some reports of respiratory allergies due to cannabis pollen exposure as well as skin rashes from direct contact with the plant. It’s likely that as more countries change their laws to allow cannabis consumption, incidences of marijuana allergies will increase.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nSo, what causes a marijuana allergy, and how do you know if you have one? And more important, what should you do if you think you’re allergic to cannabis? \n\n### What Are the Symptoms of a Marijuana Allergy? \n\nCommon respiratory symptoms from a cannabis allergy include: \n\n* Red, watery eyes\n* Sneezing\n* Runny nose\n* Congestion\n* Nausea\n* Vomiting \n\nSome people also experience an allergic reaction when coming into direct contact with the plant. These reactions can cause the skin to become: \n\n* Itchy\n* Inflamed and red\n* Dry and scaly\n\nMore severe symptoms can include an anaphylactic response, a type of allergic reaction that can include difficulty breathing and shock. \n\n### Is It a Marijuana Allergy vs. a Reaction to Something Else?\n\nIt’s important to be able to distinguish allergy symptoms with the common side effects of cannabis consumption like dry eyes and dry mouth. While these side effects can be uncomfortable, they’re just a normal part of cannabis consumption. \n\nRELATED: [3 POPULAR QUESTIONS ABOUT MARIJUANA & ALLERGIES ANSWERED](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5aea9558b869a600079658df/3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-allergies-answered)\n\nAnother thing to keep in mind is that sometimes your method of consumption could be triggering an allergic response—not the cannabis itself. For example, if you’re smoking cannabis and experiencing allergy symptoms, the smoke itself could be the culprit. \n\nIt’s also possible that the marijuana you’re consuming is moldy, which can also irritate the respiratory system. And if you’re using a topical, it’s possible that other ingredients in that topical are causing your skin to become irritated. \n\nSo, how do you know if you’re allergic to cannabis and not something else? Unfortunately, there isn’t a standard test that you can take to see if you have a cannabis allergy. And while some studies have used skin prick tests to figure out if someone has a cannabis allergy, these tests require that the tester have an actual cannabis preparation on hand—something that isn’t likely with the plant’s illegal federal status. \n\n### The Potential Causes of Cannabis Allergies—From Enzymes to Proteins \n\nWhat substance in cannabis could be causing these allergic reactions? Let’s take a look at that first reported incidence of a marijuana allergy, which took place in 1971. This involved a 29-year-old woman who had an anaphylactic response.  \n\nThe doctor who completed the case report indicated the reaction was an immune response—perhaps due to a cannabinoid, more specifically, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Though it’s entirely possible that THC is an allergen for some people, other studies suggest that there are other components of the plant at play as well. \n\nOne study points to enzymes found in cannabis pollen. Other studies have found that [a variety of proteins](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3726218/), including [lipid transfer proteins, could be responsible](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23921252?dopt=Abstract). These enzymes and proteins are common allergens that are also found in food items like apples, tomatoes and apricots. \n\nThese studies could explain why some European studies point to an [allergen cross-reactivity between cannabis and some foods](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23549061?dopt=Abstract) like tomatoes and citrus, including grapefruit. What this means is it’s possible that developing an allergy to cannabis could also cause your body to negatively respond to certain foods and vice versa. Though more studies are needed, it’s likely that there are many things in cannabis that cause an allergic reaction. \n\nThese studies have also noted that cannabis sensitization is a real possibility. That is, repeated exposure to cannabis could cause the body to develop an allergy. One study in Spain found that [cannabis smokers were more likely to have a positive skin prick test for cannabis](https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/351068). These findings, though preliminary, don’t bode well for cannabis consumers and those who work in the industry. \n\n### How Are Cannabis Allergies Treated?\n\nWhile there’s no set treatment for a cannabis allergy, people often address symptoms via typical routes like taking antihistamines, steroids and decongestants. Of course, folks could also choose to avoid cannabis. However, this can be impossible for some people who live in areas where cannabis is grown, or who have a loved one who relies on the plant for medicine.  \n\nIf symptoms are more severe or start to affect quality of life, like most other allergy cases, immunotherapy can be a solution. In fact, there are a [few cases studies](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935105800416) where this type of treatment was used and resulted in reduced respiratory symptoms. \n\nOverall, cannabis allergies are still uncommon, though they’re being reported with more frequency. As cannabis continues to enter the mainstream across the globe, more and more people will become exposed to the plant. And since, studies suggest that exposure can lead to the development of a cannabis allergy, it’s in our best interests to advocate for more research on the topic.  \n\nPhoto credit: [Brittany Colette](https://unsplash.com/@candidbcolette)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b8882d88dd0720008373fcf/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-to-about-marijuana) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/14b42/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/f836f/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.jpg 200w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/2244e/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.jpg 400w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/14b42/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.jpg 800w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/47498/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/0e329/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.jpg 1600w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/4bd3c/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.jpg 3634w","srcWebp":"/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/58556/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/61e93/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.webp 200w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/1f5c5/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.webp 400w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/58556/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.webp 800w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/99238/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.webp 1200w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/7c22d/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.webp 1600w,\n/static/a56d6288f6ca420bbb392b36ca646f03/1dec3/4d805f4f7b00c8b085d5e450cb80ddb3.webp 3634w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2682-markdown","title":"3 Popular Questions About Marijuana & Allergies Answered","slug":"3-popular-questions-about-marijuana-and-allergies-answered","content":"The time for rejoicing that the cold, dark winter is over can be short-lived for some. Warmer, sunnier weather can also signal the beginning of allergy season and all that comes with it: sneezing, watery eyes, asthma, congestion. For the more than 50 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies, spring is just no fun.\n\nIf you’re an allergy sufferer, you’ve probably tried many medications and are willing to try just about anything to help ease your symptoms. But have you tried cannabis? It’s well-documented that marijuana can fight inflammation and pain, two common allergy symptoms. But how can you best consume cannabis for allergies? \n\nWe’ve compiled our three most popular Q&As on consuming cannabis to help control allergies. If you have more questions about how marijuana may help with your hay fever, head over to our [Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) page where you can ask a question. A knowledgeable member of our community will point you in the right direction. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Q: I have really bad seasonal allergies and want to use something natural to help.\n**_Could marijuana help? If so, any specific things I should look for?_**\n\nAnswer: [@drolson](https://www.hellomd.com/people/550c5a786336370003010000/drolson) This is a very simple question but it requires a very complex answer. Using high cannabidiol (CBD), low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis regularly twice a day will reduce the inflammatory load in your body over approximately over two and a half to three weeks—but that may not be enough. \n\nHere are a few more suggestions:\n\n* Be sure to chew your food thoroughly, so you mix your saliva with your food because your saliva contains the [antibody called secretory IgA](https://www.nature.com/articles/mi201141). Making sure to coat your food in saliva will make your body think the food is part of you and will stop over reacting to it. Eliminate all foods that can promote congestion like milk and cheese. For many people this includes wheat and soy as well because food sensitivities increase the reaction in your body to seasonal allergies.\n\n* When you come in from outside during high allergy season, make sure you shower to remove all pollens from your hair, eyebrows, nostrils and skin. Consider changing your pillowcase every night before you go to bed and even consider renting an air filtration system to remove pollens, dust mites and dander from your environment.\n\n* There are many natural remedies you can use to reduce your response to pollens and allergens like stinging nettle or ingesting one teaspoon of local, raw honey to act like an immunization against the allergies. Our animals do carry in pollens on their coat so it's wise to brush your animals before they come in the house.\n\n* High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters do work to filter the air adequately, so use one to set up a \"safe room\" in your house where you can spend time and be allergy free.\n\nThese are just a few of the simple things you can do to reduce your reaction to allergens. Hopefully I've given you enough things to think about and you can start clearing your environment of allergens. \n\nIf all these suggestions do not produce adequate resolution you could always consider moving closer to the ocean because the breezes that come off the ocean don’t contain the heavy pollen unload.\n\nGood luck, keep working at this and you will find what works for you. I have 45 years’ experience and lots of tricks up my sleeve to help you if you need further help.\n\nRELATED: [4 EASY WAYS TO MANAGE SEASONAL ALLERGIES](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ada55d8049b4f000a64e8b3/4-easy-ways-to-manage-seasonal-allergies)\n\n### Q: I understand cannabis can be used for asthma. How do I find the right strain?\n\nAnswer: [@ryan](https://www.hellomd.com/people/56e9a5ccccdf36000b000029/ryan) It may be difficult to find the \"perfect\" strain, but what many new users miss is that most strains are actually very similar in how the cannabinoids affect your wellness. The mental feelings may differ drastically and there is a significant different between sativa and indica, but past that things start to smooth out for many illnesses. This is because many of them are mostly helped by either THC or CBD.\n\nCurrently there is not a lot of research on specific strains that help allergies, just a lot of evidence that cannabinoids can help your lungs to open up. Since cannabis has such a low risk for patients, I would recommend vaporizing a hybrid cannabis strain. Try asking your budtender for a nice middle of the road strain that doesn’t cause you anxiety (just in case you’re prone to those types of feelings).\n\n### Q: Can cannabis help my allergies?\n**_I’m sick and tired of taking antihistamines._**\n\nAnswer: [@drgerhart](https://www.hellomd.com/people/55e4d82461666400067b0000/drgerhart) Scientists in Germany have discovered that applying THC ointment or solutions to the skin of mice and then exposing them to allergens resulted in decreased inflammation and swelling when compared to non-treated mice.\n\nIt appears that activating the CB-1 and CB-2 receptors (the main cannabinoid receptors) reduces the symptoms caused by plants that produce hypersensitivity rashes similar to poison ivy or poison oak.\n\nThere’s limited literature available on this topic, but allergy and hypersensitivity to cannabis is rare.\n\nAdditionally, Cannabis shares some molecular and other characteristics with antihistamines which we use to treat allergies.\n\nFurther study needs to be done before we can say definitively that cannabis helps with allergies, but these initial findings may lead to more work in this area.\n\nPhoto credit: [Daniel Jensen](https://unsplash.com/@dallehj)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.  \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/14b42/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/f836f/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 200w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/2244e/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 400w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/14b42/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 800w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/47498/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/0e329/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 1600w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/017f4/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.jpg 3630w","srcWebp":"/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/58556/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/61e93/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 200w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/1f5c5/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 400w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/58556/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 800w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/99238/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 1200w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/7c22d/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 1600w,\n/static/a074e2627fe5e6e260ceb3bce25471f5/ef33f/7de39c8bcf97e39fe95814648cefe7e9.webp 3630w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2665-markdown","title":"4 Easy Ways to Manage Seasonal Allergies","slug":"4-easy-ways-to-manage-seasonal-allergies","content":"Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, can be triggered by various substances like dust and pet hair. Pollen from ragweed, grass and other plants is also a common culprit. People tend to experience an uptick of allergy symptoms in the spring, summer and fall, when flowers and trees are in bloom. \n\nWhen your body comes in contact with an allergen, your immune system reacts by releasing histamine, a molecule that’s involved in the body’s inflammatory response. This response can trigger seasonal allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. In some cases, allergies can trigger asthma or asthma-like symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\nThe most common way to address hay fever symptoms is via antihistamines—drugs that prevent histamine from binding to certain receptors in the body, thus stopping your body’s inflammatory response. \n\nHowever, if antihistamines don’t quite do the job, or you don’t enjoy the side effects that can come with them—like dry mouth, dizziness and drowsiness, there are a number of alternatives you can try, including cannabis. \n\n### 1. Minimizing Your Exposure to Allergens Can Reduce Hay Fever Symptoms\n\nReducing your exposure to allergens might lessen your symptoms during hay fever season, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If your reactions are triggered by pollen, it’s a good idea to keep track of daily pollen reports.\n\nWhen the counts are high, try to limit your time outside, and wear eyewear to reduce eye exposure. If you go outside, take a shower afterwards to remove pollen that may have caught on your hair and clothes.  \n\nPets can track pollen into the house, so if you’re out with the dog, brushing them off before going inside can help keep your home clean. You can also install an air filtration system in your house, or purchase a portable one to reduce airborne allergens. Additionally, keep the windows of your home closed, especially during times when the pollen count is high.\n\nIn general, it’s also a good idea to vacuum your home regularly to remove not only pollen, but other possible allergens like dust and pet dander. And [if you need some motivation to clean your house, the right kind of cannabis can help](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5ab093a5f24d1300077ccb90/top-5-marijuana-strains-to-get-your-spring-cleaning-on). \n\n### 2. Cannabis’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties May Help During Allergy Season \n\nCannabis can help you clean your house of allergens, but it may also mediate your body’s immune response and thus ease allergy symptoms. While there’s no clinical evidence that points to marijuana helping with allergies, the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—the network of receptors in your body that cannabis works on—plays a role in how your body responds to allergens. \n\nRELATED: [DO YOU HAVE CLINICAL ENDOCANNABINOID DEFICIENCY?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/59b2191f214a9d000dd6a3fe/do-you-have-clinical-endocannabinoid-deficiency)\n\nResearch suggests that the ECS may dampen your body’s inflammatory reaction to allergens via a number of different mechanisms. The pathway that has relevant applications to hay fever has to do with the ECS and mast cells, white blood cells that release certain compounds—including histamine—as part of your body’s immune response. \n\nStudies show that the components of the ECS have a role in mast cell function, and thus could be the key to controlling the body’s overreaction to certain substances during allergy season. For example, anandamide, a molecule that attaches to receptors in the ECS, can stop the release of inflammatory compounds that cause the symptoms of seasonal allergies. Anandamide is similar in structure and function to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). \n\nTHC and cannabidiol (CBD) are active compounds in cannabis that impart many of the plants benefits. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that could help manage the body’s allergic response. One study in guinea pigs found that [THC reduced coughing and restriction of airways in the lungs](http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/353/1/169). And another found that [CBD could also help with lung constriction](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23428645), a property that could make it useful in the treatment of asthma symptoms. \n\nIf you’re thinking of using cannabis to help you get through allergy season, avoid inhalable options like vape pens and joints, as they may exacerbate your symptoms. \n\n### 3. Acupuncture Could Moderate the Body’s Response to Allergens\n\nClinical trials suggest that acupuncture can treat seasonal allergies, but the mechanism on how it works is still unknown. In truth, while many studies suggest that acupuncture is an effective form of treatment for many conditions, [we’re just beginning to understand how it works](https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/acupuncture-treatment-for-allergic-rhinitis-why-should-physicians-recommend-it.pdf). That said, research indicates that [the endocannabinoid system is involved](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a6267098425e40008273a32/how-acupuncture-interacts-with-the-endocannabinoid-system). \n\nA small study of 38 human subjects published in _The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine_ shed light on [how acupuncture might affect the body’s immune response](https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2000.6.519). The researchers measured blood levels of certain immune factors in subjects who received acupuncture and those who didn’t. They found that acupuncture both improved the subjects’ general well-being and altered these immune factors in a way that reduced the subjects’ asthma symptoms.  \n\nAll clinical studies involving acupuncture and seasonal allergies have been small, causing some concern among scientists about their validity. Additionally, the technique can be hard to placebo, making the design of such studies difficult.  \n\nWhile acupuncture seemed to improve study subjects’ quality of life and help with hay fever symptoms, researchers point out that larger trials still need to be conducted. They also add that the technique should be studied against other forms of allergy treatment like the use of antihistamines and intranasal sprays. \n\n### 4. Reishi Mushrooms May Help Ease Seasonal Allergy & Asthma Symptoms \n\nReishi mushrooms (_Ganoderma lucidum_) have been long-studied in China and Japan for their numerous medicinal properties—among them the ability to modulate different aspects of the immune system. Thus, it’s no surprise that many traditional Chinese remedies for allergies contain this fungus. \n\nA study in the _Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology_ compared the effects of prednisone, an anti-inflammatory steroid, and a blend of three Chinese herbs on asthma symptoms in 91 human subjects. The main ingredient of this blend was 20 grams of a [raw Reishi mushroom extract](https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2005/10/18/Herbal-alternative-for-asthma-shows-promise?n=63278-chinese-medicine-asthma-ephedrine#). \n\nAt the end of the four-week study period, researchers found that the Chinese herbal blend was a safe and effective way to treat asthma. They measured the blood serum levels of several immune factors and found that the herbal blend changed them in a way that brought the immune system back into balance. \n\nThey also noted that the blend reduced lung inflammation and eased airways—results that could benefit asthma patients. Moreover, the herbal blend group had fewer adverse effects on their adrenal function than the prednisone group did. \n\nLike most conditions, there’s no silver bullet for seasonal allergy symptoms. But by incorporating multiple methods and taking measures like cleaning your house and installing air filters, you can manage your symptoms so they have less of an impact on your day-to-day life. \n\nPhoto credit: [Elijah Hail](https://unsplash.com/@elijahhail)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3605442176870748,"src":"/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/14b42/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg","srcSet":"/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/f836f/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 200w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/2244e/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 400w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/14b42/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 800w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/47498/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 1200w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/0e329/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 1600w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/de132/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.jpg 3638w","srcWebp":"/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/58556/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/61e93/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 200w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/1f5c5/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 400w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/58556/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 800w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/99238/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 1200w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/7c22d/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 1600w,\n/static/1094b607d743a22c64f704d5048cbda8/833d2/5303b9387e0edba858b934b5db9bd54b.webp 3638w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":4933,"name":"Allergies","slug":"allergies","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}