Managing Allergies During Outdoor Sports and Activities

Soccer, baseball and softball are in full swing right now! Whether your kiddo is a member of a youth sports team or you’re on an intramural team with some buddies, summer sports are an excellent time to get outdoors, get some exercise and socialize a bit. They’re also, unfortunately, an excellent opportunity to encounter grass…
Pediatric Allergies Over the Summer: How to Still Have Summer Fun

For the kids, summer months are a time for outdoor play, pool parties, family barbecues and summer sports. You don’t want them to have to miss out on fantastic times with friends and family because of their allergy symptoms. With some allergy maintenance, they can still have a great summer, and here’s how to make…
How Hydration (and Dehydration) Impact Allergies

You’ve probably heard the fun fact that humans are 60% water. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that our hydration levels can impact any and all bodily functions, including allergies. In the heat of summer, dehydration is common, so let’s discuss the link between the body’s water levels and allergies so you can better…
How to Plan Allergen-Smart Road Trips Across Oregon

North to Portland; east to Bend or Painted Hills; south to Crater Lake; west to the Coast. No matter where you go in Oregon, you’re bound to find breathtaking views, delicious food…and allergens. Lots of them. Allergens are substances that commonly cause allergic reactions in people, such as pollen, mold and insect bites. Here’s how…
Outdoor Fun Without the Sneezes: Salem’s Parks and Allergy Prep

No doubt about it: Salem is in full bloom right now. If you have plans to roam around Deepwood Gardens or any of the other lovely parks nearby, you’re going to need to do some allergy prep. Stock Up on Medications For half of all allergy sufferers, a daily antihistamine pill is a cornerstone of…
When to Book a Spring Follow-Up Before Summer Allergies Start

The divide between spring and summer is never clear-cut. A week of t-shirt weather may be suddenly interrupted by another week of rain; temperatures can vary wildly from day to day, sometimes even hour to hour. This fuzziness between the seasons extends to allergies as well, and you may swing from a low-symptom week to…
Maintaining a Symptom Journal to Improve Clinic Visits

Want to get more out of your visits to the allergist? Or have you ever left our clinic and realized you forgot to mention something about your allergies that you wanted to discuss? Keeping an allergy symptom journal could be a big help. Why Keep an Allergy Symptom Journal Allergies can change over time—both over…
How to Monitor Your Family’s Allergy Health Throughout the Year

Have you and your family members been sniffling this spring? It may be overwhelming to stay on top of multiple people’s allergies, but with some smart moves, it’s very possible. Know What Everyone Is Allergic To The first step in managing allergies is to identify each person’s triggers. You could start with an educated guess….
How Weather Swings in the Willamette Valley Affect Your Sinuses

Our weather can change rapidly. Cool mornings give way to warm afternoons, and rainy stretches can be interrupted by sudden sunshine. This variety keeps our landscape green and healthy, but it can also take a toll on your sinuses and allergies. Weather changes can often be tied directly to symptom flares. Let’s discuss why that…
How to Tell if Your Child Is Developing Allergies

Spring is such an exciting time for our kids! After months of cold weather and rain, they can ride their bikes, draw with chalk and start gearing up for spring sports season. However, if your kid seems to have a sniffly nose every time they come back in after playing outside, it might be worth…
“I came to be under Dr. Donovan's care during a medical emergency at the hospital. The care I received that day and in every interaction after, at Willamette ENT has been prompt, professional and very thorough. I feel very well cared for.”