A humidifier may help when elderly people complain of sneezing and nose irritation, suggested a Johns Hopkins allergist. Non- allergic rhinitis, which often results from aging of the nasal mucosa, is eased when patients breathe moistened air. However, patients with asthma or other allergies should seek medical advice before trying a humidifier, he told the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology.

Migraine headaches are not only treatable but are preventable in some cases, a migraine expert said at a symposium on the subject. Medications, behavioral therapy and diet changes can all offer relief, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine neurologist asserted. Among the drugs that help sufferers: beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers and tricyclic antidepressants. Sumatriptan (lmitrex, Glaxo) has also been shown to provide relief, but is awaiting FDA approval, he noted.