Tips to Choosing an Allergist

Choosing an allergist can be stressful, especially when your health and comfort are at risk. However, by keeping a few key things in mind, you can be confident that you have found the best allergist for your needs. In this post, we’ll discuss tactics for choosing an allergist to assist you make an informed decision.

Get suggestions

Start your search with a reference list from your primary care physician or specialist. Also, seek referrals from family, friends, and other healthcare professionals. Take the time to look over the allergists’ credentials and experience.

As you narrow down your selection, contact each allergist’s office and request a consultation appointment to meet with and interview the doctor.

Check the allergist credentials.

Verifying an allergist-immunologist’s credentials is an important step in choosing the proper specialist. Certification signifies that the doctor has received the necessary training, knowledge, and expertise to provide allergy and immunology care.

Also, ensure that there are no malpractice claims or disciplinary actions against the allergist. Thankfully, there are state websites that provide information about the allergist-immunologist’s medical school, training hospital, credentials, malpractice and disciplinary histories.

Consider the experience of the allergist.

When dealing with a suspected allergy or immune system disease, experience is important. The more experience an allergist-immunologist has with a specific ailment or procedure, the better your outcome is likely to be.

You should inquire how many people with your specific condition the allergist-immunologist has handled.

If you know you need a specific procedure, ask how many times the doctor has performed it and what the complication rates are—both the complications the doctor has experienced and your own risk.

Consider the gender of the doctor.

You must feel at ease with the gender of your allergist-immunologist because you will be discussing personal information openly. You should question the allergist about his or her most recent training and experience with your illness and gender.

Because gender matters in some areas of care, allergists are becoming increasingly specialized in treating women and men differently. Treatment centers that specialize in gender-specific care are also becoming more common.

Pay attention to convenience and accessibility.

When choosing an allergist, consider the location of the allergist’s office. Choose an allergist whose office is convenient to your home or workplace. This will give you convenient access to allergy treatments and other services.

You also should evaluate the office hours and select an allergy doctor that has flexible working hours that fit your schedule.

Understand the services that the doctor provides.

You should take time to understand the services provided by an allergist, particularly if you require immunotherapy in addition to your allergy medications.

You should choose an allergist who offers a wide range of services to ensure that you obtain quality care for many diseases, such as asthma, skin allergies, and food allergies, all in one location.

Also, find out whether the allergy doctor provides modern therapies such as immunotherapy.

As a rule of thumb, you should work with a doctor who provides the services of the condition that you suffer from.

Find out if the allergist accepts insurance.

Allergy therapy doesn’t come cheap, so you should be cautious about the costs involved. Choose an allergy doctor who takes your insurance. This way, you will save money on allergy treatment and services.

You can also call your insurance carrier and request a list of allergists in your network, from which you can choose one.

Evaluate the doctor’s communication style.

Choose an allergist with whom you feel comfortable communicating and who will meet your information needs. When you initially visit with the allergist, ask a question and see how he or she replies.

Does he or she encourage your inquiries and respond in ways you can understand? Find an allergist who is interested in getting to know you, will explore your treatment options, and will respect your decision-making process.

You should be cautious of a doctor who sees you just like a dollar sign.

Take time to read patient reviews.

To learn about the reputation of the allergist you’re considering, browse online patient reviews. You can also go to the doctor’s website and see what other patients have said about them.

These reviews will enlighten you about how the allergy doctor conducts medicine and how the practice runs. You can also learn how much patients trust the allergist.

Of course, you should work with a doctor with a great reputation. The last thing you want is an attorney that you can’t trust.

Find out if the doctor offers telehealth services.

Telehealth refers to the ability of healthcare provider to diagnose and treat their patients using telecommunications technologies such as two-way video, smartphones, and email.

You should find out if the doctor offers telehealth services.

While this is the case, you should note that Telehealth does not replace in-person office appointments, but it does allow many patients to make fewer travels to the doctor.

Some illnesses can be handled by reporting symptoms and vital signs from home and scheduling a “virtual visit” with your clinician.

Telehealth can also be utilized for routine follow-ups and minor complaints, making it a useful choice. Check to be sure your health insurance covers telehealth services, and if possible, choose one that offers them.

Schedule an appointment with your preferred allergist

Before deciding on the best allergist for you, you should schedule an appointment and visit with the potential allergy specialist.

During the meeting, ask the allergist any questions or concerns you have, either mentally or in writing. Assess how they respond to your inquiries and whether you feel at ease with the doctor.

This meeting will also give you an overview of the practice, including doctor friendliness, appointment methods, appointment wait times, office setting, and staff conduct.

You should be ultra-observant when interacting with the allergy doctor Germantown MD and only consider working with them only after ascertaining that they tick all the boxes.

Remember that your health is everything, and you want to only work with a professional who cares about you.

Guide to Surviving Spring Allergies

While the increasing temperatures allow you to spend time outdoors, the downside is that the plants begin to produce pollen, which can trigger your allergies.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you might be wondering how you will survive the spring season, right? Well, there are plenty of ways to go about it. These ways include:

Don’t wait until too late to medicate

Allergies can be efficiently treated with a variety of drugs, including nasal sprays and antihistamines, but you must plan ahead of time.

The medications take some time to work, so start two to four weeks before allergy season.

Allergy season varies based on where you live and what your allergies are. Spring allergies caused by tree pollen typically start in February and linger until early summer.

To protect yourself, you should visit your allergy doctor during winter and have them prescribe medications that will give you the protection that you need during the allergy season.

Don’t bring the enemy home.

The last thing you want is to bring allergens that are causing allergies into your home. To ensure this doesn’t happen, when you arrive home, always change your clothes and remove your shoes.

Pollen and mildew in the air adhere to your clothing, and when you sit on your furniture, you spread them all over the place.

It can be even better if you can remove the clothes outside and leave them there. This way, you ensure that your house is sterile and free of harmful pollen.

Wear a mask outside

Wearing a mask outside is a must for persons with severe allergies because it filters out harmful allergens.

The cool thing is that there are many types of masks that you can go for. The most common ones are surgical, KN95, and N95 masks, which are all effective.

Besides the masks, it’s also a good idea to use eye protection like sunglasses or goggles.

The key to getting the best result with these units is to ensure that they are the right size. For example, the masks should be a right fit that ensures that you are comfortable, and they don’t let in any pollen.

Keep your sinuses clean.

You need to keep your sinuses clear of the pollen. One of the ways to do this is by cleaning them.

Once a day, before going to bed, flush your sinuses with saline rinse bottles.

Get rid of irritants in your nose so you don’t have inflammation when you go to sleep.

You can purchase the rinse bottles at any drugstore or retailer. You can also ask your allergist if they have the bottles.

You should note that when using the bottles, it might get uncomfortable at the start, but when you get used to them, it becomes easy.

To clean your sinuses, stand with your head over a sink or in the shower, tilted to one side.

Use a squeeze bottle to slowly pour or squeeze the saline solution into the upper nostril. Allow the solution to exit your other nostril and enter the drain. At this time, breathe through your lips rather than your nose.

Repeat on the other side.

Try not to allow the water to go down the back of your throat. You may need to reposition your head until you get the proper angle.

When you’re finished, gently blow your nose into a tissue to remove any remaining mucus.

Don’t rush to use Benadryl

Many people rely on Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine. While this is the case, don’t rush to get the medication.

The reason for this is that it can readily get into your brain and cause significant sedation that can easily last into the next day and disrupt your sleep cycle, worsening your sleep quality.

Other unpleasant side effects of the condition include dry lips, blurred eyesight, urine retention, and constipation.

Stick with newer medicines like Claritin, Allegra, and Xyzal.

These new medications have been modified to be less likely to get into your brain and cause sedation. They are much safer to use.

Don’t rely on honey

There is a lot of misinformation on the internet regarding what to do for a cough and cold. The classic one is whether local honey is ideal for treating allergies.

It’s a myth. This means that if you consume local honey, you get a little pollen, and it can’t help your allergies.

The concept of using honey to cure allergies is comparable to receiving allergy injections. You should note that honey has not been demonstrated to be beneficial, but allergy injections have.

When a person consumes local honey, they are said to be ingesting local pollen. A person’s sensitivity to this pollen may decrease over time. As a result, individuals may have fewer seasonal allergy symptoms.

It is true that bees pollinate flowers and produce honey. However, the quantity of pollen from the environment and plants are assumed to be relatively modest and diverse.

When you consume local honey, there is no certainty of how much (if any) pollen you will be exposed to. This is distinct from allergy shots, which purposely desensitize a person to pollen at regular doses.

You should note that honey has not been clinically proved to reduce allergies. However, it can still be a delicious substitute for sugary dishes.

Some people take it as a cough suppressant, though, and it has been shown to alleviate the condition.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you should seek medical care. Over-the-counter allergy medications are one example, as is avoiding being outside as much as possible.

Parting shot

It’s not rocket science to survive the spring allergies. You should always start treating the condition as early as possible.

This calls for you to see an allergy specialist doctor a couple of weeks before the allergy season kicks in.

You should work hard at minimizing the amount of allergens you bring back into the house, but it would even be better if you can avoid going outside altogether, especially when the pollen count is high.

Tips to Survive Spring Pollen

Springtime increases stuffy noses and itchy throats, and millions of seasonal allergy sufferers in the United States are unlikely to find respite anytime soon.

Several studies have found that pollen seasons are becoming longer and more intense throughout the country.

Climate change and growing carbon dioxide emissions are predicted to accelerate the development of trees and grasses in many places, resulting in higher pollen concentrations.

If you have been suffering from seasonal allergies for a long time, you may have noticed that allergy symptoms start early and last longer.

Are you wondering how you can deal with the allergies? There are plenty of ways to go about it as given by an allergy specialist.

Clean your sinuses

The technique of cleaning the sinuses dates back thousands of years to India’s Ayurvedic medical traditions, and its efficacy has been proven via numerous studies. To do it yourself, use a neti pot, bulb syringe, or squeeze bottle to pour the saline solution into one nostril and let it drain into the other.

It might seem like a simple concept, but it comes in handy at helping you flush out pollen, mucus, and other allergens in your nasal cavity. As a result, you feel less congested and may require less allergy medicine.

Find medication that works for you.

Several OTC and prescription medications can alleviate allergy symptoms. Many doctors recommend nasal steroid sprays.

While they are good, the downside is they may take a few days or weeks to get the relief you are looking for, so you need to start using them early in the season before your symptoms worsen.

Antihistamines are other options to consider. The cool thing about them is they have a more rapid effect.

Decongestants such as Afrin or Sinex can also help. While they are great, you should use them last since they can create a rebound effect.

After a few days of using them, the blood vessels in your nose tend to become less sensitive to the medication, and you may experience severe congestion again. So, keep these medications to no more than three days in a row.

It takes some trial and error to determine the ideal pharmaceutical regimen. If you have tried one medication and it doesn’t seem to be working for you, you should try other types to see if they’re more effective.

If you’ve tried numerous over-the-counter allergy medications, talk to your doctor about prescription options. An allergy specialist can help you develop a plan for your specific sensitivities ahead of time.

Be wise in how you spend time outdoors.

Many prominent weather apps and websites include “allergy forecasts” and pollen counts. The National Allergy Bureau website lists over 80 sites around the United States that provide more specific daily pollen updates depending on various plant species.

You can choose the station closest to you and receive notifications for the specific pollen allergy you have.

Pollen levels are often highest in the early morning and mid-morning. If you can exercise indoors at those hours or run errands later in the evening, you will absorb less pollen, giving you an easy time dealing with your allergies.

If you are prone to allergy symptoms and need to go outside in the morning or do yard work, wear a high-quality N95 mask. This will help to filter out pollen and leave your sinuses open.

Reduce the pollen getting in the house.

Avoid bringing pollen inside after you’ve been outside. When you go home, take off your shoes and change your clothes. Shower before bed to eliminate pollen from your skin. Also, avoid sleeping with your dogs.

Even if you’re not allergic to pets, there is pollen on their coats, which might worsen the situation. 

To improve your sleep, try wrapping your mattress and pillows in hypoallergenic encasements. You also should consider washing bedding in hot, soapy water at least once a week and using a dryer instead of a clothesline.

It’s also wise to clean and replace your air conditioner filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of 11 or greater.

These filters capture small pollen particles. If you have severe allergies, consider investing in a professional-style HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter for your bedroom.

HEPA filters have a MERV value of 17 or above and can remove 99 percent of pollen, animal dander, dust, and other particles.

Consider getting allergy immunotherapy.

If allergies are interfering with your daily life, you should discuss immunotherapy with your allergy doctor to find long-term relief.

After determining which pollen types you are allergic to by undertaking a skin prick exam or blood test, your doctor may offer subcutaneous allergy immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots.

This entails a series of injections administered once a week or once a month. The dose is progressively increased, which allows your immune system to grow less sensitive to the allergen over time.

Over the last decade, the Food and Drug Administration has begun to authorize another type of immunotherapy called sublingual immunotherapy.

Tiny amounts of pollen are presented in tablet form, which are placed under the tongue for one to two minutes before being eaten as they disintegrate.

Both methods of immunotherapy require patience, as it could take six months or a year to observe a reduction in symptoms. While this is the case, you may need to continue the treatment for three to five years before your body can consistently ignore your triggers.

When it succeeds, immunotherapy can be a great solution. People who used to suffer from seasonal stuffy noses and itchy eyes can now enjoy springtime after successfully treating their symptoms.

If you feel this is the way to end your suffering, talk to your allergy specialist doctor Manassas and they will come up with a plan that will help ease your condition.

Exercising with Allergic Asthma: How to Go About It

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that people should engage in aerobic activity every week to stay healthy.

While this is the case, for some people, physical activity and sports might cause asthma symptoms, such as chest tightness, coughing, Shortness of breath, and wheezing.

As a result, these symptoms make exercise difficult and sometimes deadly.

Taking adequate measures and adopting a symptom management strategy can allow you to reap the advantages of exercise while minimizing potential suffering.

Here’s what you need to know about exercising safely with allergic asthma.

How asthma is linked to exercise

Asthma affects around 25 million people in the US. The most frequent kind is allergic asthma, which is caused or worsened by particular allergens, including:

Pests such as mold, pets, pollen, dust mites, and cockroaches.

Whether you’re working out or going about your daily activities, avoiding these common allergens will help you avoid seeing your allergy doctor too frequently. It will also keep allergic asthma symptoms at bay.

Exercise itself can cause asthma symptoms. This is referred to as exercise-induced asthma.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, up to 90% of asthma patients develop exercise-induced asthma while participating in physical activity.

Asthma symptoms can appear while you’re exercising and usually increase 5 to 10 minutes after you stop.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you may need to use your rescue inhaler. Some people’s symptoms may resolve on their own within a half hour.

Even if symptoms resolve without medication, some patients may experience a second wave of asthma symptoms 4 to 12 hours later.

These late-phase symptoms are usually not severe and might be resolved within a day. If the symptoms are severe, do not hesitate to take your rescue medication.

How do you know exercise triggers your asthma?

If you suspect you have exercise-induced asthma, speak with your doctor about getting tested to confirm a diagnosis and build a treatment plan.

Your doctor can examine your breathing before, during, and after physical activity to evaluate how well your lungs are functioning and whether exercise is causing your asthma.

If you are diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, you should consult with your doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan. That way, you’ll know what to do in an emergency and have a list of drugs handy.

Tips for exercising with allergic asthma

Regular physical exercise is beneficial to your health, even if you have allergic asthma. If you are looking to exercise even with your condition, here are some recommendations that may help you exercise and participate in sports more safely:

Take your medication before you work out. Some drugs can be taken in advance to help you avoid the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.

Your doctor may advise you to take a short-acting beta-agonist (or bronchodilator) a few minutes before working out, or a long-acting bronchodilator up to an hour before exercising. Your doctor may recommend Mast cell stabilizers in extremely unusual circumstances.

Be ultra-cautious throughout the winter months. Allergic asthma symptoms might be exacerbated in cold surroundings. If you must exercise outside in the winter, donning a mask or scarf may help you avoid symptoms.

Be mindful of the summer months, too. Hot, humid surroundings promote the growth of allergens such as mold and dust mites.

If you must exercise outdoors during the summer, plan your sessions for the mornings or nights when temperatures and humidity are often lower.

Select indoor activities. Avoid exercising outside on days with high allergen and pollution levels, as this can raise your risk of developing allergic asthma.

Practice less stimulating sports. Choose activities that require “short bursts of exercise,” such as volleyball, baseball, gymnastics, strolling, or leisurely bike rides. These activities may be less likely to cause symptoms than ones that involve continuous action, such as soccer, running, or basketball.

Store your things indoors. When left outside, exercise equipment such as bikes, jump ropes, weights, and mats can accumulate pollen or become moldy. To reduce unnecessary exposure to allergens that cause asthma, store your gear inside.

Always warm up and cool down. Stretching before and after a workout may help to alleviate asthma symptoms. Make time for a warm-up before you begin and a cool-down after each exercise.

Carry your inhaler with you. If your doctor has given you an inhaler to help you control exercise-induced asthma, keep it on hand during your workout. It can help reverse certain symptoms if they appear.

When should you seek medical attention?

Some minor symptoms of allergic asthma that appear during exercising may resolve on their own. So you don’t need to do much about them.

However, more severe responses may necessitate medical treatment. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience:

Symptoms of an asthma attack include persistent shortness of breath, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of shortness of breath include strained chest muscles and difficulty speaking for longer periods of time.

When you see any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible so that they can analyze your condition and give you the necessary medication.

When you are hiring a medical doctor, don’t hire them the day the symptoms start showing. Instead, you should start the process early. You should visit a couple of doctors while you are still in good health and determine whether they are the right fit for you.

Since you have a condition, it means that you will be seeing your doctor too frequently. This means that when it comes to hiring them, don’t just look at their experience level. Take time to find out whether your personalities match. You want someone that you are comfortable around and you can easily talk to them.

Parting shot

Asthma symptoms should not keep you from living an active lifestyle. Avoiding triggers, taking prescribed medicine, and selecting the appropriate type of activity will help you exercise safely and avoid symptoms.

Keep track of how your body reacts to physical exercise and have an asthma action plan in place in case you need it.

When the condition worsens, don’t take chances. See an allergy doctor Manassas VA immediately.

Guide to Stopping Allergies from Ruining Your Sleep

The allergy season can be unpleasant. With watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and congestion, simply getting through the day can be difficult, let alone getting enough sleep.

In addition to exacerbating sleep problems such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, allergies can make it difficult to fall asleep and keep you from staying asleep once you do.

The more severe your symptoms, the more likely that your allergies are causing you to sleep poorly.

To have a great night’s sleep, you need to find an allergy doctor to help you fix the issue.

Besides seeing an allergy professional, you can do many other things to curb the condition. These things include:

Keep your house doors closed

Closing windows and doors at night can keep external allergens like pollen, dust, and mold from entering your home and causing allergies.

Indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores are easy to keep contained in a closed room, therefore keeping the windows and doors closed can help decrease your exposure to these allergens.

Closing windows and doors can help improve your house’s air quality. When the windows are open, dust, pollution, and other airborne particles can enter your home and irritate your airways, making breathing difficult.

You should close your windows and doors to keep pollutants out and breathe fresher air.

Shower before you sleep

During the pollen season, showering before bed might assist in eliminating any pollen particles that may have accumulated on your skin and hair throughout the day.

This is especially vital if you’ve been outside, as pollen can readily adhere to your skin and hair.

Showering before bed removes any pollen particles that may have accumulated on your body, lowering the probability of allergy reactions at night.

Showering before bed is especially useful for people with allergies or asthma, as pollen can aggravate their symptoms and make sleeping difficult.

Tie back your long hair.

Tying your hair up at night can help avoid allergies and alleviate the severity of hay fever symptoms by reducing contact between your hair and your face.

When you spend time outside during the day, your hair may gather pollen and other allergens. If you do not tie your hair up in bed, allergens might transfer to your pillowcase and come into touch with your face, aggravating hay fever symptoms and causing allergic responses. You don’t want this, do you?

Tying your hair decreases the possibility of allergens coming into touch with your face. It alleviates the severity of hay fever symptoms.

Besides tying your hair, you should also consider shampooing it before bed, which can assist in removing any collected pollen or other allergens, lowering the chance of allergy reactions at night.

Get hypoallergenic bedding

Hypoallergenic bedding can help avoid seasonal allergies by limiting exposure to common allergens, including dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.

Dust mites are microscopic parasites that feed on dead skin cells and prefer warm, humid settings. They are a prevalent cause of seasonal allergies, and you can find them in bedding, mattresses, and pillows.

Hypoallergenic bedding repels dust mites, preventing them from gathering in your bedding. If you have allergies, particularly reactions at night or when you wake up, you might consider using a hypoallergenic mattress.

Pollen, another frequent allergy, travels with the wind and can readily settle in bedding. Hypoallergenic bedding comprises tightly woven materials that prevent pollen from infiltrating the fabric and contacting your skin. As you can tell, this keeps you safe.

Change your laundry routine.

During the pollen season, pollen particles can easily adhere to garments and textiles when spent outdoors. If you do not wash your clothes regularly, these particles can build up and cause allergic reactions indoors.

This is especially crucial for persons with allergies or asthma, as pollen can worsen their symptoms.

Washing your clothes regularly during the pollen season can help eliminate pollen particles and other allergens that may have accumulated on your clothing, lowering the risk of allergic responses.

Dab Vaseline on your nostrils

Applying Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to the inside of your nostrils can trap pollen and other airborne allergens, decreasing their entry into your nasal passages and relieving hay fever symptoms.

Applying a tiny layer of Vaseline inside your nostrils forms a barrier that can trap pollen and other allergens before they enter your nose.

Cover your duvet with a sheet.

Covering your bed sheets with a separate sheet creates a barrier that protects your bedding from pollen particles, lowering the likelihood of allergic responses and hay fever symptoms.

To establish this barrier, throw a clean sheet over your regular bedding and tuck it around the edges to keep it in place.

This additional layer can help to keep pollen and other allergens from settling on your bedding and contacting your skin and respiratory system.

Wash the extra sheet as often as possible to remove any pollen particles that may have gathered. Furthermore, during hay fever season, wash your usual bedding at least once a week to eliminate any pollen or allergens that may have been collected on it.

Wash your bedding once a week in hot water.

Washing bedding at a high temperature will eliminate pollen and other allergens that may have accumulated on your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, lowering the likelihood of allergic responses and hay fever symptoms.

Washing your bedding at a high temperature will help break down and eliminate pollen particles and other allergens that may be trapped in the fibers.

Doing this is especially crucial during hay fever season when pollen counts are high, and exposure to pollen is increased.

Washing bedding at high temperatures might help destroy dust mites and other germs that can cause allergic reactions and worsen hay fever symptoms.

Parting shot

These are some of the things you can do to prevent allergies from coming the way of your sleep. For peace of mind, work with an allergy specialist Manassas VA who will recommend antihistamines or other medications that are right for your condition.

Things That Can Go Wrong When You Ignore Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Up to 40% of adults in the United States suffer from environmental allergies. While some people move fast and visit an allergy doctor as early as possible for treatment, others ignore it, often leading to problems.

Some of the issues that might come up from ignoring the symptoms include:

Allergy condition getting worse

Although some people wait to see if their seasonal or environmental allergies improve or disappear, the opposite frequently occurs. Allergies  do not simply go away on their own and can worsen with age.

You should note that allergies are unexpected, so keep an eye out for indicators of an allergic reaction. Their effect depends on the allergy’s severity, exposure amount, and other factors.

That instance, ignoring allergy symptoms while continuing to be exposed to the trigger can cause the reaction to worsen with each subsequent exposure.

Allergy symptoms can swiftly worsen within hours to days, making treatment more difficult and necessitating stronger drugs.

To avoid this, you should make it a habit to take a second-generation antihistamine as soon as the first symptoms of an allergic response appear.

You also should visit an allergy specialist and undertake allergy tests to determine what you are allergic to.

Your quality of life could decrease

Some patients suffer from allergies for years and disregard their symptoms. This often leads to a notable decline in quality of life.

People with untreated allergies frequently have poor sleep, reduced social engagement, and increased worry and sadness. Multiple studies show that patients who suffer from moderate to severe allergies tend to be less productive at work and school, as well as an increase in absenteeism.

You don’t want this to happen to you, do you?

There is the risk of medical complications

Untreated environmental allergies might also cause medical issues. For example, it has been found that around 30% of patients with allergy symptoms develop asthma due to delayed treatment.

Furthermore, if environmental allergies are not treated, they might cause sinus and ear infections.

Untreated allergies can exacerbate the severity of other conditions. For example, ignoring a case of hay fever caused by allergies increases the likelihood of developing more significant symptoms, including sinus congestion, headache, and loss of sense of smell and taste.

At such a time, an allergy sufferer may require additional therapy with antibiotics and decongestants. In worst-case situations, experts warn that chronic infections may necessitate surgery.

All of this is not necessary if you properly manage your allergies.

You have the risk of anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a rare but dangerous and even fatal reaction that can occur in response to environmental allergens. Anaphylaxis is a condition where mild symptoms can progress to severe symptoms.

Unfortunately, the condition is difficult to predict when a patient will proceed from hives on the skin to throat swelling and being unable to breathe.

You can start having yearlong allergies

Untreated allergy symptoms might progress from seasonal to annual. Excessive humidity levels increase the spread of indoor allergens like dust mites and cockroaches.

When you don’t control the seasonal allergies, they can develop into year-round allergies in any climate.

You should note that anyone with uncontrolled seasonal allergies is prone to acquire nonseasonal allergies, such as those brought about by cats, dogs, dust mites, feathers, and mold.

Ways to stay on the safe side

To avoid the issues mentioned above, you should be ultra-cautious. The easiest approach to prevent seasonal allergies is to take over-the-counter medicines. During allergy season, antihistamines such as Claritin and nasal corticosteroids such as Flonase (fluticasone) can be given on a regular basis to alleviate symptoms.

If your symptoms are less frequent, you can use oral antihistamines to stop a seasonal allergy attack that has already started. Nasal steroids are less effective at symptom management, so avoid using them.

Besides taking the medications, there are plenty of other ways you can stay safe. These ways include:

Stay away from triggers

The most important step you can take to avoid seasonal allergies is to restrict your exposure to triggers. This is often easier said than done, especially if tree pollen or ragweed are prevalent in your outside area, but you should play your part.

To be on the safe side, spend less time outside during peak allergy season, wear a mask and sunglasses, and shower after being outside to eliminate pollen or other allergens from the skin’s surface.

The less you interact with your triggers, the less likely you are to develop symptoms.

Keep the windows closed

During the peak allergy season, keep your doors and windows closed. This will assist in reducing the number of allergens that enter your home. If you want fresh air, go outside for a walk. When doing so, ensure that the pollen counts are low.

To reduce exposure to grass and tree pollens in the spring and summer, wait until late morning or early afternoon (at the earliest) before engaging in any outside activity.

Use an air purifier

Even if you keep your windows closed, allergens will inevitably enter your home. Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to decrease exposure to them. These filters are intended to eliminate more than 99% of tiny particles, including common allergens like pollen, pet hair, and mold.

Some folks benefit from using a humidifier. Humidified air can make the nose less sensitive to irritation and allergens, but humidifiers can also exacerbate allergens such as mold and dust mite. Consult your doctor about whether a humidifier could help your allergies.

When to see a doctor

Seasonal allergies are common for many people, but effective treatments are available. And as mentioned, it can turn ugly if you ignore the symptoms and control them as early as possible.

If you haven’t discussed your allergies with your healthcare practitioner before, now is an excellent moment. If you observe any changes in your allergy symptoms or the times you suffer seasonal allergies, you should consult your allergy doctor Manassas VA.

If you notice facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or any other alarming symptoms, get medical attention right away.

Winter Allergies: How to Deal with Indoor Allergy Triggers

If you have allergies, you may want to breathe a long, sneeze-free sigh of relief as winter approaches. Unfortunately, the chilly weather that puts pollen-producing trees and grass to sleep can also keep people inside, increasing their chance of developing indoor allergies.

Winter may appear to provide a respite for people with outdoor allergies, but it also presents new issues for interior allergy sufferers.

As you spend more time indoors, you may become exposed to common allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and mold.

If you suffer from indoor allergies, here are tips from allergy specialists on dealing with them and reducing your exposure.

Dust mites

Dust mites flourish in temperatures of 70 degrees or higher and humidity levels exceeding 75 percent. Turning down the thermostat and using a dehumidifier can help to lessen their presence in your home.

You can reduce dust mite droppings by encasing your mattress, box springs, and pillows in allergen-proof fabric or plastic covers. You also should wash your bedding regularly in hot water and dry in a hot dryer.

If you are allergic to dust mites, the AAAAI recommends regularly removing wall-to-wall carpeting and cleaning throw rugs.

With all of this in mind, you should note that you cannot eliminate dust mites and will continue to be allergic to them. The only thing you can do is to make your home and body as unfriendly to them as possible.

If you develop dust mite allergies, you can use plenty of medications to your advantage.

Medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants may offer some relief. Nasal irrigation systems like the Neti Pot can help flush out irritants.

You also should take advantage of immunotherapy, which involves training the immune system to become less susceptible to mites using tablets or shots.

Cockroaches

Cockroach droppings are an allergen; thus, the AAAAI recommends blocking all openings, crevices, and windows where the bugs could enter your home.

Similarly, replace and plug all leaking faucets and pipes to prevent cockroaches from getting the water they require to survive.

Cleanliness is also a defense against roaches. Keep food covered and wash all dishes, including pet food dishes, after each use. After meals, vacuum and clean the floor and dispose of rubbish in cans with tight lids.

You should also regularly clean your stove and other kitchen surfaces and behind appliances where crumbs tend to accumulate.

Household pets

Most doctors recommend that those who are allergic to animal dander should avoid having pets with feathers or fur.

This is because there are no such things as hypoallergenic pets.

Certain proteins in hairy animal saliva, dead skin flakes, or urine cause allergic reactions in humans. According to the AAAAI, all dogs and cats carry these proteins.

To stay safe, you should keep your pet away from the bedroom and other areas where you spend a lot of time.

You should also sweep carpets regularly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and consider removing any wall-to-wall carpeting and leaving bare floors.

Bathing and brushing your pets regularly may help lessen symptoms. If you have animal allergies, avoid grooming your pets; if you have to groom them, wear a mask.

When you are not at home, keep pets out by closing your bedrooms’ doors and covering the vents with a bulky material such as cheesecloth.

Animal allergens are sticky. To remove the allergen, frequently wash and replace your animal’s favorite furniture and toys.

Indoor mold

Repairing and sealing leaky roofs or pipes and using a dehumidifier in moist basements can help prevent indoor mold. To avoid mildew, empty the water pan and clean the units regularly.

You can clean any mold that has formed on hard surfaces with water, soap, and a 5% bleach solution.

Avoid installing carpet on concrete or damp flooring, and don’t store objects in damp areas of your home.

When should you see an allergy doctor?

In most cases, when you do the above, you have few chances of having allergies. Even if the allergies come, they often go away after some time and aren’t too problematic.

While this is the case, in some cases, they become so severe that you have to see a doctor. Some of the situations when you have to see a doctor include:

Symptoms Persist: If your symptoms persist despite taking over-the-counter allergy medications or using home remedies to decrease allergen exposure, it’s best to seek medical attention.

Severe allergy symptoms: Symptoms such as prolonged coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness, necessitate rapid medical care.

Impact on Daily Life: If your indoor allergies have a substantial impact on your daily activities, work, or sleep, you should see a doctor for additional evaluation and treatment.

Allergy Testing: Consult an allergist if you believe specific indoor allergens are affecting your symptoms. Allergy testing can help determine triggers and direct specific treatments.

Medication Side Effects: If you have unpleasant reactions to allergy drugs or find them ineffective, your doctor can offer other therapies or changes to your present medication regimen.

Chronic or recurring sinus infections may be associated with indoor allergens. A doctor can assess your symptoms and provide suitable treatment.

Development of New Symptoms: If you acquire new or worsening allergy symptoms, especially if they differ from your regular indoor allergy symptoms, it is important to get medical attention for a thorough examination and diagnosis.

Remember that everyone’s allergy triggers and symptoms are unique, so consult an allergy doctor Germantown MD for specialized guidance and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

The last thing you can do is take the medication meant for someone else or go for a treatment regimen designed for another person.

When hiring an allergy professional, don’t hire the first one you come across. Instead, you should take your time and find an experienced and reputable one to help diagnose and treat the condition.

How Can I Figure Out What I am Allergic To?

Allergies are elusive, and we can’t always tell what sets us off to sneeze or scratch. For many people, identifying what they are allergic to is a crucial first step on the road toward improved health and well-being. In this article, we are going to see how you can find out what your allergies are.

Understanding allergies

Before jumping into the process of identifying allergens, it’s important to understand what exactly an allergy is. Allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to substances called allergens that are usually harmless. 

The symptoms of allergies can be anything from sneezing and itching to hives, swellings, or even difficulty in breathing, and severe cases may culminate in anaphylaxis.

Identifying the exact allergen causing these responses is key to effective treatment and prevention. You also get to tell the right allergy doctor to see. 

Common types of allergens

Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Such reactions can vary from mild symptoms of sneezing or itching to severe responses, including breathing problems and anaphylaxis. Here are some of the most common allergens:

Pollen: Tree, grass, and weed pollen are all common airborne allergens. Allergic rhinitis suffered by many when pollen is in the air, which we know as hay fever.

Dust mites: These tiny insects live in house dust and stimulate allergies. They are especially prevalent in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture.

Mold spores: Millions of mold spores are floating around indoors and outdoors. Damp or humid places such as basements and bathrooms are favorable environments for the growth of mold. Allergy to mold spores may result from inhaling.

Pet dander: Allergens are proteins found in the skin, saliva, and urine of animals like cats, dogs, or rodents. Pet dander can be airborne and leave traces on surfaces that cause allergic symptoms.

Insect stings: Some people get allergic reactions to bee stings, wasp stings, and bites of other insects. For certain people, these responses can get very severe and even fatal.

Certain foods: Some of the most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (almonds and walnuts), soybeans, and wheat. Fish and shellfish also cause some people to be sensitive. Ranging from mild to severe, food allergies may cause digestive symptoms (abdominal pain), skin reactions, or respiratory problems.

Latex: Latex is a form of rubber used in gloves, balloons, and some medical equipment. Latex allergies sometimes develop, which can cause skin rashes or even respiratory symptoms.

Medications: Antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are drugs that can provoke allergic reactions in some people. You need to be aware that certain drugs can cause allergies, and you should seek medical advice.

How to find out what you are allergic to

Keep a Symptom Journal

Keeping a symptom journal is one of the first steps in discovering your allergies. You will need to keep track of when and where your symptoms occur, how severe they are, and what factors set them off.

Include your daily schedule, dietary habits, and environmental statistics. It will also be a valuable reference that you can take with you when discussing your symptoms.

Elimination diet

If you feel that particular foods are causing your allergic reactions, an elimination diet will reveal the culprits.

Elimination diets involve temporarily eliminating suspected allergens from one’s diet for two to four weeks and then reintroducing them gradually while monitoring for reactions.

Among the most common food allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts such as almonds and walnuts; soybeans (such painstaking effort!); wheat, fish; and shellfish. In the elimination phase, concentrate on simple whole foods that are less likely to be allergenic.

A food diary will chart your diet and symptoms. When restoring foods, do this one by one and in small portions; check for reactions.

Skin prick tests

Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold are among those commonly detected by skin prick tests (puncture or scratch tests). Using a tiny needle, such small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin’s surface during this test. If you are allergic to that substance, a small raised bump will develop at the site of testing.

Perhaps more importantly, skin prick tests are not suitable for all. Those with particular types of dermatitis or taking certain medications may require alternative testing methods.

Blood tests

Allergies can also be detected by blood tests, as with the specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test. IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system against allergens. Thus, healthcare professionals may determine your potential allergens simply by measuring the level of certain IgE antibodies in your blood.

Blood tests are especially effective when skin testing is not possible or there’s concern that a severe allergic reaction might be triggered. However,  they are not as sensitive and generally more expensive than skin tests.

Challenge testing

With a challenge test, suspected allergens are brought into contact with the person in an environment under medical control. The reaction of the individual is observed and monitored. This is a common way of testing for food allergies.

Because of the high risk of severe reactions, it should only be practiced under the direction of a healthcare provider.

Accordingly, challenge testing is usually limited to cases where other diagnostic methods are inconclusive and the specific allergen remains unknown.

Consulting with healthcare professionals

Some home methods provide some hints about possible allergens, but only healthcare professionals can diagnose properly and manage an allergy. Allergists, immunologists, and other specialists receive training to perform an overall assessment. They look at things like your medical history, symptoms, and test results.

According to your individual circumstances, healthcare professionals may recommend a combination of diagnostic methods. They can also advise as to how allergies might be managed by diet, medicines, and even allergy shots (immunotherapy), which enable the immune system to desensitize itself gradually.

Conclusion

The process of identifying allergies can be difficult and even frustrating, but it is essential to managing and preventing reactions.

No matter whether it’s a case of self-monitoring, an elimination diet, skin tests, or blood tests followed by challenge testing should not be premised on giving up.

However, one can give up by asking for help from the environment when difficult decisions need to be made.

Knowing what sets off your allergies allows you to take charge of your health. You also know the right allergy center Germantown MD to visit. 

In this way, you can live your life more healthily and comfortably despite the obstacles raised by allergy problems.

Guide to Surviving Winter Allergy Season

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 60 million people in the United States may experience allergic rhinitis symptoms yearly.

These symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and congestion, are triggered by your body’s reactivity to an allergen that it interprets as a threat.

Pollen, which plants release into the air as part of their reproductive cycle, is frequently the cause of seasonal allergies.

The kinds of pollen present, and how much, depend on where you reside.

In addition to irritating the nose, pollen can irritate the eyes and other areas.

According to the CDC, seven out of ten patients with nasal allergy symptoms (allergic rhinitis) will also have itchy, red, or watery eyes.

Are you concerned about winter allergies, and what you can do to limit your exposure this season? Here are a few ideas given by allergy specialist doctor to get you started:

Keep the humidity low.

Dust mites are microscopic pests that dwell in household dust and feed on dead skin and dander generated by humans and animals.

They typically reside in mattresses, drapes, furniture, carpet, and bedding. They thrive in humid environments. So, if you want to use humidifiers in the winter, keep the humidity at or below 50%.

You should even consider a dehumidifier if your home tends to retain moisture during the winter.

Pay attention to your bedroom.

Because many people spend so many hours a day in the bedroom. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends paying particular attention to removing allergens commonly present in that section of the house.

This involves washing sheets and bedding in warm water once a week and using zippered dust mite coverings on pillows and mattresses.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Services also suggests replacing wool or feather-filled bedding with synthetic fabrics and washing stuffed animals for children.

Be on the lookout for mold.

Consider opening a window or increasing airflow if mold frequently grows in wet areas of the house such as a bathroom.

Remove mold from hard surfaces using soap and water and allow the area to dry thoroughly. Also, as the holidays approach, look at the Christmas trees for mold if someone’s allergy symptoms occur after decorating the tree.

Watch out for allergy signs.

When you think of seasonal allergies, you probably think of sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes. If you have any of the following symptoms, you most likely have seasonal allergies:

  • Sneezing frequently
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Nasal, ear, or chest congestion
  • Postnasal dripping
  • Throat itch
  • Eyelid puffiness

The symptoms listed above are pretty standard. However, your allergies may manifest differently. Seasonal allergies could also cause these less common symptoms:

  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Unexpected loss of exercise endurance
  • A little headache

To be comfortable during the season, you must keep a close eye on the symptoms and take the necessary steps as soon as possible to curb them.

Reducing exposure to allergens will help. And some of the things you can do to achieve this include:

  • When symptoms show up, keep your windows closed.
  • If you are allergic to indoor allergens, use an air purifier.
  • When conducting yard chores, wear a dust mask.
  • Pollen forecasts can be found on your local weather network, so look at them.
  • Shower and wash your hair at the end of each day to remove pollen from your clothes, hair, and skin.

 As much as reducing exposure is beneficial, it is unlikely to eliminate symptoms. So, stock up on everything from nasal sprays and decongestants to tissues for the expected runny noses and itchy eyes.

Stay moisturized

If you suffer from eczema or dry skin, continue bathing every day during the winter. You also should pat dry and moisturize shortly after stepping out of a bath or shower (within two to three minutes).

The more moisturizing you do, the better. So, keep reapplying creams several times a day.

Work on getting rid of dust.

You should avoid using fans in the winter and keep surfaces clean. Also, when dusting, use a wet towel to minimize stirring up dust mites, or wear a face mask if the area is dusty.

The fewer surfaces dust can gather, the better, so you should eliminate anything you don’t use. If you visit many homes, you will find rarely used tables and other pieces of furniture. You should get rid of these.

Make use of an air purifier. Of course, you don’t want dust in the air. Therefore, an air purifier in the home can be handy.

As much as you should protect yourself when dusting your house, it’s a good idea to wait at least a couple of hours before returning to the room after vacuuming or dusting.

Invest in knowledge

If you or your children are suffering from allergies this winter, consider seeing an allergist and immunologist in your area who can help identify the illness and, if necessary, recommend a treatment plan.

When hiring an allergist, take your time and ensure you are hiring the best.

Like when hiring any other professional, you take your time to vet them, right? You should do the same with an allergy doctor. An excellent way to go about it is to set an appointment.

How easy is it to get hold of the professional? You should be cautious of this. You want to work with a professional who is easy to find. If you don’t want your condition to flare up, and you can’t get hold of the allergy specialist Germantown.

If you suffer from any form of allergies, you can expect to see the allergy specialist several times. You don’t want to interact with someone with a horrible personality, do you? To ensure this doesn’t happen, ensure that the allergist you are working with is pleasant to be with and they are knowledgeable in the area.

Besides getting information from the allergy professional, there are plenty of other places to get information about your condition. You can watch videos, read blogs and articles, and so on. You only need to ensure that an expert is making the information you consume. 

Foods to Take and Those to Avoid When Suffering from Hay Fever

As the weather warms, the dreaded hay fever season approaches. If you have been suffering from the condition, you know there are many ways to deal with seasonal allergies. Besides visiting an allergy doctor for medication, you must wash before bed, rub Vaseline under your nose, and use an air purifier.

It may surprise you, but what you eat can significantly impact your hay fever symptoms. Certain meals can help reduce inflammation and boost your immune system, while others can aggravate itching and sneezing.

To help you fight the condition, here is food to eat to relieve hay fever symptoms and those to avoid.

Pineapple

Pineapple significantly helps with hay fever symptoms. The reason for this is that pineapple is high in vitamins and has the enzyme bromelain.

Bromelain, found in pineapple stems and juice, causes the body to produce molecules that relieve discomfort and swelling in the nose and gums.

If you have a runny nose, itchy eyes, or a cough, eating pineapple or drinking pineapple juice will help relieve the symptoms.

Berries

You should consume vitamin C-rich meals during hay fever season. Vitamin C functions as a natural antihistamine, reducing the amount of histamine your body produces in response to allergens.

When you take berries, you will notice fewer symptoms, such as sneezing and watery eyes.

Some of the best berries to take include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries, high in vitamin C and antioxidants that aid with inflammation.

So, the next time you feel congested, consider eating a bowl of berries.

Carrots

Carrots are high in vitamins and minerals, which assist in reducing hay fever symptoms. This root vegetable, like sweet potatoes, beets, and pumpkins, includes carotenoid, a plant pigment that boosts the immune system and lowers lung inflammation.

Those who suffer from chest tightness during allergy season may benefit from including carrots and other root vegetables in their diet.

Kale

Carrots contain quercetin and carotenoids. Both of these pigments are antihistamines and anti-inflammatory.

If you have itchy eyes and a runny nose, consider swapping lettuce for kale in your salads.

Onions

Quercetin, a pigment that works as a natural antihistamine, is abundant in white, red, and green onions. In addition to being rich in antioxidants, the quercetin found in onions soothes cells that react to allergens, reducing inflammation and enhancing immunity and gastrointestinal health.

Many sources recommend eating onions raw for the maximum benefit because frying them reduces the quercetin concentration.

Pepper

Peppers will be your closest buddy during hay fever season if you suffer from allergies. Red, yellow, and green peppers are all high in vitamin C and carotenoids, which aid in the relief of hay fever symptoms such as itching around the eyes, nose, and throat.

You can also take chili peppers as they are anti-inflammatory as well.

Garlic

Garlic, like ginger, relieves symptoms by soothing inflammation and calming the cells that create histamine.

Garlic is also high in antioxidants, and each clove contains vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, C, E, and K.

Cooking with garlic during allergy season is strongly advised because vitamin E is considered one of the finest vitamins for easing symptoms.

Salmon

Fatty and oily fish, such as salmon, are high in omega-3 acids, which improve allergy tolerance and reduce inflammation and edema.

Eating salmon can help with itching and respiratory problems like asthma. Salmon is also abundant in vitamin D, increasing serotonin production when paired with omega-3 fatty acids.

This rise in serotonin can help you sleep better, which is beneficial if you have hay fever at night.

Food to avoid

As mentioned, certain foods can worsen your condition, so you should avoid it. This includes:

Dairy

Dairy, mainly matured chees like parmesan and gouda, is not ideal for allergy patients. Cheese includes histamines, which aggravate and make your allergies worse.

This is because dairy promotes mucus production in the body, which can clog the nose and throat and aggravate runny noses and itchy tongues.

Due to the dangers of milk, you should stay away from it.

Alcohol

Everyone likes a nice pint in a pub garden during the summer, however, some types of alcohol contain histamines and might aggravate your symptoms.

Stay away from Beer, cider, and wine are the worst for allergies because they contain more histamines than spirits like vodka and gin.

To prevent your allergies from getting worse, you should avoid these types of alcohol. You can also try alcohol-free drinks to prevent the condition from coming about at all.

Apples

You must have heard the adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but that’s not the case regarding hay fever.

With hay fever, when you take apples, you are bound to seek the services of a doctor because the condition will worsen.

Many research studies have been conducted to investigate how apples affect hay fever, with some claiming that red apples assist in alleviating symptoms.

This is because apples can produce pollen-food or oral allergy syndrome, a condition in which your body responds to foods in trees and grass.

You have an allergy syndrome if your lips, tongue, and inside of the mouth are itching. If you don’t have this, apples should be fine to eat during allergy season; however, if you have, apples may aggravate your symptoms, and you should stay away from them.

Melon

Melon, like apples, is linked to oral allergy syndrome and can cause allergic reactions in people allergic to grass and ragweed.

Although melons are great to take in hot weather, honeydew, and cantaloupe melons can cause inflammation in the mouth and inner ears, and you should stay away from them.

Parting shot

These are some foods you should take and those you should avoid to prevent your condition from worsening. If you take any of the foods and the situation worsens, don’t sit back and think you will get better.

Instead, you should contact an experienced allergy specialist Manassas, and have them look at you.