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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.

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.

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.

How to Deal with Allergies in Winter

If you suffer from allergies, surviving winter might be a real challenge. This is because there are several allergens in the air at this time that can cause everything from a simple stuffy nose to headaches and fatigue.

Thankfully, there are several things you can do to survive the season. To help you out, here are suggestions for surviving the winter allergy season.

Find out if you have allergies or if it is just cold

You need to be sure that what you are experiencing is due to allergies rather than a cold or anything more serious.

You should know that several allergy symptoms resemble cold symptoms, but several key differences exist.

Allergies cause symptoms to appear unexpectedly. Colds, on the other hand, develop gradually, with symptoms steadily worsening over time.

Allergies can last for weeks or months if the allergen is constantly present. Colds usually clear up in a few weeks.

You should note that allergies increase a person’s susceptibility to upper respiratory infections.

If you aren’t sure about the condition you are suffering from, get the input of an allergist specialist. The professional will undertake a battery of tests to determine the condition you are suffering from and advise you on the best way to combat the condition.

Maintain the highest levels of cleanliness.

Cleaning the house may appear to be a simple taks, but it is one of the simplest ways to cope with indoor winter allergies.

Dust, mold, pet dander, dust mite, and cockroach droppings may all hide in the most inconvenient places and cause sneezing, coughing, and congestion.

You should maintain a regular cleaning plan to limit exposure to these indoor allergens.

Dust and vacuum regularly, especially beneath and behind furniture, where allergies can easily accumulate.

You also should wipe down counters and other frequently used surfaces. Wipe out seasonal decorations, especially if stored in places where dust and mold thrive.

Lookout for pets

As much as they are adorable, pets can make your winters unbearable. Your pets, like you, are spending more time indoors at this time, which increases your exposure to pet dander and saliva.

While you may like snuggling with your dogs before bed, you should avoid it. In fact, you should keep them out of the bedroom to prevent any nighttime allergies that may disrupt your sleep.

Keep the door to your bedroom locked during the day so your furry family members aren’t enticed to enter.

When caressing your cat or dog, wash your hands afterward to avoid accidentally touching your face and triggering an allergic response.

You also need to groom your pets regularly to reduce allergens in the air.

Find and fix indoor mold.

Did you know there are around 1,000 types of mold in the United States? Many molds are not visible to the naked eye, and when mold spores become airborne, they can induce allergic reactions.

Avoiding mold allergens can be challenging because mold can grow in almost any wet part of your house. You can find it in your basement, bathroom, under the sink, and any place with running water.

If you suspect you have indoor mold, contact a professional who can locate and remove any mold in your house.

Stop and clean up any leaks immediately to avoid mold from forming inside your home.

Also, keep moisture and humidity to a minimum in restrooms and kitchens. Consider getting a dehumidifier if humidity control is an issue.

Be cautious of your forced air systems.

This is one of the most crucial tasks you should undertake if you suffer from indoor allergies.

Allergens are physically blown throughout the house by forced air systems. They draw in air and force it via pipes and vents.

To avoid this, dust the vents regularly and have the insides of the air ducts professionally cleaned once a year.

Most individuals never do this, and the filth and allergy accumulation can be a major issue.

While at it, check the air filters. When did you last change the filter in your furnace or air conditioner? If you can’t remember, it might be time to do it.

When buying the new filter, get a high-quality one with a high energy star rating. Such a unit will last for a long time and give you excellent services.

Protect your bed from dust mites.

According to the ACAAI, dust mites dwell and breed in warm, humid environments and are commonly found in carpets, pillows, mattresses, carpeting, and upholstered furniture.

Even if your house is clean on the outside, dust mite allergen particles might still be hiding in these areas, and you keep developing allergies.

Use mite-proof zippered coverings for your mattress and pillows to reduce your exposure to dust mites.

You should also wash and change your sheets, blankets, and other bedding in hot water once a week to remove dust mite droppings.

You can do most of the cleaning by yourself, but if you are having problems keeping the bed clean, consider getting the services of an expert.

Consult an allergist

You should consult an allergist if the allergies are getting out of control or if you are experiencing serious symptoms.

Allergists are experts at treating allergies and asthma. They will help you get tested, treated, and feel better. As a result, you get to enjoy the holiday season and beyond.

Following a consultation, an allergist may administer tests to diagnose your allergies and determine potential causes.

An allergist will prescribe antihistamines and other medications to alleviate your allergic symptoms.

Parting shot

You may better manage your winter allergies by following these recommendations. By doing so, you will enjoy the comfortable, cooler months without allergies.

An allergy doctor Manassas VA is an important professional to have by your side at this time. For peace of mind, take your time and find a reputable one who is experienced and knows what they are doing.

When the doctor prescribes any medication, take it religiously and follow the right procedure.

Understanding Allergy Shots and Allergy Reactions

Allergy shots are a type of allergy treatment that involves an allergy doctor injecting small amounts of allergens into your body via injection. Depending on your allergies, your doctor will create a customized cocktail of allergens in the shots for you.

The shots are a form of immunotherapy that helps decrease or even stop allergy symptoms.

You develop a tolerance to allergens by exposing your body to tiny amounts in the shots. Then, when you encounter allergens, such as during allergy season, your body does not react as strongly to them.

This treatment necessitates numerous doses, usually weekly, over several years. The doctor gradually increases the amount of allergens in the shot, but you need to have the shots less frequently once you’ve reached the maintenance phase.

Why do allergy reactions come about

A regimen of allergy shots always begins with extremely low doses of the allergens. The idea is to excite your immune system sufficiently for it to recognize allergens while not causing a severe reaction.

However, unpleasant reactions to allergy injections may occur on occasion. The reason for this is that you are being given something that you are already allergic to, which increases the risk of an allergic reaction.

Common allergy shot reactions

Reactions might range from mild swelling at the injection site to life-threatening anaphylaxis. While this is the case, you should know that serious reactions to allergy shots are less common — often less than 1%.

Swelling at the injection site is the most common reaction to allergy injections. This swelling can range from the size of a pea to a golf ball, but it usually goes away within 48 hours. Itching and/or hives may also occur over vast areas of your body.

Less common but more significant reactions may also come about. They include:

Breathing difficulties such as chest tightness, wheezing, and/or shortness of breath.
A decrease in blood pressure accompanied by dizziness and/or fainting.
Hives that appear in other parts of the body apart from the injection site.

How soon do the allergy reactions come about?

If you have a bad reaction, it will most likely occur within 30 minutes of the shot. As a result, you must wait 30 minutes before leaving your doctor’s office.

A clinician will evaluate you for any troubling signs at the end of the 30 minutes.

In extremely rare situations, a delayed reaction to an allergy shot can occur up to a few hours later. These reactions might be moderate to severe.

In extremely rare cases, you will have an allergic reaction the following day.

To combat allergic reactions, doctors prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen®) to persons undergoing allergy immunotherapy.

This injectable device contains epinephrine, which treats severe allergic responses.

Who can develop allergy shot allergies?

Asthmatics are more likely to have an allergic reaction to allergy injections.

If you have asthma, you should stay on your asthma meds and control your asthma before having these shots.

Most doctors recommend a peak flow test before each shot, which measures how quickly air exits your lungs when you exhale. This test determines whether or not your asthma is under control.

If you take beta-blockers or other blood pressure medications, you also may be more susceptible to a response.

While the above two are the most susceptible to the condition, anyone might have an allergic reaction to allergy shots. There’s no way to predict that ahead of time, which is why you should always take precaution before taking the shots.

Ways to avoid allergy shot reactions

Here are some of the measures you can take to reduce your chances of having an allergic reaction to an allergy shot:

Inform your healthcare practitioner if you have asthma. When you go to an allergy clinic, don’t just assume that your doctor will know you have asthma, as they most likely don’t have your records.

Before the doctor administers the shot, let them know about your condition so that they can decide whether it’s a wise idea to go ahead with the shots. Informing them will also help them know the right shots to administer.

In most cases, the doctor will give you a set of medications that you need to take to prevent the reactions from coming about. You should religiously take your meds as directed to keep your asthma under control.

If you have a cold or a respiratory infection, postpone getting your allergy shot until you feel better.

Avoid strenuous activities immediately after receiving an allergy injection. If you work on the farm or any other area where you need to put in a lot of energy, you should take some time off for the shots to wear out.

Follow your doctor’s advice and take an antihistamine before your shot.

As much as you should be cautious when taking the shots, you should note that the risk doesn’t last forever. Your risk of a reaction decreases significantly once you reach the maintenance phase in your course of allergy shots. This means you don’t need to be too cautious when taking the shots.

And, while getting weekly shots for months or years may be annoying, if you stay with the treatment, you should get significant relief from your allergies.

Parting shot

Allergen immunotherapy, often known as allergy shots, treats common allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.

The shots may also be beneficial if you are allergic to the venom of stinging insects such as bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets.

As mentioned, allergy shots might cause several reactions, so you should be ultra-cautious when taking them. As a rule of thumb, ensure that an experienced allergy specialist Manassas VA administers your shots.

If you have an underlying condition such as asthma, always inform the specialist beforehand. You don’t want the reaction to develop. Do you?

Understanding Ragweed Allergies

As the fall season approaches and leaves begin to turn yellow and crimson in many parts of the country to signal the change of seasons, it can be a sign of ragweed allergies. And you should be cautious.

Though many people look forward to the leaf-peeping season and cooler temperatures, if you are one of the 50 million individuals sensitive to ragweed, fall may bring new problems, including frequent visits to an allergy doctor.

Ragweed emits billions of light airborne pollen that swarm the air in mid-August and stays until late November.

Signs and symptoms of ragweed allergy

When you touch ragweed pollen, you may experience various allergy symptoms. These include itchy eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose, and general misery. Ragweed can also trigger severe asthma attacks in certain people.

Ways to treat the condition

There are plenty of over-the-counter medications that you can use to treat your condition. The most common ones are Fluticasone nasal sprays, a steroid drug, and antihistamine pills available under brand names such as Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec.

These come in handy in inhibiting histamine production in your body.

When using the drugs, you should note that they function best as a prophylactic approach before the ragweed pollen count rises.

You can also use them daily throughout the fall allergy season.

Start taking the medications early, like every September, and then be prepared to remain on them until usually around Thanksgiving.

Allergy immunotherapy, often known as allergy shots or allergy drops, are also a great alternative. These work best, especially when you have allergy-related asthma.

Allergy shots entail you receiving injections containing trace amounts of ragweed pollen. The shots help you build tolerance to the allergen and minimize allergy symptoms over time.

Sublingual immunotherapy, often known as allergy drops, is an alternative to injections in which the doctor administers medications in liquid or tablet form beneath your tongue.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends starting these drugs a few months before allergy season.

How to prevent ragweed allergies

Prevention is always better than cure, so to avoid having to cure the condition, you should consider preventing it from developing in the first place. And the good news is that there are plenty of ways to do it. Some of these ways include:

Stay away from seasonal fruits.

Certain fall fruits, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, or avocados, can induce itching, tingling in the mouth, and lip swelling in persons who are allergic to ragweed.

This is because ragweed pollen contains proteins that resemble proteins found in certain plants and seasonal fruits.

When you eat these fruits, your body gets confused and causes an allergic reaction to the fruits or vegetables. Studies show that about 40% of people with seasonal allergies develop this condition.

If the fruits are processed in any way, they may be less irritating. For example, drinking watermelon juice or eating banana bread may be OK.

Although eating these fruits is unlikely to cause anaphylaxis, it’s estimated that about 2% of persons who acquire oral allergy syndrome will develop anaphylaxis.

Leave the pollen outside.

Ragweed pollen may penetrate every nook and cranny, including your hair and clothes, and follow you everywhere because it travels far and wide with the wind.

To avoid allergies, you should avoid tracking pollen back to your home.

After you’ve been outside for a period of time, change your clothes before you sit on the couch. You also should keep the windows closed so it doesn’t get into the house.

Before entering the house, remove your shoes and leave them outside. Also, think about wearing a helmet.

Minimize your exposure

It is impossible to avoid coming into contact with ragweed. But you can minimize your exposure.

This could make going for a morning workout or walk painful and stressful. However, this does not necessitate a complete cessation of those activities.

Plan to go outside when the pollen count is low, usually later in the day.

Ragweed is usually worse in the morning and gets better in the afternoon. To stay safe, avoid the morning and go out later.

You also should consider wearing a cap outside to preserve your hair and scalp. Sunglasses might assist in keeping pollen out of your eyes, so wear them.

Increase the air quality in the house

There are plenty of ways to increase the air quality in the house.

One of the ways to do this is by installing home air purifiers.

These units help filter the air within your home. This may lessen the quantity of pollen and other allergens you breathe in, providing much-needed respite.

Experts advise choosing one with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. They are intended to capture around 99% of pollen, dust, and other airborne particles.

Furthermore, if you have HVAC, central heating, or air conditioners, consider replacing the filters every three months to avoid recirculating allergen-filled air within your home.

Parting shot

These are the things you need to know about ragweed allergies. Like other seasonal allergies, the condition comes about as a result of pollen during the allergy season.

To avoid being a victim, reduce your contact with the ragweed pollen. This calls for you to spend most of your time indoors and only get outside when necessary.

You also should protect yourself by using over-the-counter medications.

If you are feeling ill even after doing all this, consider seeing an allergy specialist Germantown MD to look into your condition, as you might have other underlying conditions worsening the allergies.

The allergy doctor will also perform tests and recommend the best medications.

4 Ways to Manage Hay Fever

A hay fever is an allergic reaction when grass or tree pollen enters your mouth, nose, eyes, or throat. As it would against a virus, your immune system tries to combat the pollen, which results in an allergic reaction and the accompanying symptoms.

Depending on the amounts of grass, weed, and tree pollen and the materials you are allergic to, hay fever can linger for weeks or months, in contrast to the typical cold, which often only lasts a week or two.

Nearly 19 million people in America suffer from hay fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.

The typical symptoms of the condition include:

Runny nose, congestion, watery, red, or irritated eyes, sneezing, coughing

While hay fever can have symptoms lasting for extended periods of time, it’s not hard to manage. You can do it even without having to see an allergist. Some of the things you need to do to manage the condition include:

Track the pollen count

Knowing the pollen count, you can better anticipate and prepare for peak pollen days. This means you can take the necessary precautions to reduce exposure and better manage the symptoms.

Through proper tracking, you know when to take the medications. Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are the most common medications for hay fever that function best when taken before allergen exposure.

By monitoring pollen levels, you can easily schedule when to take the medications; consequently, you can easily manage the condition.

When you know the high pollen counts, you can easily take precautions to limit your exposure to pollen. When you know you will have a high pollen count, you get to close windows, use air purifiers, and stay inside when pollen counts are at their highest.

To certain people, hay fever can worsen pre-existing respiratory diseases like asthma or cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). By monitoring pollen counts, you can be proactive and avert emergencies.

Observing the pollen count over time can help you recognize trends and patterns. Regular planning lets you tell the times of year when symptoms are at their worst and modify your lifestyle choices accordingly.

Finally, knowing your daily pollen count gives you peace. This is because you have control over exposing yourself. With this knowledge, you can manage the allergies and lessen the unpredictable nature of symptom flare-ups.

Installing a pollen count app on your phone is one of the best ways to track the pollen count. There are free and paid apps you can go for. Of course, the paid versions will often have better features, so if you can afford them, these are the best.

Stop smoking

Smoking can worsen hay fever symptoms by irritating the lining of your airways, resulting in a dry, uncomfortable cough.

As much as it’s easy to say that you should stop smoking, it’s pretty hard. Thankfully, you have a few options to support you if you’re trying to give up or reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.

One option is to consider nicotine replacement therapies. These include gums, patches, lozenges, inhalators, and sprays that supply the body with little nicotine while eliminating tar, carbon monoxide, and other toxins in cigarettes.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which type of NRT would be best for you if you’re unsure.

Manage the pets

Your favorite fluffy animals tend to bring pollen and other allergens, which can worsen the symptoms. To ensure this doesn’t happen, you need to control the pets.

One way to control the pets is by having pet-free zones in your house. Ideally, the bedroom and any other spaces where you spend a lot of time should fall under this category. By keeping these spaces free of dander, you’ll have a place to go when your allergies flare up.

Regular pet grooming can help lower the quantity of dander and loose fur. To stop pet dander from getting inside, brush your pet outside. Consider getting your pet professionally groomed if it has thick or lengthy fur.

Use medication

There are plenty of medication options in the market that you can use to manage your condition. Some of the options that you can go with include:

Antihistamines: Antihistamines prevent the body’s allergic reaction to pollen, which helps control minor hay fever symptoms. They are most frequently found as tablets and liquids, which you can take as needed to assist you in managing your symptoms or as often as necessary during the season.

To determine which antihistamine is best for you, consult your allergy doctor.

Nasal sprays: Pollen tends to induce inflammation of the nasal lining. If you have trouble with a runny or clogged nose, sneezing, or both, you can use nasal spray in addition to antihistamines.

Many over-the-counter nasal sprays are available to assist in reducing the symptoms of hay fever. For instructions on how to use these products, always read the instructions that come with them. If they prove to be ineffective, discuss prescription-only treatment with your doctor.

Eye drops: There are plenty of allergy relief eye drops that you can use to alleviate dryness, discomfort, and watering of the eyes.

Ask your allergy specialist Manassas VA if you’re unsure which eye drops are right for you.

Barrier balm: Stop pollen from entering your nasal passage to protect the body’s major entry point. To help your nostrils capture pollen and prevent it from spreading, dab a small amount of petroleum jelly around the opening of your nose.

Sunglasses: Although not a type of medication, they are vital in protecting and helping you manage the symptoms.

Wearing the appropriate shades can help protect your eyes from the sun and be a useful addition to your regular hayfever regimen. Wear wraparound styles if you have hay fever since they help keep pollen out of your eyes.

All About Allergy Shots and How to Reduce Your Reaction to Them

Allergen immunotherapy, often known as allergy shots, treats common allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. They may also be beneficial if you are allergic to the venom of stinging insects such as bees, hornets, wasps, and yellow jackets.

As much as the shots are beneficial, some people have unpleasant reactions, which can be counterproductive.

To shed more light on it, here is why this occurs, what to look for, and how you may be able to avoid allergic reactions to allergy shots.

How allergy shots work

Allergy shots are an allergy treatment that involves the allergy doctor injecting small amounts of allergens into your body. Depending on your allergies, your allergy doctor will create a customized cocktail of allergens in the shots for you.

The shots help reduce or even stop allergy symptoms from coming about.

This treatment necessitates numerous doses, usually weekly, over several years. Your provider gradually increases the amount of allergens in the shot.

You’ll need to have the shots less frequently once you’ve reached the maintenance phase (the greatest dose).

Reason for allergy shot reaction

Your allergy doctor always begins with extremely low doses of the allergens. The idea is to sufficiently excite your immune system to recognize allergens without causing a severe reaction.

While this is the case, you should note that unpleasant reactions to allergy injections may occur on occasion.

This is because you are being given things you are allergic to, and there’s always that risk of an adverse reaction.

When administered correctly, allergy shots desensitize you to the allergen trigger. Unfortunately, your body may sometimes overreact to the allergens in the shot.

Reactions might range from mild swelling at the injection site to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Swelling at the injection site is the most common reaction to allergy injections. This swelling can range from a pea to a golf ball, but it usually goes away within 48 hours. Itching and/or hives may also occur over vast areas of your body.

Thankfully, severe reactions to allergy shots are less common — generally considered less than 1%.

While these are some of the common reactions that might come about, other less common but more significant reactions that can come about include:

Breathing difficulties include chest tightness, wheezing, and/or shortness of breath.
A decrease in blood pressure accompanied by dizziness and/or fainting.
Hives that appear on the injection site.

Who is prone to allergy shot reactions?

Asthmatics are more likely to have an allergic reaction to allergy injections.

If you have asthma, you must stay on your asthma meds and ensure your asthma is well-controlled before having these shots.

You should have a peak flow test before each shot to protect yourself. This test measures how quickly air exits your lungs when you exhale. This test determines whether or not your asthma is under control.

If you take beta-blockers or other blood pressure medications, you may also be more susceptible to a reaction, so be ultra cautious when going for it.

While these are the most common people to develop a reaction, anyone can develop a reaction to allergy shots. There’s no way to predict that, so you should always take precautions before you get the shots.

Ways to avoid allergy shot reactions

There are several things you can do to avoid allergy shot reactions. These things include:

Inform your healthcare practitioner if you have asthma. When giving your allergist your medical history, be detailed and exact. Mention any prior allergic reactions, medical conditions, or medications you are taking. This information will assist your allergist in determining the proper dosage and treatment plan.

Remember to take your meds as directed to keep your asthma under control.

If you have a cold or a respiratory infection, postpone getting your allergy shot until you feel better.

Avoid strenuous activities immediately after receiving an allergy injection. It’s even recommended that you avoid strenuous activities for an hour or two after injection.

Follow your doctor’s advice and take an antihistamine before your shot. You also should follow the specified allergy shot injection regimen. Your allergist will begin with a build-up period when the dose gradually increases. This gradual escalation allows your body to develop tolerance to the allergen.

When the doctor tells you to do certain things and avoid others, obey their word.

Remember that once you’ve reached the maintenance phase in your course of allergy shots, your risk of a reaction decreases significantly.

When you are looking for an allergy specialist to administer a shot, ensure that you use an experienced one who knows what they are doing.

Ensure a board-certified allergist or immunologist is treating you with allergy injections experience. They will carefully examine your allergies and provide a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Don’t try to cut corners and hire a cheap allergist, as chances are that they won’t give you the service you want, and you will most likely be in more problems than you planned.

Take time to find an experienced professional. They might be a little expensive, but they will be worth it.

It’s a good idea to stay at the doctor’s office for at least 30 minutes after receiving an allergy shot. This allows medical professionals to keep an eye on you in case of an emergency. Serious responses are uncommon, but they might occur immediately after the injection.

Since you are already at the doctor’s office, you can get the medical attention you need if you react to the shot.

The success of allergy injections is dependent on consistency. Missing shots or delaying treatment might stymie your progress and increase your chance of adverse responses when you begin treatment.

So always be consistent with the allergy shots and get them at the right time as your allergist Germantown MD recommends.