Tag Archives: Allergy Doctors

What Should I Do to Prepare for an Allergy Test?

Allergy testing determines whether you are allergic to a particular allergen. Common allergens include pet dander, pollen, insect bites or stings, and some foods, such as peanuts.

Your allergy specialist will conduct an allergy test to determine your body’s reaction to the allergen.

During the test, your provider will look for minor skin reactions that indicate you are likely allergic. Your provider will also look for an uncommon but deadly reaction requiring emergency treatment.

You will need to keep an eye out for a reaction that occurs later, once you have returned home.

How to prepare for an allergy test

You need to inform your healthcare practitioner about all medications you take. Some medications may prevent the allergy test from performing properly.

You may need to discontinue certain medications days, weeks, or months before your test.

Antihistamines, topical steroids, and medications used to treat vertigo or insomnia are among the examples you may need to avoid.

Your provider will tell you if and when you should stop taking any medications. Your doctor will also advise you when you can resume taking the medication after your allergy test.

What you can do to prepare for the allergy test

Just because you’re preparing for an allergy test doesn’t mean you should stop living life to the fullest.

Always see your doctor or allergist to confirm what you should absolutely avoid, but otherwise, you can normally go about your everyday routine. And, rest assured, you can still do some of the activities that people are concerned about prior to allergy testing.

Some of the things you can do include:

Take steroid nasal sprays.

It is usually safe to continue using a steroid nasal spray, but always check with your doctor before the allergy test.

Shower

While you should avoid using strongly scented lotions or colognes for the sake of the other patients, it is acceptable to shower and wear deodorant before an allergy test.

Eat regular diet

There is no need to adjust your diet in preparation for allergy testing, except for avoiding suspected food allergens—and possibly irritating food if you stop taking an antacid. You can even bring a drink and snacks to your visit, if the office allows it.

What you can’t do before an allergy test

There are some items you should avoid before taking an allergy test to ensure the accuracy of the results. Of course, consult your doctor or allergist to see what they recommend. In most cases they will most likely advise against some of these:

Antihistamines

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of preparing for allergy testing is informing your doctor or allergist about all medications and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter products.

If you’re taking an antihistamine, you should cease three days to a week before your allergy test to avoid suppressing your body’s response to the allergens in issue.

So, at least a week before allergy testing, ask your doctors how long they recommend you refrain.

Some antacids

Some antacids contain an antihistamine, so avoid using them for at least a day before doing an allergy test. You should contact your provider for a full list and timing recommendations. (You may want to avoid acidic, heavy, or spicy foods in the meantime.)

Beta-blockers

If you are using a beta-blocker, which is used to treat high blood pressure, a heart condition, anxiety, migraines, and glaucoma, see your doctor before temporarily ceasing it.

If you have a severe reaction to an allergy, a beta-blocker can reduce your body’s response to an emergency injection of epinephrine.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants, can also decrease your immunological response for a week or two, interfering with allergy test findings. Ask your prescribing doctor how to temporarily discontinue your medication regimen.

Fragrances

Even if you are not allergic to certain scent compounds, other patients in the office may be. Put down the hair spray, perfume, or scented lotion for the day as a politeness.

What to expect during the allergy test

When you initially go in for your allergy test, they will apply allergens to your skin. This takes roughly five to ten minutes. Adults have them placed on their forearms, whilst children typically have them done on their backs.

In around 15 minutes, you might notice a little red lump growing in the locations where some allergens were applied. After noting your results, the attending nurse will clean your skin with alcohol.

A patch test may be used to detect any delayed allergic reactions. The allergens are placed on patches that are attached to your skin. You wear this patch for 48 hours, and your doctor will examine your skin for results.

What to expect after the allergy test

You and your healthcare provider will discuss the results of your allergy test. A positive test result indicates that you had an allergic reaction to an allergen.

You and your provider can discuss any extra testing you may require. The tests can determine how serious your allergy is and whether you require medication to avoid or treat a reaction.

Rarely, after a prick or intradermal test, you may experience allergic reactions. Depending on the type of test you received, you should look for symptoms of an adverse reaction. This can occur within hours following an allergy test.

If you experience a reaction, your physician will explain what you should do. You may need to take an antihistamine or another medication to stop the reaction.

Results after the test

Only your doctor or allergist Manassas VA can correctly interpret the findings of your allergy test. However, remember that skin testing will produce observable results, whereas blood tests (if given) will produce higher-than-normal levels of IgE antibodies.

You’ll also notice if you react to eating a food to which you’re allergic during a challenge test.

Following that, your provider will develop a treatment plan tailored to the kind and severity of your allergy.

Make sure to ask them any questions you may have and maintain an open line of communication to keep them updated on your progress and any other reactions you may encounter.

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.

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.

Ways to Treat Your Kid’s Seasonal Allergies

asthma information

If your child experiences itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, or throat clearing as the seasons change, there’s a strong possibility they’re reacting to pollen, a typical cause of seasonal allergies.

Thankfully, you can treat seasonal allergies in several ways in your child. Some of the ways to do it include:

Use over-the-counter medications

The nearby drugstore aisle has first-line remedies for seasonal allergies. You can buy all of them over the counter.

Some medications you can go for include Antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays, and eye drops. For children with severe symptoms, you can combine antihistamines and intranasal steroids.

If your child needs daily treatment for chronic problems, try intranasal steroids.

Oral antihistamines

Antihistamines, whether liquid or tablet, can immediately relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. When in the market, look for cetirizine, levocetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine in brand-name and generic forms. They typically work in 30 minutes and do not cause drowsiness in children.

In terms of drowsiness, allergists do not recommend diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl) for youngsters due to sedation and other safety issues.

To stay safe, use one of the newer oral antihistamines with a lengthy track record of safety and effectiveness.

Nasal sprays

Steroid nasal sprays are highly effective at reducing nasal channel edema and irritation, which causes congestion. Fluticasone propionate, fluticasone furoate, and triamcinolone are among the pediatric versions you can go for.

The good side is that, unlike antihistamines, the effect does not occur immediately. You must give it to your child constantly for several days, sometimes up to two weeks before symptom alleviation occurs.

Azelastine, a nasal antihistamine available without a prescription, is another possibility. While it’s highly effective, you should note that the spray may induce drowsiness if you have a stuffy, runny, or itchy nose or sneezing, so use it in moderation.

Allergy shots

If over-the-counter medications aren’t alleviating a child’s problems, allergy shots may be the solution. While they are great, you should avoid giving them to children under five.

However, they can be an excellent solution for some school-aged children and teenagers. You should consider allergy shots if they’re on an antihistamine and a nasal steroid and still have a running nose and congestion.

Allergy shots are often administered in the doctor’s office every two to four weeks and operate by desensitizing how the immune system responds to an allergen.

So, you’re treating a child’s symptoms and modifying their allergy. A trace amount of the allergen is injected beneath the skin. The relief, however, is not immediate. In most cases, you may see symptom improvement after a year, so you should be patient.

Making lifestyle changes

Because pollen is airborne and can travel large distances, it is impossible to avoid it completely. Monitor pollen counts in your neighborhood to reduce your child’s exposure during peak times.

Consider varying your activities when the pollen counts are high. For example, instead of going to the park, you can go to the movies or stay indoors.

Keeping your windows closed can limit the amount of pollen in your home or car. Bathing or showering your child and changing into clean clothes after being outside will help to limit the spread of these allergens indoors.

Don’t forget about your pets. Your dog or cat’s fur may transport pollen into your home. Consider wiping their fur after going outside. You also should bathe the kids more frequently and keep the pollen out of your child’s room.

Under the tongue tablets

Sublingual immunotherapy, often known as under-the-tongue tablets, works in the same manner that allergy injections do.

The good side is that there will be no needles.

Each dose is administered by placing a dissolvable tablet under the child’s tongue. In the office, a doctor administers the initial dose and monitors for side effects. Following that, the child takes one tablet daily at home during allergy season.

Sublingual immunotherapy is currently approved for grass and ragweed allergies in the United States. It is unsuitable for youngsters allergic to tree pollen, one of the most prevalent spring allergens.

Seeing an allergist

Children with well-controlled symptoms may not require allergy testing. However, if over-the-counter drugs aren’t working and your child is unhappy, an allergist can help.

When you visit a pediatric allergist, they will guide your family through the treatment options and allergy testing procedure.

When a child’s allergic condition becomes difficult to treat or causes consequences, such as chronic ear or sinus infections, asthma episodes, or eczema flares, the allergist will help you control symptoms and offer additional prescription drugs.

Allergy testing gives you peace of mind and valuable information about the cause of your child’s sniffling and sneezing.

People sometimes attribute symptoms to pollen when caused by a dust mite or pet allergy, which may necessitate year-round medication and different management strategies.

Through testing, your doctor will tell you the best way to control the condition and the best medications to try.

Parting shot

Seasonal allergies affect about one in every five children, which is expected to rise as climate change causes longer pollen seasons and increased pollen production.

Pollen from oak, birch trees, and other plants are infamous for causing springtime allergy problems in different areas.

A child experiencing allergy symptoms throughout the summer may be allergic to grass pollen. Weed allergies become more prevalent in the fall.

Waiting until your child is unhappy from sneezing and sniffling may require considerably more medication to control symptoms, so it’s good to catch the problem before it develops.

One of the ways to do it is to change their lifestyle, where they spend most of their time indoors. If you do this and the kid still gets sick, don’t worry, as you can use plenty of medications to your advantage.

Besides the medications, also think about taking your child to an allergy specialist Manassas VA. The specialist will undertake a battery of tests to help you understand the nature of the allergy better and how to get over it.

Why Fall Make Allergies Worse

Transitioning from summer to fall is the time when people go back to school, but for those who suffer from allergies, the seasonal switch could mean an unwelcome change in the symptoms. For people who feel the fall pollen impacts like mold and ragweed, you are not alone in this. Allergic rhinitis symptoms, including runny nose and congestion, can affect millions of people in the USA every year.

Some states make these effects more compounded because of weather patterns that switch between dry and wet periods, which trigger the allergens released into the air.

You can ask your allergy doctor about fall allergy treatments, but you need to know why allergies are worse during the fall. Read on to learn more.

Ragweed

In the fall, ragweed surges so it spews pollen into the air and it causes classic nasal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and scratchy throat. While you cannot completely avoid ragweed pollen, you can do steps to reduce exposure. You need to keep your windows and doors closed. Use refrigerated air conditioning, if possible, but not an evaporative cooler. The best thing to do is to wear a NIOSH-95 face mask so you will not inhale pollen when going outside. Your respiratory system will thank you for this.

Mold

Mold is another allergy trigger in the fall. Normally, fall weather comes with cooler weather and rain. Once the fall foliage starts to decay, it will attract mold growth. Breathing mold aggravates asthma, which causes wheezing, heavy breathing, and other upper respiratory symptoms in mold allergies. If you want to make the most out of the cooler weather and enjoy the outdoors more, you might have to wear a mask while being out in the woods.

Heat

You might want to bask in the summer days that extend in autumn, but the warm air can extend the pollen season and trigger allergy symptoms in the fall. You must not give up the last days of summer in order to avoid a runny nose. If you want to keep symptoms controlled, avoid the outdoors when pollen count normally peaks. You can enjoy the late summer sun at dusk. You can also try avoiding chores like raking leaves and mowing grass, both of which can stir up mold spores and pollen.

Dust Mites

Everyone can agree that fall weather is the most comfortable because days are a little cooler and you might also have to turn on the heat to feel cozy. This could be the first time in a few months that you turn on the heating. This blows a lot of dust mites inside your home, which trigger wheezes, sneezes, and runny noses. That is why you should change the filter before running the heating system.

Pets

You might have realized that pet dander triggers allergy symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. However, did you realize that your pet can worsen fall allergies? Cats and dogs that play outside can collect ragweed pollen inside their fur and bring it inside your home. After you go inside, the pollen can disperse into the air easily and cause misery for those who suffer from fall allergies. If you want to avoid this, make sure to wipe your pet using a damp towel before you allow it back indoors after being outside.

Heat

The warm air that could extend to pollen season and trigger symptoms of fall allergies. You would want to stay indoors in those last days of summer to avoid the symptoms. Stay indoors in the morning because it is when pollen count normally peaks.

You can visit allergist Germantown MD if you have fall allergies.

Signs You are Allergic to Your Pet

Pet allergy is your body’s reaction to proteins that are found in the skin cells of animals, urine, or saliva. The common signs of a pet allergy are sneezing hay fever and runny nose. Some people can experience symptoms of asthma, like breathing difficulty and wheezing.

According to an allergy clinic, pet allergy is activated by being exposed to dead skin flakes that the pet sheds. Any furry animal can become a pet allergy source, but pet allergies are normally linked to cats and dogs.

In case you are allergic to pets, the most effective strategy is to stay away from any animal exposure. Other treatments of medications might be important in relieving symptoms and managing asthma.

Causes

Allergies to animals are common, especially in individuals who have asthma or additional allergies. The truth is, that a significant percentage of people are allergic to pets, and cat allergies occur twice as often.

In case you suffer from a pet allergy, which does not always mean that you are allergic to the dog or cat. Aggravation or allergic reactions to asthma symptoms results from substance exposure that is found in pets, which includes saliva, urine, flaked skin, and dander. Aside from that, furry pets can become virtual dust mops, while bringing in allergens such as mold spores, dust, and pollen coming from outside. Pet hair is not an allergen, but it carries substances that cause allergic reactions.

Symptoms

Dog, cat and other allergens could land on the membranes, which line the eyes and nose. You can breathe pet allergens in your airways. Symptoms of an animal allergy include:

Stuffy nose
Itching and swelling of eyes and nose
Sneezing
Postnasal drip
Runny nose
Eye redness
Hives
Coughing
Sleep disruption, itchiness, fatigue, or irritability in the roof of the mouth and throat

You can get itchy eyes after petting an animal and touch your eyes after. A pet scratch or lick on your skin causes redness and itchiness in the area. You could get hives. Pet allergy may trigger an asthma attack in case you have asthma as well.

Those who have pet allergens have different sensitivity levels. Some experience minor symptoms and other people have severe symptoms. In case there are low allergen levels, symptoms might not show up until after a couple of days after interacting with your pet.

Dogs and Cats

Allergens that come from cats and dogs are in the skin cells the animal is shedding, and in the saliva, sweat, and urine on their fur. Dander is mainly a problem because it is small and it remains airborne for longer periods of time with very little air circulation. It also gets easily collected in upholstered furniture and it will stick to your clothes.

Pet saliva sticks to bedding, carpets, clothing, and furniture. Dried saliva can become airborne.

Hypoallergenic dogs and cats might shed less fur compared to the shedding types, but a completely hypoallergenic breed does not exist.

When Should You See an Allergist

If you have any of the symptoms, you might not want to think that it is your pet that is causing you discomfort. Most of the time, the best treatment is to avoid any contact with dogs and cats. For a lot of animal lovers though, pets are treated like a part of the family.

Regardless if you have mild symptoms, it would be good to schedule an appointment with an allergist. Your allergies can worsen with time. Therefore, you should get treatment early to prevent any complications.

You should talk to an allergy center Manassas VA anytime so that you can get treatment early.

Foods that Might Help with Allergy Symptoms

When talking about food allergies, you could think of avoiding certain foods to prevent any adverse reaction. However, the connection between seasonal allergies and food is linked to only a couple of food groups called cross-reactive foods. The reactions to cross-reactive foods can be felt by those who have ragweed, birch, or mugwort seasonal allergies.

Aside from the food groups, seasonal allergies are normally called allergic rhinitis or hay fever. They only happen during specific times of the year – normally during the summer or spring. They happen when the immune system has an overreaction to allergens, like plant pollen leading to sneezing, congestion, and itching.

Your allergy doctor would want you to eat these foods to help alleviate allergy symptoms:

Ginger

Ginger and its extracts are popular for their medicinal effects, which include anti-nausea, anti-inflammation, and pain relief. Since it has anti-inflammatory properties, it can work against allergies too. based on a study, ginger suppresses the production of specific cytokines that causes the activation of the mast cell. Therefore, they lead to the prevention and alleviation of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Unfortunately, there are no human studies that prove ginger can help with allergy symptoms. However, it is a spice that you are probably aware of.

Fruits Packed with Vitamin C

You should blame the hives, itchiness, and other discomforts you could be feeling because of an allergic response to histamine. Vitamin C helps because it indirectly limits inflammatory cells from producing histamine. High vitamin C levels reduce histamine and help break it down faster after it has been released, providing relief to allergy symptoms.

Aside from the fighting power of histamine, foods with vitamin C can provide relief of allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it counteracts free radicals’ anti-inflammatory effects. Foods like oranges, apples, strawberries, and watermelons counteract the inflammatory allergic response.

Tomatoes

Technically, a tomato is a fruit and it is also rich in vitamin C. They also contain lycopene, which is another antioxidant compound that helps to decrease inflammation. Even if lycopene is also in other pink and red foods, 85% of dietary lycopene is found in tomato products, which include tomato juice, ketchup, and sauce. There is still emerging research on the connection of lycopene to allergies, but lycopene might help improve lung function after exercising when you have asthma.

Turmeric

Turmeric is also a popular anti-inflammatory powerhouse because of its active ingredient known as curcumin, which has been linked to the reduction of inflammation-driven diseases. In addition, it could help minimize the irritation and swelling that allergic rhinitis causes.

Even if the effect of turmeric on seasonal allergies has not extensively been studied, there are promising animal studies.

Turmeric can be in the form of pills, teas, or tinctures or it is eaten in foods. Regardless if you take turmeric pills or use it in cooking, you should be sure about choosing a product with black pepper or pair it with black pepper inside your recipe. Black pepper raises curcumin’s bioavailability by 2,000%.

Fatty Fish

You should put some sardines in your next pizza since fatty fish like mackerel or sardines keep allergy symptoms controlled. Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood lowers inflammation in the body, which prevents swelling in the noses and throats when there is high pollen in the air.

Cold-Water Fish

An example of cold-water fish is salmon because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and it shows anti-inflammatory effects to help with allergy relief.

You can go to an allergy specialist doctor Germantown MD anytime to get more tips about foods to eat.

Facts About Seasonal Allergies

Allergic rhinitis that happens only in certain seasons is also called hay fever. There are about 8% that experience it. Hay fever happens when you have an immune system that overreacts to an allergen outdoors, like pollen. An allergen triggers an allergic response. Wind-pollinated allergens are the most common, like grasses, trees, and weeds. The pollens that come from insect-pollinated plans remain airborne for a long time, and they hardly trigger an allergic reaction.

It is called hay fever because the name is derived from the hay-cutting season. Based on history, this activity happened during the summer months, which is about the same time as a lot of people have symptoms.

You might need an allergy specialist to determine if you have hay fever. Read on to learn more.

Treatment of Seasonal Allergies

There are a lot of ways that seasonal allergies can be treated, which depends on how bothersome those symptoms are. A crucial part of treatment is knowing what a person is allergic to. Some kids are relieved by eliminating or reducing allergen exposure that bothers them.

If specific seasons cause symptoms, you should keep your windows closed and use air conditioning instead of fresh air if possible, and remember to stay indoors when there are high pollen counts. It is also a great idea for kids who have seasonal allergies to wash the dirt off of their hands or shower and wear a new set of clothes after they play outside.

Spring

Trees are to be blamed for the majority of allergies in springtime. The most common offender is Birch, which is found in the northern latitudes, where a lot of people with hay fever react to pollen. Other allergenic trees found in North America are aider, cedar, horse chestnut, poplar, and willow.

Fall

Ragweed season is in Autumn. Most of the ragweed grows in North and South America Temperate Regions. They have invasive plants that are hard to control. Their pollen is a common allergen, and ragweed allergy symptoms can be severe.

Other plants which drop their pollen during fall include mugworts, nettles, fat hens, sorrels, and plantains.

Summer

The hay-cutting season is normally in the summer months. But what really causes summertime allergies are the grasses like ryegrass and timothy grass, and even certain weeds. The most common trigger of hay fever in people are grasses.

Winter

During winter, the majority of allergens remain dormant, Therefore, cold weather gives relief to a lot of people who have hay fever. However, this also means that more people are spending time outdoors. If you are prone to getting seasonal allergies, you might react to indoor allergens like pet dander, mold, cockroaches, or dust mites.

Most of the time indoor allergens are easier to get rid of from the environment compared to outdoor pollens. Here are some tips for getting rid of allergens inside your home:

Make sure to wash your bedding in hot water once every week
Cover the bedding and pillows with covers that are allergen-proof
Stop using upholstered furniture and carpets
Remove stuffed toys
Fix any water leaks and clean up water damage that helps the mold and pests to grow and multiply
Clean the moldy surfaces and places where mold can form, which includes swamp coolers, humidifiers, refrigerators, and air conditioners
Use a dehumidifier to lessen excess moisture

You Should Take the Prescribed Allergy Medication the Entire Season

After you have identified the allergy triggers of your child and the season(s), your doctor might prescribe to minimize the symptoms.

Go to an allergy specialist doctor Manassas VA if you need an allergist before the season starts.

How to Fight Summer Allergies

Summer is the season for having fun in the sun – the breezes, and cool beach water actually create humidity and warm conditions actually attract allergies.

For adults, summer allergies can become a nuisance at a minimum. For children, the summer allergy symptoms can be more disruptive and can exacerbate other medical complications. It has been discovered that allergies go hand-in-hand with other chronic illnesses like asthma, which can normally cause medical emergencies for children like asthma.

If you are curious to know how to fight allergies in the summer, you can find an allergy doctor. It would also be good if you are aware of what to do in order to prevent allergies during the summer. Read on to learn more:

Avoidance

You should keep your home allergen-free. Shut down the windows so the pollen stays out. You need to try staying indoors during the morning, and the pollen counts are high when it is windy. Remove your shoes and change clothes right away after you come indoors. Dust using a damp cloth and a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter every day. You must shower before bed so you can rinse off the pollen that you collect on your skin and hair throughout the day.

Allergy Shots

Immunotherapy or allergy shots is a further option for treatment when you have seasonal allergies. They work by injecting your body with small allergen doses over a couple of years to build allergen resistance.

If avoiding allergens and using medications are not helpful to your allergy symptoms, you must see an allergist to ask about different treatment options you can choose from.

Limit Your Exposure to Allergens

If you have pollen allergies, you can lessen pollen exposure by staying indoors when you can by using air conditioning aside from changing clothes and showering after going outside.

It would also be an excellent idea to monitor humidity levels using a hygrometer and ensure that humidity stays below 45%. You should pay attention to mold buildup inside your home and reduce any dampness when possible.

To keep track of allergy symptoms, you can look at ozone levels around your area and avoid any strenuous activities when there are high ozone smog levels.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning – regardless if it is a central or window unit filters air so that allergens are unable to circulate. Even if you do not turn on the cool setting, make sure to run the fan. The air filter should be changed every 3 months at least, and you can consider one rated while having a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of at least 11, which removes allergens a lot better than filters with a lower rating.

Wash Your Eyes

You can buy high-quality air filters for your HVAC. They can be more expensive, but normally offer maximum protection of up to 3 months compared to the normal filters that you normally have to change monthly.

Exercise

Allergy sufferers have discovered that running on a treadmill have found out that doing so for 30 minutes at moderate speed can significantly relieve symptoms like sneezing and congestion. Researchers have suggested that the workouts will benefit you because they can help in controlling allergy inflammatory proteins; in addition, exercise opens up nasal passages which eases congestion. The study does not check whether outdoor workouts can help as well.

Modify Your Diet

If you are allergic to certain pollens, symptoms might get worse after you eat them. For instance, cherries and apples react with birch tree pollen, and cucumbers with ragweed.

You can also talk to an allergy specialist doctor Germantown MD.