Tag Archives: allergy experts

Be Careful of The Holiday Allergies: Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s that time of the year again, although we all know that celebrating the Christmas season will be way different than years before. Nonetheless, there should be no reason why we should not celebrate the Holidays this year despite the ongoing pandemic.

There is no denying the fact of how it has been stressful this year mainly due to COVID-19. Millions have already died from all over the world. Those who have allergies can also be at higher risk of contracting this disease. Speaking of allergies, it is better to find an allergy doctor if you are allergic to something. Allergy testing helps in determining the root cause of your allergic reactions and get proper treatment.

It’s the season again… for allergies

We all know how busy this Holiday season is. From preparing gifts to decorating the Christmas tree, it is something that everyone also looks forward to. Unfortunately, not everyone also might not be looking forward to this season due to seasonal allergies.

Yes, some people experience allergies during Christmas. If you are one of them, you should hire the best allergy specialist doctor for your allergy treatment needs. But this doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the season anymore due to these common seasonal allergies.

Here are some common allergy culprits that you should know. It can be anything from pet dander, mold and mildew, dust, and even your Christmas tree. But this article should also help you beat these seasonal allergens and enjoy the season as everyone should.

Common Christmas allergies

You might be wondering why allergens are very common during the holidays. For one thing, indoor allergies are common during Christmas because we are often inside our home. This means the windows are shut and the heating system is constantly on. So, the indoor air circulates inside the room together with possible allergens like dust, mold, and pet dander.

Then again, you need to determine what is causing your allergies. Or in this case, Christmas-related allergies. You should consult an allergist doctor if you experience common allergy symptoms. Here are these common allergens present during the Holidays.

Christmas tree/décor

According to some studies, more than 50 kinds of molds are present on Christmas trees, most of which are leaf molds. These allergens would thrive indoors where central heating is working 24/7. These can cause non-stop sneezing or asthma attacks.

Balloons

Balloons are often made of latex which is also a type of allergen. Those who are allergic to it often experience skin irritations or even breathing difficulties in the worst cases. It can also be a choking hazard, especially to young children.

Gifts

While it’s the thought that should count, some gifts could also cause the inevitable allergic reactions. Some have cosmetic allergies which are present on perfumes and makeup. Meanwhile, some are allergic to jewelry especially if it is made from nickel.

How to get rid of Christmas allergens

Different types of allergens affect millions of people all over the world. If you experience symptoms of allergies, make sure to visit a trusted allergy doctor to help manage your allergic reactions. Allergy testing may also be necessary to determine the root cause of your allergies.

Instead of latex balloons, opt for foil helium balloons. There are shops online that offer these special types of balloons.
Avoid perfumes or any beauty products that contain ingredients such as benzene, propyl, or methyl as these can also cause allergic reactions. Some products made from essential oils can also cause allergies and should not be used by pregnant women.
Opt for jewelry alternatives such as sterling silver, gold, or any nickel-free material.
Dust off the Christmas tree and décor before assembling them. Opt for plastic, glass, or metal Christmas décor to lessen the risk of them attracting dust mites. Choose artificial trees instead of real ones.
Watch out for common food allergens being served on your Christmas table. Cheese, peanuts, seafood, or any other food item, make sure to know your specific food allergies (or if you have guests or family members who have one). Better yet, do not serve these and opt for other alternatives instead.

Keep your family safe from Christmas allergies

You can also invest in an air purifier to maintain the healthy and clean air quality in your home. Consult a professional allergist in Manassas VA to help manage your allergy symptoms and ensure proper treatment.

What You Need to Know about Peanut Allergies

It is said that around 1 million children in the US suffer from a peanut allergy. Out of these statistics, only about 20 percent of them will outgrow their peanut allergies. Nonetheless, it is best to avoid peanuts and other food that contain this ingredient. It is also better to visit an allergy physician to help deal with your allergy issues.

Those with peanut allergy might suffer an adverse allergic reaction once they ingested even a small amount of peanut. Some common peanut allergy reactions include skin hives or swelling, stomach, or digestion problems. In the worst cases, peanut allergies can cause potentially life-threatening reactions such as airway constriction and inadequate blood flow.

Facts about peanut allergy

Here are basic but important facts about peanut allergies.

Peanut allergy is one of the most common allergies, especially among children.
Food allergies including peanut allergies can be potentially deadly. It can cause breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and anaphylaxis in the worst cases.
There are about 3 million people in the US who are suffering from allergies due to tree nuts and peanuts.
Tree nuts include almonds, cashews, and walnuts. On the other hand, peanuts are actually legumes, the same as peas and soybeans.
A lot of people suffer from allergies throughout their lifetime, children and adults alike. However, about 20 percent of kids eventually outgrow their allergies.
You are more likely to have an allergy (including peanut allergy) if it is in your genes.
It is better to introduce peanuts to children at a young age. However, there should still be cautious when doing so to prevent the onset of allergic reactions.

How to prevent reactions due to peanut allergies

To prevent peanut allergies, you need to consult an allergy specialist doctor for proper treatment. You would also have to undergo allergy testing to confirm whether your allergies are indeed due to peanuts.

Aside from tests, you may also have to keep a food diary to track your food intake and medications taken in case of an allergic reaction. If you already know that peanuts are the culprit of your allergic reactions, make sure to get rid of it from your diet.

You can also use this method to confirm whether it’s the peanut that’s causing the allergies. Do not eat peanuts or food that contain even small traces of peanuts for at least a week. After that, you can slowly reintroduce it to your diet and see if you experience any adverse reactions when you do eat one later on.

Palforzia: The answer to peanut allergy?

Around the first quarter of 2020, the US FDA has approved Palforzia for peanut allergy treatment. The said medication aims to minimize the adverse effects of peanut allergy symptoms such as anaphylaxis. It can be taken by patients as young as 4 and above.

Common treatments used for peanut allergies include epinephrine and antihistamines. However, these treatments may not prevent severe symptoms even if taken in the right dosages and as per schedule.

Taking Palforzia requires three phases. First, is the Initial Dose Escalation. In this phase, this treatment is given for a day. The second phase, the Up-Dosing, requires multiple dosage levels in a course of several months. It should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable allergy physician for the proper way of taking the medication. The third and last phase requires maintaining the dosages at home.

Just make sure to monitor the treatment of any adverse reaction. If there is, the patient should discontinue taking the treatment. Ironically, California is made from peanuts and comes in capsule and powder forms. It is then mixed with pudding, yogurt, or other semisolid foods. Make sure to consult an allergist doctor first before taking any allergy treatments.

Conclusion

Peanut allergies are only one of the many types of food allergies. Some may experience only mild symptoms while others may experience extreme ones. Also, make it a point to check food packaging labels to prevent possible allergic reactions.

Consult an allergy physician for any allergy-related concerns. An allergist in Manassas should be able to diagnose a possible peanut allergy and recommend the best treatment for it. Contact one today for your peace of mind.

Can Allergies Disappear and Re-appear?

Not everyone has allergies, but one thing is for sure: it can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, and race. At some point, a lot of people will experience some kind of allergic reaction that can affect their quality of life. Some of these allergies happen as early as their childhood days, while some happen during adulthood. Nonetheless, allergies can be detrimental to one’s quality of life.

Do you also suffer from some kind of allergy? Make sure to have it consulted with an allergist doctor. You would have to undergo allergy testing to determine the root cause of your allergic reactions. If you are experiencing potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, head to your nearest allergy clinic immediately.

A rite of passage?

We all know how inconvenient it is to have allergies. You might not be able to enjoy spring due to pollens floating around the outdoor air. Or you might not be able to eat your favorite food because you are allergic to its certain ingredient, say, peanuts, or a spice. You would have to consult an allergist specialist to help you treat your allergies.

For starters, allergies occur as our immune system’s reaction to certain allergens like pollen, pet dander, and so on. Ideally, there should be no reason for your body to react to various things. But for some reason, a lot of people develop such intolerance to certain elements or ingredients hence the onset of allergic reactions.

Being allergic to something is one of the most common medical conditions that affect millions of people around the world. It can happen in your childhood, while some may experience it in their teens or during adulthood. If you have not experienced allergies but are experiencing its symptoms, better have yourself checked with an allergy doctor immediately.

Can allergies occur during adulthood?

It does happen in many cases. For example, you grew up having pet dogs or cats at home until you reach early adulthood. Then you leave for college, return home during the break, but you find yourself sniffling around your beloved family dog. However, the reverse can happen to other people, too.

Some people may be allergic to pollen or pet dander before but might have disappeared later on. Most likely because you have already built a tolerance to those common allergens. There is also some allergy specialist doctor who also says that the more you get exposed to allergens, the more likely you will be immune to it later on.

So why do allergies appear and disappear later on (or vice versa)?

Allergies can be weird sometimes. Some may have it during childhood while others have it for the first time during their teenage or adult years. Some experience allergies before but disappear at some point as if it did not happen at all. But there might be reasons why such a phenomenon happens.

It might have something to with age.

Some experts believe that allergies disappear as we age. It can be because we get used to a certain allergen or have built a tolerance to it over time. However, some people might experience the worse effects of allergies due to age.

It can also be caused by stress.

Stress can be detrimental to our health and also can cause allergic reactions. The more you are stressed at work or personal matters, the higher the chances of allergic reactions. Not to mention your immune system will crash and make you sick easier. That is why regular exercise and a healthy diet is a must for a stronger immune system.

The weather may also have something to do with your allergies.

Due to climate change and higher CO2 levels that a lot of plants spew a lot of pollen which is also a common allergen. Temperature swings also cause various illnesses such as inflammation of the sinus which can also cause allergy-like symptoms. There is also a higher chance of getting allergies if you live in a city than in the countryside or a suburban area.

Conclusion

Having allergies is no joke. It can affect the quality of your life. You also have to be always cautious of what you eat or avoid anything that can trigger your allergies. In such cases, you should consult an allergy specialist doctor for proper treatment. Make sure to have allergy testing in Germantown MD so you get treated as soon as possible.

Can Spices Cause Allergies? Here’s What You Need to Know

Life is not complete without some spice on it. The same applies to food. Without spice, your food will taste bland. Spices are also used in other consumer products including cosmetics and oral hygiene products. Spices are not also regulated as per the US Food and Drug Administration. That means most of these spices are not included in most food packaging.

As a result, spices are one of the most difficult allergy triggers since you cannot easily find them on food labels. In reality, allergy to spice contributes 2 percent of all food allergies. There are also no allergy testing or blood tests available to detect spice allergies.

The truth about spice allergies

Popular spices that can trigger allergies include garlic, cinnamon, vanilla, and black pepper. The “spicier” the spice (ex. Jalapeno, Carolina Reaper, etc.), the higher the chances of having allergic reactions. In case of allergic reactions due to these spices, you should go to an allergy specialist immediately.

Former ACAAI president Sami Bahna, MD says that spice allergy may look like it is a rare case. However, Americans are fond of using various spices in their everyday diet as well as using different cosmetic products. Women are also more prone to spice allergy since a lot of them tend to use cosmetics, perfume, and other beauty products. This could mean less spice (pun intended) in their lives.

Some may be allergic to only one spice, but can also have an allergic reaction to other spice blends. Those with spice allergies have to adjust a lot in their lifestyle, including watching their food intake and avoiding the makeup. In the case of flare-ups, you should consult the best allergist in your area.

Spices usually come from plants, hence the potential to become allergens. However, it is also believed that allergic reaction to spices are not real allergies but rather more on “intolerance”. To determine whether it is true allergies, you should consult an allergy physician so you will be given the right medications.

Are you allergic to spice?

A lot of people mistake “intolerance” with allergic reactions. One risk of this is to be given the wrong medications that can be detrimental to health. In such cases, you can contact an allergist for clarification. Here are symptoms that differentiate non-allergic to real allergic reactions to various allergens, including spices.

Non-allergic

Mouth itching (can be because of pollen but not due to the spice itself)
Coughing upon substance inhalation (can be more on an effect of irritants)
Skin rashes (can be due to skin irritation)

Allergic

Reactions with sesame seeds, a known food allergen that can cause life-threatening allergic reactions
Anaphylaxis (although rare, but common upon consumption of spices such as cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme among a few)

If you notice consistent reactions every time you eat the same spice, talk to an allergy specialist doctor immediately. You will undergo skin prick testing to determine the presence of allergic antibodies to a specific spice.

Dealing with spice allergies

As mentioned, the best way to deal with spice allergies is to avoid it. Ingestion of spices when you have allergies to it can cause symptoms such as:

Bloating
Nausea
Diarrhea
Lip swelling
Hives
Anaphylactic shock (in the worst cases)

Spices are also present in beauty and oral hygiene products. As also mentioned, these are not also accounted for in most ingredient lists. Hence, it can be hard to detect which of these products do contain these dreaded spices.

Some may be allergic to one specific spice, while others can be affected by more than one. One way to deal with your allergies is to consider spice alternatives. For example, you can substitute oregano with other herbs like basil or thyme. Or if you are allergic to sesame seeds, you can use 1 tablespoon chopped blanched almonds instead.

Other ways to manage spice allergies

Other tips that can help minimize allergic reactions to spice are the following.

Keep ground spices and herbs for a year. For whole spices, you can store them for 2 years.
Store properly. Better yet, buy smaller containers to prevent spoilage and to ensure they will all be used up.
Check whether they are still fresh by breaking or crushing to release the aroma.
When cooking, add the fresh herbs (ex. oregano, thyme, etc.) just before you finish cooking to avoid losing its aroma and flavor.
In case you experience adverse reactions, visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA immediately.

Yes, There is Such a Thing as Sun Allergy

A lot of people are allergic to pollen, seafood, pet dander, or any other common allergens. But did you know that there are also some who are allergic to the sun? You can imagine how disappointing it can be not to be able to enjoy the summer. Unfortunately, sun allergy is real and affects a lot of individuals around the world.

A 2011 German study revealed that as much as 20 percent of people in parts of Europe and the US are affected with sunlight allergy. This condition is more commonly known as PMLE or polymorphous light eruption. Regardless of whatever allergy types you have, make sure to visit an allergy doctor immediately.

What is a sun allergy?

Sun allergy may not be as common as seafood or pollen allergies. However, it can affect the quality of your life just the same. It refers to a condition that results in an allergic reaction when exposed to sunlight. Allergy testing can determine whether you have sun allergies or any other kinds of allergies.

Genetics may have to do with sun allergies. However, there are also instances when sun allergies appear later in life due to specific triggers such as environmental or medication exposures. An allergist doctor can help determine the causes and how to manage the condition.

Among common symptoms of an allergic reaction to sunlight include hives, blisters, or rashes. Others experience itchy or painful skin, and even crusting and bleeding skin in the worst cases. Some people may experience immediate reaction following sunlight exposure.

A sun allergy reaction often shows up on the hands, arms, legs, and nape. Those with severe sun allergies can also experience reactions even on areas that are covered up with clothing. On the contrary, the back of the hand and the face do not

Types of sun allergy

Sun allergy is an umbrella term for several types of this kind of allergy aside from PMLE. You will know it is PMLE if there is a presence of itchy rashes and fluid-filled blisters. It also includes the following.

Photoallergic reaction

This type of sun allergy happens due to the reaction of the skin to any topical product like cosmetics or sunscreens. Usually, symptoms of sun allergies only appear after two to three days.

Solar urticaria

This is a rare type of skin allergy, which often causes hives and affect especially young women. Symptoms appear as fast as a few minutes following exposure to the sun. Some experience mild symptoms, but it can also be life-threatening in some cases. Contact an allergist specialist immediately if you notice signs of solar urticaria.

Actinic prurigo

This type of sun allergy is more common in Native Americans. But it also affects other races and symptoms can start in childhood. Actinic prurigo is characterized as having nodules or crusted bumps. You can consult an allergy physician if you suspect of having sun allergies.

Causes and treatment

As mentioned, sun allergies can be due to genetics. But it can also be because of other factors like medications and even beauty products. If you notice skin reactions that are beyond the usual after sun exposure, better consult an allergy physician or a dermatologist immediately.

Sun allergy can be somewhat preventable. You might also have to undergo a series of tests to determine whether it’s really a sun allergy or another type of allergy. These said tests include:

Photopatch testing
UV light testing
Skin and blood tests

As for treatments, it will depend on the sun allergy condition that you have. Your allergist doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications depending on the severity of the allergy. These can also help relieve the symptoms of sun allergies.

Make it a habit to apply moisturizing lotions to reduce dryness and irritation.
Use aloe vera gel or calamine lotion for allergy relief.
Stop using products that might be triggering your allergies (ex. sunscreen or a specific medication)
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if you experience high fever, vomiting, arrhythmia, swelling, or difficulty in breathing.

Contact allergy experts near you

Sun allergy does exist and is no joke. If you experience any of the abovementioned symptoms, better visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA for proper diagnosis and treatment. Make sure to follow the prescription given to you to lessen the effects of the allergic reaction.