Tag Archives: allergy symptoms

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.

Understanding Asthma Allergy

While asthma is a common illness, persistent asthmatic symptoms indicate underlying issues. If you live in an unsanitary environment or have immunological concerns, see your allergy doctor immediately for a rapid diagnosis of recurring asthmatic allergic onsets.

Asthma attacks frequently trigger allergies, leading to nasopharyngeal choking, fast inflammation, and severe breathing problems.

While these attacks can also occur due to brief interaction with suspected allergens or the consumption of restricted foods, asthmatic allergic reactions pose substantial hazards.

How does asthma trigger allergies?

When your bronchioles detect prospective allergens, asthma attacks begin. It results in a frenzied reaction that interferes with your natural respiration.

The reaction often triggers a coping mechanism. When your IgE attaches to these foreign antigens, your allergies worsen. As a result, bronchial irritation and blockage occur.

Because of a hypersensitive immune system, such reactions are frequently immunological.

Asthma flare-ups can also cause allergic reactions if you breathe in potentially allergenic air. Furthermore, long-term exposure to cigarette smoke, pollution, and work dangers makes you prone to recurring asthmatic allergic reactions.

Common allergens that can cause allergic asthma

 

You can find allergens everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Some of the common allergens include:

Dander: These are microscopic flakes of dead skin cells shed by animals, most notably cats, dogs, and birds. When an animal sheds or grooms itself, these flakes can be found in its fur or feathers and spread throughout the living environment.

Dander can cause an allergic reaction when inhaled or comes into touch with the skin, making it a common allergen for some people. Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rash are all dander allergy symptoms.

Regular cleaning, air filtration, and grooming can help reduce dander in the home and prevent allergic symptoms.

Mold: Typically found in moist areas (basements), mold creates spores that enter the air and can aggravate your asthma.

House dust mites: Dust mites resemble spiders and reside on your home’s soft surfaces (carpets, furniture covers, and clothes). 

Cockroaches: These pests can be found in various dwellings, and their feces, saliva, and other body parts may cause your asthma to flare up.

Seasonal allergies. These affect some people and appear at certain times of the year. Because of the blossoming of numerous plants, this is frequently associated with spring. More pollen is in the air during this time of year than in other seasons (fall or winter).

Allergic asthma symptoms

Many symptoms associated with other types of asthma may occur if you have allergic asthma. Among these signs are:

  • Feeling out of breath.
  • Coughing a lot, especially at night.
  • Wheezing (a whistling sound made while breathing).
  • Feeling tight in the chest (as if something is crushing or squeezing your chest).

During an asthma episode, these symptoms can be severe. If you have severe asthma symptoms, ensure you have a treatment plan, including an asthma inhaler.

You may also feel symptoms similar to allergies. These are typically milder than asthma symptoms and can occur when exposed to an allergen. Among these signs are:

  • A congested nose.
  • Itchy or watery eyes.
  • Sneezing.
  • A rash with hives.

How to diagnose allergic asthma

Your healthcare provider can perform a variety of tests to identify allergic asthma. The healthcare provider will most likely undertake a blood or skin test.

Your provider will search for the influence of allergens on your body during these examinations. Possible allergens may be put on small areas of your skin for a skin test to evaluate how you react to each one. This is unpleasant, but it will show your provider what is causing the reaction.

The healthcare provider can also do other tests to ensure that your symptoms are caused by asthma, not another medical condition.

Most of the common asthma diagnostic tests that the healthcare provider can undertake include:

Spirometry: This breathing test involves inhaling deeply and then expelling into a tube. This tube is linked to a computer, which collects data on how well the air travels when you breathe in and out.

Spirometry can also be performed while using a bronchodilator. This test variation assesses how well your airways relax before and after medication administration. During the test, you must exhale as strongly and quickly as possible into the tube.

Bronchoprovocation test: It is similar to allergy testing on your skin in that your physician will introduce potential allergens to determine the source of the problem.

The test is done in a controlled environment, and minimal samples are used to avoid a large, lethal reaction.

Exhaled nitric oxide test (FeNO test): Your healthcare provider measures the amount of nitric oxide in your breath when you exhale. While the test can be administered in any situation, it’s best suited for milder situations of allergic asthma when you do not experience severe symptoms. This is because the highly sensitive test will pick up even small amounts of nitric oxide.

When you have allergic asthma, whatever you breathe in usually causes your symptoms. Identifying the allergen that caused your symptoms is another step in the allergic asthma diagnosis procedure.

To make it easy for your allergist Manassas VA, keep a notebook or take notes about what happened when you had asthma symptoms.

It could be a pollen allergy if you were outside near recently cut grass. It might be a pet dander if you were caressing a dog.

Knowing what you inhaled when your symptoms first appeared will assist your provider in developing a plan to control your allergic asthma.

How to manage allergic asthma

To decrease and avoid further worsening of the symptoms, asthma allergy treatment must include therapeutic and preventive measures.

It involves defense against allergens and contaminants that can aggravate your pulmonary system.

Your doctor uses antihistamines and leukotriene modifiers to treat asthmatic allergic responses. The purpose of the medication is to prevent the immune system from flooding your body with histamines when it detects foreign antigens, which is common among asthma patients who live in polluted environments.

Immunotherapy lowers your hypersensitive IgE complex, which causes allergic reactions when foreign antigens enter your body. It’s not about decreasing your defenses but temporarily lowering them to aid recovery from asthmatic allergic reactions.

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.

What Causes Allergies to Develop?

If you recently visited an allergy clinic and were told that you are suffering from an allergy, you must wonder what causes allergies to develop, right?

Allergies come about when the body reacts to allergens. When the body comes into contact with the allergens, it produces special antibodies capable of recognizing the same allergic substances when the body comes into contact with it in the future.

In the event you come into contact with the allergen again, the body responds to the substance by causing a series of reactions that often involve blood vessel dilation, tissue destruction, and production of several inflammatory substances, including histamine.

Histamine is responsible for most classic allergy symptoms such as sneezing, sinus congestion, shortness of breath, watery eyes, headaches, nasal congestion, and hives.

Which are the common allergy triggers?

Although several allergens can bring about allergies, there are some that are more common than others. The common ones include:

Pollen

Pollen is the major cause of seasonal allergies. Different pollen from different plants cause allergies at different times of the year. For example, ragweed is responsible for allergic rhinitis that begins in late August and continues until the first frost.

Pollen from grasses such as red top, Bermuda, bluegrass, timothy, orchard, and others cause springtime allergies while pollen from trees such as birch, beech, oak, ash, sycamore, alder, and others bring about early springtime hay fever.

Mold spores

You can come across mold any time of the year, whether you spend most of the time indoors or outdoors. Common causes of outdoor mold are dead leaves and farm areas, while old books, bathrooms, and other damp areas are the leading causes of indoor mold.

Household allergens

Did you know your home has plenty of allergies that can worsen your allergies? The most common allergens are pet dander, dust, foods, and chemicals. These allergens often worsen the situation in winter when you keep the house closed most of the time. The situation is even worse if your house has poor ventilation.

How do you manage allergies?

Unless in severe cases, allergies are rarely life-threatening, but they can impact your life by decreasing your productivity, reducing your concentration in school, and due to the symptoms, you have a negative outlook on life. Due to this, you should move with haste and manage the condition before it brings your life to a halt.

There are plenty of ways you can control the condition, including:

Nasal sprays: These are medications that reduce the swelling in your nose, and from their name, you spray them into your nose. While they are great, they can be stuffy, runny, and itchy to the nose, so use them with caution.

Inhalers: You inhale these into your lungs to open the airways. There are primarily two types of inhalers that you can take: daily use and rescue inhalers. From their name, you take the daily inhalers during the allergy season to reduce the symptoms and the rescue inhalers when you are having an attack.

Prescription antihistamines: Although most of the antihistamines are now over the counter, you can still visit your allergy doctor Manassas VA, and he prescribes the antihistamines he deems right for your condition.

Allergy injections: You can still visit a clinic and have a series of injections meant to desensitize your immune system to the allergens that trigger the symptoms.

Immunotherapy: Here, you try to retrain the immune system to recognize the allergen and safe, and as a result, it doesn’t react to them. Even if the symptoms don’t go away completely, immunotherapy significantly reduces its frequency and severity.

Managing Asthma During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of life’s greatest miracles. Going through the entire process of pregnancy can be full of ups and downs. But it will surely be worth it when you see your bundle of joy for the first time after nine months. Expect to feel all kinds of emotions while tending to your child – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Unfortunately, the “ugly” part may include other things, like having to undergo asthma treatments due to an asthma attack.

Asthma is a common condition that affects people all over the world. It can make your situation more complicated if you are pregnant. For one, asthma can compromise your unborn baby’s safety if not managed properly. To prevent future complications, you should seek an asthma doctor immediately for the sake of you both.

What triggers asthma in pregnancy?

Asthma triggers during pregnancy are mostly similar to the usual asthma symptoms. However, sensitivity to the symptoms may be increased due to hormonal changes while pregnant. For starters, common asthma triggers may include:

  • Respiratory illnesses including viral and bacterial infections
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease)
  • Smoke (ex. cigarette smoke, smoke produced by vehicles, wood, and cooking, etc.)
  • Perfumes and sprays
  • Allergies (food, chemicals, cosmetics, pet dander, dust, etc.)
  • Emotional triggers (hormonal changes, stressful environment, etc.)

For allergy triggers, it is best to consult an allergy specialist doctor for proper medications suitable for your pregnancy.

How asthma can affect your unborn baby

Having asthma can affect a person’s quality of life, and can make your pregnancy complicated. The unborn baby inside your tummy needs enough oxygen to live. However, having an asthma attack can affect the amount of oxygen entering your body which can compromise your baby’s life.

You may have already been given medications by an allergist to help manage your asthma. However, you may have also considered stopping taking asthma medications when you got pregnant. This is understandable, as taking any medications may cause complications on your pregnancy.

For one, uncontrolled asthma may cause premature birth. You may also experience health complications such as hypertension or preeclampsia. In worst cases, your unborn baby may die due to lack of oxygen because of a severe asthma attack. If you have asthma prior to your pregnancy, it is best to consult an allergy physician to help manage the condition.

How to manage asthma attacks during pregnancy

Here are some tips to help you manage asthma attacks throughout your pregnancy:

  1. Let your doctor know you have asthma.

It is said that asthma symptoms may become worse around six to eight months of pregnancy. Medications taken during or after birth are possible, but can cause discomfort and may even worsen the condition.

To prevent further complications, it is important to inform an allergist doctor about your asthma. Your doctor will help you create a plan and managing your asthma symptoms and ensure smooth and uncomplicated delivery.

  1. Watch out for asthma symptoms.

Asthma is generally manageable even during pregnancy. Good asthma control can also ensure a normal and healthy pregnancy and delivery. Unless advised against by an allergy physician, you can still continue taking asthma medications while you’re pregnant.

Since asthma is supposed to be manageable, one of the things you should do is to watch out for its symptoms. Your symptoms may be worse than your pre-pregnancy days, so take note of that. If you are already experiencing breathing difficulties due to your asthma, head to the nearest clinic or hospital immediately.  Medical personnel will conduct first aid treatment to ensure you and your unborn child are both safe.

  1. Avoid the triggers as much as possible.

If you don’t want to experience asthma during pregnancy, avoid the triggers. At the end of the day, you and your baby’s safety should matter most. Among things you can skip to prevent asthma triggers include:

  • Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke
  • Avoid overeating and lying down after mealtime (if you have GERD)
  • Avoid interacting with people with infections (ex. colds and flu). Better yet, wear a protective mask when dealing with sick people
  • Avoid other allergy triggers (ex. foods, dust, pet dander, sprays, and perfumes)

Finding the best asthma doctors near you

Consult the best allergist in Manassas VA to help you manage asthma while you’re pregnant. Some doctors would recommend taking flu and allergy shots to prevent severe asthma attacks during the duration of your pregnancy. These medications are considered safe, but make sure to seek medical advice first before taking these.

Managing Allergy-Induced Asthma

Asthma and allergies are only some of the most common health problems. In the US alone, it is said that asthma, a type of respiratory condition, affects one out of 13 people according to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report. Asthma can affect one’s quality of life, so going to the nearest allergy physician near you can help manage your condition.

But you may ask: “Why should I go to an allergy clinic for my asthma condition?” As you may don’t know yet, asthma and allergies are often connected and can even occur simultaneously. This is because most asthma symptoms are similar to those of allergies. This condition is called allergy-induced asthma.

How allergies are related to asthma

Allergies can be caused by several triggers such as food, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen among a few. There are other triggers such as stress, exercise, and certain infections. These triggers can also cause asthma attacks which can be uncomfortable nonetheless.

People with a history of allergy have a higher risk of having allergic asthma. While some of these triggers can cause allergic reactions such as runny nose and skin breakout, others experience coughing and frequent sneezing.

In worse cases, affected individuals may experience shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. When these symptoms show up, it is best to consult an allergist to help you manage the condition.

Treating asthma and allergies

There are treatments meant to manage allergy or asthma symptoms. On the other hand, there are also those that can treat both conditions. Among these include the following:

  1. Allergy shots

Also known as immunotherapy, it can help treat asthma symptoms by reducing your body’s reactions to allergic triggers. Allergy shots are applied through scheduled injections of small amounts of allergens which cause allergic reactions.

The entire treatment process will be done in a course of about three to five years. Doing so can help build tolerance from the said allergens. In effect, symptoms can eventually decrease and more manageable than before. The procedure should only be done by an allergy specialist doctor.

  1. Montelukast

Also called Singulair or Leukotriene modifier, this comes in a pill form and is usually taken daily. This medication promises to provide relief from asthma and allergy symptoms. Likewise, it helps manage chemicals that are released in case of allergic reactions.

On the downside, it is said that montelukast causes suicidal and other psychological tendencies. Consult an asthma doctor first before taking this medication. If you are already taking this, seek medical help immediately if you notice the aforementioned symptoms.

  1. Anti-immunoglobulin E immunotherapy

This type of allergy treatment aims to control and manage the chemicals that trigger allergic reactions. One of the most common anti-immunoglobulin E treatments is Xolair. This therapy is only used for patients with up to severe asthma symptoms.

Other treatments for allergy-induced asthma include:

  • Bronchodilators – helps you breathe easier
  • Anti-inflammatory medications – helps reduce swelling (ex. skin rashes due to allergic reactions) as well as relieve asthma symptoms
  • Other medications that block the chemicals causing the allergic reactions

Managing allergies and asthma symptoms

Asthma and allergies can greatly affect one’s quality of life. That is why it is important to identify what your triggers are so you can properly manage your condition. But sometimes, symptoms may change without warning. Nonetheless, you can still manage your allergy and asthma – along with medical help, of course.

First of all, it is important to know what triggers your allergic reactions so you can avoid it beforehand. For example, it may be wise not to have pets at home if you are allergic to pet dander. If you cannot imagine not having a pet, you can opt for “hypoallergenic” pets. However, it is still best to consult an allergy specialist near you if you want to have a pet at home.

People with asthma may have multiple triggers, which is why it is important to identify those symptoms as well. That way, you can easily manage them and be provided the right treatments for your condition. The adage, “Prevention is better than cure”, says true about this kind of situation.

You can still live a normal life despite having allergies

Having allergies and asthma can affect one’s daily life. That is why you should monitor your symptoms and consult the best allergist in Germantown MD. Contact one and avail of a free consultation today.

Celiac Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Diet Plan

Gluten is a type of protein commonly found in some grain products such as barley, wheat, and rye. It helps maintain the food’s shape, keeps it moist and chewy, and makes the bread rise and look fluffy. Gluten may be harmless, tasteless, and odorless to some people. However, it can be fatal for many unlucky individuals.

People with such sensitivity to the food ingredient gluten most likely have a condition called celiac disease. It is usually diagnosed by an allergy specialist doctor. But if you suspect of having this condition, it is best to consult an allergist specialist for proper treatment.

What is a celiac disease?

It is said that one in 100 people around the world has celiac disease. To help manage this condition, you should visit an allergy clinic near you to prevent further complications that can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

This condition is considered an autoimmune disease wherein digestion of foods containing gluten can trigger allergic reactions. Worse, it can cause irreversible damage in the small intestine and largely affect your digestion. To begin with, celiac disease may not be easily detected as its symptoms vary from person to person.

As mentioned, celiac disease is triggered when a person has an allergic reaction to gluten. Upon consumption of food containing gluten, it triggers an immune response that causes damage to the small intestine particularly the villi. These finger-like things line up the intestine and aid in the absorption of nutrients. However, damaged villi can affect nutrient absorption and food digestion in general.

Celiac disease may occur either in childhood or in adulthood. However, it is believed that this condition runs in the family, which is why it may be a good idea to consult an allergist doctor to know if you inherited the condition. Nevertheless, the exact cause of the celiac disease is relatively unknown.

Causes and symptoms

As mentioned, both children and adults can be afflicted with celiac disease. However, symptoms may vary between both. For example, adults who have or are suspected to have this condition may experience one or more of the following symptoms.

  • Diarrhea/constipation
  • A feeling of bloating and excess gas
  • Sleep problems which can lead to chronic fatigue
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Anemia due to iron deficiency
  • Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting
  • Presence of rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Mouth sores
  • Tingling sensation in the hands and feet due to an injury in the nervous system
  • Balance and cognitive problems
  • Hyposplenism (a condition that affects spleen function)

On the other hand, children may experience symptoms different from those of adults. It is also said that children may be more prone to digestive issues than adults. One possible reason is that their digestive system is not yet as mature as adults. Among common symptoms of celiac disease in children include:

  • Constipation/diarrhea
  • Excessive gas
  • Bloating
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stools that may have an unbearable smell

If you suspect your child has the condition, it is important to have him/her get an allergy testing procedure for proper treatment. Otherwise, it can affect digestion and lack of nutrient absorption can lead to:

  • Weak teeth
  • Weight loss
  • Headaches
  • A tendency to throw frequent tantrums
  • Anemia due to iron deficiency
  • Delays in growth and puberty
  • Learning and muscle coordination problems
  • Death especially in infants

What to have and not to have in a gluten diet

People with celiac disease should follow a strict gluten-free diet. Likewise, it is important to identify certain foods that contain gluten but does not explicitly state it in the food label. You can consult an allergy doctor regarding gluten-free foods you can indulge in.

Some wheat-based products that usually contain gluten include the following:

  • Semolina (common in couscous and pasta)
  • Self-rising (phosphate) flour
  • Graham flour
  • Farina (common in hot cereals)
  • Flour enriched with minerals and vitamins
  • Other wheat varieties such as durum, spelt, einkorn, kamut, and emmer

In addition, some foods may have gluten and should be careful not to eat to avoid adverse reactions. These include:

  • Beer, ale, malt (all barley-based beverage)
  • Bread
  • Cakes and pastries
  • Cereals
  • Soy sauce
  • Pasta
  • Soup Mixes

Meanwhile, a usual gluten-free diet may include meat, seafood, eggs, and other protein-rich foods. There are also gluten-free grain alternatives such as millet, quinoa, and buckwheat. You can also include vegetables and nuts, although you may need to consult an allergist as you may also have allergies with the latter.

Seek medical help from allergy experts

If you experience the abovementioned signs of celiac disease, you should visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA so you will be given the right medication and treatment.

What You Need to Know About Dairy Allergy

Most people would have already consumed dairy products since we were kids. As a child, our parents prepared us fresh milk for breakfast and before bedtime. Meanwhile, some people like their hamburgers and pizzas cheesy enough you cannot see the meat anymore. In other words, we have basically lived with dairy nourishing our bodies almost every day.

But for some people, consuming milk and other dairy products can be a curse. In fact, it can even be potentially life-threatening to them. This condition may even send you to an allergy clinic, or the emergency room in worse cases if the symptoms become worse. This is most likely due to dairy allergies and should be treated by an allergist.

Is it the same as lactose intolerance?

On one hand, dairy allergies affect a person’s immune system. It occurs when the body reacts to the protein components of dairy products including milk. It then triggers allergic reactions that can be potentially dangerous for some people. Allergic reactions can range from mild rashes to as severe as breathing difficulties.

On the other hand, lactose intolerance affects the digestive system. Those who have lactose intolerance do not have the ability to digest lactose, a component present in dairy products such as milk and cheese. Lactase deficiency is also usually the cause of lactose intolerance. Lactase is a type of enzyme that is produced in the small intestine.

Lactase turns into galactose and glucose and then absorbed into our bloodstream. In lactose intolerance, however, lactose does not get absorbed and instead moves to the colon, interacts with bacteria, and then cause lactose intolerance. If you suspect of having lactose intolerance, you should consult an allergy specialist doctor for proper treatment.

Symptoms and risk factors

Symptoms of both dairy allergies and lactose intolerance may show up early in childhood, but some may experience it later on in adulthood. You should consult an allergy physician if you experience any adverse reactions upon consumption of dairy products.

Lactose intolerance and dairy allergy symptoms may vary from mild to severe. It usually depends on how much your body can tolerate lactose. Symptoms may also show up around 30 minutes to a few hours after consuming dairy products. However, some symptoms of dairy allergy and lactose intolerance may be the same with each other.

Among these include vomiting and nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. However, dairy allergy can also cause allergic reactions in a person’s skin and respiratory system which can be potentially fatal at this point. These symptoms include:

  • Hives
  • Facial or lip swelling
  • Wheezing
  • Rashes
  • Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
  • Bloody stools (in infants)
  • Anaphylaxis (in worst cases)

You are more likely to have a dairy allergy if you have skin conditions such as eczema. Also, your genes may also dictate your risk of having this condition. For example, one of your parents may also have foods allergies or dairy allergies as well. Children as young as two are also most likely to have a dairy allergy.

Diagnosis and treatment

There are ways that an allergy doctor can determine whether you have lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. An allergist doctor would usually recommend patients to undergo allergy testing and other tests that will confirm your condition.

For dairy allergies, you may need to undergo a skin prick test. It involves putting a small drop of liquid that contains dairy allergen on your skin. It will result in a red, itchy bump if you have dairy allergies. An allergist specialist may also require taking a blood test or an oral test to confirm your condition.

For lactose intolerance, you may undergo either a hydrogen breath test, lactose tolerance tests. For babies and small children, a stool acidity test may be recommended by a doctor.

Managing dairy allergy

To prevent allergic reactions due to dairy products, you should not consume any dairy products in the first place. It is also important to check the food packaging to see whether it contains even just small traces of milk or dairy content. You may even find dairy content in the least expected foods such as canned tuna and energy drinks, so you should be careful as well.

There are also foods that contain calcium which can be a great and safe alternative for milk as your source of calcium. However, make sure you also don’t have allergies with these foods. Among these include:

  • Broccoli, collards, kale
  • Sardines, salmon, and other canned fish with bones
  • Juice and cereals with a calcium content
  • Tofu and other soy-based products
  • Almonds

Dairy allergy is real, and those who have it should be careful when consuming foods. If you suspect of having dairy allergies, consult an allergy physician in Germantown MD.

What You Need to Know About Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis or EoE is a condition that causes the esophagus to swell. The esophagus is a tube-like internal part of the body that transports food that you eat into the stomach. EoE causes discomfort or even pain and difficulty in swallowing the food you eat due to the inflammation.

you can also be triggered by mold, pollen, or food allergens. Although, there is no exact proof and research about these claims. Nonetheless, it would be a good idea to consult an allergy physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you need to know about you

Eosinophilic esophagitis or EoE is a long-term disease that affects the immune system. It involves the eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, which builds up in the esophageal lining. Often, this buildup is caused by food allergens. The said buildup leads to the inflammation of the esophageal tissue, making swallowing difficult and even painful.

If you experience this, do not delay as it can be potentially life-threatening. Visit an allergy clinic and have yourself treated by a trusted allergist doctor. EoE is considered one of the major causes of gastrointestinal illnesses. Common symptoms of EoE include the following:

  • Dysphagia (Difficulty in swallowing)
  • Chest pain
  • Regurgitation
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Delayed growth and weight loss (in children)

This means eosinophilic esophagitis can be contracted by both children and adults. Men are more at risk of having this condition than women. Likewise, those who have family members who also suffer from allergies are also at risk of having EoE.

EoE in children vs. adults

As mentioned, eosinophilic esophagitis can occur both in children and adults. However, those who have a history of food allergies, eczema, and asthma are at higher risk of having EoE. Unfortunately, this condition might be challenging to detect as symptoms can differ depending on age and are often mistaken for other health issues.

For example, infants and toddlers suffering suspected of having EoE would not eat due to difficulty in swallowing. Some kids would also experience abdominal pain, vomiting, and growth delays in the worst cases. EoE patients point out certain food triggers that are causing the condition.

In adults, one of the most common symptoms of EoE is what is called dysphagia. It occurs when the food you eat gets stuck in the esophagus. Patients would have to chew their food carefully and drink lots of water to push the food down their stomach. If you or your child suffer from (or suspecting of having) EoE, it would be a better idea to consult an allergy physician near you.

Is not considered a food allergy?

Technically, it can be considered as one. When you take a certain food that is suspected of causing an allergic reaction, the condition usually subsides and makes the person feel better. But when the person starts eating that offending food again, the allergic reaction might come back.

Also, EoE does not involve IgE antibodies which makes it a little tricky to detect what the offending food is. That said, allergy experts suggest undergoing allergy testing to determine if there are any IgE-mediated allergies such as mold, pollen, or animal dander allergies.

How to treat EoE

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for you. However, this condition is generally manageable by proper diet, medication, or both. For one thing, there is no existing treatment for you.

However, allergy experts prescribe corticosteroids or glucocorticosteroids for the patients. Steroids can help provide relief from inflammation and lessen eosinophil activity. On the downside, steroids can only deal with the symptoms and can have potential side effects such as acne and weight gain.

Another way to treat EoE is by adjusting your diet. You can visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA to determine the specific food item that is causing the adverse reaction. The “Six-food Elimination Diet” refers to a diet that eliminates the most common allergenic foods such as eggs, nuts, soy, milk, wheat, and seafood. From here, doctors and patients will know which among these allergens the culprit is and come up with proper treatment.

The patient can also try the “elemental diet” which is getting rid of all regular drinks and foods from your usual meal plan. And then replacing it with various vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for about a month or so. Once there is an improvement in the esophagus, foods can be reintroduced slowly to determine the culprit that is causing the EoE symptoms.

Allergic to Sweat? Here’s What You Need to Know

 

To achieve a healthy mind and body, one must have a regular dose of healthy food and exercise. Some lift weights, while some people do cardio exercises such as running, jumping rope, and cycling. However, some people need to be extra cautious when doing intense physical activities because it can lead to some adverse health effects.

For example, those who suffer from asthma may have to be more careful when exercising. They might also have to bring their asthma treatments in handy just in case something happens while they are doing intense workouts. It is also best to consult an asthma doctor first before engaging in any physical activities.

Aside from asthma, some people experience allergies due to their sweat and getting too hot. Can you imagine getting allergic reactions just because you feel hot and sweaty? Unfortunately, this can be just as common as food and pollen allergies. Nonetheless, you should have yourself checked by an allergist for proper treatment.

What you need to know about “sweat allergy”

The technical term for this type of allergy is Cholinergic urticaria or cholinergic angioedema. In layman’s term, it is also called sweat allergy or heat pumps. Basically, this condition occurs due to increased body temperature and resulting in itchy hives. It is not clear what exactly causes this type of allergy. However, it is said that it is the body’s reaction to sweat.

There is a higher chance of having this condition if you are suffering from other allergies such as eczema, hives, or asthma. People who have CU experience mild to life-threatening symptoms. Common symptoms of CU include the following:

  • Hives (generalized urticarial)
  • Swelling (angioedema) around the lips and face, or the tongue or throat in worst cases
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Bronchospasm

If you notice these symptoms, make sure to visit an allergy specialist doctor to help treat your allergies. You might also need to undergo allergy testing to confirm the real cause of your allergies.

What causes Cholinergic urticaria?

This type of allergy usually happens in a flash after the person gets too hot or starts to sweat. It can occur on different parts of the body especially the arms or the torso. The rash would also feel itchy and even some burning sensation and resemble swelling. On a positive note, these rashes due to cholinergic urticaria will eventually fade as quickly as they appeared.

However, some may experience other symptoms aside from rashes, such as:

  • Diarrhea
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Breathing difficulties

As mentioned, cholinergic urticarial occurs when the person gets sweaty or too hot. But other factors can trigger CU such as:

  • Eating spicy dishes
  • Stress/anger
  • Fever
  • Sun exposure
  • Hot baths/sauna/hot tubs

These factors can increase body temperature, making the body hot and even sweaty, hence the possibility of having CU.

How to deal with “sweat allergies”

If you notice the abovementioned symptoms, make sure to consult an allergist doctor immediately. You should also undergo a series of allergy testing such as warming test and exercise test to confirm the diagnosis of CU. Treatment might also vary depending on the person.

Some would have to take meds while others have to change their lifestyle 360 degrees. This means avoid heavy exercises that can make them sweat a lot, not eating spicy foods, and not going to spas and saunas. You should also manage stress and anger through meditation and going on therapy.

You might also have to adjust your diet and avoid foods that can trigger CU. This include:

  • Alcohol
  • Dairy (ex. milk, cheese, etc)
  • Vinegar
  • Nuts
  • Canned foods and others with additives
  • Seafood
  • Salty foods

It can be more challenging if you live in a tropical country where the sun is often around. In such a case, you need to have antihistamines on hand as prescribed by your doctors such as cetirizine, loratadine, or beta-blockers.

Prevention

If you experience allergic reactions due to CU, say, during exercise, slow down or stop as needed. Take a cool shower or cool off while standing in front of an electric fan or go to an air-conditioned room. Relax and avoid stressing yourself. Visit an allergy clinic in Manassas for immediate treatment of your condition.