Tag Archives: seasonal allergies

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.

How Can I Figure Out What I am Allergic To?

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

Understanding allergies

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

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

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

Common types of allergens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to find out what you are allergic to

Keep a Symptom Journal

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

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

Elimination diet

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

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

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

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

Skin prick tests

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

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

Blood tests

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

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

Challenge testing

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

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

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

Consulting with healthcare professionals

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pineapple

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

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

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

Berries

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

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

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

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

Carrots

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

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

Kale

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

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

Onions

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

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

Pepper

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

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

Garlic

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

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

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

Salmon

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

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

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

Food to avoid

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

Dairy

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

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

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

Alcohol

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

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

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

Apples

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

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

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

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

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

Melon

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

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

Parting shot

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

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

Understanding Allergy Shots and Allergy Reactions

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

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

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

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

Why do allergy reactions come about

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

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

Common allergy shot reactions

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

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

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

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

How soon do the allergy reactions come about?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who can develop allergy shot allergies?

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

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

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

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

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

Ways to avoid allergy shot reactions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parting shot

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

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

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

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

How to Deal with Pollen and Other Allergens in Summer

Summer is a great season to engage in outdoor activities, but it is also the worst time of year for people who suffer from allergies.

During this time, you may have symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose because the amount of pollen and other allergens increases in warm weather.

Thankfully, you can take steps to protect yourself against allergy symptoms. These steps, as given by allergist specialist, include:

Minimize your exposure

The most important thing you can do to reduce your exposure to pollen and other allergens is to keep your windows closed, particularly during peak pollen production hours.

This is because pollen particles can easily enter your house or office through open windows, causing an allergen accumulation.

Pollen counts are highest in the early morning and late afternoon. Stay inside as much as possible during these times, especially on windy days.

Consider using a mask to protect yourself from airborne allergies when going outside. Wearing a mask will help filter out pollen and other allergens that would be inhaled.

If you have a respiratory problem, such as asthma, wearing a mask outside is even more vital.                     

Filter the air getting into the house.

Installing air filters in your home or business effectively prevents pollen and other allergen exposure. Air filters help capture and remove particles from the air, reducing the number of irritants that may trigger allergic reactions.

Air filtration systems work by trapping pollutants in the air on a filter medium, which you remove when changing the filter.

This helps clean indoor air by removing dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens you could have inhaled.

Many different types of air filtration systems are available for purchase at hardware stores or online merchants.

Some models even include built-in sensors that detect changes in indoor air quality and notify you when the filter material needs to be replaced.

You should note that installing the correct system isn’t enough—you must also perform routine maintenance as the manufacturer directs to keep your air filtration system running smoothly. This entails changing filters, cleaning the unit, and verifying that the system operates well.

Take the proper medication.

Over-the-counter medicines and allergy shots can be helpful techniques for lowering symptoms during the summer. While these procedures aren’t usually essential for minor cases of seasonal allergies, they can help those with more severe symptoms or who don’t respond well to conventional treatments.

Over-the-counter medications are typically used to reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itching eyes, and a runny nose.

The most often used OTC allergy drugs are antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.

Following the directions on the medication package is essential for the best results. If symptoms persist or worsen after taking an over-the-counter medication, you should consult your doctor.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are injections of a small amount of allergen that are repeated until the body develops a tolerance.

Where other procedures have failed to relieve severe allergies, allergy shots may be advised. When going for them, you should note that they can take many months to become effective and should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Keeping a strong immune system is vital for fighting allergic pollen. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves:

  • Getting enough sleep.
  • Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
  • Drinking plenty of water.
  • Engaging in regular physical activity.

Enough rest allows the body to repair itself and prepare for new challenges. As a rule of thumb, you should ensure enough sleep.

Individual sleep requirements vary, but most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep every night for maximum health and well-being. If you have problems sleeping regularly or are excessively sleepy during the day, consult a healthcare expert to treat any underlying issues.

Your body’s ability to fight seasonal allergies may increase with a balanced, nutritious diet rich in freshly prepared fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants and other minerals, such as vitamins C, E, B6, and B12, as well as selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, can help improve your immune system.

Drinking sufficient water is necessary for maintaining proper hydration, which in turn assists in removing waste products from the body and transporting essential nutrients to the cells.

Consistent physical activity is a strong way to boost one’s immunity. This is achieved by increasing circulation and oxygen levels throughout the body.

Aim for at least thirty minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Walking, running, or cycling are wonderful ways to enhance overall health and lessen allergic reaction symptoms.

Wear the proper clothing.

In the summer, wearing the correct clothing might help decrease your exposure to pollen and other allergies. While it may be impossible to eliminate allergens, wearing natural fibers clothing can help mitigate their effects.

Opt for clothing made of natural materials such as cotton or linen rather than synthetic textiles such as polyester or rayon. Natural fibers allow more air to flow and do not collect dust and pollen as easily as synthetic materials.

Furthermore, it is critical to use breathable materials so that sweat does not pool on your skin, reducing irritation from contact with allergens. If feasible, use lighter hues that will not attract as much sunlight and heat, which might aggravate allergy reactions.

When selecting new garments, it is crucial to consider the fabric finishes used. This is because some finishes, such as waxes, oils, dyes, or waterproofing agents, may include chemicals that irritate sensitive skin or induce an allergic reaction.

Parting shot

Keeping allergy symptoms under control during the hot summer can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Reduce your exposure to allergens, install air filters, invest in high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters, wear protective clothing, and live a healthy lifestyle to lessen the severity of your symptoms and make it easier to spend time outside.

With these helpful ideas for managing summer allergies under your belt, you should be able to enjoy everything this season has to offer without having to worry about unpleasant allergy symptoms.

If you experience severe symptoms, visit an allergy doctor immediately.

What is of Aspirin Desensitization

Aspirin is an important drug used by people all over the world to help with medical conditions. However, with a lot of people that suffer from a sensitivity to aspirin, using aspirin as allergy treatment is very important for positive health outcomes. You can check an allergy clinic if you want to have an effective aspirin desensitization treatment so you can offer relief for individuals.

There are about 1.2 million and 1.6 million people in the US who have aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, which causes a lot of frustration for a lot of patients. Due to aspirin desensitization, you can overcome the worst symptoms caused by this condition. If you want to know more about this, you can read on.

What is Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)?

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) includes chronic asthma, sinusitis that has nasal polyps, and aspirin sensitivity, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients who have this condition experience mild to severe symptoms of any respiratory conditions for aspirin-related medications. Other medications can have ibuprofen and naproxen. Approximately 1 in 10 patients who have asthma or 1 in 3 patients with asthma and sinusitis with nasal polyps could be sensitive to aspirin and other NSAIDs that leads to having AERD.

Symptoms of Aspirin Sensitivity

People with aspirin sensitivity can have symptoms like:

  • Hives, itching, swelling, or
  • Shortness of breath, worsening and wheezing of nasal/sinus symptoms

In some cases, the aspirin adverse reaction could be serious or life-threatening.

How is AERD Diagnosed

The AERD diagnosis is clinical, which means that there is no certain test or blood result that can be used to diagnose the disease. The triad asthma plus symptoms and nasal polyps and respiratory reactions to NSAIDs are everything that is needed for diagnosis. For patients with a history of possible reaction to an NSAID is unclear, and normally it is helpful to do an aspiring challenge to confirm your diagnosis. You can do this either as an oral challenge, or a combination of oral or intranasal challenges. The procedure is in a hospital or clinic with a medical team and an experienced doctor.

In addition, people who have AERD have huge numbers of eosinophils in the nasal polyps and elevated levels of eosinophils in their bloodstream. Eosinophils are a kind of immune cell that has inflammation. Even if the presence of an elevated eosinophil level is not needed in the diagnosis, it can be good additional insight for patients.

Benefits of Aspirin Desensitization

Aspirin desensitization will allow a patient to gain these benefits:

  • Improved asthma control
  • Decreased doses of corticosteroid
  • Delayed regrowth of nasal polyps that causes surgeries that are less related to sinus (polyps surgeries)
  • Less need for medication for respiratory symptoms treatment
  • Aspirin tolerance (ASA) and NSAIDs
  • Better sense of smell and taste
Success Rate of Aspirin Desensitization

There is a recent study reported that AERD patients who can continue aspirin desensitization treatment for over a year, were the ones to experience the most benefits.

Risks of Aspirin Desensitization

The aspirin dose that is given during desensitization of aspirin is a lot smaller compared to what is taken in a lot of cases. The reactions because of a lower dose are normally less severe, in most cases compared to the reaction of what a patient would have gone through if they took a full dose. Here are the risks of aspirin desensitization:

  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Tightness in your throat
  • Stomach pain
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Hives
  • Blood pressure rarely drops

The physician will monitor you closely, including your vital signs, lung function, and oxygen intake.

You can check an allergy center Manassas VA anytime.

Food Allergies that are More Common than Others

A lot of foods cause allergies, but others are more common. About 90% of serious food allergies are linked to proteins in certain foods, like eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, wheat, fish, tree nuts, sesame, and shellfish.

Most of the time, these foods are ingredients in other foods, which means avoiding them calls for diligence, including precise labeling and other measures. There might be times when exposures unknowingly happen.

You might have to call an allergy doctor if you notice that you have an allergic reaction to some of these. In case you are unaware of what the most common food allergies are, you should do research and start by reading this article until the end. Read more now.

Cow’s Milk

Allergy to cow’s milk is one of the most common hypersensitivities in young children, most likely because it is the first foreign protein that a lot of infants ingest in huge quantities. If there is an allergy to cow’s milk, even infants who are breastfed may have eczema or colic until dairy foods and milk have been eliminated from their mother’s diet.

A lot of children outgrow milk allergy while their immune systems mature.

Eggs

People who have egg allergies are triggered by egg proteins. You might be allergic to egg white, egg yolk, or even both. Experts recommend staying away from eggs when you are allergic.

About 2.5% of children are allergic to eggs, which makes it the second most common food allergy in young children. Diagnosis normally happens before reaching the age of 2. Half of the children are going to outgrow their allergy when they are 5, and most people will outgrow it when they reach adolescence.

Eggs should be listed on food labels in simple language, like “contains eggs.” It is important to always read the label before consumption.

Peanut

Peanut allergy is one of the most common allergy food allergies. Peanuts are different from cashews, tree nuts, almonds, walnuts, and more. peanuts grow underground and they are from a different plant family, which is legumes. Other legume examples include peas, beans, soybeans, and lentils. Having a peanut allergy does not mean you have a bigger chance of being allergic to a different legume.

Wheat and Gluten

Rice and oats are normally the first cereals that are introduced into your diet because they are less likely compared to other grains to cause allergic reactions. If there are no issues with oats, wheat is next. Wheat grain is usually linked with allergies, but it is still uncommon. This is unfortunate because wheat can be found in a lot of prepared foods.

There are 2 kinds of negative immune reactions to consuming wheat. The first classic reaction is hives and the second one is wheezing which happens right away after the child consumes wheat.

Soy

People who have soy allergies react to the proteins in soy. Normally, allergic reactions are mild, but with all food allergies, it might lead to a severe and life-threatening reaction.

Soy is a common allergy in food for children but it is less for teens and adults. Approximately 0.4% of children have an allergy to soy. It is estimated that 50% of the kids outgrow a soy allergy after one year, and most of them will outgrow it when they are 10.

Fish

Finned fish is among the most common food allergy. This is normally lifelong. About 40% of people who are allergic to fish get their first reaction when they are adults. The most common types of fish that people are allergic to are tuna, halibut, and salmon.

You can go to an allergist Germantown MD anytime.

How to Relieve Itchy Hives

Hives are itchy, sometimes it has a lumpy rash that will appear on the surface of the person’s skin. Home remedies and medication can normally treat hives quickly.

Hives are intensely itchy and discolored raised areas of the skin. They can be anywhere on your body. Normally, hives have a trigger, which is both non-allergic and allergic.

While hive symptoms can be irritating, there are many ways of treating, soothing and removing them. When you go to an allergy specialist, they will talk to you about it in detail, especially the symptoms, and potential complications you can encounter.

If you have been suffering from hives, you should know that there are ways to relieve them. Read on now.

Lukewarm Bath

Hot water can be very irritating to your skin, but you can add different products to a bath so you can relieve the itching sensation. You should sprinkle in baking soda and colloidal oatmeal to achieve a soothing effect.

Colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and forms a protective barrier on the skin, which holds in moisture and eases inflammation. It can be found in a lot of moisturizers, cleaners, and shampoos that will benefit people who have sensitive skin.

Avoid Products that can Cause Skin Irritation

Certain soaps can dry your skin and causes more itching when you suffer from hives. Make sure to use soap that has been marketed for sensitive skin. Look for a great selection that will suit you. Choose the ones that omit fragrance and other irritants.

You must also avoid using irritating moisturizers or lotions. When you doubt it, choose a formula that will target sensitive skin. Applying it immediately after bathing can also help soothe the itch.

Follow the Treatment Plan

If you want the treatment to take effect, you should follow the treatment plan the allergy doctor recommended and created for you.

The treatment plan might not work when you take allergy medications less often than what was prescribed. For instance, if the doctor has prescribed a daily antihistamine and you only take it during a flare-up, you might still get hives.

Use Over-the-Counter Medication

Hives are treated best using over-the-counter antihistamines or topical creams such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone. Antihistamine medications suppress the histamine that the body releases, which causes your itchy reaction. Topical treatments work on the skin cells to stop histamine from getting released. You should not apply topical creams to hives if they are on your face or if the skin is infected or broken.

Use Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for the healing properties it provides you.

Even if it is a natural anti-inflammatory, it can cause contact dermatitis so you should do a skin patch test before applying it.

In order to do a skin patch test, you can simply add a small amount to an unaffected area. If you can do that, apply it to the side of your forearm. If you do not encounter skin irritation within 24 hours, you can apply it to your hives.

The topical aloe vera can be applied to your hives as you need to, which is likely a couple of times a day. Make sure to follow the instructions.

When Should You See a Doctor?

The severity of hives varies. Even if most people can manage the symptoms at home, you might have to seek medical attention if:

  • The symptoms last for days
  • The symptoms worsen
  • The rash is too painful and leave bruises
  • The symptoms interfere with your daily life
  • You experience dizziness

You can go to an allergy center Germantown MD anytime if you need to consult a doctor.

How to Prevent Skin Allergies

Itchy skin can be frustrating, no matter what the cause is. Even if it might feel better for the time being when you scratch, it will only worsen when you scratch continuously. In order to manage itchy skin, you have to understand the cause and look for the right remedy.

Keep in mind that there is pollen in spring, dry dust in winter, and dust in the summer. These changes in the season bring you sets of irritants and reactors for millions of people that can make skin allergies worse. When you go to an allergy clinic, the doctor will explain to you what treatment is needed and how to prevent it from happening. Find out more about it now.

What Skin Allergies are There?

Skin allergies happen when you have an immune system that reacts to a perceived threat, which will normally be harmless to your body. The common symptoms of skin allergy include:

  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Raised bumps
  • Swelling
  • Skin flaking
  • Skin cracking

The best way to avoid skin allergies is to avoid or limit your contact with an allergen. However, if you encounter an allergen, you can choose home remedies to address the symptoms.

How to Manage Skin Allergies

  • The scratches should be kept clean – You will be tempted to scratch itchy skin. However, if you are not careful, you could end up with a blister or create a wound because of your nails. Either way, the open-wound scratches can get infected if it does not receive proper care. You should try washing your hands before touching the scratches and keeping fingernails short to lower the risk of irritation and infection.
  • Take a cold shower – A cold bath can help reduce allergies and skin irritation. A cold shower will help blood vessels to shrink and will not allow histamine to come out. It will also reduce skin irritation and the severity of allergic reactions.
  • Oatmeal – Oatmeal has different biological active properties, which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components. All of these can help soothe allergic skin reaction itchiness.

 

Among the popular ways to treat skin allergic reactions include a poultice or an oatmeal bath. Both need powdered oatmeal. You will be able to make a powdered meal when you grind store-bought oatmeal into a fine powder with a blender, coffee grinder, or food processor.

  • Wear the right clothes – Some kinds of materials like polyester or wool cause irritation and swelling, which leads to an itch. Clothes made from bamboo, cotton, or silk are easier on your skin by becoming more breathable and softer while it is eczema-friendly.
  • Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil will go wonders as a moisturizer. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E, which is helpful in repairing skin after any allergic issues and it reduces itching as well. This type of remedy is best when you compare it to chemical moisturizers.
  • Air conditioner and/or humidifier – When your skin is feeling hot and/or dry, maybe you will find that the itchiness of your skin gets worse. You should use a humidifier and/or air conditioner so your skin will be in a better environment.
  • Medical herbs and plants (Neem, Aloe Vera, Basil, Coriander, Calendula) – Aloe Vera is an excellent choice to manage your allergies because it has strong antibacterial, anti-irritant, and anti-fungal properties. Aloe Vera has a fleshy gel that can soothe allergies.
  • Avoid scratching the itch – It could seem like the hardest thing to do, but you should try not to scratch your skin because the irritation will only get worse.

You can go to an allergy center Manassas VA anytime if you need more tips on how to manage skin allergies.   

 

How to Prevent Food Allergies in Kids

Food allergies are a constant concern for parents. Almost 6 million children become affected by food allergies, and food allergy prevalence of food allergy has a 50% increase since 1997. Having a sibling or parent with allergies increases the risk of a child developing allergies. Therefore, if you or your partner is among the 9 million adults that suffer from food allergies, you could be wondering how you can prevent the same for a child.

You can go to an allergy doctor during your pregnancy to get the best advice on what to do so you can prevent allergies as much as possible. There are always treatments you can get, but it is a lot better if you do not have to at all.

Do Not Restrict the Diet of Your Child

Maternal diet while pregnant or in lactation must not be restricted because it is a way of preventing the development of food allergies.

The main point has been the topic of debate for so many years. Based on the discussion, it is the desire for parents to lessen the chance that their child is going to develop food allergies. An older piece of advice has suggested avoiding allergenic foods while pregnant and during breastfeeding as a way to decrease food allergy risks. Unfortunately, this strategy is not proven to be effective when it comes to reducing food allergies.

Breastfeed Your Baby

Breastfeeding your baby can help prevent the development of food allergies. Since breastfeeding is connected to a lot of health benefits, it is recommended that you breastfeed your baby beyond 2 years old.

Introduce Common Food Allergens When they are Ready for Solid Foods

For most babies, this is about 6 months. Your baby can have solid foods when they can already do the following:

  • Hold their head up
  • Tell you when they are already full
  • Sit and lean forward
  • Pick up food while bringing it to their mouth

You should not introduce solid foods before 4 months old. Your baby is not going to be ready. It is not going to help reduce the risk of your baby developing a food allergy.

Once you have introduced only a few other solid foods, you can offer food allergens all at one time. There is no research showing that you have to wait a certain number of days between those.

Foods You Can Take to Help Prevent Allergic Disease

When you are an expectant mother and eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, you can decrease the risk of allergic diseases in your child. This appears to be true if you have asthma and you have a male child.

Foods high in omega 3 are:

  • Sardines
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Oysters
  • Chia seeds
  • Mackerel
  • Flaxseeds
  • Walnuts
  • Fortified foods like certain brands of yogurt, eggs, milk, and juices

Eating foods rich in vitamin D also reduces the risk of food allergy and asthma in children.

Foods high in vitamin D are:

  • Fish
  • Dairy products
  • Mushrooms
  • Egg yolks
  • Vitamin D-enriched foods such as soy milk, cereal, and orange juice
Early Introduction can Help Prevent Peanut Allergy

Studies have shown that giving foods that contain peanuts early to high-risk infants can prevent peanut allergies from developing.

Giving foods that contain peanuts early to an infant can help prevent peanut allergy. Based on the study, a group of infants that are at risk of peanut allergies that were given 2 grams of peanut thrice a week had a lot less peanut allergy when they reached 5 years old.

You can talk to an Allergist Germantown MD if you need more advice about this.