Monthly Archives: May 2015

What is Seafood allergy and How to avert it?

Are you allergic to any seafood? And even though you take all the precautions of not eating it, you still have allergic reactions? Food allergies are not same as other allergies. You might not consume that specific food material, but you might consume something that contains the material in some form. So, if you are allergic to seafood, then it is advisable that any packaged product you purchase should be checked for content.

The Seafood Derivative Reaction

Some people who are allergic to fish, crustacean and shellfish can get an allergic reaction from vapors. So if these items are being cooked in the vicinity, of are being served hot on a nearby table, then the vapors from the dish could cause a reaction. It’s not necessary that to trigger the reaction you need to touch the allergen. Simply breathing in the aroma could also be a trigger. So you have to be extra cautious inside and outside.

Then apart from these, there are certain packaged products which contain fish oil; if you are allergic to certain seafood, than eating that product could also trigger a reaction. It is very necessary that you understand the basic allergen and then get knowledge about various types or forms it is sold in the market. You can get a fairly good idea about this from your allergist.

Cautions That Need o Be Taken

Don’t assume that you are just allergic to a specific type of seafood. Some people are allergic to a variety of seafood. So it is very necessary that you contact your allergy clinic to understand allergens.
In a single family, there are quite different types of fish. It is quite possible, that you might be allergic to the entire family or just one species of that family. Be informed about the family and the type of fish that you can or cannot eat.
Certain food products that contain seafood in some form are Bouillabaisse, Pizza Toppings, Caeser dressing, Vegetarian ‘meat-like’ food, etc. So before you go ahead and purchase any of these, make sure you check the label.

If you are still unsure of the trigger, contact your nearest allergic treatment clinic. The doctors would be able to do proper tests to inform you of the triggers. Most of allergic clinics would have details about various products that contain that allergen and how can you work around them.

When Do You Need To See An Allergy Doctor?

Allergies can really be a sore and time and again each one of us have issues. They come from food, air and water borne stuff. Most people prefer to reach for the OTC medication to take care of an occasional reaction. But some people are sensitive and need to see an allergy doctor when they break into hives or itchiness. When a reaction interferes with daily routine then one needs medical assistance from a qualified allergy doctor. Nearly 50 % of the population in America at least has some form of allergy or reaction, which makes them sensitive to certain food and environment. Allergy may trigger some other chronic conditions. Hence it should not be treated overtly with OTC.

Chronic symptoms appear with passage of time

One of the commonest symptoms connected to several kinds of allergy include constant sneezing, blocked nasal passage or a wheezing sound. If these are unchecked it may develop into asthma or affect the lungs in a big way. When these symptoms start to interfere with daily life then one needs to visit the allergist who may be able to quell the condition in some manner with knowledge and experience. Most symptoms can be controlled or prevented. It is important, as one needs the right quality of life.

Other kinds of allergies result in skin eruptions that can prove to be infectious. Animals, chemicals in products, and plastics, cause these issues. If a person continues to deal with the same, the symptoms become chronic.

What will the clinical visit entail?

A trip to the allergy doctor may first begin with a consultation and diagnosis. Then it will involve some allergy testing. It will help the healthcare professional to determine which allergens are affecting the patient. The testing will follow with some preventive care to be taken. Exposure to certain environments and foods will be on the cards.

When it comes to chronic patients, a doctor may even give the patient some shots. This is a part of immunotherapy. As the injections prove to be stronger, the problem reduces with time.

When should you schedule a visit?

If you have the following symptoms, it may be advisable to visit the doctor for treatment or preventive care.

Is sinus getting infected?

Does the blocked nasal passage make it difficult to breathe?
Do you have hay fever most of the year?
Wheezing sound at night, tightness of chest and short of breath
Frequent asthma attacks

Skin allergies

This is yet another sign of a hypersensitive condition for any individual. It may happen in a particular season or with some food. One will need to visit the skin or the derma specialist also other than the allergy professional. Skin irritants take long to go and also leave scars. Eczema, hives, rashes or dermatitis are conditions that affect the individual. Sometimes the condition may take a few days to manifest. These conditions develop due to insect bites also. Other reasons include chemical reactions and animals too. If the patient is stressed the condition can get aggravated. This is sure enough a sign to take medical help.

Tips to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies

There is no limit on the number of allergens that can cause different kinds of allergies in people. For some people, change in season or a particular season is a threat. The reactions that are caused and the medication that they have to undergo, just makes them miserable. A major reason why you can be severely affected with allergies is weak immune system. Because our body is not able to fight the reaction caused by the allergen, we feel the irritation of the allergy. The other thing to note is that your weak immune system is not necessarily a medical condition; it can also happen due to stress.

Tips to Prepare for Allergy

Adaptogens

There are certain herbs that can help you cope with allergens. These herbs, also known as adoptogens, would help you regulate stress levels, allergic reactions and body balance. You can consult about these herbs with your Allergy Doctor.

Natural Antihistamine

Allergic reaction releases histamine, which in turn showcases itself in form of allergies on the body. To control allergy, it is necessary to control release of histamine. There are several herbal and natural antihistamines, which could help control or reduce the production of histamine. Depending upon the allergic reaction and the allergen, you can consult your allergy doctor to provide you with suggestions.

Probiotics

Certain foods promote production of histamine which should be avoided in cases. Any food item that is processed with microbial fermentation will contain histamine. Some examples of such food products are cheese, fermented soy products, alcoholic beverages and vinegars. To control, you can try to use products that are probiotic like Yoghurt or Probiotic milk. These are proven to be effective in controlling allergic reactions.

Consultation

Though all these are natural remedies, still they shouldn’t be tried without proper consultation. Only an expert would be able to inform you which kind of herb or natural antihistamine would be best suited for your condition. Allergy doctors that are aware of your case file and know the in and out of the condition can help you in controlling and preparing with these natural treatments.

It is always advisable to consult a specialist Allergy Clinic in your area, as they deal with a variety of situations on a daily basis. This gives them the experience required to administer such natural remedies to allergic reactions. Plus they would be also able to warn you against any side effects that might occur, if any.

Nasal Allergy Self Help

Nasal allergy is very common in America; almost 20% of Americans suffer from it. Though there are several treatments that are available, but still some people can be easily find rubbing, sneezing and with red nose. Though nasal allergy could be very irritating and disturbing, there are some remedies that you can follow to take care of them.

Some people have this misconception that Nasal allergies can only happen in cold. Though it’s more common in the winter season, nasal allergies can happen anytime. For some people, conferring nasal allergy means a day off and a day in bed. So read on to know more about various steps you can take to save or control nasal allergies.

Self Care of Nasal Allergy

Salt Water

Take distilled or water at room temperature previously boiled, and add a pinch of salt in it. Then squirt some of it in your nose. This will help you irrigate your nose, that is, it will help clean the nasal passage of allergens or excess mucus. This can help you breathe freely and work efficiently without any problem.

Stay Safe

As with any other allergy, if you stay protected in a controlled environment, then chances of getting affected are less. Some people use face masks or scarves to cover their face when they go out. This would keep the nose safe from getting affected by allergen. Depending on the nature of the occupation, this is not always possible.

Moisture

If the nasal allergy has led to sinus problem, then it is advised to keep the nose in moist air for a while. This will help in releasing pressure on the nose which in effect would give release from irritation and pain. You can use humidifiers or vaporizers to assist in this process.

Consulting for Nasal Allergy

These are just some precautions or steps that you can use to get instant or momentary relief. But if you are suffering from nasal allergy, then it doesn’t mean you have to suffer throughout. It is advisable that you consult a nasal allergy doctor or nasal allergy clinic to know more about your problem. Getting to know your allergen and detail precautions that you can take will help you stay comfortable in any season.

Allergens could be as common as a flower or a fruit and as remote as a bacteria or seed. If there is a particular season when you get nasal problems or if you due to something you get nasal problems, then the chances of it being an allergy is good. So do get a checkup done at the nearest clinic or by your trusted nasal doctor.

Who Is an Allergy Doctor?

A medical professional who deals with allergy and other immune related problems is known as an allergy doctor. Their job is to diagnose and treat different type of allergies. They specialize in various aspects of allergies like its triggers and causes. It is always better to ask a professional for allergy problems. Some people don’t take their allergies seriously, but if not taken care, they can be a real menace.

How to find a good allergy doctor?

You can find a good allergy doctor from the following sources.

Most often your doctorcan refer you to a good allergist.
AAAAI or American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, Immunologyhas a database of allergy doctors.
Insurance companies also provide names of allergy doctors who covers insurance plan taken by the patient.
Take advice from your family and friends. They can suggest a good allergy doctor.

What to look for in an allergy doctor?

Make sure that your allergy doctor understands your requirement. There should be no communication gaps between you and your doctor. Also his style of treatment should match your needs. For example, if you need immediate relief, your doctor should fast track your treatment or should be able to subscribe instant relievers. On the other hand, if you need long term relief, he or she should make sure that treatment is given gradually.
Certification by American Board of Allergy and Immunology or ABAI is a must. Remember all the physicians are certified by the board, but you have to find a certified allergist
It’s a good idea to involve your insurance cover provider during the treatment process. Different people are insured with different type of covers. So, make sure that the treatment you are undertaking is covered under your plan. If you have limited or no insurance, consult your allergy doctor before starting the treatment.
Make sure that he or she has relevant experience in dealing with allergies.
Make sure that he or she has good reviews.

One should immediately start consulting an allergy doctor, if any symptoms of the disease appear. Allergies can be caused due to almost anything. Some examples of allergy causing substances are pet dander, insect stings, various types of medicines and drugs, sunrays, pollens and different types of food items like milk, egg and wheat etc. As we can see numerous causes of allergies are all around us. So, delay in treatment will only result in more suffering.

Things You Need To Know About Sinus Disease

Definition– Sinus disease or sinus infection or sinusitis, causes inflammation and swelling of air cavities in the nose. Impact of sinus infection is felt primarily on two parts of the body, namely head and the nose.

Causes of sinus disease
Most often microorganisms growing inside sinus itself are responsible for causing this disease. Some of these microorganisms are listed below:
• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Fungus

Sinus infection can also be caused due to allergens and other harmful agents. They can be further divided into following categorize:
• Acute and sub-acute sinus disease
• Chronic sinus disease
• Infectious and non- infectious sinus disease
.

Symptoms of Sinus Disease

Main symptoms of sinus infection are given below:
• Swelling and inflammation of nasal cavities
• Pain and swelling of the face and teeth
• Nose starts discharging fluid
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Coughing
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Diagnosis of sinus disease
Throat, sinuses and nose are checked for any sign of disease. Doctors will look at two things – discharge from the nose and swelling in the nasal tissues. Another sign is the redness of skin. If required camera and CT scan can be used for diagnosing nasal disease. Camera is inserted in the nose with the help of a fluid.

Treating Sinus Disease

In the early stages of sinus disease antibiotics is given. For controlling and easing histamines, antihistamines are used. For decongesting nasal cavities sprays are given. If use of single drug is not able to contain the disease, than multiple drugs simultaneously are used. Surgery is also an option but it is only required in rare cases. Closed nasal routes opened using surgical tools.

Immediately rush to your nearest sinus disease clinical center, if the symptoms of sinus disease appear. Sinus disease is generally not contagious. However, in certain cases it might be contagious. So, unless you are sure it is your duty to avoid physical contact with any other person. Ignoring the sinus disease will not only amplify the problem for you but also for your family, friends and colleagues. Negligence will also cost you financially. Severity of the diseases will increase with time which will result in expensive treatment. Remember, in advance stages drugs might fail to control the disease. So, surgery is the only option left.