Monthly Archives: May 2019

Are You Allergic to Molds?

Having allergies can affect one’s quality of life. People can develop allergies in their childhood and bring them into their adult years. Triggers also vary, of which among the common ones include:

  • Pet dander
  • Dust and pollen
  • Shellfish
  • Nuts
  • Milk and soy
  • Egg
  • Household products’ ingredients

If you have allergic reactions with one of the above triggers, you should consult an allergy specialist doctor immediately. The allergist will recommend the right medications to help manage your condition. As much as possible, avoid taking matters in your own hands. Rather, it is important to seek medical advice and find an allergy doctor to avoid complications.

All about mold allergy

Molds are everywhere. It can be in the bathroom, kitchen, or elsewhere within your home. It may not be easily seen at first. However, molds can cause adverse allergic reactions that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Molds belong to the fungi family. It can grow indoors and outdoors depending on the mold type. Mold allergies are said to be more prevalent nearing fall period. However, mold allergy reactions can occur all year. Inhaling air with mold spores can cause allergic reactions.

They differ from how other plants reproduce. On one hand, most plants usually grow from seeds that are buried into the ground. In order for it to grow, you should water it every few days.

On the other hand, fungi including molds also have seeds which are called spores. Unlike plants, spores do not have to be buried in the ground to reproduce. Rather, it is blown in their air by wind, dew, or fog. Because of spores most likely floating around, it can lead to adverse reactions in some individuals.

Common causes and symptoms of mold allergy

Like any other allergy symptoms, mold allergies can also cause a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy skin among a few. Consult with an allergy physician if you experience these allergic symptoms.

Spores can also cause hay fever that can lead to asthma attacks. Reactions may happen the moment you inhale air contain spores. On the other hand, the allergic reaction may not be immediate – a delayed reaction, if you will. Nonetheless, ignoring allergic symptoms can lead to potentially fatal consequences.

In worse cases, allergy sufferers may acquire a serious respiratory condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. It occurs when there are both inflammatory and allergic reactions upon the presence of molds.

In effect, the individual may experience symptoms similar to asthma such as difficulty in breathing and wheezing. In such cases, asthma treatments should be done immediately.

Prevention and cure

Unfortunately, there is no definite cure for allergies. However, allergic symptoms can be manageable. Among tips you can do to manage mold allergies include the following:

  • Limit exposure to instances when mold counts are common. This will ensure lesser chances of inhaling spores present in the air.
  • Wear a dust mask when you have to go outdoors.
  • Use allergy-friendly air conditioners to eliminate the presence of spores inside the house. Clean it twice a week to prevent mold growth.
  • Use a dehumidifier to lessen humidity inside the house. Like an air conditioner, ensure to clean it twice a week to inhibit the growth of mold. To measure humidity, you can use a hygrometer. Make sure to keep humidity below 35 to 45 percent.
  • Keep the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry area dry to prevent the growth of mold. Not only can it trigger mold allergies but also cause unpleasant smells. Tip: keep the doors so the rooms will dry up quickly. You can also use an exhaust fan to keep off the unpleasant smell.
  • Clean the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area at least once a month. Scrub off molds forming on tiles and grout. Repair any leaks to prevent mold formation.
  • Clean the washing machine after every few uses and leave the door open when not in use.
  • Remove old papers, bedding, and clothing in your bedroom. Make sure the humidity level inside the room is low.
  • Follow doctor’s orders when you experience allergy symptoms due to contact with molds. Take antihistamines or other prescribed treatments as per doctor’s recommendation. There are also over-the-counter anti-allergy products you can buy. However, make sure to consult an allergy physician first before taking any allergy treatments.

Take action of your allergies before it’s too late

Visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA for any allergy symptoms. It is important to seek medical help to prevent further complications.

Home Remedies for Asthma Attacks

 

Having asthma is not cool. It can affect your everyday life even if it’s not really a serious medical condition. But it can potentially endanger your life if you ignore it. If you experience asthma attacks, you should consult an asthma doctor for proper treatment.

Asthma can be caused by certain allergies. Among common allergens include:

  • Pet dander
  • Foods (shellfish, eggs, nuts, etc.)
  • Dust and pollen
  • Chemicals in household products
  • Insect bites (bees, mosquitoes, etc.)

Allergic reactions happen when our body responds to certain allergens that are deemed harmful. Reactions vary from person to person. For example, some may experience skin rashes after eating foods that cause their allergies. Others experience asthma attacks when they come into contact with dust, pollen, or pet dander.

There are asthma treatments available upon a doctor’s prescription. It may not be a life-threatening condition – at first. But if it happens more often and you ignore it, it can lead to fatal consequences or even death. In such cases, you should consult an allergist to help you manage asthma attacks.

What happens during an asthma attack

One common symptom of an asthma attack is wheezing. It also occurs if you have colds. It should not really cause an alarm. However, you should see a doctor immediately if it’s recurrent and accompanied by breathing difficulties. Also, it can be a medical emergency if the person’s skin is starting to turn blue due to lack of oxygen.

In most cases, an inhaler will come in handy and help in relieving asthma attacks. It should be availed upon prescription by an allergist doctor. Meanwhile, some prefer using natural home remedies to get relief from an asthma attack. But if the situation worsens, it is best to rush to the emergency room immediately.

Natural ways for asthma relief

Speaking of home remedies, there are a lot of natural ways to relieve symptoms of asthma. In fact, a lot of people swear by the effectiveness of these natural remedies. However, there may be doubts whether these can really relieve asthma symptoms. This is due to a limited scientific understanding regarding their effects on the human body.

Among commonly-suggested natural ways to relieve asthma include:

  1. Acupuncture

Apparently, acupuncture can help reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. However, it is not scientifically proven yet. But you can give it a try if you want.

  1. Yoga

One major trigger of asthma is stress. Yoga can help relieve stress through correct breathing. In effect, it can help lessen asthma attacks.

  1. Health supplements and herbs

Herbs and plants have been around since time immemorial. Our ancestors mostly relied on nature to treat illnesses, among other things. Some plants and herbs were said to help treat asthma. Likewise, health supplements such as antioxidants and Vitamin C are said to lessen asthma attacks. However, there are no scientific studies that can back up these claims.

  1. Coffee/tea

It is said that the caffeine content in coffee and tea can provide relief from asthma. Drink it warm, not piping hot, for better results.

  1. Essential oil (Eucalyptus)

Eucalyptus has a minty, menthol scent that is also a common cure for cough, colds, and other illnesses. It can also provide relief from asthma attacks. Put a few drops of the oil into a cup of hot water or an oil diffuser. Slowly breathe in the vapor deeply.

During an asthma attack, try sitting upright. This will allow for easier breathing. Also, try to breathe slowly and deeply. It can be hard to do while having an asthma attack. But it can help you stay calm and loosen up your chest so you can breathe better.

Are they safe?

An allergy specialist may not recommend home remedies for asthma relief. For one thing, most supplements and other so-called home cures are not scientifically-proven as of now. Likewise, these remedies are not regulated by the FDA. Some of these natural remedies (which are taken with some other medications) can cause adverse effects and do more harm on the patient than good. It is best to consult an allergy physician before using any home remedies for asthma.

When to seek medical help

Prescribed medications can usually provide relief from asthma attacks. But if symptoms persist or worsen to the point of life-threatening, you should go to an allergy specialist doctor in Manassas VA or elsewhere near you for immediate treatment.