Monthly Archives: August 2019

Should You Get an Allergy Test?

Millions of people all over the world suffer from allergies. In fact, around 50 million people are afflicted with some kind of allergies in the US alone. Allergies are also considered one of the most common types of chronic health conditions that plague both children and adults alike. Allergic triggers vary from person to person and should be determined by allergy testing.

Knowing what exactly causes your allergies is an important step so you can be able to manage your condition. One way to determine what triggers your allergies is by having an allergy test. It is usually a painless and quick way to find out what causes your allergic reactions. Before that, you should know how allergy tests work and whether you need to take one.

What are allergy tests for?

If you experience any symptoms of allergies, you should visit an asthma doctor. But to confirm what exactly causes your allergies, it is better to find an allergy doctor who will conduct allergy tests.

For starters, allergies are usually our body’s response to a specific trigger or what we call “allergens”. Common types of allergies may either be seasonal (pollen, molds, and the like), perennial (pet dander, dust mites, smoke, etc.), or food allergies.

To determine which among these triggers your allergies, you need to undergo an allergy test. Allergy testing can either be through blood or skin tests. In some cases, the patient may have to undergo an elimination diet to determine the specific food that is causing an allergic reaction.

All of these allergy test procedures should be done by an allergist specialist and in an allergy facility or office. It is important to follow the doctor’s orders before undergoing an allergy test to ensure accurate results.

Allergy test standards

As mentioned, only certified allergists should conduct allergy tests. Otherwise, taking allergy tests without any medical recommendation and prior exams may not yield reliable results. This includes availing free tests in supermarkets or drugstores. You can even avail allergy test kits if you want to do the testing at home, but may not be as reliable.

This is why you should only rely on certified allergist doctor as they know better about allergies and how to manage it. You can guarantee that results will be more accurate and get better help in managing your condition. In effect, you can live a normal life as possible.

Most allergy tests are non-invasive and won’t require surgery or any complicated medical procedures. As mentioned, allergy tests may either be through skin patches or getting blood samples. If there is a certain reaction (ex. presence of rashes or swelling on the skin test area), it means you are allergic to that certain allergen. In some cases, you may have to take another test to confirm the previous test results.

Preparing for an allergy test

First of all, it is important to prepare yourself before undergoing an allergy test even if it is not really considered a major procedure. Such tests should be done only by certified or licensed medical personnel to ensure accurate results. Expect to be asked some details about your family history and lifestyle among a few.

If you are taking medications before getting an allergy test, you may be recommended to stop it temporarily. Otherwise, such medications may affect the results of your allergy test. In particular, you may have to temporarily stop taking medications such as:

  • Prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines
  • Heartburn medications (ex. famotidine)
  • Asthma medications (ex. omalizumab)
  • Antidepressants (ex. amitriptyline, nortriptyline)

You may also expect to experience some discomfort, although mostly tolerable, while the allergy test is ongoing. Results are usually available within a week. By then, you will be prescribed some medications and perhaps a lifestyle change to help manage your condition.

Should you get an allergy test?

If you are experiencing allergic symptoms but do not know which exactly causes the reactions, it is best to have an allergy test. While there are over-the-counter products that can relieve allergic symptoms, it will simply mask the discomfort but still have no idea of what the exact triggers area.

Having said that, it is highly recommended to consult an allergy physician to help manage your condition. He or she knows better in terms of identifying and recommending the right action steps to alleviate your allergic symptoms. Feel free to visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA if you want to undergo an allergy test.

Common Asthma Triggers and How to Manage Them

Asthma can be one of the worst health conditions anyone can have. Even popular celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Billy Joel, and David Beckham has it. Although asthma is generally manageable, it can still create an impact on a person’s life. There are also triggers that can cause asthma, which is why it is important to know these said triggers to manage your condition properly.

If you believe you have the condition, it is best to consult an asthma doctor. He or she will provide the right medications and other tips in properly managing your condition. As mentioned, asthma is generally a manageable condition although it can affect one’s quality of life. That said, it is best to follow your allergy physician in taking prescribed medications.

Types of asthma  

There are two major types of asthma: allergic and non-allergic. The former is caused by allergen exposures. These may include pet dander, mold, or the smell of a certain perfume. On the other hand, asthma can also be caused by non-allergic triggers. This may include extreme weather condition, excessive exercising, certain illnesses, and some medications.

Exercise can also be an asthma trigger. The effects can be worse due to dry and cold air. Also, your workplace can also be a source of asthma triggers. For example, you may be more prone to asthma if your line of work involves dealing with chemicals, dust, or fumes. In such cases, it is a good idea to call an allergist specialist to determine the type of allergy you have.

Asthma can affect both children and adults. Symptoms may occur in early childhood or later in life. It can affect not only your personal life but also your performance at work or any physical activities. To properly manage the condition, you can visit an allergy clinic near you.

Who is at risk of having asthma?

Asthma symptoms may differ from person to person. It can also be due to environmental factors or genetics. In some cases, people have other kinds of allergies which later on develops into asthma. However, you may be at high risk of having this condition if you fall under at least one of these following criteria:

  • Certain allergies (ex. pet dander, fumes, food, etc.)
  • Obesity
  • Genetics/family history
  • Respiratory infection
  • Exposure to fumes or dust due to the nature of work
  • Exposure to cigarette smoke (ex. you or a family smoke)

You may also be prone to asthma even if you often stay indoors. Indoor asthma triggers may include the following:

Pets

Your beloved furry companions can also compromise your health. Asthma triggers may be due to dead skin (pet dander), saliva, and excrement.

Dust mites

These are small creatures that are not easily seen with the naked eye. It is commonly found in beds, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, and even stuffed toys.

Mold

It usually forms in moist areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. It can cause unpleasant smells in a moist area which can also trigger asthma.

Meanwhile, other lesser-known asthma triggers include:

  • Foods (ex. shellfish, egg, peanuts, etc.)
  • Exercise/Any extreme physical activities
  • Certain medications (ex. ibuprofen, naproxen, beta-blockers, aspirin)

If you experience any adverse reactions when you come into contact with these potential triggers, it is best to contact an allergy physician immediately.

Asthma management

It is important to turn to medical experts specializing in allergy treatments in case asthma symptoms appear. They are trained to help you manage your asthma and be able to live a normal life. In some cases, you may be prescribed some medications and therapies to manage the condition.

Among common symptoms you should watch out for include the following:

  • Chest pains and tightening
  • Shortness of breath
  • Whistling sound when exhaling
  • Constant coughing which can be worse if you have colds

One way to provide relief from asthma is by using a quick-relief inhaler which is often prescribed by doctors. It is also better to avoid going nearby asthma triggers to avoid adverse health effects.

However, it may be better to go to a nearby clinic or hospital if there is no improvement even after using an inhaler. Likewise, shortness of breath to the point of breathing difficulties should also be a sign that it’s time to go to the emergency room.

Contact an asthma doctor

If you or someone you know experience the above symptoms, don’t delay – call an asthma doctor immediately. An allergist doctor in Germantown MD should be able to help manage your condition.

The Price of Beauty: What to Do If You Have Cosmetic Allergies

It’s nice to glam up every once in a while. Using beauty products including skincare, makeup, and hygienic products can boost your confidence. It can also help in improving your productivity at work and enhancing your social skills. It improves your appearance and can make you look more attractive for many people.

Unfortunately, some people are not able to use some beauty products due to allergic reactions. In such cases, it is best to consult an allergist specialist to manage the condition. Allergy to beauty products may not be as common as pet allergies or food allergies. However, there are a lot of people around the world who have what it is called cosmetic allergy.

Are you allergic to beauty products?

There are many reasons your skin breaks out. It can be due to stress or the foods you eat. On the other hand, it can be due to the beauty products you are using. Cosmetic allergy can cause adverse effects such as itching, rashes, swelling, and puffiness among a few.

It is said that there are two major types of skin reactions: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. The former occurs when a certain beauty product causes damage to the skin. Among these symptoms include burning sensation, itching, or redness, or oozing blisters in worst cases. If you encounter any of these symptoms when you use makeup, it is best to contact an allergist doctor immediately.

On the other hand, the latter may affect your immune system. Like irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis can also cause symptoms such as swelling, redness, and hives. The symptoms often manifest themselves on specific parts of the body such as the eyes, ears, lips, neck, or the entire face.

Regardless of the symptoms, it is important to consult an allergist immediately. These can lead to worse situations if left ignored. He or she should also help you manage your condition and advice for any treatments you need to undergo to minimize the onset of the allergic symptoms.

Common beauty products that can cause allergies

Among common beauty products that cause cosmetic allergies include:

  • Eye makeup
  • Skin moisturizers
  • Soaps
  • Shampoos or conditioner
  • Antiperspirants/deodorant
  • Lip stains
  • Compact powder
  • Nail polish (especially those with formaldehyde)
  • Hair dyes
  • Perfume

Most of these products contain ingredients that cause adverse reactions when come into contact on the skin and scalp. In such cases, it is best to consult an allergy physician before using these products. Among these potentially harmful ingredients include the following:

  • Paraben
  • Formaldehyde
  • Phenoxyethanol
  • Methylchloroisothiazolinone
  • DMDM hydantoin
  • Alpha-hydroxy acids (especially those with more than 10 percent AHA levels)

How to avoid cosmetic allergies

There are many ways you can avoid these cosmetic allergy symptoms. One way is to determine if you are indeed allergic to makeup or any beauty product. As mentioned, various symptoms will appear that will confirm your allergy to a specific beauty product. If this happens, it is best to visit an allergy clinic to treat the symptoms. Other tips to avoid the adverse effects of cosmetic allergies include the following.

  • Check the label. The fewer the ingredients, the fewer the chances that it can cause adverse reactions to users. Better yet, choose products that are FDA-approved.
  • Consider having an allergy testing procedure before buying a product. One way is by patch testing. Apply a small amount of the product on the inside part of your arm. Wait for about 48 to 72 hours and check for any signs of swelling, redness, or itchiness. If there is, you already know what to do.
  • Do not apply perfume or cologne directly on the skin, but on your clothes instead. This will help lessen the risk of adverse reactions on the skin.
  • Some products may be labeled as “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist-tested”. However, these may not guarantee that the product is safe against adverse effects. Then again, you can try the skin patch test just to be sure.

Conclusion

We should all be careful with the products we choose. Just when you think you are not allergic to a certain product or food, it will appear that you are once it touches your skin or consumed one. If you experience any unusual symptoms after coming into contact with a specific product, make sure to visit an allergy physician in Manassas VA immediately for proper treatment.