Monthly Archives: November 2019

It’s That Time of The Year Again: Managing Your Asthma This Winter Season

Allergy

Winter is just around the corner. A lot of people look forward to seeing and playing with snow at this time of the year. It is also a great time to show off your winter fashion and warm up with friends and family in front of the fireplace. But for some people, winter can be one of their worst nightmares.

For one, winter is also the time when asthma symptoms tend to get worse. Before your condition gets worst, you should visit an allergy clinic immediately. An asthma doctor will provide you the right medications to help alleviate your asthma symptoms. Knowing how to manage your asthma symptoms can help lessen the feeling of discomfort and somehow help you enjoy the chilly weather.

The link between winter and asthma

As mentioned, the cold weather can cause allergic triggers that can hinder you to enjoy the season. In fact, Chinese findings back in 2014 found that people who got hospitalized due to asthma attacks increased significantly during the winter season.

The cold and dry air is one of the most known triggers of asthma. It can irritate the airways and cause muscle spasms. The result is an asthma attack that can literally take your breath away, albeit in a negative way.

If you are prone to allergies and asthma attacks, you should consult an allergy physician to help manage your symptoms. An allergy specialist doctor will help you manage your allergic reactions. Aside from the cold and dry weather, there are other lesser-known asthma triggers.

Other common winter asthma triggers

Cold and dry winter air is not the only cause of asthma at this time of the year. Regardless of these triggers, asthma attacks can be potentially fatal if not treated immediately. Once asthma symptoms occur, consult an asthma doctor immediately.  These are some of the following.

Smokes and scents

Most homeowners would be setting up their fireplaces to warm up their respective homes. Meanwhile, some homeowners light up scented candles to add up to the warm ambiance as well as to make the room smell like the holidays. However, smoke may contain particles that can trigger asthma. The same goes for scented candles, which can also cause allergic reactions.

Christmas tree

Believe it or not, your Christmas tree, especially real ones, can also cause asthma triggers. These real pine trees may carry pollen and mold which can be potentially fatal for allergy sufferers. While you can opt for plastic Christmas trees, nothing beats the real thing – unless you are not prone to allergies.

Pets

Cats and dogs are some of the most common household pets, and they tend to stay more indoors during winter. This means higher chances of pet dander and fur floating around your home, which can result in allergies. An allergy testing may be necessary to confirm whether pet dander is the culprit to your asthma attacks.

How to avoid winter-related asthma attacks

You cannot control the weather, but you can somehow manage your asthma symptoms. Having allergies doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the chilly weather anymore. Still, you need to take extra precautions especially if you know that you are prone to asthma attacks during the winter season.

Here are some preventive tips you need to take note of so you can make the most out of this festive season.

  • As much as possible, avoid using firewood to light up your fireplace. There are fireplaces that are lighted using gas that you can use instead.
  • If you are sensitive to the scent of essential oils, candles, or incense, consider shopping online instead. This lessens the risk of allergic reactions as compared to buying these items in a physical store.
  • Prevent the spread of flu bacteria and germs by washing your hands. Do not kiss people who have colds or coughs.
  • Use a scarf loosely wrapped around your neck when you go outside. This warms up the air you breathe, hence lessening the risk of asthma triggers.

Enjoy the holidays asthma-free

As mentioned, we cannot control the weather nor have the power to cease winter. However, there are ways to manage your allergy and asthma symptoms and be able to enjoy the holiday seasons in better health. Upon noticing signs of asthma, make sure to find an allergy doctor in Germantown MD to help manage your symptoms.

Soy Yummy or Not? What You Need to Know about Soy Allergies

Food is life, literally and figuratively. It gives us the right nutrition we need to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Food also makes us happy and can’t live without eating. No wonder a lot of restaurants, cafes, diners, and food trucks appear here and there and in every street corner. Eating and enjoying our food is basically part of our lives.

However, not all people get to enjoy various foods and cuisines due to allergies. If you are allergic to certain foods, make sure to visit an allergy clinic to help treat your condition. Fortunately, allergies can be easier to manage by taking the prescribed medications religiously. Once symptoms occur, it is important to address them immediately to avoid further complications.

Facts about soy

People have mixed views about soy. On the one hand, some swear by its various health benefits. It is also a great protein alternative especially for vegans and vegetarians out there. Plus, soy is a common ingredient used in many Asian recipes. No wonder Asian people love their soy regardless of whether they incorporate it into sweet or savory dishes.

On the other hand, some do not like soy at all mainly because of their taste and texture. Also, a lot of people are allergic to it. If you are one of these soy allergics, it is best to visit an allergy physician for proper medication and treatment. You might undergo allergy testing when necessary.

There are also different types of soy products, namely: whole soy, fermented, soy-based processed food product, and soy supplements. Examples of whole soy products include tofu and soy milk. Fermented soy, on the other hand, includes products such as soy sauce, tempeh (an Indonesian fermented soy cake), and miso (a Japanese ingredient used in soups).

Soy-based processed food products are usually preferred by vegans and vegetarians as meat and dairy substitutes. Soybean oil and soy flours are also some examples of soy-based processed goods. Lastly, soy supplements are usually added to protein shakes and bars. It is also available in powder or capsule forms.

Symptoms and risks

For one thing, allergy to soy is a common type of allergies, especially among children. It is said that soy allergies usually occur at a young age. But in most cases, it can be outgrown before they reach school age. However, you should bring your child to an allergy doctor if symptoms appear and worsen over time.

This food ingredient is part of the legume family aside from lentils, beans, and peanuts. However, just because you are allergic to soy means you can be allergic to nuts although it may happen in rare cases. Still, it is best to consult an allergist doctor if you have soy allergies. Among symptoms to watch out for possible signs of soy allergies include the following.

  • Stomach cramps
  • Digestion problems
  • Diarrhea
  • Breathing difficulties/tightening of the throat
  • Repetitive coughing
  • Vomiting
  • The occurrence of hives or swelling around the lip or tongue
  • Anaphylaxis in worst cases

Treating soy allergies

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for food allergies, including soy allergies. If you are currently breastfeeding, you may have to consult your doctor first to avoid possible complications on the baby. As an adult allergic to soy, the only thing you can do is to avoid soy products as much as possible.

That is why you should make it a point to check the label carefully. Aside from the aforementioned products, soy may be also present in other foods such as vegetable oil, cereals, cookies and crackers, and processed foods among a few. Basically, you should avoid food products with “soy”, “soybeans”, or “soya” in it.

Soy is not all bad… almost

On the one hand, soy provides a lot of health benefits, which are the following:

  • Can help lower cholesterol levels
  • Can improve fertility in women and lessen symptoms of menopause
  • A great source of protein, perfect for vegans and vegetarians

However, soy also has its cons. For example, it is said that soy can affect men’s testosterone levels. However, there is no definite proof of this claim. Still, there should be nothing to stop you from trying soy products unless you are allergic to them.

If you are allergic to soy, it is best to visit an allergy specialist doctor for proper treatment. Find an allergy doctor in Manassas VA today!

Bedroom Hygiene and Allergies: What You Need to Do to Prevent Bedtime Allergies

Nothing beats that feeling of relief when you are bed-bound after a long, tiring day. You just had your dinner, took a refreshing bath, brushed your teeth, and then you are looking forward to a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, you are not able to achieve that good night’s sleep due to an allergy attack. If you experience allergic reactions, you need to consult an allergy specialist doctor near you.

Of allergies and quality of sleep

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that about 1/3 of American adults suffer from some kind of allergy. Allergies can be due to various triggers such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and household product chemicals among a few. Having allergies can affect your quality of life… and your sleep, too.

In fact, a published report revealed that there is almost 50 percent of allergic sufferers suffer from sleep deprivation and fatigue due to bedtime allergies. That is why you need to pay attention to your bedroom hygiene to avoid sleep problems. At the same time, you need to consult an allergist doctor to help manage your condition.

Speaking of bedtime allergies, a lot of people do not realize the importance of maintaining bedroom hygiene to better sleep. Most of the time, we tend to forget dusting our rooms and cleaning it from unnecessary clutter. However, such habits can potentially cause health issues including allergic reactions.

Like how we pay attention to keeping ourselves physically healthy, the same should also apply to our bedtime routines. Not only can it help in a more comfortable and satisfying sleep but also improve one’s quality of life. For any signs of bedtime-related allergic reactions, you should visit an allergy clinic immediately.

Bedroom hygiene mistakes that can affect your sleep

Everyone wants to have a nice-looking bedroom. For one thing, you can tell what kind of a person is by his or her bedroom. Of course, every bedroom owner wants to have a clean, comfortable, and presentable bedroom at all times. Otherwise, your room will be dirty and very uncomfortable to spend time at.

Letting dust gather up under your bed

Most of the time, we tend to forget cleaning the space underneath our bed frames. Over time, it can collect dust and dirt that can potentially trigger allergic reactions later on. It can worsen asthma symptoms as well. Plus, dust bunnies do not look cute under your bed at all.

Not changing your bed sheets

Although we do not notice it, our bedsheets collect the most amount of dirt. This is where dead skin cells and all sorts of dirt and oil stick to, which dust mites love to eat. If you do not change sheets on the regular, you can experience itching, sneezing, and other signs of allergic reactions.

Using aerosols/air fresheners

Air fresheners should make your room smelling more pleasant. However, a lot of people do not realize that it contains harmful chemicals that can be potentially damaging to your health. Not only can these product cause allergic reactions but even cancer. If you experience adverse reactions when using these products, you should visit an allergist specialist immediately.

Letting your pet sleep with you on your bed

A lot of people are allergic to pets not because of their fur but due to their saliva, dried-up urine, and dead skin. Not everyone may not experience allergic reactions, but some may experience adverse effects nonetheless. You might want to consult an allergy physician to help manage your allergic reactions.

How to avoid bedtime allergies

Here are some tips to avoid bedtime allergies and ensure better sleep every night.

  • Make it a habit to change bedsheets every one to two weeks.
  • Use a vacuum to clean the dust under your bed. Wipe your table, your bed headboard, and other surfaces where dust usually gather up.
  • Instead of using air fresheners, you can opt for more natural ways to make your room smell better. You can use essential oils or vegetable-based or soy candles.
  • Get rid of your room of any mold forming on your windowsill.
  • Clean your air conditioning filters every once every three months. Clean your room carpet of any accumulated dirt and dust at least once a week.
  • Consult an allergy physician for any signs of allergic reactions.

Get a good night sleep by having good bedroom hygiene

Allergies can be debilitating if left ignored. Make sure to call an allergist doctor to help you manage your allergic symptoms. There is an allergy clinic in Manassas VA for your allergy-related concerns.