Monthly Archives: January 2024

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.

Winter Allergies: How to Deal with Indoor Allergy Triggers

If you have allergies, you may want to breathe a long, sneeze-free sigh of relief as winter approaches. Unfortunately, the chilly weather that puts pollen-producing trees and grass to sleep can also keep people inside, increasing their chance of developing indoor allergies.

Winter may appear to provide a respite for people with outdoor allergies, but it also presents new issues for interior allergy sufferers.

As you spend more time indoors, you may become exposed to common allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and mold.

If you suffer from indoor allergies, here are tips from allergy specialists on dealing with them and reducing your exposure.

Dust mites

Dust mites flourish in temperatures of 70 degrees or higher and humidity levels exceeding 75 percent. Turning down the thermostat and using a dehumidifier can help to lessen their presence in your home.

You can reduce dust mite droppings by encasing your mattress, box springs, and pillows in allergen-proof fabric or plastic covers. You also should wash your bedding regularly in hot water and dry in a hot dryer.

If you are allergic to dust mites, the AAAAI recommends regularly removing wall-to-wall carpeting and cleaning throw rugs.

With all of this in mind, you should note that you cannot eliminate dust mites and will continue to be allergic to them. The only thing you can do is to make your home and body as unfriendly to them as possible.

If you develop dust mite allergies, you can use plenty of medications to your advantage.

Medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants may offer some relief. Nasal irrigation systems like the Neti Pot can help flush out irritants.

You also should take advantage of immunotherapy, which involves training the immune system to become less susceptible to mites using tablets or shots.

Cockroaches

Cockroach droppings are an allergen; thus, the AAAAI recommends blocking all openings, crevices, and windows where the bugs could enter your home.

Similarly, replace and plug all leaking faucets and pipes to prevent cockroaches from getting the water they require to survive.

Cleanliness is also a defense against roaches. Keep food covered and wash all dishes, including pet food dishes, after each use. After meals, vacuum and clean the floor and dispose of rubbish in cans with tight lids.

You should also regularly clean your stove and other kitchen surfaces and behind appliances where crumbs tend to accumulate.

Household pets

Most doctors recommend that those who are allergic to animal dander should avoid having pets with feathers or fur.

This is because there are no such things as hypoallergenic pets.

Certain proteins in hairy animal saliva, dead skin flakes, or urine cause allergic reactions in humans. According to the AAAAI, all dogs and cats carry these proteins.

To stay safe, you should keep your pet away from the bedroom and other areas where you spend a lot of time.

You should also sweep carpets regularly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and consider removing any wall-to-wall carpeting and leaving bare floors.

Bathing and brushing your pets regularly may help lessen symptoms. If you have animal allergies, avoid grooming your pets; if you have to groom them, wear a mask.

When you are not at home, keep pets out by closing your bedrooms’ doors and covering the vents with a bulky material such as cheesecloth.

Animal allergens are sticky. To remove the allergen, frequently wash and replace your animal’s favorite furniture and toys.

Indoor mold

Repairing and sealing leaky roofs or pipes and using a dehumidifier in moist basements can help prevent indoor mold. To avoid mildew, empty the water pan and clean the units regularly.

You can clean any mold that has formed on hard surfaces with water, soap, and a 5% bleach solution.

Avoid installing carpet on concrete or damp flooring, and don’t store objects in damp areas of your home.

When should you see an allergy doctor?

In most cases, when you do the above, you have few chances of having allergies. Even if the allergies come, they often go away after some time and aren’t too problematic.

While this is the case, in some cases, they become so severe that you have to see a doctor. Some of the situations when you have to see a doctor include:

Symptoms Persist: If your symptoms persist despite taking over-the-counter allergy medications or using home remedies to decrease allergen exposure, it’s best to seek medical attention.

Severe allergy symptoms: Symptoms such as prolonged coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness, necessitate rapid medical care.

Impact on Daily Life: If your indoor allergies have a substantial impact on your daily activities, work, or sleep, you should see a doctor for additional evaluation and treatment.

Allergy Testing: Consult an allergist if you believe specific indoor allergens are affecting your symptoms. Allergy testing can help determine triggers and direct specific treatments.

Medication Side Effects: If you have unpleasant reactions to allergy drugs or find them ineffective, your doctor can offer other therapies or changes to your present medication regimen.

Chronic or recurring sinus infections may be associated with indoor allergens. A doctor can assess your symptoms and provide suitable treatment.

Development of New Symptoms: If you acquire new or worsening allergy symptoms, especially if they differ from your regular indoor allergy symptoms, it is important to get medical attention for a thorough examination and diagnosis.

Remember that everyone’s allergy triggers and symptoms are unique, so consult an allergy doctor Germantown MD for specialized guidance and treatment tailored to your specific needs.

The last thing you can do is take the medication meant for someone else or go for a treatment regimen designed for another person.

When hiring an allergy professional, don’t hire the first one you come across. Instead, you should take your time and find an experienced and reputable one to help diagnose and treat the condition.