Author Archives: AllergyAsthma

Everything you Need to Know About Allergies

According to statistics 30% of adults and 40% of children have allergies. Allergies result when your body comes into contact with allergens and reacts resulting in the production of histamines. The production of histamines causes one to itch, have watery eyes and other allergy symptoms. Allergens can be found in food, in the air, in your house, and in your clothes. It’s important that you visit the allergy physician for a diagnosis of what is causing your allergies. In this post, we educate you on what causes allergies and how to avoid allergens.

Causes of Allergies

Allergies can run in families and they may be inherited. If any member of your family has allergies, you are likely to suffer from allergies. Below is a list of substances that may cause allergies;

Dust and dust mites
Pollen and moulds
Pet Dander
Certain foods such eggs, nuts or shellfish
Certain medications such as penicillin
Some plants may cause allergies

Signs and symptoms of an allergy

The sign of allergy can be mild or severe. If you come into contact with an allergen your symptoms may become mild and then severe. If you notice any of the below signs, visit the allergy clinic and let the allergy specialist check you to avoid any severe symptoms. If you know what is causing the symptoms, avoid the allergen.

Itchy red spot on your skin
Itching and nasal congestion
Rashes and a feeling of scratching on the throat
Watery eyes.
Severe allergies will cause the below symptoms
Severe abdominal pain or cramping
Tight chest
Diarrhoea

You will find it difficult to swallow and feel dizzy

Nausea and vomiting
Anxiety and high heart beat rate
Swollen face and feeling weak
Wheezing and breathing difficulties
Causes unconsciousness

Allergies can become severe within a short time and it’s important that you visit the allergy doctor for a diagnosis. Severe allergies are known as anaphylaxis and it’s life-threatening. It results in the below symptoms

Swollen airways and inability to breathe
The sudden drop in blood pressure

If you experience the above symptoms, ensure that you visit an allergy specialist as they can be fatal

Allergy Testing

The allergy physician will begin by asking you questions on your allergy history. The allergy specialist may request that you keep track of the allergy symptoms by documenting. Below the most common allergy test that an allergist will carry out.

Skin test which involves placing the allergens on the skin and gauging the reaction. The allergen may be placed in the skin, pricked under the skin or injected into the skin. A skin test will help diagnose

Food allergies such as peanuts

Pollen and mould allergy

Bites allergy such as mosquito bites

Medicine allergy such as penicillin

Challenge testing is used to test for food allergies It involves removing certain foods from your diet and checking whether there are any signs and symptoms. That is done until the food causing the allergy is identified
A blood test is carried out to check whether there are any antibodies produced to fight allergens. A blood test is recommended when skin testing is not effective

Treatment of Allergy

If you are experiencing mild allergies and you know the cause of the allergies, then you can avoid the allergen and use home remedies to clear off the symptoms. If you experience severe allergy its critical that you see an allergy doctor immediately for allergy testing and medication. The allergy specialist will prescribe antihistamines to help ease the allergies and also advice you on how best to minimize the chances of coming into contact with allergens. If you or a member of your family suffers from severe cases of allergies it’s wise to ensure that they have their medication at all times. If your child has allergies, make sure the caregiver knows how to take care of the child.

Conclusion

Preventive measures will ease your allergies. The allergy doctor will advise you on home remedies that will help ease your allergies. Simple procedures such as keeping your doors locked when the pollen count is high, will reduce the chances of an allergy. It’s important that you identify what causes your allergies and avoid the allergen. Visit the allergy clinic if you experience any severe symptoms and let the allergist Manassas diagnose you.

Allergy and Asthma: The Similarities and Differences

Millions of people in the United States suffer from allergies and half of them also suffer from asthma. Allergies and asthma have common triggers and symptoms and that makes it hard to differentiate between them. Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander that cause allergy could trigger asthma signs and symptoms. The likely hood of an asthma attack can be increased when one has allergies. It’s important that if you experience a severe allergic reaction that you visit the allergist to avoid the condition becoming fatal especially if you have an asthma history.

What are Allergies and What are the causes?

Allergy is the reaction to otherwise unharmful substances such as pollen, mold, dust pet dander. The main difference between an allergy attack and an asthma attack is the location of the reaction. Allergies affect the upper respiratory system. The reaction is caused when the body produces antibodies which trigger the production of histamines. Histamines will cause the below symptoms

Sneezing and congestion
Watery and Itchy eyes
Running Nose
Rashes and hives
An itchy throat
Causes of Allergies
Animal dander and dust mites
Cockroaches and Mold
Pollen

Most allergy symptoms disappear on their own after some hours. Avoid coming into contact with the allergy triggers. If the symptoms persist, visit the allergy doctor for a diagnosis.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a more serious condition and it’s critical you visit the allergy clinic and let the asthma doctor examine you. Asthma is caused by the same antibodies that cause allergies, but the reaction is in the lungs and upper bronchial passage. The passage becomes inflamed and closes, resulting in difficulty breathing and coughing. When one is experiencing an asthma attack there is a high production of mucus due to the inflamed membranes that line the airwaves. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases and should be treated immediately to avoid fatalities. Make sure that you visit the asthma doctor for asthma treatment if you experience any of the below symptoms

Coughing and wheezing
Chest pains and shortness of breath
Difficulty in breathing
Coughing at night and early morning

Types of Asthma

Asthma is either allergic or nonallergic.

Allergic asthma is triggered by the presence of allergens in the external environment. Allergens such as dust, pollen, and Mold will cause allergic asthma.
Non-Allergic Asthma, on the other hand, is more permanent and it’s triggered by internal factors such as infection, breathing polluted air or changes in the quality of air. Nonallergic asthma can also be triggered by sudden weather changes.

Are Allergies and Asthma Linked?

Allergies and asthma are linked in the following ways;

The location and severity of symptoms differ both allergies and asthma can be triggered by the same allergens.
They are seasonal and will mostly occur in spring or summer when there are more allergens
If you don’t visit the allergy clinic and get treatment for allergies they become asthma.
Both allergies and asthma can happen simultaneously due to allergens

Difference between Allergies and Asthma

Asthma can be caused by emotions, such as sadness and infections while allergies can’t be caused by emotions. Allergies can only be caused by allergens
Allergies become less severe as you grow older. As you grow older the immune system is less dramatic towards allergens. Asthma becomes worse as you grow older as the damage respiratory system accumulates more. As your child grows older the likely hood of asthma attacks increases.

How to Deal with Allergies and Asthma

The first step is to see an allergy specialist to assess your situation. The allergy doctor will perform an allergy test and give you medication. Most of the symptoms of allergies and asthma will be cured by taking medicine such as antihistamines.
The next step is to come up with a plan on how to avoid allergens. Avoid going out when the pollen levels are high and keep your house allergen free.

It’s important that you understand how severe your allergies and asthma are and how to deal with your condition, to ensure they don’t become fatal. Visit the asthma clinic MD as soon as you experience symptoms that may lead to an asthma attack. Make sure you stay away from allergens and that will ease your allergies and asthma.

How to Deal with Skin Allergies

According to statistics more than 10 million in the united states suffer from allergies during their lifetime. Skin allergy can affect any part of the body and can result from psoriasis, eczema, pollen, acne, insect bites, food and other factors. If the skin allergy symptoms keep recurring its best that you consult an allergist Manassas as that could be a sign of a more serious health issue. The below are the most common signs of skin allergy;

Rash and itching
Redness and swelling
Raised bumps and flaky skin
Cracked, and dry skin.

Skin allergy symptoms will disappear on their own after some time, but if you notice that is no improvement speak to your allergy Physician and get medication.

Types of Noninfectious Rashes

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is also known as Eczema and most common in children. The skin becomes dry and prone to irritation. Food allergies will make eczema more severe and its linked to asthma and hay fever. It’s important that if you notice your child has a flaky irritating skin that you visit the allergy doctor for treatment.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes into contact with an allergen.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Mostly affects adults and it’s characterized by an itchy eruption on the forehead, cheeks, forehead, and ears.

Hives or Urticaria

Hives result from an inflammation of the skin when the body immune system releases histamine.

Heat Rash (Miliaria)

The heat rush results from hot and humid weather and results from occlusion of the sweat glands. Most occur around the neck and upper chest.

Stasis Dermatitis

Occurs on the lower legs and results in chronic swelling due to poor circulation in the veins

Home Remedies to Ease Skin Allergies

It’s best that you visit the allergy doctor and discuss the home remedy for the skin allergy that will work for you.

Cold Compress

A cold compress is the perfect skin allergy remedy but only works if the allergy is not as a result of the cold. A cold compress will shrink the blood vessels and stop histamine from being released into the blood. That will aid in reducing the allergic reaction. A cold shower will also help reduce skin allergy.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and acts as an antioxidant, which helps repair and heals the skin after an allergic reaction. Apply an amount of olive oil on the affected area and that will help ease the allergic reaction.

Baking Soda

Baking soda will help the rash dry out. Mix a half teaspoon of baking soda in water and make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it for a few minutes before wiping it out. Leaving the paste for too long on the skin may cause irritation. Before using the paste you can consult the allergy specialist to avoid making the irritation worse.

Apple cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps reduce acid reflux, acts as an antiseptic and anti-irritant. Apply the vinegar over your skin and that will help soothe and moisturize the skin reducing the itching. Place a few drops of the vinegar in a cotton ball and dab over the itching place. Rinse the skin after a few minutes.

Ground Oat Meal

Ground oatmeal acts as a soothing balm for the itchy and inflamed skin. On applying the oatmeal it will reduce redness and itching. Oatmeal contains avenanthramide which is anti-inflammatory and anti-itching chemicals. To make oatmeal effective, put in a bathtub full of water and soak in it for some time.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle contains antihistamine properties. Steam the stinging nettle leaves and then eat the leaves to get the antihistamine benefits.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties that will help ease skin allergies. Apply Aloe Vera regularly to ease the allergic reaction and reduce the itchiness. Extract a fresh Aloe Vera and apply it on the affected area. Wash off after 30minutes.

The above home remedies should help ease skin allergies, however, before you begin using any of the remedies visit the allergy specialist and consult on which one will work for you. Too much of the home remedies may aggravate the allergies and it’s important that you use the right portion. If the skin allergy doesn’t ease even after using the remedy, contact the allergy physician for a further diagnosis and testing.

How to Deal with Allergies in Children

An allergic reaction in a child may be hard to pick as most allergies have the same symptoms as common childhood ailments. An allergy is an immune system reaction to an allergen producing antibodies. Your child is still young and sensitive, its important that before you give any medication, take the child to the allergy clinic and let the allergy doctor check and diagnose the severity of the allergy.

Common Allergens

Food such as cow milk, eggs, fish, soy and wheat, and nuts
Drugs
Insect and dust mites
Pet Fur and Pollen
Mold and animal dander

Signs that your Child Has Food Allergies

Painful stomach and coughing
Diarrhea and vomiting
Nausea and Rashes
Runny and stuffy nose
Tightness and trouble breathing

If you notice any of the above signs immediately take your child to the allergy physician as food allergies may become severe. Food allergies have no cure and its important that you identify the food that causes the allergy and avoids it. With time most children outgrow the allergies.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies worsen during certain times of the year. Pollen from trees and plants is one of the major triggers of seasonal allergy.

Common Signs of Seasonal Allergies

Sneezing and watery eyes
Itchy nose and stuffy nose

Common Seasonal Allergy Triggers

Tree pollen and insect bites
Pet fur and dust mites
Cigarette smoke, perfumes, and car exhaust fumes

Natural remedies to Counter Allergies in Children

Keep pets out of your home or invest in a pet that will not cause allergies such as fish
Change air ducts to ensure there is fresh air in the house
Sweep and vacuum your house often. Make sure the baby is not in the house during vacuuming
Freeze toys in the freezer to kill dust mites. Put the toys in a sealable plastic bag and place them in a freezer for 5 hours once per week.
Avoid using vaporizers and humidifiers to avoid mold and dust mites
Use allergen-proof mattress covers for the baby’s bed to avoid any allergens
Avoid wall to wall carpets as they harbor a lot of dust
Avoid foods that cause allergies. Before you stop giving your child a certain type of food make sure you consult the allergy physician on the food supplement to give your child. Breastfeed your child for the first six months. Avoid eating foods that cause allergy to make sure your child is comfortable. When nursing uses a hypoallergenic formula to ensure that your child doesn’t develop an allergy.
Make sure there is no smoke in your home

The above simple tips will help minimize allergy symptoms and will help keep your children happy despite having allergies.

Signs that your Child has Allergies and not the common cold

The symptoms of the common cold and allergies are almost the same and it may be hard to tell them apart. In this section, we detail sign that your child has allergies and not the common cold.

Persistent thin watery discharge is a sign of allergies. A running nose with cloudy discharge and fever is a sign your child has a cold.

Difficulty in breathing resulting from anaphylaxis is a sign of severe allergic reaction.

Wheezing can result from asthma, allergens, and viruses also cause a dry cough which progresses to wheezing. If you notice the above take your child to an asthma doctor for a check-up.

Babies rubbing their eyes more frequently. Allergies cause the eyes to itch more persistently, tearing excessively and become irritable

Developing eczema in baby’s skin is one of the signs of the allergy. Eczema causes red, scaly. oozing rashes on baby’s skin. If you notice Dry and itchy patches of skin around the neck, wrist, and elbows that is a sign of the onset of allergies.

Change in behavior of a child could indicate the onset of allergies. General discomfort and unhappiness could be a sign your child has allergies.

Help your child feel more comfortable by making it easier for them to cope with allergies. Make sure their rooms are allergen free. Take them out when the pollen levels are low. Train and help the child understand their allergy situation as they grow up. Make sure you consult the allergist Manassas before using any home remedy and be keen on the child as they use the home remedy to ensure their situation is improving.

Food Allergy or Food Intolerance? Compared symptoms and Differences

A food allergy occurs when your system reacts to food ingested and triggering a protective response. The allergy can develop from any age with the reaction being mild to severe. According to research, 10 % of the population suffers from food allergy and the numbers keep on increasing. In this post, we highlight some of the most common signs of allergy and how to differentiate between food intolerance and food allergy and the treatment of food allergy. It’s important however that you consult the allergy doctor on the best way to overcome the allergies. Before we dive into the article we differentiate between food intolerance and food allergy

Food Intolerance

This is the difficulty in digesting certain foods without triggering any reaction from the immune system and there is no histamine response.

Food allergy, on the other hand, causes immune system reaction and histamine response.

It may be hard to tell food intolerance and allergy are hard to tell apart and it’s important that you visit the allergy clinic for the allergy doctor to do allergy testing to determine whether its an allergy or intolerance.

How to differentiate between food allergies and intolerance

Food allergy is sudden as compared to intolerance which is gradual
Food allergy results from the small number of foods
Allergy can be life-threatening and happens every time you eat as compared to food intolerance which is not life-threatening and results if you eat the food often.

Foods that cause Most of the Allergy

Milk and Eggs
Peanuts and seafood
Tree nuts

Symptoms that result from both food intolerance and food allergy

Nausea and stomach pains
Diarrhea and vomiting
Signs of Food intolerance
Heart Burn, gas and bloating
Headaches and irritability

Signs of Food Intolerance

Bloating and nausea
Headaches and migraines
stomach ache and irritable bowel
Feeling under the weather

Above are the most common signs of food intolerance, and below some food that causes intolerance

Lactose and wheat
Gluten and caffeine
Food additives such as flavors

Before you give up on the above food, see a doctor who will diagnose and confirm the cause of the intolerance. Remove the food that causes the intolerance from your diet and supplements the foods.

Sign of Food Allergies

Wheezing

Wheezing after eating certain foods signifies a narrowing of the airwaves and an allergic reaction to the food. Wheezing can be fatal and its therefore important that you see the allergy physician for treatment.

Hives and Redness

Are you breaking out in hives? or itch? Then it’s possible that you have a food allergy. Hives cause a red rash that is raised on the skin. On its own hives or itch may not be harmful but if it involves difficulty in breathing then you need to see an allergy specialist immediately.

Dizziness

After eating food if you feel dizzy, weak or lightheaded that could mean you are exposed to allergens. Dizziness could be an early sign of anaphylactic and it’s important that you visit an allergy clinic for tests and treatment.

Intestinal Discomfort

A food allergy could cause stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting and you should see the best allergist for diagnosis.

Sneezing and Itching

Although sneezing is mostly associated with hay fever, it can result from food allergies.

How to Prevent Food Allergies

Learn which foods cause the allergy and avoid the food.
When you visit a hotel, find out how the food is made and verify whether the food contains any allergens.
Look at the food labels and check the ingredients in the food at the supermarket
Avoid products with labels for you’re the specific allergen that is affecting you
Plan before traveling, plan your meals and carry food with that has no allergens
Supplement the foods you are allergic to as that will ensure that you remain healthy.

There is no cure for food allergies and it’s therefore important that you manage the condition. Pursue a plan on how to identify allergens. An elimination diet will help you pinpoint the food allergens that you are allergic to and help reduce the allergy symptoms. Work with the allergy physician to come up with a written diet plan and follow it diligently. If the symptoms persist make sure you consult your allergist Manassas.

Home Remedies to Treat Ocular Allergies

Eye allergies can be irritating and annoying, the irresistible urge to rub your eyes, itching and eye aches is bothersome and distressing. Most eye allergies are mild and disappear within hours, and home remedies and preventive measures will help ease the allergies. In this post, we look at simple tried and tested home remedies that can help ease allergic reactions. In case you experience any of the below symptoms consult the allergy doctor immediately

Painful eyes
Blurry and decreased vision
Feeling like there is something stuck in the eye but nothing can be seen.

Before you take on any home remedies it’s important that you consult the allergy physician so that they can assess and determine that the allergic reaction is mild and the home remedy you want to use is safe and effective. Your eyes are sensitive and an important part of your body and therefore it’s vital that the method you use should not make the symptoms worse or cause severe allergic reactions

Home Remedies to Ease Eye Allergies

Wondering how you get relief from allergies? Below are some of the home remedies that you can use. Make sure the home remedy you choose is easy and effective. Consult the allergy physician and get advice on the best methods.

Cold Compress

You need an ice pack for the cold press and place it on the affected eye. Leave it for 2 minutes and do it three times a day. The ice pack will help relieve inflammation and irritation due to the cooling effect of the ice. You can make the cold compress with calendula or chamomile to make more effective. Chamomile and calendula have inflammation properties that help soothe the eyes. In distilled water add two spoons of chamomile or calendula. Strain the solution and place the cloth over closed eyes. Some people react to chamomile or calendula and it’s important that you discuss the remedy with an allergy specialist to avoid severe reactions

Water

You will need distilled water to wash your eyes when you feel itchy. Do that 2 or 3 times in a day. Water cleanses your eyes and soothes the irritation. The water will wash away allergen that may stick to your skin and eyelashes. Ensure that you drink a lot of water to keep your eyes hydrated and avoid dry eye.

Witch Hazel

Soak cotton pads in witch hazel and place it over your closed eyes for 10 minutes twice daily. The witch hazel anti-inflammatory properties that help in alleviating itchiness and inflammation. Witch hazel will give you instant relief from itch and irritants.

Aloe Vera Juice

You will need unsweetened aloe Vera juice and cotton balls. Blend the aloe vera to get the juice. Refrigerate the juice and wait for 30 minutes. Dip the cotton balls in the juice and place over your eyes for 15 minutes. Repeat that three times daily. Aloe Vera contains soothing properties and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve the itching feeling

Tea Tree Oil

Mix the tea tree oil with coconut and apply around your eyes, leave it for it for 15 minutes and then rinse it off. Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties and protects the eye from microbial infections.

Add vitamins to your diet

Vitamin deficiency will make the allergies worse. Ensure you add Vitamin A, C and E are vital to the functioning of your eyes. Itching could result from a deficiency in Vitamin A, while Vitamin C and E will help prevent eye infections. Add citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, carrots, and mangoes to your diet as they are a source of vitamins.

Tips to Help Prevent Allergies

Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from direct sunlight and pollen.
Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes hydrated
Avoid rubbing your eyes as that aggravates the allergies.
Keep your house free of allergens and avoid allergens. Stay indoors if the pollen count is high.

It’s important that you take good care of your eyes to avoid developing severe allergies. The above suggestions will help you find relief without using medication. Before you begin any home, remedies consult the allergist Manassas on which one works best for you. And if your symptoms persist visit the allergy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment.

Why You Should Manage your Asthma

Asthma results when the airwaves become narrow and sensitive due to chronic inflammation making it hard to breathe. The disease can be triggered by the tiniest allergen as the airwaves are already affected. Asthma can develop due to various reasons resulting in breathing difficulties, wheezing and a tight chest. It’s paramount that you visit the asthma doctor if the symptoms persist for medication. In this post well tell you why you should manage your asthma and how to treat your asthma.

There are different kinds of asthma depending on the allergen that triggers the allergic reaction;

Allergic asthma is caused by allergens in the environment such as dust and can result in allergic rhinitis.
Exercise-induced asthma is caused by too much exertion during exercises
Cough asthma is triggered by a cough as the first symptom
Occupational asthma results from the surrounding you occupy. It could be caused by an activity in the workplace.
Nocturnal asthma result from the change of weather at night.

Early diagnosis of asthma is important as this helps manage the disease and reduce the chances of an asthma attack. Get an action plan on how to minimize chances of an asthma attack and how to avoid allergens .

Common Asthma triggers

Polluted air and exposure cigar and tobacco smoke
Inhaling irritants such as perfumes and cleaning products
Living in a house with molds, dust, and dander from animals
Other respiratory infections such as cold and flu
Exposure to cold especially in the evening
Stress
Too much physical exercise
Additives in food and wine that contain sulfates

The severity of asthma can be classified as follows;

Mild intermittent

The asthma attacks occur once in a week either during the day or night time with no symptoms in between the attacks

Mild Persistent

The attacks occur more than twice a week with nighttime symptoms which are severe.

Moderate Persistent

The attacks occur daily with more severe attacks occurring twice a week and may last for several days.

Severe and Persistent

The attacks occur often and are severe with continued daytime symptoms that limit your ability to work.

No matter how mild the attacks are, it’s important that you visit the Asthma doctor for a check-up and treatment to avoid severity.

Asthma Management and Reasons Why You Should Manage your Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease and the treatment will take a long time or forever depending on severity. Asthma treatment will include medication and natural cure for asthma to help ease symptoms. The allergist will give you medication if your case is severe and in addition give you a home plan on how to counter allergens and manage your allergies. The goal in managing asthma is;

To ensure that the allergy doctor gives you an accurate diagnosis of what you are ailing
Work with the asthma doctor on an action plan to manage Asthma
Come up with a diary of all the symptoms experienced
To come up with an effective strategy on how to avoid indoor and outdoor allergens
Seek medication for other problems that tip off allergy and asthma
Learn exercises that will not trigger asthma
Be able to maintain normal weight and sleep well
Keep in contact of the allergy doctor and consult at the onset of the first symptoms
Visit the allergy physician regularly for check-ups and treatment.

Management of Asthma

Medication

The allergy physician will consider the severity of the condition and decide which medication works best for you. The allergy doctor will either give you pills or inhalers.

Natural Cure for Asthma

The below natural remedies will help ease your asthma

Know your allergen and avoid them

Don’t buy over the counter medicine to treat asthma as that may aggravate the disease

If your condition doesn’t improve after taking medication, consult the asthma doctor on the way forward

Ensure you take the right diet to stay healthy

Avoid smoking or smoking zones

It’s important that you learn how to manage your asthma as that ease the signs and symptoms. Before using any asthma treatment or home remedy make sure you visit the asthma clinic Manassas and consult the allergy doctor to avoid any severe reactions. Follow the advice of the allergist diligently and ensure that you environment doesn’t aggravate the sign and symptoms of asthma.

A Guide to Follow If You Have Recently Been Diagnosed with Allergies

Allergies will alter your lifestyle and if you If you have recently been diagnosed with allergies then you need to learn as much as possible to ensure you don’t aggravate the allergic reactions. Allergies can begin at any phase of life and it’s important that you follow the instructions and medications prescribed by your allergist. Your allergy doctor will also be able to take you through all that you need to know, but in this post, we tell questions you can ask your allergy physician and what to expect when you visit the allergy specialist.

Questions to Ask Your Allergy Doctor If You Have Recently Been Diagnosed with Allergies

Ask the allergy physician if there are other symptoms that present like allergies
Find out what might be triggering your allergies
Ask the allergy doctor advice on how to avoid allergies while at home
Ask the allergy doctor about the medication given and what to expect. Are there any side effects and the duration to take the medication?
What are the alternative treatment to treat your allergies and how to take the alternative treatment?
Enquire where you can get sources of material to learn about allergies
How often you should visit the allergy clinic
Whether you will outgrow the allergies
The effects of allergies and can they result in other problems.

When to Visit the Allergy Doctor

Make an appointment to visit the allergy allergist specialist if you experience the following symptoms

When you experience symptoms such as running nose, coughing and watery eyes that last more than one week and disrupt your way of life.
If you have taken over the counter drugs and they are not working
You experience sinus infections, headaches, and ear infections
You have other health issues such as high blood pressure it would be better to visit the allergist as soon as you experience any of the above symptoms.
Avoid over the counter medications or alternate treatment when dealing with children as they may be sensitive to the medication. When you notice the allergy symptoms in your child immediately take them to the allergist for a checkup.

What to Expect from the Allergy Physician

Test for the Allergies

The allergy doctor will test you for the allergy using the various method of allergy testing. Inform the allergist all the symptoms you are experiencing for the allergy doctor to be able to take the necessary test. The doctor will then carry out the necessary test after the information you have given to establishing what allergens are affecting you.

Know Your Triggers

Once the test has been carried out, the allergist will advise you on the allergens to avoid You may need to adjust your lifestyle to ensure that you keep out the allergens. If you have pets you may need to keep the pets out of the house. You need to find out the pollen count from the met department to minimize the number of times you go outside. Avoid doing house chores as they may aggravate your allergies.

Make a treatment plan

A treatment plan will include medication if the allergy is a severe or alternative treatment if the allergic reactions can be controlled by a few lifestyle changes. If you have a food allergy the allergist will advise on the foods to avoid. Ensure that you follow the prescription as given by the allergy specialist.

Control the Symptoms

The key to winning the allergy battle is to make sure that you understand your allergy and in that way, you will be able to avoid the allergens. As the allergy physician will tell you, detecting and avoiding the allergens is key in controlling your allergies. If you are traveling to an area with allergens ensure that you take precautions to avoid aggravating the allergies.

Allergies can wreak havoc in your life especially if you have recently been diagnosed, but early detection and treatment will go along to keep the allergens at bay. Consult the allergist Manassas often to understand and learn how to keep your allergies at bay. In case of any extreme reactions to allergens immediately visit the allergy physician for treatment. Proper allergy management will make sure you enjoy your life in spite of having allergies.

How to Deal with Allergies While Travelling

Allergies are easy to manage when at home, but they may become harder to manage while traveling. Whether it’s a business trip or vacation it’s important that you get ready to travel without the torture of allergies. As you pack your bags consider and take into account your allergies and plan ahead. Research on the anticipated allergens you are likely to encounter and talk to allergy doctor on how to mitigate the allergens. Make sure that you pack the allergy medication and hypoallergenic pillows. Make sure that you can access an allergy clinic in your destination or as you travel.

How to Relieve Allergies as You Travel

Plan and Prepare ahead of the Travel

Getting relief from allergies is the first step to enjoying your journey and vacation. Think about your journey and research on the destination. Speak to the allergy physician on the intended travel and consult on tips to manage allergies while traveling. If you suffer from asthma consult your asthma doctor on any mitigating measures. check the pollen count in your intended destination and plan accordingly. In case of any food allergies pack snacks that you can eat on the way.

Allergies in the Car, train, and Plane

No matter what means of transport you choose to take there will be allergens and it’s important to know how to deal the allergens. If you traveling in a car ensure the following;

Don’t travel in early mornings and late evening when pollen the pollen count is high
Travel when there is low traffic as there is minimal pollution
Close the window as you travel and use the air conditioner instead. Change the air filter before you travel to ensure that the air is clean.

When traveling on a plane ensure that;

Ask your allergy doctor for a nasal spray to keep the air moist.
Avoid plane provided blankets and pillows
Confirm that the plane is smoke-free and if the flight allows smoking stay far away from the smoking zone. Adjust the air blowers so that they blow the cigar smoke away from where you are seated.

Traveling in a train

If you are traveling by research whether the train has a special area and whether they allow pets. When traveling in a train consider the following;

Book the areas of the train they are secluded and for special groups
Call the train management and inform them of your allergies

Allergies in the Hotels and Restaurants

Look for hotels that are asthma and allergy free. There are hotels that offer hypoallergenic mattress and sleeping materials. Stay in hotels that don’t allow smoking. While booking the accommodation confirm whether the hotel offers special meals for people with allergies. Look out for the below;

Ask for rooms that are sunny, dry and mold free to avoid allergies
Look out for hotels that have a pet policy. If the hotel allows pets then to consider changing the hotel to avoid fur allergies.
Ensure that the hotel is sparkling cleaning to limit chances of allergens.

Other Tips to Follow to Minimise Allergies While Travelling

Learn a few words from the language of your destination to ensure you can communicate
Consider changing the vacation to an area with fewer allergens. If your destination has a high pollen count, consider changing your vacation to an area with lower pollen count.
When using a plane, inform the plane attendants of your food allergies. If you have severe food allergies request the person next to you not consume the food you are allergic to in order to avoid a severe reaction
If you have severe asthma ensure you have your asthma treatment with and before leaving for the trip visit the asthma doctor for a check-up.
Keep your body covered to avoid insect stings that may cause severe allergies
Wear hats and sunglasses to minimize the effect of pollen on your eyes.
Don’t lose track of your medication schedule. Keep an alarm to help remember the medication timings
Keep the windows and doors to your vacation home closed to keep out allergens
On getting to your destination, research on where the allergy clinic is situated and raise an alarm in case your allergy begin to get worse.
Carry the allergist Manassas VA contact number and have details about your allergies in your bag

How to Deal with Food Allergies in Babies

The first spoon of solid food that a toddler eats is a milestone for every parent. It, however, comes with a lot of worries especially because you are not sure whether your child will be allergic to the food. At this point, you don’t know what your baby may be allergic to and how to avoid the allergens. Its imperative that the solid food introduction is done gradually so that you are able to monitor how the baby reacts to various foods. When you introduce new food type to the baby’s menu take three days before you can introduce any other food. Feed the child little portions of the new menu and keenly monitor the baby and in case of any severe allergy symptoms immediately consult the allergy physician to avoid any fatalities.

Foods that Cause Allergies in Babies

When you introduce new food be on the lookout for any allergies. The below food are main cause allergic reactions in young children

Eggs
Milk
Peanuts and fish
Soy and wheat

Food allergy symptoms in Babies

You will notice the baby has an allergy few minutes after eating the food. Be on the lookout for the below symptoms

Skin rash or flushed skin
Wheezing and coughing
Difficulty in breathing
Diarrhea and vomiting
Hives

Call the allergy specialist if you notice any severe symptoms. If you notice that the baby cannot breathe properly immediately take the baby to the allergy clinic for a checkup. Severe cases of vomiting and diarrhea should immediately be treated as they lead to dehydration which is fatal in toddlers. In case the baby develops mild allergic reactions, it’s important that you also consult your allergy doctor as at this stage the baby is still sensitive. Most allergies will go away on their own but it’s paramount that you identify the food causing the allergy. If you have a certain food allergy there is a chance your baby may develop the same allergy.

How to Protect Your Baby Against Allergies

Introduction of allergens

Latest studies have shown that the baby should be exposed to allergens early enough and this will eventually prevent allergies. Introduction of a variety of foods to the baby at an early stage will help minimize chances of catching the allergy. Its recommended that foods such as milk and eggs which are known allergens should first be given at home other than daycare places to enable the mother to monitor the baby’s reaction to the food. Breastfeed your baby up to 6 months to minimize the chance of a milk allergy. Introduce the allergens one at the time and gradually as you monitor the reaction. During this period consult the allergy doctor and he will be able to advise on how to go about the introduction.

Consult your Allergy Doctor

Your allergist is a reliable source of information that you will need to be able to take care of your child. It’s necessary that you have all the information on how to protect your child against common food allergies as this will save you the heartache of a sick toddler. Talk to your allergy physician on foods that you can use as supplements in severe cases. The allergy specialist will also be able to advise on how to deal with allergies.

Share the Plan of Action with the Care Giver

It’s important that the caregiver understands the child’s diet if you are going to leave the baby with the caregiver. Let them understand the implication and how to avoid allergens and the supplement the child needs. Caregivers need to understand that even the smallest amount of allergens may affect the child. Let the caregiver know the address to the allergy clinic and leave a contact for the allergy physician near you.

Stock Only safe foods

Avoid stocking foods that may affect the child especially if you are leaving the child with caregivers or other members of the family. Storing the baby’s food with the allergens may cause confusion. Ensure that the baby’s food storage space only has allergen-free food

Food allergies can turn to anaphylaxis which causes a low blood pressure and makes breathing difficult. It’s therefore important that you plan ahead for the food your baby needs and ensure the advice of the allergist Manassas is followed diligently.