Tag Archives: allergies

Guide to Surviving Spring Allergies

While the increasing temperatures allow you to spend time outdoors, the downside is that the plants begin to produce pollen, which can trigger your allergies.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you might be wondering how you will survive the spring season, right? Well, there are plenty of ways to go about it. These ways include:

Don’t wait until too late to medicate

Allergies can be efficiently treated with a variety of drugs, including nasal sprays and antihistamines, but you must plan ahead of time.

The medications take some time to work, so start two to four weeks before allergy season.

Allergy season varies based on where you live and what your allergies are. Spring allergies caused by tree pollen typically start in February and linger until early summer.

To protect yourself, you should visit your allergy doctor during winter and have them prescribe medications that will give you the protection that you need during the allergy season.

Don’t bring the enemy home.

The last thing you want is to bring allergens that are causing allergies into your home. To ensure this doesn’t happen, when you arrive home, always change your clothes and remove your shoes.

Pollen and mildew in the air adhere to your clothing, and when you sit on your furniture, you spread them all over the place.

It can be even better if you can remove the clothes outside and leave them there. This way, you ensure that your house is sterile and free of harmful pollen.

Wear a mask outside

Wearing a mask outside is a must for persons with severe allergies because it filters out harmful allergens.

The cool thing is that there are many types of masks that you can go for. The most common ones are surgical, KN95, and N95 masks, which are all effective.

Besides the masks, it’s also a good idea to use eye protection like sunglasses or goggles.

The key to getting the best result with these units is to ensure that they are the right size. For example, the masks should be a right fit that ensures that you are comfortable, and they don’t let in any pollen.

Keep your sinuses clean.

You need to keep your sinuses clear of the pollen. One of the ways to do this is by cleaning them.

Once a day, before going to bed, flush your sinuses with saline rinse bottles.

Get rid of irritants in your nose so you don’t have inflammation when you go to sleep.

You can purchase the rinse bottles at any drugstore or retailer. You can also ask your allergist if they have the bottles.

You should note that when using the bottles, it might get uncomfortable at the start, but when you get used to them, it becomes easy.

To clean your sinuses, stand with your head over a sink or in the shower, tilted to one side.

Use a squeeze bottle to slowly pour or squeeze the saline solution into the upper nostril. Allow the solution to exit your other nostril and enter the drain. At this time, breathe through your lips rather than your nose.

Repeat on the other side.

Try not to allow the water to go down the back of your throat. You may need to reposition your head until you get the proper angle.

When you’re finished, gently blow your nose into a tissue to remove any remaining mucus.

Don’t rush to use Benadryl

Many people rely on Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine. While this is the case, don’t rush to get the medication.

The reason for this is that it can readily get into your brain and cause significant sedation that can easily last into the next day and disrupt your sleep cycle, worsening your sleep quality.

Other unpleasant side effects of the condition include dry lips, blurred eyesight, urine retention, and constipation.

Stick with newer medicines like Claritin, Allegra, and Xyzal.

These new medications have been modified to be less likely to get into your brain and cause sedation. They are much safer to use.

Don’t rely on honey

There is a lot of misinformation on the internet regarding what to do for a cough and cold. The classic one is whether local honey is ideal for treating allergies.

It’s a myth. This means that if you consume local honey, you get a little pollen, and it can’t help your allergies.

The concept of using honey to cure allergies is comparable to receiving allergy injections. You should note that honey has not been demonstrated to be beneficial, but allergy injections have.

When a person consumes local honey, they are said to be ingesting local pollen. A person’s sensitivity to this pollen may decrease over time. As a result, individuals may have fewer seasonal allergy symptoms.

It is true that bees pollinate flowers and produce honey. However, the quantity of pollen from the environment and plants are assumed to be relatively modest and diverse.

When you consume local honey, there is no certainty of how much (if any) pollen you will be exposed to. This is distinct from allergy shots, which purposely desensitize a person to pollen at regular doses.

You should note that honey has not been clinically proved to reduce allergies. However, it can still be a delicious substitute for sugary dishes.

Some people take it as a cough suppressant, though, and it has been shown to alleviate the condition.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you should seek medical care. Over-the-counter allergy medications are one example, as is avoiding being outside as much as possible.

Parting shot

It’s not rocket science to survive the spring allergies. You should always start treating the condition as early as possible.

This calls for you to see an allergy specialist doctor a couple of weeks before the allergy season kicks in.

You should work hard at minimizing the amount of allergens you bring back into the house, but it would even be better if you can avoid going outside altogether, especially when the pollen count is high.

Exercising with Allergic Asthma: How to Go About It

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that people should engage in aerobic activity every week to stay healthy.

While this is the case, for some people, physical activity and sports might cause asthma symptoms, such as chest tightness, coughing, Shortness of breath, and wheezing.

As a result, these symptoms make exercise difficult and sometimes deadly.

Taking adequate measures and adopting a symptom management strategy can allow you to reap the advantages of exercise while minimizing potential suffering.

Here’s what you need to know about exercising safely with allergic asthma.

How asthma is linked to exercise

Asthma affects around 25 million people in the US. The most frequent kind is allergic asthma, which is caused or worsened by particular allergens, including:

Pests such as mold, pets, pollen, dust mites, and cockroaches.

Whether you’re working out or going about your daily activities, avoiding these common allergens will help you avoid seeing your allergy doctor too frequently. It will also keep allergic asthma symptoms at bay.

Exercise itself can cause asthma symptoms. This is referred to as exercise-induced asthma.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, up to 90% of asthma patients develop exercise-induced asthma while participating in physical activity.

Asthma symptoms can appear while you’re exercising and usually increase 5 to 10 minutes after you stop.

Depending on the severity of the symptoms, you may need to use your rescue inhaler. Some people’s symptoms may resolve on their own within a half hour.

Even if symptoms resolve without medication, some patients may experience a second wave of asthma symptoms 4 to 12 hours later.

These late-phase symptoms are usually not severe and might be resolved within a day. If the symptoms are severe, do not hesitate to take your rescue medication.

How do you know exercise triggers your asthma?

If you suspect you have exercise-induced asthma, speak with your doctor about getting tested to confirm a diagnosis and build a treatment plan.

Your doctor can examine your breathing before, during, and after physical activity to evaluate how well your lungs are functioning and whether exercise is causing your asthma.

If you are diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, you should consult with your doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan. That way, you’ll know what to do in an emergency and have a list of drugs handy.

Tips for exercising with allergic asthma

Regular physical exercise is beneficial to your health, even if you have allergic asthma. If you are looking to exercise even with your condition, here are some recommendations that may help you exercise and participate in sports more safely:

Take your medication before you work out. Some drugs can be taken in advance to help you avoid the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.

Your doctor may advise you to take a short-acting beta-agonist (or bronchodilator) a few minutes before working out, or a long-acting bronchodilator up to an hour before exercising. Your doctor may recommend Mast cell stabilizers in extremely unusual circumstances.

Be ultra-cautious throughout the winter months. Allergic asthma symptoms might be exacerbated in cold surroundings. If you must exercise outside in the winter, donning a mask or scarf may help you avoid symptoms.

Be mindful of the summer months, too. Hot, humid surroundings promote the growth of allergens such as mold and dust mites.

If you must exercise outdoors during the summer, plan your sessions for the mornings or nights when temperatures and humidity are often lower.

Select indoor activities. Avoid exercising outside on days with high allergen and pollution levels, as this can raise your risk of developing allergic asthma.

Practice less stimulating sports. Choose activities that require “short bursts of exercise,” such as volleyball, baseball, gymnastics, strolling, or leisurely bike rides. These activities may be less likely to cause symptoms than ones that involve continuous action, such as soccer, running, or basketball.

Store your things indoors. When left outside, exercise equipment such as bikes, jump ropes, weights, and mats can accumulate pollen or become moldy. To reduce unnecessary exposure to allergens that cause asthma, store your gear inside.

Always warm up and cool down. Stretching before and after a workout may help to alleviate asthma symptoms. Make time for a warm-up before you begin and a cool-down after each exercise.

Carry your inhaler with you. If your doctor has given you an inhaler to help you control exercise-induced asthma, keep it on hand during your workout. It can help reverse certain symptoms if they appear.

When should you seek medical attention?

Some minor symptoms of allergic asthma that appear during exercising may resolve on their own. So you don’t need to do much about them.

However, more severe responses may necessitate medical treatment. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you experience:

Symptoms of an asthma attack include persistent shortness of breath, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of shortness of breath include strained chest muscles and difficulty speaking for longer periods of time.

When you see any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible so that they can analyze your condition and give you the necessary medication.

When you are hiring a medical doctor, don’t hire them the day the symptoms start showing. Instead, you should start the process early. You should visit a couple of doctors while you are still in good health and determine whether they are the right fit for you.

Since you have a condition, it means that you will be seeing your doctor too frequently. This means that when it comes to hiring them, don’t just look at their experience level. Take time to find out whether your personalities match. You want someone that you are comfortable around and you can easily talk to them.

Parting shot

Asthma symptoms should not keep you from living an active lifestyle. Avoiding triggers, taking prescribed medicine, and selecting the appropriate type of activity will help you exercise safely and avoid symptoms.

Keep track of how your body reacts to physical exercise and have an asthma action plan in place in case you need it.

When the condition worsens, don’t take chances. See an allergy doctor Manassas VA immediately.

Guide to Stopping Allergies from Ruining Your Sleep

The allergy season can be unpleasant. With watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and congestion, simply getting through the day can be difficult, let alone getting enough sleep.

In addition to exacerbating sleep problems such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, allergies can make it difficult to fall asleep and keep you from staying asleep once you do.

The more severe your symptoms, the more likely that your allergies are causing you to sleep poorly.

To have a great night’s sleep, you need to find an allergy doctor to help you fix the issue.

Besides seeing an allergy professional, you can do many other things to curb the condition. These things include:

Keep your house doors closed

Closing windows and doors at night can keep external allergens like pollen, dust, and mold from entering your home and causing allergies.

Indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores are easy to keep contained in a closed room, therefore keeping the windows and doors closed can help decrease your exposure to these allergens.

Closing windows and doors can help improve your house’s air quality. When the windows are open, dust, pollution, and other airborne particles can enter your home and irritate your airways, making breathing difficult.

You should close your windows and doors to keep pollutants out and breathe fresher air.

Shower before you sleep

During the pollen season, showering before bed might assist in eliminating any pollen particles that may have accumulated on your skin and hair throughout the day.

This is especially vital if you’ve been outside, as pollen can readily adhere to your skin and hair.

Showering before bed removes any pollen particles that may have accumulated on your body, lowering the probability of allergy reactions at night.

Showering before bed is especially useful for people with allergies or asthma, as pollen can aggravate their symptoms and make sleeping difficult.

Tie back your long hair.

Tying your hair up at night can help avoid allergies and alleviate the severity of hay fever symptoms by reducing contact between your hair and your face.

When you spend time outside during the day, your hair may gather pollen and other allergens. If you do not tie your hair up in bed, allergens might transfer to your pillowcase and come into touch with your face, aggravating hay fever symptoms and causing allergic responses. You don’t want this, do you?

Tying your hair decreases the possibility of allergens coming into touch with your face. It alleviates the severity of hay fever symptoms.

Besides tying your hair, you should also consider shampooing it before bed, which can assist in removing any collected pollen or other allergens, lowering the chance of allergy reactions at night.

Get hypoallergenic bedding

Hypoallergenic bedding can help avoid seasonal allergies by limiting exposure to common allergens, including dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.

Dust mites are microscopic parasites that feed on dead skin cells and prefer warm, humid settings. They are a prevalent cause of seasonal allergies, and you can find them in bedding, mattresses, and pillows.

Hypoallergenic bedding repels dust mites, preventing them from gathering in your bedding. If you have allergies, particularly reactions at night or when you wake up, you might consider using a hypoallergenic mattress.

Pollen, another frequent allergy, travels with the wind and can readily settle in bedding. Hypoallergenic bedding comprises tightly woven materials that prevent pollen from infiltrating the fabric and contacting your skin. As you can tell, this keeps you safe.

Change your laundry routine.

During the pollen season, pollen particles can easily adhere to garments and textiles when spent outdoors. If you do not wash your clothes regularly, these particles can build up and cause allergic reactions indoors.

This is especially crucial for persons with allergies or asthma, as pollen can worsen their symptoms.

Washing your clothes regularly during the pollen season can help eliminate pollen particles and other allergens that may have accumulated on your clothing, lowering the risk of allergic responses.

Dab Vaseline on your nostrils

Applying Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to the inside of your nostrils can trap pollen and other airborne allergens, decreasing their entry into your nasal passages and relieving hay fever symptoms.

Applying a tiny layer of Vaseline inside your nostrils forms a barrier that can trap pollen and other allergens before they enter your nose.

Cover your duvet with a sheet.

Covering your bed sheets with a separate sheet creates a barrier that protects your bedding from pollen particles, lowering the likelihood of allergic responses and hay fever symptoms.

To establish this barrier, throw a clean sheet over your regular bedding and tuck it around the edges to keep it in place.

This additional layer can help to keep pollen and other allergens from settling on your bedding and contacting your skin and respiratory system.

Wash the extra sheet as often as possible to remove any pollen particles that may have gathered. Furthermore, during hay fever season, wash your usual bedding at least once a week to eliminate any pollen or allergens that may have been collected on it.

Wash your bedding once a week in hot water.

Washing bedding at a high temperature will eliminate pollen and other allergens that may have accumulated on your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, lowering the likelihood of allergic responses and hay fever symptoms.

Washing your bedding at a high temperature will help break down and eliminate pollen particles and other allergens that may be trapped in the fibers.

Doing this is especially crucial during hay fever season when pollen counts are high, and exposure to pollen is increased.

Washing bedding at high temperatures might help destroy dust mites and other germs that can cause allergic reactions and worsen hay fever symptoms.

Parting shot

These are some of the things you can do to prevent allergies from coming the way of your sleep. For peace of mind, work with an allergy specialist Manassas VA who will recommend antihistamines or other medications that are right for your condition.

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.

Guide to Surviving Winter Allergy Season

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 60 million people in the United States may experience allergic rhinitis symptoms yearly.

These symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and congestion, are triggered by your body’s reactivity to an allergen that it interprets as a threat.

Pollen, which plants release into the air as part of their reproductive cycle, is frequently the cause of seasonal allergies.

The kinds of pollen present, and how much, depend on where you reside.

In addition to irritating the nose, pollen can irritate the eyes and other areas.

According to the CDC, seven out of ten patients with nasal allergy symptoms (allergic rhinitis) will also have itchy, red, or watery eyes.

Are you concerned about winter allergies, and what you can do to limit your exposure this season? Here are a few ideas given by allergy specialist doctor to get you started:

Keep the humidity low.

Dust mites are microscopic pests that dwell in household dust and feed on dead skin and dander generated by humans and animals.

They typically reside in mattresses, drapes, furniture, carpet, and bedding. They thrive in humid environments. So, if you want to use humidifiers in the winter, keep the humidity at or below 50%.

You should even consider a dehumidifier if your home tends to retain moisture during the winter.

Pay attention to your bedroom.

Because many people spend so many hours a day in the bedroom. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends paying particular attention to removing allergens commonly present in that section of the house.

This involves washing sheets and bedding in warm water once a week and using zippered dust mite coverings on pillows and mattresses.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Services also suggests replacing wool or feather-filled bedding with synthetic fabrics and washing stuffed animals for children.

Be on the lookout for mold.

Consider opening a window or increasing airflow if mold frequently grows in wet areas of the house such as a bathroom.

Remove mold from hard surfaces using soap and water and allow the area to dry thoroughly. Also, as the holidays approach, look at the Christmas trees for mold if someone’s allergy symptoms occur after decorating the tree.

Watch out for allergy signs.

When you think of seasonal allergies, you probably think of sneezing, wheezing, and watery eyes. If you have any of the following symptoms, you most likely have seasonal allergies:

Sneezing frequently
Itchy or watery eyes
Nasal congestion
Nasal, ear, or chest congestion
Postnasal dripping
Throat itch
Eyelid puffiness

The symptoms listed above are pretty standard. However, your allergies may manifest differently. Seasonal allergies could also cause these less common symptoms:

Wheezing
Coughing
Unexpected loss of exercise endurance
A little headache

To be comfortable during the season, you must keep a close eye on the symptoms and take the necessary steps as soon as possible to curb them.

Reducing exposure to allergens will help. And some of the things you can do to achieve this include:

When symptoms show up, keep your windows closed.
If you are allergic to indoor allergens, use an air purifier.
When conducting yard chores, wear a dust mask.
Pollen forecasts can be found on your local weather network, so look at them.
Shower and wash your hair at the end of each day to remove pollen from your clothes, hair, and skin.

As much as reducing exposure is beneficial, it is unlikely to eliminate symptoms. So, stock up on everything from nasal sprays and decongestants to tissues for the expected runny noses and itchy eyes.

Stay moisturized

If you suffer from eczema or dry skin, continue bathing every day during the winter. You also should pat dry and moisturize shortly after stepping out of a bath or shower (within two to three minutes).

The more moisturizing you do, the better. So, keep reapplying creams several times a day.

Work on getting rid of dust.

You should avoid using fans in the winter and keep surfaces clean. Also, when dusting, use a wet towel to minimize stirring up dust mites, or wear a face mask if the area is dusty.

The fewer surfaces dust can gather, the better, so you should eliminate anything you don’t use. If you visit many homes, you will find rarely used tables and other pieces of furniture. You should get rid of these.

Make use of an air purifier. Of course, you don’t want dust in the air. Therefore, an air purifier in the home can be handy.

As much as you should protect yourself when dusting your house, it’s a good idea to wait at least a couple of hours before returning to the room after vacuuming or dusting.

Invest in knowledge

If you or your children are suffering from allergies this winter, consider seeing an allergist and immunologist in your area who can help identify the illness and, if necessary, recommend a treatment plan.

When hiring an allergist, take your time and ensure you are hiring the best.

Like when hiring any other professional, you take your time to vet them, right? You should do the same with an allergy doctor. An excellent way to go about it is to set an appointment.

How easy is it to get hold of the professional? You should be cautious of this. You want to work with a professional who is easy to find. If you don’t want your condition to flare up, and you can’t get hold of the allergy specialist Germantown.

If you suffer from any form of allergies, you can expect to see the allergy specialist several times. You don’t want to interact with someone with a horrible personality, do you? To ensure this doesn’t happen, ensure that the allergist you are working with is pleasant to be with and they are knowledgeable in the area.

Besides getting information from the allergy professional, there are plenty of other places to get information about your condition. You can watch videos, read blogs and articles, and so on. You only need to ensure that an expert is making the information you consume.

Understanding Ragweed Allergies

As the fall season approaches and leaves begin to turn yellow and crimson in many parts of the country to signal the change of seasons, it can be a sign of ragweed allergies. And you should be cautious.

Though many people look forward to the leaf-peeping season and cooler temperatures, if you are one of the 50 million individuals sensitive to ragweed, fall may bring new problems, including frequent visits to an allergy doctor.

Ragweed emits billions of light airborne pollen that swarm the air in mid-August and stays until late November.

Signs and symptoms of ragweed allergy

When you touch ragweed pollen, you may experience various allergy symptoms. These include itchy eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose, and general misery. Ragweed can also trigger severe asthma attacks in certain people.

Ways to treat the condition

There are plenty of over-the-counter medications that you can use to treat your condition. The most common ones are Fluticasone nasal sprays, a steroid drug, and antihistamine pills available under brand names such as Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec.

These come in handy in inhibiting histamine production in your body.

When using the drugs, you should note that they function best as a prophylactic approach before the ragweed pollen count rises.

You can also use them daily throughout the fall allergy season.

Start taking the medications early, like every September, and then be prepared to remain on them until usually around Thanksgiving.

Allergy immunotherapy, often known as allergy shots or allergy drops, are also a great alternative. These work best, especially when you have allergy-related asthma.

Allergy shots entail you receiving injections containing trace amounts of ragweed pollen. The shots help you build tolerance to the allergen and minimize allergy symptoms over time.

Sublingual immunotherapy, often known as allergy drops, is an alternative to injections in which the doctor administers medications in liquid or tablet form beneath your tongue.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends starting these drugs a few months before allergy season.

How to prevent ragweed allergies

Prevention is always better than cure, so to avoid having to cure the condition, you should consider preventing it from developing in the first place. And the good news is that there are plenty of ways to do it. Some of these ways include:

Stay away from seasonal fruits.

Certain fall fruits, such as watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, or avocados, can induce itching, tingling in the mouth, and lip swelling in persons who are allergic to ragweed.

This is because ragweed pollen contains proteins that resemble proteins found in certain plants and seasonal fruits.

When you eat these fruits, your body gets confused and causes an allergic reaction to the fruits or vegetables. Studies show that about 40% of people with seasonal allergies develop this condition.

If the fruits are processed in any way, they may be less irritating. For example, drinking watermelon juice or eating banana bread may be OK.

Although eating these fruits is unlikely to cause anaphylaxis, it’s estimated that about 2% of persons who acquire oral allergy syndrome will develop anaphylaxis.

Leave the pollen outside.

Ragweed pollen may penetrate every nook and cranny, including your hair and clothes, and follow you everywhere because it travels far and wide with the wind.

To avoid allergies, you should avoid tracking pollen back to your home.

After you’ve been outside for a period of time, change your clothes before you sit on the couch. You also should keep the windows closed so it doesn’t get into the house.

Before entering the house, remove your shoes and leave them outside. Also, think about wearing a helmet.

Minimize your exposure

It is impossible to avoid coming into contact with ragweed. But you can minimize your exposure.

This could make going for a morning workout or walk painful and stressful. However, this does not necessitate a complete cessation of those activities.

Plan to go outside when the pollen count is low, usually later in the day.

Ragweed is usually worse in the morning and gets better in the afternoon. To stay safe, avoid the morning and go out later.

You also should consider wearing a cap outside to preserve your hair and scalp. Sunglasses might assist in keeping pollen out of your eyes, so wear them.

Increase the air quality in the house

There are plenty of ways to increase the air quality in the house.

One of the ways to do this is by installing home air purifiers.

These units help filter the air within your home. This may lessen the quantity of pollen and other allergens you breathe in, providing much-needed respite.

Experts advise choosing one with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. They are intended to capture around 99% of pollen, dust, and other airborne particles.

Furthermore, if you have HVAC, central heating, or air conditioners, consider replacing the filters every three months to avoid recirculating allergen-filled air within your home.

Parting shot

These are the things you need to know about ragweed allergies. Like other seasonal allergies, the condition comes about as a result of pollen during the allergy season.

To avoid being a victim, reduce your contact with the ragweed pollen. This calls for you to spend most of your time indoors and only get outside when necessary.

You also should protect yourself by using over-the-counter medications.

If you are feeling ill even after doing all this, consider seeing an allergy specialist Germantown MD to look into your condition, as you might have other underlying conditions worsening the allergies.

The allergy doctor will also perform tests and recommend the best medications.

Ways to Prevent Indoor Allergies

Allergies can be annoying and uncomfortable, whether those pesky ones occur seasonally when flowers bloom or the more regular ones caused by dust mites and pet dander. The good news is that you don’t have to put up with that.

Of course, there are over-the-counter products that you can use to mitigate the same, but have you thought about going the homemade way? You will save some cash and reduce frequent trips to your local allergy clinic.

Here are many ways to make your home a more allergy-friendly place.

Regular cleaning

Keeping your home clean sounds like something that should come naturally, but this is not always the case. If you want to reduce the chances of you or your family suffering from allergies, you may want to do the following:

Dust: Dust particles often contain allergens like pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. As such, use a damp cloth to wipe the surfaces in your home. This will effectively eliminate dust compared to dry dusting.

Vacuum: Dusting alone is not enough. Your floors and upholstery also harbor allergens. This is why using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is important. HEPA filters are designed to capture tiny particles, including allergens, preventing them from being recirculated into the air.

Air purifiers

Air purifiers do a great job of eliminating indoor allergens. They work by filtering the air and removing microscopic particles that can trigger allergic reactions. Again, when purchasing one, ensure that it has a HEPA filter.

High-efficiency particulate Air (HEPA) filters are known for their exceptional ability to capture small particles, including allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. When you run an air purifier with a HEPA filter, it continuously circulates and filters the air in a room, trapping allergens in the filter.

Moreover, these appliances often come with a noise control feature that allows them to run quietly in case you are concerned about noise disruptions.

Allergy-friendly bedding

Consider investing in allergen-proof pillows and mattress covers. Why? Because these create a barrier between you and allergens like dust mites. Furthermore, ensure you wash bedding, including sheets and pillowcases, in hot water weekly, and consider using hypoallergenic pillows and duvets.

Humidity control

It is necessary to control the temperatures in your home. Precisely, you want to maintain indoor humidity levels below 50%, as this will inhibit dust mite and mold growth.

A dehumidifier can help achieve this, but you must ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

Pet care

Pets are the most common culprits for allergic reactions. Therefore, if you have pets and are allergic to them, keep them out of your bedroom, groom them regularly, and vacuum your space frequently. You also want to clean pet bedding and toys to reduce allergen exposure regularly.

Remove clutter

This may sound outlandish, but clutter does contribute to the accumulation of allergens in your space. In that regard, you want to minimize clutter in your home as it provides more hiding places for dust and allergens.

The best action would be to eliminate items that collect dust and adopt a minimalistic approach to home decor.

Seal cracks and leaks.

Inspecting your home for cracks, gaps, and leaks is crucial in creating an allergy-friendly environment. This is because such openings can allow outdoor allergens to infiltrate your living spaces, compromising your efforts to maintain clean indoor air.

Here’s why sealing cracks and leaks is necessary and how to effectively do it:

Allergen entry points: Outdoor allergens such as pollen, mold spores, and outdoor air pollutants can easily find their way into your home through small openings. Some common entry points include gaps in your doors and windows, foundation cracks, wall holes, and poorly sealed ducts.

Preventing infiltration: When you seal these entry points, you block allergens from getting into your space, reducing your indoor allergen load and making it easier to keep your space allergen-free.

Depending on the size and type of opening, you want to use the recommended material, such as expanding foam or caulk. You also want to ensure that your windows and doors are tightly sealed when closed.

You also want to check for any gaps where different building materials meet and seal them.

Natural cleaning products

Are you aware that most cleaning products contain harsh chemicals? This is because the chemicals do a good job of removing stains and sometimes even disinfecting. However, the downside to such chemicals is that they could cause allergic reactions.

To counter that, you may use more natural or hypoallergenic cleaning products. The trick is to ensure that they are just as effective.

Other benefits of using natural cleaning products include:

Reduced chemical exposure: As previously mentioned, most cleaning products typically contain chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or aggravate existing allergies.

With natural cleaning products, you do not run the risk of the same.

Allergen elimination: The formulation of some natural cleaning products targets allergens such as pet dander and dust mites. In that regard, they can help eliminate such allergens from your space more effectively.

Scent options: Fragrances can also cause allergic reactions. Natural cleaning fragrances do not contain artificial fragrances, reducing the chances of that happening.

Allergen-free diet

If you have food allergies, you must be vigilant about reading food labels and avoiding allergenic ingredients. Ideally, you should designate an allergen-free kitchen area to minimize cross-contamination when cooking.

Allergen-free home décor

Choose home decor that is easy to clean and less likely to trap allergens. When it comes to flooring, opt for hardwood or laminate flooring over carpets, and use blinds or shades instead of heavy curtains.

Final Thoughts

In addition to these measures, consulting with an allergist Germantown MD to develop a personalized allergy management plan is essential. They can recommend appropriate medications or immunotherapy if necessary.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can create a more allergy-friendly home environment and reduce the impact of allergens on your health and well-being.

How to Deal with Pollen and Other Allergens in Summer

Summer is a great season to engage in outdoor activities, but it is also the worst time of year for people who suffer from allergies.

During this time, you may have symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose because the amount of pollen and other allergens increases in warm weather.

Thankfully, you can take steps to protect yourself against allergy symptoms. These steps, as given by allergist specialist, include:

Minimize your exposure

The most important thing you can do to reduce your exposure to pollen and other allergens is to keep your windows closed, particularly during peak pollen production hours.

This is because pollen particles can easily enter your house or office through open windows, causing an allergen accumulation.

Pollen counts are highest in the early morning and late afternoon. Stay inside as much as possible during these times, especially on windy days.

Consider using a mask to protect yourself from airborne allergies when going outside. Wearing a mask will help filter out pollen and other allergens that would be inhaled.

If you have a respiratory problem, such as asthma, wearing a mask outside is even more vital.

Filter the air getting into the house.

Installing air filters in your home or business effectively prevents pollen and other allergen exposure. Air filters help capture and remove particles from the air, reducing the number of irritants that may trigger allergic reactions.

Air filtration systems work by trapping pollutants in the air on a filter medium, which you remove when changing the filter.

This helps clean indoor air by removing dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens you could have inhaled.

Many different types of air filtration systems are available for purchase at hardware stores or online merchants.

Some models even include built-in sensors that detect changes in indoor air quality and notify you when the filter material needs to be replaced.

You should note that installing the correct system isn’t enough—you must also perform routine maintenance as the manufacturer directs to keep your air filtration system running smoothly. This entails changing filters, cleaning the unit, and verifying that the system operates well.

Take the proper medication.

Over-the-counter medicines and allergy shots can be helpful techniques for lowering symptoms during the summer. While these procedures aren’t usually essential for minor cases of seasonal allergies, they can help those with more severe symptoms or who don’t respond well to conventional treatments.

Over-the-counter medications are typically used to reduce symptoms such as sneezing, itching eyes, and a runny nose.

The most often used OTC allergy drugs are antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.

Following the directions on the medication package is essential for the best results. If symptoms persist or worsen after taking an over-the-counter medication, you should consult your doctor.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are injections of a small amount of allergen that are repeated until the body develops a tolerance.

Where other procedures have failed to relieve severe allergies, allergy shots may be advised. When going for them, you should note that they can take many months to become effective and should only be administered under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Keeping a strong immune system is vital for fighting allergic pollen. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves:

Getting enough sleep.
Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet.
Drinking plenty of water.
Engaging in regular physical activity.

Enough rest allows the body to repair itself and prepare for new challenges. As a rule of thumb, you should ensure enough sleep.

Individual sleep requirements vary, but most adults require 7-9 hours of sleep every night for maximum health and well-being. If you have problems sleeping regularly or are excessively sleepy during the day, consult a healthcare expert to treat any underlying issues.

Your body’s ability to fight seasonal allergies may increase with a balanced, nutritious diet rich in freshly prepared fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants and other minerals, such as vitamins C, E, B6, and B12, as well as selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, can help improve your immune system.

Drinking sufficient water is necessary for maintaining proper hydration, which in turn assists in removing waste products from the body and transporting essential nutrients to the cells.

Consistent physical activity is a strong way to boost one’s immunity. This is achieved by increasing circulation and oxygen levels throughout the body.

Aim for at least thirty minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Walking, running, or cycling are wonderful ways to enhance overall health and lessen allergic reaction symptoms.

Wear the proper clothing.

In the summer, wearing the correct clothing might help decrease your exposure to pollen and other allergies. While it may be impossible to eliminate allergens, wearing natural fibers clothing can help mitigate their effects.

Opt for clothing made of natural materials such as cotton or linen rather than synthetic textiles such as polyester or rayon. Natural fibers allow more air to flow and do not collect dust and pollen as easily as synthetic materials.

Furthermore, it is critical to use breathable materials so that sweat does not pool on your skin, reducing irritation from contact with allergens. If feasible, use lighter hues that will not attract as much sunlight and heat, which might aggravate allergy reactions.

When selecting new garments, it is crucial to consider the fabric finishes used. This is because some finishes, such as waxes, oils, dyes, or waterproofing agents, may include chemicals that irritate sensitive skin or induce an allergic reaction.

Parting shot

Keeping allergy symptoms under control during the hot summer can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Reduce your exposure to allergens, install air filters, invest in high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters, wear protective clothing, and live a healthy lifestyle to lessen the severity of your symptoms and make it easier to spend time outside.

With these helpful ideas for managing summer allergies under your belt, you should be able to enjoy everything this season has to offer without having to worry about unpleasant allergy symptoms.

If you experience severe symptoms, visit an allergy doctor immediately.

Understanding Fall Allergies

Allergies do not appear solely in the spring. The persistent sniffles, plugged nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing occur in the fall as well — and, according to allergy clinic experts, they’re becoming more widespread and intense.

How much do you know about fall allergies? Here’s what you need to know about the seasonal allergy surge and how to deal with it.

What causes fall allergies

Ragweed, a tall, willowy plant in urban and rural regions, is the most common cause of fall allergies.

This plant can produce one billion grains of pollen, which can irritate and inflame your sinuses. Ragweed blooms in August and normally peaks mid-September but might persist into November.

You will find ragweed in practically every state, although it grows in huge numbers on the East Coast and Midwest. Those who suffer from fall allergies might also blame mold for falling and decaying leaves, which can cause the same symptoms.

Many people don’t realize that allergy seasons have nearly doubled in length and intensity due to climate change. The increased CO2 emissions cause plants to produce more pollen, worsening allergies.

Furthermore, when temperatures remain higher for longer periods, and the first frost occurs later, plants such as ragweed have more opportunities to grow and emit allergens.

The urban heat island effect causes cities to have greater temperatures than suburban or rural locations. Densely packed buildings absorb and retain the sun’s heat, making it up to seven degrees hotter in urban areas during the day.

As a result, allergies tend to be more severe if you live in a city where higher temperatures allow ragweed to bloom for longer periods.

The difference between allergies, colds, and covid

Symptoms vary from person to person, but many people have the same allergy symptoms in the fall as in the spring. That means runny noses, sneezing, stuffiness, postnasal drip, and weariness all sound like cold symptoms and the prevalent version of Covid.

The only way to be sure you don’t have Covid is to take a test – but there are a few signs that can point you in the right direction. Viral illnesses emerge rapidly and then run their course, but allergies linger for four, six, or eight weeks at a time.

And, unlike colds, Covid, and the flu, allergies rarely induce fevers, body pains, or gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea.

Itchiness can indicate allergies, so watch for itchy, tingling ears, eyes, throats, and noses. Allergens in the fall can also create rashes similar to eczema.

Monitoring your allergy symptoms is critical, especially since allergens can provoke asthma attacks. Coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness are all indicators of asthma, especially if you wake up in the middle of the night with these symptoms.

If you feel winded, weary, or dizzy after light physical activity, such as housework, or if you cannot complete your typical exercise regimen, these could be symptoms of the condition.

How do you handle fall allergies?

Some simple habits help reduce the pollen you bring into your home. Close your windows as much as possible, especially on sunny, windy days with high pollen levels, and remove your shoes at the door.

When you go home, you should shower and change your clothes. HEPA air filters can aid in the cleaning of indoor air and the removal of mold and dander.

You should vacuum your home more frequently, especially if you have pets. You should vacuum it daily.

You should also clean your bedding regularly and keep your dogs out of your bedroom so they don’t track pollen onto your pillow.

Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face from pollen outside. (Masks may also help to alleviate symptoms.)

Medications are also an important instrument to use in your defense. Fluticasone and triamcinolone are over-the-counter intranasal steroids that can help relieve sniffling and congestion; eye drops can wash away irritants and cure symptoms like itchy, red, and watery eyes.

These focused therapies are more effective than oral antihistamines, however, oral antihistamine tablets can also relieve symptoms, including itching, sneezing, and runny nose. You should note that some antihistamines, such as Benadryl, may cause drowsiness when using the medications.

You also should avoid decongestants such as Afrin or Sudafed as they might have a “rebound effect” – after taking them for an extended length of time, blood vessels in your nose do not respond as well, resulting in even more congestion.

If you don’t want to take medicine, nasal irrigators like Neti pots can clear pollen from your sinuses but won’t treat the allergy.

You should consult an allergy doctor if your problems interfere with your daily life.

You should see a board-certified allergist who can perform allergy testing and evaluation, such as a skin-prick exam or blood test, to determine which types of pollen cause your allergies.

Immunotherapy in the form of allergy injections containing quantities of the allergens to which you are allergic may be recommended by your doctor for longer-term relief.

Sublingual immunotherapy, a tablet or wafer that melts under your tongue and battles ragweed, dust mites, and northern pasture grasses like Timothy, is another option for those who do not want to receive shots.

You can use the wafer before allergy season by taking it once daily.

Both types of immunotherapy increase a patient’s tolerance to the allergy, reducing symptoms and ensuring that they are healthy throughout the season.

There you have it.

This is what you need to know about fall allergies. As you can see, there is nothing magical about it. Like the other types of seasonal allergies, you can prevent them from coming about.

If you have done everything in your control and still can’t prevent them from coming about, consider seeing an experienced allergy specialist Manassas VA for expert advice.

Tips to Beat Indoor Allergies

Those suffering from allergies frequently seek refuge inside their houses. Unfortunately, the place isn’t safe as sometimes they bring the allergens inside, sometimes even making the allergies worse, and you have to visit an allergy clinic.

Thankfully, you can eliminate indoor allergies and breathe easier in your house with thoughtful tweaks and methods.

We’ve compiled a list of strategies and items that you can use to make your life at home more joyful and allergen-free. Here they are:

Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollen out.

Closing and sealing doors and windows is the first major step in preventing outdoor allergens from entering your home.

You should keep all windows and exterior doors closed, especially during peak pollen times, such as early mornings and late afternoons.

You also should consider installing pollen-blocking window filters or screens in your windows. These can help keep pollen particles out of your home while allowing enough air circulation.

It’s also wise to consider sealing gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping or door sweeps. This will help in the formation of a barrier against pollen infiltration.

Besides keeping your doors and windows closed all the time, you should limit your time outside, especially on windy days or when pollen concentrations are high. This decreases the pollen that may adhere to your clothing and carry inside.

As you come outside, remove any outer clothing and shoes that have come into contact with pollen. This will assist in keeping pollen from spreading throughout your home.

Invest in an air purifier.

Using an air purifier reduces allergy and asthma symptoms. It’s a little but powerful device that can help eliminate indoor allergies caused by everything from cooking smoke to outdoor contaminants that enter through windows.

Look for an air purifier with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. HEPA filters are designed to catch airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns in size, including pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores.

To keep the model running properly, double-check the square footage it can handle and clean or change the filter as advised.

You should install the air purifier in the room where you spend most of your time, such as your bedroom or living room. Place it in an area providing maximum air circulation and distribution.

It is wise to operate the air purifier continuously or at least when you are present in the room to maintain clean air. This guarantees that the air is constantly filtered and allergens are removed.

You should replace your filters regularly to keep the air inside. When doing the filter change, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on usage and local air quality, you should update the filters every 6 to 12 months.

While an air purifier can help remove allergens from the air, keeping your living space clean is crucial. Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, and wash bedding regularly to reduce allergy collection.

Keep pets out of the bedroom.

We all adore our four-legged family members, but pet fur and dander can aggravate allergy symptoms. Make sure to groom your pet regularly, and keep the door to your bedroom closed. This reduces the number of allergens you’ll be exposed to, especially while sleeping.

If your pet is accustomed to sleeping in your bedroom, provide them a nice alternate sleeping spot somewhere in the house. Provide a nice bed or crate in another room to ensure their comfort.

Positive reinforcement and deterrents can also be effective in training pets to avoid certain regions. To dissuade your pet from entering the bedroom, use pet gates, fragrant deterrent sprays, or noise-making devices near the door.

Brushing and bathing your pet regularly can help minimize the stray hair and dander they shed. This reduces the allergy burden in your entire house.

Keep your house clean.

By keeping the house clean, you get rid of most of the allergens. Vacuum your carpets at least once or twice a week; you should do it more frequently if you have pets.

Carpets can trap allergies and create irritation, so vacuuming regularly keeps allergens at bay.

As a rule of thumb, you should wear a face mask when vacuuming to avoid inhaling all the dust that will float around.

For the best outcome, use a high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA filters catch microscopic particles, including allergens, and prevent them from recirculating in the air.

You also should make it a habit to dust the surfaces regularly with a moist cloth or an electrostatic duster. This aids in trapping and removing allergen-containing dust particles such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.

When it comes to the floors, clean them with a moist mop or microfiber cloth, which helps to trap and remove allergens effectively. Avoid dry methods, such as sweeping, as they stir up allergens in the air.

When it comes to bedding, to get rid of dust mites and related allergies, wash the sheets, pillowcases, and blankets regularly in hot water. To further protect against dust mites, consider utilizing allergen-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and duvets.

You should also regularly clean your drapes and blinds to remove dust and allergens. When purchasing, choose washable drapes that you can easily clean regularly.

Use a Neti pot

One final and highly effective way to alleviate your indoor allergies is to use a Neti Pot to keep your sinuses free. This ancient and doctor-recommended medicinal practice is a simple and effective approach to keeping your nasal passageways clean of trapped allergens and a powerful strategy to decrease disease.

Clean out your nasal sinus passages with specific saline packets and distilled water for the best outcome. It may initially feel strange, but it improves your thinking and breathing.

If this is your first time trying, consult your allergy doctor Manassas VA on how to use it properly.