Tag Archives: Allergist Germantown

Systems On: Essential Tips on Boosting Your Immune System

Being generally healthy is important so we can be able to do things we have to do every day. That is why we are often advised to take vitamins and health supplements as well as having regular physical activities. At the same time, we should adopt a healthy diet and avoid junk foods as much as possible. By doing all these, we can have a better immune system that will lessen our risk of having common illnesses and other sorts of diseases.

However, our immune system may have some slight flaws. For one, the immune system usually causes allergic triggers that need to be consulted to an allergy doctor immediately. While our immune system is meant to protect us from getting sick, an overreaction from certain triggers such as pollen or dust can make some people head straight to an allergy clinic.

What does the immune system really do?

For starters, the immune system’s main purpose is to protect our bodies from illness-causing bacteria and viruses. It basically serves as our armor of protection against the “bad guys”—that is, common illnesses such as cough and colds, and even serious medical conditions such as cancer.

Apparently, the lymphoid organs play a vital role in the overall functioning of our immune system. Included in the lymphoid organs are the bone marrow, lymph nodes, appendix, spleen, and tonsils among a few. These organs work collaboratively to protect our entire body from infections that can wreak havoc to our health.

But as mentioned, the immune systems somehow has its flaws depending on how people perceive it. While such so-called flaws are one way to protect us from certain substances and microorganisms, it can cause reactions that can potentially be fatal to the person.

Some known signs of an allergic reaction due to the immune system’s reaction to certain allergens include sneezing, runny nose, itching, and in worst cases, anaphylactic shock and even death. That is why it is important for you to identify the cause of your allergies if you have one. For any signs of allergic reactions, you should consult an allergy physician immediately for proper treatment.

What causes weak immune systems?

As mentioned, the immune system is composed of several organs that work together to provide protection to our bodies against disease-causing bacteria and viruses. However, certain factors can affect your immune system.

As a result, a weakened immune system cannot play its crucial role of protecting you against illnesses and infections. Some of the reasons that can affect your immune system are the following.

  • Lack of sleep
  • Poor diet and nutrition
  • Smoking
  • Taking certain medications
  • HIV
  • Exercising too much

A weakened immune system can also affect people suffering from allergies and asthma. As mentioned, certain triggers can cause the immune system to overreact and result to adverse effects on the body. When symptoms appear, make sure to visit an allergist specialist immediately. Allergy testing may be necessary to determine triggers and come up with treatments to help manage it.

Symptoms of a weakened immune system

You might experience one or more of the following if you have a weak immune system.

  • Frequent occurrence of allergies
  • Digestive problems
  • Wounds take a long time to heal
  • Lethargy or tiredness
  • Frequent illness
  • Joint pains

How to strengthen your immune system

It is important to keep ourselves healthy to prevent the effects of a weak immune system. This is especially crucial for those who suffer from allergies. For one thing, going on frequent trips to an asthma doctor can be physically and financially exhausting and you should break that cycle right now. Here are some essential tips to strengthen your immune system.

  • Practice good hygiene. Never take handwashing for granted because that’s where everything starts in terms of germ contacts and all.
  • Make sure to disinfect items that your household members often touch such as the remote control and doorknobs.
  • Relax and don’t let stress eat you up. Get some stress-busting activities such as yoga, massages, and doing hobbies like reading or crocheting.
  • Have enough sleep. Experts recommend that adults should have at least 7 hours of sleep per day.
  • Eat a healthy diet and have a regular exercise (but do not overdo it).
  • Take health supplements for iron, zinc, vitamins A, D, E, and folic acid.
  • If you have allergic symptoms, visit an allergy clinic in Germantown MD immediately for proper treatment.

Can You Become Allergic Overnight?

Allergies can be quite a hassle because it can affect your overall quality of life. Eating foods you love or taking care of a pet can become your ultimate curse – and even compromise your health and endanger your life. These may sound exaggerating but actually happens in real life. That is why it is important to consult an allergy specialist doctor if you suspect to have allergies to anything.

Allergies usually manifest themselves during childhood. In fact, a lot of kids are allergic to at least one type of allergen. On the other hand, adults are not immune to allergies which should be consulted to an allergy clinic nearby. However, you might ask: can you have allergies later on in life or develop overnight?

How common allergies are

Allergies are a common illness which affects millions of people worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control revealed that allergies are one of the leading causes of major illnesses in the US alone. Treating it by an allergist doctor can turn out to be expensive too – almost $20 billion annually, to be exact.

Allergies are commonly caused by several triggers: food, air, pet dander, medications, or chemicals in everyday household items among a few. Among usual allergic reactions include sneezing, watery eyes, and skin itching to name a few. In worse cases, the allergic individual may experience difficulty in breathing which should be treated immediately to prevent further complications.

To prevent the onset of allergies, one should consult an allergist so proper medications will be given to you. Sometimes, a simple cough may not be as simple as it seems but rather an effect of allergy. That is why you should address and monitor symptoms you think is due to an allergic reaction.

Can adults have allergies later on in life?

Experts say allergies can suddenly creep up to you without warning. You may not have it when you were a child, but you may have it later on. One day you don’t feel any symptoms, and then feel your eyes watering or itching the next day. Allergies can be a mysterious case, nonetheless.

On the other hand, children can outgrow their allergies later on in life but may reappear as they grow old. This can be one of the scary things about allergies. You think you’re fine and lived with it all your life until the symptoms suddenly appear out of nowhere.

One theory about the onset of allergies in adulthood is apparently due to increased levels of pollutants (such as pet dander and dust mites) and unhealthy lifestyles. Another reason is said to be because of “too much cleanliness”.

Apparently, we focus on being too clean that our immune system has basically “nothing to do” – no bacteria to counter, to say the least. As a result, experts believe our immune system may tend to “overreact” to potential allergens which cause allergic reactions.

However, the exact reason behind this delayed onset of allergy may be unknown. But the good news is that adult allergies can still be manageable, as long as you identify the causes as early as possible. To help manage your allergies, it is best to consult an allergist specialist immediately.

How old adults are when they experience allergic symptoms?

According to allergist doctor Kevin McGrath, MD, a lot of people experience allergies in their childhood. However, adults aged 30 and above start to experience allergy symptoms. This can imply that allergies can affect all age groups. Nevertheless, allergies can affect anyone’s quality of life regardless of age.

Medical experts believe that adults may most likely experience adulthood allergies if they have experienced one during childhood. Some of them may remember having such an episode in their life, while some may be a distant memory. However, there are still those who experience allergic symptoms the first time ever in their whole lives during their adult years.

Once you notice unusual symptoms that are out of ordinary – at least in your everyday life – you should consult an allergy expert immediately. He or she should be able to provide medications that can help manage your allergies. If you ignore these symptoms, it can potentially endanger your life.

Let experts help you manage your allergies

Allergies can affect your everyday life. As mentioned, you may not have it at first. However, it can suddenly appear out of nowhere. In such cases, you should consult an allergy physician in Germantown MD. He or she should help you in managing your allergies and live a normal life as possible.

Common Food Allergens and The Best Alternatives

food allergies

All of us deserve to enjoy all types of foods, whether you are fond of meat or a strict vegetarian. Food brings people together – meals are better eaten with the company of friends and loved ones. It also tells the story of each country – in fact, there are some foods and delicacies unique to that particular country.

While food is meant to be enjoyed, some are not able to do so. This is due to their sensitivity to a particular food by which others do not have adverse effects at all. In this case, it is important to consult an allergist specialist near your area so you can be prescribed the right medication.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy occurs when there is an adverse reaction when a certain food is consumed.  Usually, allergic reactions can be mild and ones that go away after taking medications.

In the worst cases, food allergies may cause a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. If you have a suspected food allergy, you should have allergy testing so proper medications will be provided.

Symptoms and Causes

Among common symptoms of food allergy include the following:

  • Skin rashes/eczema/hives
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain/cramps
  • Swelling mouth/tongue/face
  • Watery/swelling eyes
  • Tightening of the throat/difficulty in breathing
  • Blood pressure drop

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help from a reliable and experienced allergy physician immediately. Upon visiting an allergist doctor, prepared to be asked about your history and diet as well as undergoing blood and skin tests to determine your condition. Better yet, you should avoid food allergens that you suspect causing those adverse reactions.

Common food allergies

Among common culprits of food allergies include the following:

  1. Cow’s milk

Children are more affected by milk allergies than adults. This is usually caused by a bodily reaction to some milk proteins. Other milk-based and dairy products may also trigger allergies.

  1. Eggs

Eggs are usually incorporated and added in a lot of recipes, which means avoiding it can be quite challenging. For example, this poultry is added to most bread and pastries as well as other savory dishes. Even egg shells are used in different purposes and can be mixed in other foods and beverages.

  1. Peanuts/Tree nuts

Peanuts, which are technically under the legumes family, may be the culprit for your allergies but not tree nuts such as almonds and walnuts, or vice versa. Nonetheless, it is important to be careful when eating nuts as it can trigger severe reactions, especially among children.

  1. Wheat

Wheat is commonly found in many foods such as beer, soy sauce, and ketchup. Even cosmetics and bath and skin care products contain wheat. That is why you should check the label carefully before buying it.

  1. Seafood

These include certain kinds of fish and shellfish. Seafood allergies may either develop earlier in childhood or later on adulthood.

Best Food Alternatives

The good news is there are alternatives if you are allergic to the abovementioned types of foods. Here are some of the common food allergens and the best food alternatives as will most likely recommend by your allergy specialist:

  1. Cow’s milk

There are a lot of cow’s milk alternatives if you are allergic to this. Among your possible choices (which can be a healthier choice, too) include coconut, soy, almond, oat, hazelnut, hemp, and macadamia milk among a few. However, make sure you are not also allergic to some of the alternatives mentioned here such as oat or soy.

  1. Eggs

If eaten as is, you can easily avoid it. But when eggs are used as an ingredient, it can be challenging to avoid it. One of the safest options you can do is to make your own recipe not involving eggs. For binding and leavening, you can use a mix of water, oil, and baking powder, or used fruit purees such as apple sauce or mashed bananas.

  1. Peanuts/Tree nuts

If you are allergic to nuts, you are also most likely allergic to peanut butter. One great alternative is using almond butter and sunflower seed butter. The former contains a high amount of fiber and low in saturated fat. The latter, on the other hand, is packed with protein and healthy fat.

If you want to eat nuts but are allergic to it, you can try munching on pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseed seed. These nut alternatives can help improve your heart and brain health.

  1. Wheat

If you are allergic to wheat or gluten, you can use coconut, almond, oat, or rice flour when baking. These are easily absorbed by the body, improve metabolism, and regulate blood sugar level. Instead of wheat bread or pasta, you can use quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, potato, or brown rice.

  1. Seafood

Seafood including fish and shellfish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. If protein is what you need on your diet, you can find it in chicken, beef, pork, tofu, lentils, and black beans.

For any signs of food allergy, find a reliable allergy clinic near you. Seek medical help from the best allergist in Manassas, VA today.

Different Allergy Types and Symptoms

Allergy

Millions of people all over the world are afflicted with a certain type of allergy. Such allergic reactions can affect a person’s daily tasks and even the overall quality of life. Allergies may cause potentially life-threatening effects. If you or a loved one is suffering from a specific type of allergy, it is highly recommended to seek help from a reliable allergy specialist near you.

What is an allergy?

There are actually different types of allergies. Some occur depending on the season. On the other hand, some are chronic, which means they suffer from it for the longest time and perhaps even for the rest of their lives.

An allergy usually happens as a result of the body’s reaction to a specific substance which is deemed harmful or toxic. Upon presence of the allergen — or any substance that causes the allergy — the immune system releases histamine which causes the allergic reactions.

Our immune system produces antibodies, in which the latter is able to detect a specific allergy-causing substance. Most people won’t experience adverse effects coming into contact with these allergens. But for some reason, some people are overly-sensitive with a specific allergen which causes their allergies.

Allergic reactions may also vary depending on the type of allergy. Some may experience a sudden runny nose or non-stop sneezing even though they don’t have colds. Others may experience itchy skin or digestive problems. In worst cases, allergy sufferers may experience difficulty in breathing or even death if left untreated.

For any signs and symptoms of allergies, it is important to have them checked by an allergy physician. He or she will help you manage or even prevent the onset of allergies. Once the source of allergy is determined, the allergist will prescribe medications and other tips to avoid having allergy attacks.

Common causes of allergies

Allergic reactions may be due to different things – such as pet dander, a specific food, insect bite, medications, or pollen, among a few. Allergy testing is usually done to determine the cause of such allergic reactions. As mentioned, allergies are caused by different factors. Among common causes of allergies include the following:

  • Foods such as nuts, seafood, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat
  • Airborne substances such as dust mites, mold and mildew, pollen, and animal dander
  • Medications such as antibiotics, penicillin, or others
  • Insect stings from wasps or bees
  • Latex or other chemicals included in soaps or detergents that can lead to skin allergies

You may also be more prone to allergies if you have a family history of allergies (whether from food, airborne, or other allergens) or asthma. Children are also more likely to suffer from allergies than adults. For any signs of allergies, it is best to consult an allergy specialist doctor or find an allergy clinic near you.

Types and symptoms of allergies

There are different types and causes of allergies. Among common types of allergies are the following:

  1.  Food Allergies

Food allergies may manifest itself regardless of age but are more common in young children. Some allergies can even occur even if you are already eating that certain food for a long time without any adverse reactions.

Among common food allergens include eggs, peanuts, seafood (including shellfish and fish), soy, milk, and wheat. On the other hand, people with food allergies may experience hives, vomiting, tingling sensation or swelling of the lips, face, or throat, difficulty in breathing, or anaphylaxis in worst cases.

  1. Skin Allergies

Skin allergies may be triggered by different things including plants such as poison ivy, medications or food. These triggers may cause skin irritation including itchiness, redness, and the appearance of rashes.

Skin conditions such as hives and eczema are usually triggered by allergies. It is recommended to find an allergist doctor to determine the cause of your skin allergy.

  1. Pet Allergies

This type of allergy is common if you have house pets with furs such as dogs and cats. Pet fur in itself is not allergy-causing, but the dander (animal dead skin cells), saliva, and urine that are collected in it are usually the culprit.

Among common symptoms of pet allergies include runny nose or nasal congestion (allergic rhinitis), watery or itchy eyes, or skin rashes.

  1. Drug Allergies

Drug allergies may occur regardless of whether the medication is in injectable or oral form. It is usually triggered by certain medications such as penicillin and other antibiotics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or chemotherapy drugs among a few.

People with drug allergies may experience symptoms such as skin rashes and itching, breathing problems or anaphylaxis in worst cases.

  1. Insect Sting Allergies

Insects such as ants, bees, and wasps usually cause sting allergies. People with insect sting allergies may experience symptoms such as swelling, itching, and redness on the affected area. In worst cases, the person may experience difficulty in breathing or anaphylaxis and should be treated immediately.

Prevention and Treatment

If left untreated, allergies may lead to health complications such as severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), asthma, ear or lung infections, or sinusitis. Other preventive measures you can take to help manage allergies include the following:

  • Monitor possible allergic triggers. For example, if you notice your skin starts to itch when you eat eggs, take note of it in a diary.
  • Stay away from possible allergens. If you know you have pet allergies, best not to keep a pet at home to prevent allergic reactions.
  • Consult the best allergist in Germantown MD or elsewhere near you. He or she will help you manage your allergies and provide medications when necessary.

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.

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.

 

Everything You Need to Know About Drug Allergy

Different people react differently to medicine, one person will have a severe reaction, while the other person does not react to the same medicine. Most medications have side effects, but only a small percentage of the reaction is a drug allergy. Differentiating between side effects and allergies is essential. Drug allergy can be mild or life-threatening cases, and it’s, therefore, crucial to follow the prescription as advised by the doctor.

Signs of Drug Allergies

If you experience any of the below allergies, ensure you visit your allergist for a check-up

  • Hives or skin rashes
  • Wheezing and breathing problems
  • Itching and swelling
  • Anaphylaxis which may result in shock if severe. In case you experience severe allergic reactions to more than one body, immediately consult an allergy physician.

Drugs that cause most allergic reactions

  • Antibiotics that contain sulfamides
  • Anti-inflammatory medications such ibuprofen, and medications such as aspirins
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Anticonvulsants

How to Diagnose drug allergy

Before the doctor takes the allergy test, he will seek to know the following

  • How long you have had the allergy reaction
  • Description of the symptoms and when they began
  • All the medication that has been taken

To precisely differentiate between side effects and drug allergies, the following test can be done

  • Skin Test

The test will mostly show penicillin allergy

  • Blood test

The allergy doctor may order for a blood test to rule out any other cause of the reaction other than the drugs. Although this test is rarely used to test allergies because their accuracy is unknown

  • Drug Challenge

The process involves ruling out which drug is causing the reaction out of the all the drug one is taking. The doctor will inject a small amount of the medications you are taking to help rule out any other

Drug Allergy Treatment

Treatment for drug allergy will include the following

  • Treatment for the drug allergy one is currently facing
  • Medications to enable you to take the drug causing an allergy if it’s vital for your well-being, and there is no better supplement

Treatment of symptoms one is currently facing will involve

  • Withdrawal of the drug causing allergy

The allergy physician will prescribe a different drug and withdraw the one causing the allergy

  •  Medication

Antihistamines

The  allergy doctor will prescribe an antihistamine to treat the allergy symptoms

Ora or injection of corticosteroids will treat more severe inflammations

Treatment for drugs that one must take

The allergy doctor will carry out a procedure known as drug decentralization. The doctor will give you the medications in small doses until there is no more allergic reaction. If the drug causes life-threatening reactions, then the doctor will have to discontinue the medications.

Once the drug allergy reaction starts, ensure you visit an allergy clinic in va immediately for a check-up. Ensure you give a detailed description to your doctor of all the symptoms.

 

Effective ways to deal with ocular allergies

Ocular allergies tend to develop when the immune system of the body becomes sensitive and overreacts to certain elements in the environment, which might or might not be harmful to the body. As soon as the allergens come into contact with the antibodies of your eyes, the cells release histamine immediately along with other substances that make the tiny blood vessels inside the eyes leak. As a result, the eyes become red, watery and itchy. In most of the cases, the symptoms of ocular allergies are strikingly similar to many eye diseases, which make it difficult to diagnose the problem unless you opt for the specific allergy testing methods.

 Common symptoms of ocular allergies:

The most common types of eye allergies are seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, perennial allergic conjunctivitis, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis or contact allergic conjunctivitis. The symptoms of these eye allergies are often accompanied by sneezing, coughing or a runny nose which are common symptoms of nasal allergies.

The common symptoms include:

  • Burning eyes
  • Redness
  • Fluid discharge
  • Itching

What triggers eye allergies?

The common allergens which cause ocular allergies are pollens, weeds, mold, pet dander, dust mites and irritants such as perfume, smog, cigarette smoke or vehicle exhausts. People suffering from eye allergies for a prolonged period may also develop severe dark circles under their eyes. Sometimes, the eyelids become puffy and the eyes are unable to tolerate bright lights. At times the itchiness becomes so severe, that the patients are unable to stop themselves from scratching or rubbing their eyes and ultimately end up worsening up the infections.

How to deal with ocular allergies?

In order to keep ocular allergies at bay, you should avoid the allergens which trigger the problem.

  • Try to stay indoors, during the high pollen period of the day. Use HEPA efficiency air purifier and air conditioning system, in your bedroom and car.
  • Using mite-proof bedding to combat the dust mites.
  • Use a dehumidifier in your home, to restrict mold growth.
  • Wash your hands and change your clothes whenever you return home from outside or play with your pets.
  • Try to cover your eyes with high-quality sunglasses, to shield them.
Effective medications to deal with emergency situations:

Whenever there is an emergency situation, but you are unable to visit the allergy clinic to get hold of the allergy shots or immunotherapy, or the eye drops you may try out these simple yet effective medicines, which are readily sold in the medical stores without any prescription.

  1. Decongestant eye drops
  2. Artificial tears
  3. The antihistamines

However, it is always better to consult an eye allergy specialist doctor because, the decongestant eye drops may not work after repeated usage or the antihistamines might dry up your eyes excessively, leading to other problems.

Asthma Treatments And Other Ways Of Managing Asthma

asthma treatments

If you have asthma you need to know how to manage it for you to live a productive life and also avoid complications. To help you out, here are tips on how to manage the condition:

Take the medications regularly

Most asthmatics make the mistake of stopping taking their asthma treatments as soon as the symptoms go away, but this shouldn’t be you. Remember that when you stop taking a given medication, you expose yourself to the condition. To be on the safe side, you need to know the controller and rescue medications.

To protect yourself, take the controller medications daily. You should take the rescue medications when the symptoms come up.

Watch the weather

You need to know how your body responds to the various weather conditions. In most people, the situation is triggered when they spend time in cold, dry air. To protect yourself, wear a scarf over your mouth and nose when you are going out in the cold.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies and are affected by high pollen and mold count, avoid going out in the middle of the day or when there is a lot of wind.

Watch the air getting in the house

The most common asthma triggers that get in the house with the air are: smoke, pollen, and polluted air. To protect yourself, watch the quality of air that you allow into the house. One of the things you should do is to install an air conditioner. You also should make a habit of keeping your house windows closed all the time, especially when there are many triggers in the air.

If insects trigger your condition, consider installing a window screen that will prevent the bugs from getting into the house.

Disinfect your home

According to allergy experts, there is a direct link between hygiene and allergy-triggering agents. If you have pests in the house, it’s only a matter of time before you develop the condition. If there are cockroaches in the house, install cockroach traps. You also should consider hiring a pest control company to help you out.

To ensure that no pests get access to your home, seal any leaks and cracks that might be in your home. Also, avoid leaving drinks, dirty plates, and food on the table.

Conclusion

These are tips on how to effectively manage asthma. Whenever you notice the symptoms, visit an allergist who will undertake a number of tests and recommend the best medications to go for.

Asthma Treatments And Other Asthma Management Methods

asthma treatment

If you have been struggling with asthma, you should know that you have the condition because your airways are more sensitive to the triggers which can be anything from dust to exercises. While there are no known asthma treatments, there are a number of things you can do to manage the condition.

How to manage asthma

The first thing you need to do to manage the disease is to know the symptoms associated with it. When you are suffering from the condition, you tend to suffer from breathlessness, wheezing, continuing cough, and a tight feeling in the chest. To manage the condition, you need to know when the condition comes about. This will help you know the triggering factors.

If you aren’t sure of the factors that cause it, visit an asthma expert to help you. Once you have known the triggers, you should avoid them as much as possible. For example, if the symptoms are heightened when the plants are pollinating, you need to avoid the pollens as much as you can. On the other hand, if you are sensitive to pet dander, you may have to get rid of the pets.

Asthma doctors have been able to show that exercise, breathing classes, and meditation classes are highly valuable in managing the condition. According to the doctors, the exercises come in handy in keeping the lungs in top shape thus reducing the highly sensitive nature.

Another way of managing the condition is making lifestyle changes in your life. You need to avoid exposing yourself to a lot of stress, deep emotional feelings, and lack of sleep. Whenever you are in stressful situations such as due to family or work, find ways of distressing.

If you have tried preventing the condition from coming about without success, you should try treating it. All you need to do is visit your allergy doctors, and the professionals will recommend the best medication. There are plenty of drugs that the doctor can give you.

The most common are reliever medications. These are short-acting bronchodilators that bring fast relief during an acute attack. The medications relax the airway muscles causing them to open; as a result the symptoms go away. You can take the medications as syrup, aerosol spray, or tablet.

Conclusion

The asthma doctors can also give you preventer medications. These are anti-inflammatory medications that prevent acute attacks. An allergist will give you the medication on its own or in combination with other long-acting bronchodilators.