Tag Archives: allergy and asthma center

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: What’s The Difference?

Food and drinks are meant to be enjoyed and to be sources of nourishment and better health. Unfortunately, some people are not able to enjoy certain foods due to health reasons. For example, some people may be advised by their doctors to avoid fatty or salty foods. Others have to avoid dairy products or peanuts due to potential allergic reactions.

Speaking of allergic reactions, you should visit an allergy doctor if you experience symptoms after eating a certain food item. Some of these symptoms may only be mild, while others can be potentially life-threatening. If you suffer from common allergy symptoms, you should go to an allergy clinic immediately for proper treatment.

Often interchanged

There are many types of allergies, one of the most common is food allergies. Food allergies cause adverse reactions when a person consumes a food item that turns out to be the cause of the said allergic reaction. However, there are also instances wherein people mistake food intolerance as allergies.

Food allergies and food intolerance are often mistakenly interchanged but are actually two different things. So, how would you know if what you have is a food allergy or food intolerance? First of all, you should consult a trusted allergist doctor to confirm it. Other than that, you should understand the difference between the two.

All about food allergy

Like any other allergies, a food allergy causes an adverse reaction on the immune system and cause those familiar symptoms including:

  • Itchy skin/hives/skin rashes
  • Runny nose, sneezing, wheezing
  • Stomach pain, diarrhea
  • Vomiting, nausea
  • Swelling around the mouth, throat, or tongue
  • Difficulty in breathing

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease reports that more than 30 million Americans suffer from some kind of allergies – both adults and children. Some children eventually outgrow their allergies, while others bring it along with them into adulthood.

Several food items often cause food allergies such as peanuts, eggs, dairy, soy, tree nuts, wheat, and fish. Food allergies can be life-threatening and can hit different parts of the body including the skin, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. If you have allergies, make sure to visit an allergist for immediate treatment.

All about food intolerance

As mentioned, food allergies are often confused with food intolerance, which is two different things. Although, food intolerance can also cause discomfort and other symptoms similar to food allergies. However, there might be little to none reaction if you eat in small amounts. You can also opt for lactose-free milk or have Lactaid in hand just in case.

You can also consult an allergy physician if you are not sure if it’s an allergy or a food tolerance. Food intolerance occurs because of the following:

  • Being sensitive to certain food ingredients
  • Lack of an enzyme that is crucial to digest food properly
  • Stress/anxiety or any psychological issues that affect your eating
  • Celiac disease

Lactose intolerance is the most common and well-known type of food intolerance. The ingredient lactose is a type of sugar commonly found in dairy products. Some cannot tolerate food additives. The digestive system is the one affected by food intolerance and causes discomfort in your tummy area.

How to differentiate food allergies and intolerance

Both food allergies and intolerance can cause discomfort to those who have it. If you are not sure which of the two you have, you can visit a trusted allergist specialist to confirm your condition. Nevertheless, you should understand the difference between the two.

If you have a food intolerance, your digestive system is the one affected. Whereas, the immune system is often the one affected when someone is experiencing a food allergy. Food intolerance usually is tolerable with mild to moderate discomfort. However, food allergies can be potentially life-threatening if left untreated.

You usually feel the effects of a food intolerance a few hours after you have eaten the offending food. On the other hand, a food allergy symptom usually manifests itself within an hour. If that happens, be prepared to call the nearest emergency room or an allergy clinic in Manassas in case the symptoms worsen.

We need to eat to nourish our bodies and ensure a healthier body and mind. However, we still have to be careful with what we eat and make sure we only eat what’s best for our body and overall health.

How Vitamin D Can Help in Alleviating Asthma

 

It is said that the majority of Americans have a Vitamin D deficiency. Several studies also revealed possible links to Vitamin D deficiency and various health issues, including asthma. Millions of people worldwide are afflicted with asthma and affect both children and adults. If you experience asthma symptoms, make sure to take asthma treatments prescribed by a trusted asthma doctor.

But first, what is asthma?

Asthma is not only a simple cough that goes away after a couple of days. It is a long-term disease that causes breathing difficulties for people afflicted by it. Some of the most common asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for this condition. However, it can still be manageable in different ways. One is by identifying and avoiding any possible triggers. You also have to take prescribed medications as recommended by your asthma doctor. If symptoms seem severe, visit an allergy clinic or the nearest emergency room immediately.

The link between asthma and Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the most essential vitamins for the body. Also known as the “sunshine vitamins”, it enables calcium absorption and also helps in making vitamin D when you go out in the sun.

However, several studies also show a strong connection between asthma and low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is said to have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that reduce asthma attacks. That means low vitamin D levels put someone at a higher risk of asthma and other respiratory issues.

Other results found in various studies state that vitamin D:

  • Is more likely to lessen the risk of asthma attacks, although this study is only limited to those with mild to moderate cases of asthma.
  • Should also represent those who have severe cases of asthma as well as children. There should be more studies involving these said cases.

If you or a loved one has asthma, you can go to an allergist doctor to help manage your asthma symptoms. It is also better to have a good level of vitamin D by taking supplements and eating vitamin D-rich foods.

How safe is vitamin D?

Vitamin D is generally safe to take. As mentioned, vitamin D is an important body nutrient. However, you need to take note of the right dosage for the best results. Before taking any vitamin D supplements, make sure to ask an asthma doctor first.

It is also important to note that vitamin D won’t cure your asthma and should not replace your prescribed medications. Likewise, you should not take any other medicines together with vitamin D.

Still, researchers are hoping that vitamin D, together with the usual medications for asthma, means a better life for asthmatics. You can get it through supplements or good sun exposure, although you should not overdo the latter or risk having skin cancer.

Plus, vitamin D can also do more than help people manage their asthma symptoms. It can also improve bone and muscle health, and reduce the risk of having flu and common colds. That said, it is better to include vitamin D to your regular health regimen.

Creating an action plan for asthma

Those suffering from asthma should have a sound action plan to deal better with their condition. This includes determining whether the symptoms are getting worse and what to do to manage the situation.

Most doctors would suggest including three action zones: Green for “good to go”, Yellow for “taking extra precaution”, and Red for “take action ASAP”. The last one means there is the presence of severe symptoms like breathing difficulty. In such cases, you need to seek medical help immediately

For children who suffer from asthma, you should include photos of medications taken. There should also be a statement of consent for parents or caregivers in case the child needs immediate asthma treatment.

For adults, make sure to assign a trusted person where to find your prescribed medication in case of emergencies. You should also include persons to contact should your condition worsen due to asthma attacks.

As mentioned, there might be no cure for asthma. But there are a lot of ways to manage the condition, including vitamin D. Vitamin D not only can help manage your asthma – at least according to various studies – but also can improve your bone and muscle health.

Of course, you should consult the experts first before taking any medications. Contact a reliable allergy specialist doctor in Germantown MD today!

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Can Your Allergies Be One of the Major Culprits?

Everyone gets tired. When that happens, it can be too tempting to lie down on your bed and take some well-deserved rest. For one thing, being tired is a normal thing. When we feel tired, it means we have worked too much and that we need to take a break and recharge our mind and body.

However, some people feel tired all the time – even when they’re at rest. It may also have something to do with your allergies (if you do suffer from one). Speaking of allergies, you should visit an allergy clinic and consult an allergist doctor to help manage your condition.

When your fatigue seems too much

You might be told that your fatigue can be due to stress or some kind of infection. However, it can be because of something else that should not be left ignored. The feeling of fatigue can be due to an underlying medical condition such as allergies.

Speaking of allergies, it can also be a major cause of fatigue. Millions of people around the world suffer from some kind of allergic reaction. Undergoing allergy testing can help determine whether you are allergic to something. You can also consult an allergist specialist to know whether your allergies are most likely causing chronic fatigue.

For starters, chronic fatigue syndrome is a long-term medical condition that is way different from the usual tiredness. As mentioned, those with this condition feel tired even during and after getting rest. Common symptoms of CFS are the following:

  • Feeling tired all the time even after a nighttime sleep
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Brain fog/feeling confused most of the time
  • Sore throat
  • Excessive exhaustion especially after an intense physical activity

The link between allergies and CFS

Studies show that CFS occurs in women more than their male counterparts. It should also be considered as an auto-immune condition as it can lead to viral infection. Aside from that, CFS can also be triggered by hormonal issues, and yes, allergies.

We all know that allergens trigger allergies. It can be due to pet dander, pollen, dust, or certain foods. Once the immune system detects an allergen, it causes the familiar allergic symptoms such as rashes, runny nose, and watery eyes. In the worst cases, allergic reactions can lead to vomiting, breathing difficulties, and septic shock.

Sneezing all the time because of allergies can be tiring. Allergic rhinitis causes frequent sneezing and running nose, which are common symptoms of allergies. Taking antihistamines can cause drowsiness, too. Make sure to get a proper prescription for your allergies from a trusted allergist doctor.

Several studies also revealed that patients with CFS have a large number of mast cells. The mast cells’ major role is to produce a fresh supply of red blood cells and fighting allergens and toxins. This means more occurrence of allergic reactions when come across certain allergens.

What CFS feels like

An article by Angie Ebba described what it feels like to have chronic fatigue. As mentioned, having CFS is more than just feeling tired. It is a long-term condition that can greatly affect one’s quality of life. This condition also causes conditions like body pain, cognitive problems, and oversensitivity to light and touch.

Common allergy symptoms as mentioned above can also trigger and worsen your CFS. Not to mention stress and other environmental factors can also contribute to the condition. If you often feel tired and experience these common allergic symptoms, do not delay! Visit an allergy specialist doctor soon to help you manage your condition.

How to deal with CFS

Feeling tired even a full night’s sleep is no joke. It can be due to an underlying medical condition that should be addressed immediately. You should visit an allergist in Manassas to help you deal with your condition. Other than that, here are other tips that can help as well.

  • Change your diet and lifestyle. Try adopting a healthier eating habit and relaxation exercises (that should not tire and stress your body).
  • Seek support from friends, family, and medical professionals. They should help you get through your condition and stay positive all the time.
  • Be in charge of your body. If you do not feel well, take a rest, and consult a medical professional. Keep happy thoughts as much as possible and shun all the negative vibes.