Tag Archives: allergy and asthma

What Should I Do to Prepare for an Allergy Test?

Allergy testing determines whether you are allergic to a particular allergen. Common allergens include pet dander, pollen, insect bites or stings, and some foods, such as peanuts.

Your allergy specialist will conduct an allergy test to determine your body’s reaction to the allergen.

During the test, your provider will look for minor skin reactions that indicate you are likely allergic. Your provider will also look for an uncommon but deadly reaction requiring emergency treatment.

You will need to keep an eye out for a reaction that occurs later, once you have returned home.

How to prepare for an allergy test

You need to inform your healthcare practitioner about all medications you take. Some medications may prevent the allergy test from performing properly.

You may need to discontinue certain medications days, weeks, or months before your test.

Antihistamines, topical steroids, and medications used to treat vertigo or insomnia are among the examples you may need to avoid.

Your provider will tell you if and when you should stop taking any medications. Your doctor will also advise you when you can resume taking the medication after your allergy test.

What you can do to prepare for the allergy test

Just because you’re preparing for an allergy test doesn’t mean you should stop living life to the fullest.

Always see your doctor or allergist to confirm what you should absolutely avoid, but otherwise, you can normally go about your everyday routine. And, rest assured, you can still do some of the activities that people are concerned about prior to allergy testing.

Some of the things you can do include:

Take steroid nasal sprays.

It is usually safe to continue using a steroid nasal spray, but always check with your doctor before the allergy test.

Shower

While you should avoid using strongly scented lotions or colognes for the sake of the other patients, it is acceptable to shower and wear deodorant before an allergy test.

Eat regular diet

There is no need to adjust your diet in preparation for allergy testing, except for avoiding suspected food allergens—and possibly irritating food if you stop taking an antacid. You can even bring a drink and snacks to your visit, if the office allows it.

What you can’t do before an allergy test

There are some items you should avoid before taking an allergy test to ensure the accuracy of the results. Of course, consult your doctor or allergist to see what they recommend. In most cases they will most likely advise against some of these:

Antihistamines

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of preparing for allergy testing is informing your doctor or allergist about all medications and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter products.

If you’re taking an antihistamine, you should cease three days to a week before your allergy test to avoid suppressing your body’s response to the allergens in issue.

So, at least a week before allergy testing, ask your doctors how long they recommend you refrain.

Some antacids

Some antacids contain an antihistamine, so avoid using them for at least a day before doing an allergy test. You should contact your provider for a full list and timing recommendations. (You may want to avoid acidic, heavy, or spicy foods in the meantime.)

Beta-blockers

If you are using a beta-blocker, which is used to treat high blood pressure, a heart condition, anxiety, migraines, and glaucoma, see your doctor before temporarily ceasing it.

If you have a severe reaction to an allergy, a beta-blocker can reduce your body’s response to an emergency injection of epinephrine.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants, can also decrease your immunological response for a week or two, interfering with allergy test findings. Ask your prescribing doctor how to temporarily discontinue your medication regimen.

Fragrances

Even if you are not allergic to certain scent compounds, other patients in the office may be. Put down the hair spray, perfume, or scented lotion for the day as a politeness.

What to expect during the allergy test

When you initially go in for your allergy test, they will apply allergens to your skin. This takes roughly five to ten minutes. Adults have them placed on their forearms, whilst children typically have them done on their backs.

In around 15 minutes, you might notice a little red lump growing in the locations where some allergens were applied. After noting your results, the attending nurse will clean your skin with alcohol.

A patch test may be used to detect any delayed allergic reactions. The allergens are placed on patches that are attached to your skin. You wear this patch for 48 hours, and your doctor will examine your skin for results.

What to expect after the allergy test

You and your healthcare provider will discuss the results of your allergy test. A positive test result indicates that you had an allergic reaction to an allergen.

You and your provider can discuss any extra testing you may require. The tests can determine how serious your allergy is and whether you require medication to avoid or treat a reaction.

Rarely, after a prick or intradermal test, you may experience allergic reactions. Depending on the type of test you received, you should look for symptoms of an adverse reaction. This can occur within hours following an allergy test.

If you experience a reaction, your physician will explain what you should do. You may need to take an antihistamine or another medication to stop the reaction.

Results after the test

Only your doctor or allergist Manassas VA can correctly interpret the findings of your allergy test. However, remember that skin testing will produce observable results, whereas blood tests (if given) will produce higher-than-normal levels of IgE antibodies.

You’ll also notice if you react to eating a food to which you’re allergic during a challenge test.

Following that, your provider will develop a treatment plan tailored to the kind and severity of your allergy.

Make sure to ask them any questions you may have and maintain an open line of communication to keep them updated on your progress and any other reactions you may encounter.

Tips to Choosing an Allergist

Choosing an allergist can be stressful, especially when your health and comfort are at risk. However, by keeping a few key things in mind, you can be confident that you have found the best allergist for your needs. In this post, we’ll discuss tactics for choosing an allergist to assist you make an informed decision.

Get suggestions

Start your search with a reference list from your primary care physician or specialist. Also, seek referrals from family, friends, and other healthcare professionals. Take the time to look over the allergists’ credentials and experience.

As you narrow down your selection, contact each allergist’s office and request a consultation appointment to meet with and interview the doctor.

Check the allergist credentials.

Verifying an allergist-immunologist’s credentials is an important step in choosing the proper specialist. Certification signifies that the doctor has received the necessary training, knowledge, and expertise to provide allergy and immunology care.

Also, ensure that there are no malpractice claims or disciplinary actions against the allergist. Thankfully, there are state websites that provide information about the allergist-immunologist’s medical school, training hospital, credentials, malpractice and disciplinary histories.

Consider the experience of the allergist.

When dealing with a suspected allergy or immune system disease, experience is important. The more experience an allergist-immunologist has with a specific ailment or procedure, the better your outcome is likely to be.

You should inquire how many people with your specific condition the allergist-immunologist has handled.

If you know you need a specific procedure, ask how many times the doctor has performed it and what the complication rates are—both the complications the doctor has experienced and your own risk.

Consider the gender of the doctor.

You must feel at ease with the gender of your allergist-immunologist because you will be discussing personal information openly. You should question the allergist about his or her most recent training and experience with your illness and gender.

Because gender matters in some areas of care, allergists are becoming increasingly specialized in treating women and men differently. Treatment centers that specialize in gender-specific care are also becoming more common.

Pay attention to convenience and accessibility.

When choosing an allergist, consider the location of the allergist’s office. Choose an allergist whose office is convenient to your home or workplace. This will give you convenient access to allergy treatments and other services.

You also should evaluate the office hours and select an allergy doctor that has flexible working hours that fit your schedule.

Understand the services that the doctor provides.

You should take time to understand the services provided by an allergist, particularly if you require immunotherapy in addition to your allergy medications.

You should choose an allergist who offers a wide range of services to ensure that you obtain quality care for many diseases, such as asthma, skin allergies, and food allergies, all in one location.

Also, find out whether the allergy doctor provides modern therapies such as immunotherapy.

As a rule of thumb, you should work with a doctor who provides the services of the condition that you suffer from.

Find out if the allergist accepts insurance.

Allergy therapy doesn’t come cheap, so you should be cautious about the costs involved. Choose an allergy doctor who takes your insurance. This way, you will save money on allergy treatment and services.

You can also call your insurance carrier and request a list of allergists in your network, from which you can choose one.

Evaluate the doctor’s communication style.

Choose an allergist with whom you feel comfortable communicating and who will meet your information needs. When you initially visit with the allergist, ask a question and see how he or she replies.

Does he or she encourage your inquiries and respond in ways you can understand? Find an allergist who is interested in getting to know you, will explore your treatment options, and will respect your decision-making process.

You should be cautious of a doctor who sees you just like a dollar sign.

Take time to read patient reviews.

To learn about the reputation of the allergist you’re considering, browse online patient reviews. You can also go to the doctor’s website and see what other patients have said about them.

These reviews will enlighten you about how the allergy doctor conducts medicine and how the practice runs. You can also learn how much patients trust the allergist.

Of course, you should work with a doctor with a great reputation. The last thing you want is an attorney that you can’t trust.

Find out if the doctor offers telehealth services.

Telehealth refers to the ability of healthcare provider to diagnose and treat their patients using telecommunications technologies such as two-way video, smartphones, and email.

You should find out if the doctor offers telehealth services.

While this is the case, you should note that Telehealth does not replace in-person office appointments, but it does allow many patients to make fewer travels to the doctor.

Some illnesses can be handled by reporting symptoms and vital signs from home and scheduling a “virtual visit” with your clinician.

Telehealth can also be utilized for routine follow-ups and minor complaints, making it a useful choice. Check to be sure your health insurance covers telehealth services, and if possible, choose one that offers them.

Schedule an appointment with your preferred allergist

Before deciding on the best allergist for you, you should schedule an appointment and visit with the potential allergy specialist.

During the meeting, ask the allergist any questions or concerns you have, either mentally or in writing. Assess how they respond to your inquiries and whether you feel at ease with the doctor.

This meeting will also give you an overview of the practice, including doctor friendliness, appointment methods, appointment wait times, office setting, and staff conduct.

You should be ultra-observant when interacting with the allergy doctor Germantown MD and only consider working with them only after ascertaining that they tick all the boxes.

Remember that your health is everything, and you want to only work with a professional who cares about you.

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.

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.

4 Ways to Manage Hay Fever

A hay fever is an allergic reaction when grass or tree pollen enters your mouth, nose, eyes, or throat. As it would against a virus, your immune system tries to combat the pollen, which results in an allergic reaction and the accompanying symptoms.

Depending on the amounts of grass, weed, and tree pollen and the materials you are allergic to, hay fever can linger for weeks or months, in contrast to the typical cold, which often only lasts a week or two.

Nearly 19 million people in America suffer from hay fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.

The typical symptoms of the condition include:

Runny nose, congestion, watery, red, or irritated eyes, sneezing, coughing

While hay fever can have symptoms lasting for extended periods of time, it’s not hard to manage. You can do it even without having to see an allergist. Some of the things you need to do to manage the condition include:

Track the pollen count

Knowing the pollen count, you can better anticipate and prepare for peak pollen days. This means you can take the necessary precautions to reduce exposure and better manage the symptoms.

Through proper tracking, you know when to take the medications. Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are the most common medications for hay fever that function best when taken before allergen exposure.

By monitoring pollen levels, you can easily schedule when to take the medications; consequently, you can easily manage the condition.

When you know the high pollen counts, you can easily take precautions to limit your exposure to pollen. When you know you will have a high pollen count, you get to close windows, use air purifiers, and stay inside when pollen counts are at their highest.

To certain people, hay fever can worsen pre-existing respiratory diseases like asthma or cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). By monitoring pollen counts, you can be proactive and avert emergencies.

Observing the pollen count over time can help you recognize trends and patterns. Regular planning lets you tell the times of year when symptoms are at their worst and modify your lifestyle choices accordingly.

Finally, knowing your daily pollen count gives you peace. This is because you have control over exposing yourself. With this knowledge, you can manage the allergies and lessen the unpredictable nature of symptom flare-ups.

Installing a pollen count app on your phone is one of the best ways to track the pollen count. There are free and paid apps you can go for. Of course, the paid versions will often have better features, so if you can afford them, these are the best.

Stop smoking

Smoking can worsen hay fever symptoms by irritating the lining of your airways, resulting in a dry, uncomfortable cough.

As much as it’s easy to say that you should stop smoking, it’s pretty hard. Thankfully, you have a few options to support you if you’re trying to give up or reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.

One option is to consider nicotine replacement therapies. These include gums, patches, lozenges, inhalators, and sprays that supply the body with little nicotine while eliminating tar, carbon monoxide, and other toxins in cigarettes.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on which type of NRT would be best for you if you’re unsure.

Manage the pets

Your favorite fluffy animals tend to bring pollen and other allergens, which can worsen the symptoms. To ensure this doesn’t happen, you need to control the pets.

One way to control the pets is by having pet-free zones in your house. Ideally, the bedroom and any other spaces where you spend a lot of time should fall under this category. By keeping these spaces free of dander, you’ll have a place to go when your allergies flare up.

Regular pet grooming can help lower the quantity of dander and loose fur. To stop pet dander from getting inside, brush your pet outside. Consider getting your pet professionally groomed if it has thick or lengthy fur.

Use medication

There are plenty of medication options in the market that you can use to manage your condition. Some of the options that you can go with include:

Antihistamines: Antihistamines prevent the body’s allergic reaction to pollen, which helps control minor hay fever symptoms. They are most frequently found as tablets and liquids, which you can take as needed to assist you in managing your symptoms or as often as necessary during the season.

To determine which antihistamine is best for you, consult your allergy doctor.

Nasal sprays: Pollen tends to induce inflammation of the nasal lining. If you have trouble with a runny or clogged nose, sneezing, or both, you can use nasal spray in addition to antihistamines.

Many over-the-counter nasal sprays are available to assist in reducing the symptoms of hay fever. For instructions on how to use these products, always read the instructions that come with them. If they prove to be ineffective, discuss prescription-only treatment with your doctor.

Eye drops: There are plenty of allergy relief eye drops that you can use to alleviate dryness, discomfort, and watering of the eyes.

Ask your allergy specialist Manassas VA if you’re unsure which eye drops are right for you.

Barrier balm: Stop pollen from entering your nasal passage to protect the body’s major entry point. To help your nostrils capture pollen and prevent it from spreading, dab a small amount of petroleum jelly around the opening of your nose.

Sunglasses: Although not a type of medication, they are vital in protecting and helping you manage the symptoms.

Wearing the appropriate shades can help protect your eyes from the sun and be a useful addition to your regular hayfever regimen. Wear wraparound styles if you have hay fever since they help keep pollen out of your eyes.

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 Handle a Harsh Allergy Season

If you suffer from allergies and the allergy season is coming, you can do several things to make the season more forgiving.

Buy medication

If you suspect that your symptoms may worsen, your usual medications may not work either, so you may need to try new ones or combine them to find relief.

Several over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available to alleviate allergy symptoms. Many doctors recommend nasal steroid sprays like Nasonex (with a prescription) or Flonase as the first line of treatment.

While they are good, they may take several days or weeks to relieve stuffiness and sneezing, so it is best to use them early in the season before your symptoms worsen.

Antihistamines, whether sprays like Astelin, tablets like Allegra, Claritin, or Zyrtec, or eye drops like Optivar, are other options as they have a more rapid effect.

Decongestants such as Afrin or Sinex come in handy. Don’t rush to use them, even if you can access them, as they can have a rebound effect.

After a few days, the blood vessels in your nose become less receptive to the drug, and you may experience severe congestion again. Limit these medications to no more than three days in a row.

If you have already tried numerous over-the-counter allergy medications, and none gives you your desired results, consult your allergy doctor about prescription choices. The allergy specialist will help you plan ahead of time for your unique allergies so you are safe when the allergy season kicks in.

Wash your sinuses

If you don’t want to take medications, consider nasal irrigation. The technique dates back thousands of years, and its efficacy is supported by plenty of studies.

You need to pour a saline solution into one nostril using a neti pot, bulb syringe, or squeeze bottle and let it drain out the other.

The procedure is simple but helps flush out pollen, mucus, and other allergens in your nasal cavity. As a result, you may feel less congested and use less allergy medicine if you have to.

Plan your outdoor time accordingly.

Many well-known weather apps and websites offer “allergy forecasts” or pollen counts. The National Allergy Bureau website lists more than 80 stations around the United States that provide more specific daily pollen reports depending on different plant types.

You can choose the station closest to you and receive notifications for your pollen allergy.

Pollen counts are often highest between early morning and midmorning and on hot, dry, windy days. You can limit the quantity of pollen you come into contact with if you exercise indoors during certain times or run errands later in the evening.

If you are prone to allergy symptoms and need to go out in the morning or do yardwork, don a high-quality N95 mask, which you may already have for coronavirus protection. This will aid in pollen removal.

Reduce the pollen in your home.

Avoid bringing pollen back inside after being outside. When you arrive home, take your shoes off and change your clothes. Shower before bed to eliminate pollen from your skin.

As much as you love them, avoid sleeping with your dogs. Even if you aren’t allergic to your pets, pollen is on their coats, which might cause you to react.

To improve your sleep, try zipping up your mattress and pillows in hypoallergenic encasements, washing bedding once a week in hot soapy water, and using a dryer instead of a clothesline.

You also should make it a habit of cleaning and replacing your air conditioner filter with one with a MERV of 11 or higher.

These filters can capture small pollen particles. If you suffer from severe allergies, consider investing in a professional-style HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter for your bedroom.

HEPA filters with a MERV value of 17 or higher often remove 99 percent of pollen, animal dander, dust, and other particles, leaving your house’s insides safe and allergen-free.

You also should try to close your windows and use an air conditioner. If, on the other hand, you are allergic to indoor allergens such as mold and dust, open the windows and allow in fresh air to help eliminate allergens from your home.

Try immunotherapy

If allergies interfere with your daily life, you should speak with your doctor about immunotherapy for long-term relief.

After a skin prick test or blood test confirms which pollen you are allergic to, your doctor may offer subcutaneous allergy immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots.

This entails a series of injections every week or month, including trace amounts of the pollen to which you are allergic. The dose progressively increases, making your immune system less sensitive to the allergen.

The Food and Drug Administration has begun to approve another type of immunotherapy known as sublingual immunotherapy.

Here tiny amounts of pollen are delivered in tablet form, and you place them under the tongue for one to two minutes before ingesting them. While studies are still ongoing, the only medications that are now approved are for allergies to dust mites, ragweed, and northern pasture grasses. At the same time, other tablets are being examined in clinical trials.

Patience is required for both types of immunotherapy. In most cases, symptom relief could take six months to a year. However, you may need to continue the medication for up to five years before your body can reliably ignore your triggers.

Immunotherapy may be great when it works. If you have been suffering from yearly stuffy noses and itchy eyes and are after successful treatment, you should find an experienced allergy specialist to guide you.

Parting shot

These are some of the ways you can deal with seasonal allergies. To have an easy time treating the condition, don’t ignore the condition regardless of how minor the symptoms appear.

You should listen to your body and rest, go to bed early, or take a sick day. Excessive activity and running around when sick can only make you feel worse.

You also should consider visiting an allergy specialist Manassas for treatment.

How to Manage Pet Allergies

For a lot of people, their dogs, cats, and other animals are members of the family. From cuddling to watching pets offer companionship to people who care for them. However, when you have a furry friend, asthma and allergies can be a less-than-perfect partnership. Three out of ten people with allergies are reactive to cats and dogs.

An allergy specialist sees this a lot in their patients, which is why they should know their triggers and how to manage symptoms when they happen. A lot of people think that fur causes allergies. The reality is that proteins in dander or dead skin cells collect animal hair. If you want to learn more, read on.

Understand Pet Allergies

You need to see a doctor and get tested to determine what allergies you have. You could find out that you are allergic to something else and not really your pet. For instance, you might assume that you are allergic to your dog, only to discover that you are allergic to tree pollen that goes on his fur while walking outside.

If the test shows that you are allergic to your pet, you should understand what causes your allergic reaction. There are proteins that trigger allergies known as allergens in skin glands and saliva that cling to the dry skin of animals and fur. The fur and dander will then stick to carpets, clothing, and walls.

Clean Your Rugs Once a Week

If you want to reduce how much dander is in your home, you should focus on spots that are magnets for it, such as carpets and rugs. You should make sure to vacuum carpets once weekly with a device that uses HEPA filter. They suck up small bits of matter, like pet dander, that other vacuums could miss. Your rugs should be washed once a week.

Pet dander can stick to hard surfaces like floors and walls, so make sure to clean them regularly based on proper care instructions for any materials.

Use an Allergy-capturing Filter

When you regularly change it every 3 months, they are going to capture the invisible and visible dander and other allergens, which effectively vacuum air that flows through your filter. You will get the benefits of allergen defense, and the best dust-holding power of any filter. Improve indoor quality by capturing allergens and holding 2X more dust because a cleaner, fresher home is happy.

Do Not Allow Pets in Your Bedroom

People spend half of their time in the bedroom, which is why you should never allow your pet to sleep in bed with you. Make sure to limit the access of your pets to the bedroom by keeping your bedroom door closed all the time. Regularly wash your bedding and consider an allergen-free mattress cover that fits on your box spring and mattress.

Bathe Your Pet Every Week

When you do this, you are reducing the allergy-causing dander you have. Cats can become used to bathing, but it is important to only use products that are for cats; kittens might need kitten shampoo. Ask your veterinary staff or a good book on pet care for directions when it comes to safe bathing. It would be good to use a shampoo that is recommended by your veterinarian or animal care specialist.

Consider Your Environment

If you are already allergic to dust mites, mold, pollen, or cigarette smoke, your allergies have most likely kicked in. This will make you extra sensitive when you add a pet.

You can try an allergist specialist Germantown MD anytime you need to address pet allergies.

Signs of Dust Mite Allergy

Dust mite allergy is caused by an allergic reaction to small bugs that live in the dust. The signs of dust mite allergy can include the ones that are common to hay fever, like runny nose and sneezing. A lot of people with dust mite allergy can also experience symptoms of asthma like sneezing, and difficulty in breathing.

When you take steps to lessen the dust mites in your home, you can have better control of dust mite allergy. Medications and other treatments can sometimes be necessary to relieve symptoms and control asthma.

It would be good to know the signs of dust mites before going to an allergy clinic because you can easily tell the doctor what you experienced.

What Causes Dust Mite Allergies

An allergy is the response of the immune system to an unknown substance that is not normally harmful to the body. These substances are known as allergens. They can include specific foods, dust mites, and pollens. People who have dust mite allergies have a bad reaction to the bug remnants. These remnants can include small amounts of decaying bodies and feces.

Your household might be clean, but it will not take a lot to create an environment that is perfect for dust mites.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dust mites caused by nasal passages inflammation include:

Running nose
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Itchy nose and/or throat
Postnasal drip
Nasal congestion
Cough
Pain and facial pressure
Blue-colored skin under the eyes
Frequent rubbing of the nose in a child

If the allergy adds to your asthma, you can also experience the following:

Chest pain or tightness
Breathing difficulty
Wheezing or whistling sound while exhaling
Trouble sleeping because of shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing
Coughing or wheezing gets worse because of respiratory illnesses or viruses like the flu or cold

Dust mite allergy could range from mild to severe. A mild dust mite allergy could cause a runny nose from time to time, watery eyes, and even sneezing. In most cases, the condition might be ongoing, which causes persistent coughing, sneezing, congestion, eczema, facial pressure, or asthma attack.

Diagnosing Allergies of Dust Mites

You should talk to an allergist if you feel that your symptoms are worse at home, especially when you clean or when you lie down in bed. The allergist can diagnose and treat allergies.

The allergist is going to use diagnostic tests in order to determine if you are allergic to dust mites. The most common kind of test is a skin-prick test. In this test, the allergist is going to choose an area of the skin with a small allergen extract. The allergist will wait 15 minutes to check if the skin has a negative reaction. In case you have a reaction, you are going to develop a big bump around the skin’s pricked area. The area can also become itchy and red.

Treatment

Antihistamines help relieve runny nose, itching, and sneezing
Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation with some side effects compared to their oral counterparts
Decongestants can make tissues smaller in nasal passages, so you can breathe easily
Medications that combine antihistamines and decongestant

How Long Does it Last?

When dust mite allergens no longer surround you, the symptoms you have will normally go away after a couple of hours. If your dust mite allergies are severe, you might have symptoms for a couple of days. This can be uncomfortable and can even disrupt sleep if you do not take anything for treatment.

You can go to an allergy center Manassas VA anytime if you need to seek treatment for your dust mite allergy.