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Home Remedies to Relieve Hives and Skin Allergy During Pregnancy

One in every five pregnant women suffers from hives and skin allergy during pregnancy. Due to the changes in your body during pregnancy, the body is likely to release histamines causing the allergy. The increased hormones and other bodily changes are inevitable that will make you become more sensitive to allergens. The allergy may result from food, insect bites, medicine, chemicals, stress, pollen or even clothing.

Symptoms of Hives During Pregnancy

  • Itching
  • Welts that are raised
  • Pain around welts
  • Dry skin

Are Hives and skin Allergy Dangerous During Pregnancy?

Most cases of hives are not dangerous and will clear within a short time. It’s necessary that you seek the advice of allergist especially if you experience the below symptoms which may result in severe skin allergy also known as urticaria.

  •  Difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath
  • Face swelling and wheezing
  • Fainting

It’s essential that you consult your allergy doctor immediately you have the above symptoms to avoid complications during pregnancy.

Home Remedies to ease hives and skin allergy during Pregnancy

  • An oatmeal and baking powder bath will help alleviate the itching that results from hives. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory effects and skin protecting properties.
  • Shower with lukewarm water as hot temperatures will trigger a higher flow of blood causing more itching. Cold water will reduce the itching by shrinking the pores of the skin.The alkalinity in baking soda will soothe the skin and reduce itching.
  • Ensure your skin is moisturized as dry will make the itching worse. Olive oil and aloe vera are good skin moisturizers. Aloe vera contains glucomannans that accelerate the skin healing process.
  • Take foods rich in Vitamin C as they contain antioxidants and antihistamine which will help manage hives and skin allergy. The vitamins also help the body break down histamines reducing the effects of the allergens.
  • Avoid scrubbing the affected area with soap
  • A cup of green tea will help your body eliminate toxins and allergens relieving the itching effects. Green tea contains polyphenols that are antioxidants and anti-inflammation properties.
  • A clean cloth dipped in milk and applied to the inflamed area will help ease the inflammation
  • Rub garlic on the affected areas. Three tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar in filtered water will also relieve the itching symptoms.
  • Complement the food you are allergic to avoid the allergic reaction
  • Ensure that you are stress-free and practice relaxation techniques to relieve the effects of allergens and to prevent developing complications during pregnancy

The above simple home remedies will help ease the signs and symptoms of hives and lower the risk associated with allergies. Although hives and skin allergy are harmless to you and your baby, and will most likely resolve on their own its imperative that if the symptoms prolong, visit the nearest skin allergies clinic for medication.

How to Outsmart Allergies During Pregnancy

One woman in every five, who are pregnant will suffer an allergic reaction. Allergies during pregnancy can wreak havoc in your life as you try to deal with the signs and symptoms of the allergy. The first most important step is to visit an allergist at the onset of the allergies so that he can advise on the allergy treatment if the allergies are severe, if they are mild there are ways you can outsmart the allergies without taking medication. The first trimester of pregnancy is especially delicate and its best not to take unnecessary medications.

Sign and Symptoms of allergies while Pregnant

The sign of allergies you experience while pregnant are more or less the same you experience when not pregnant, but here are some of them;

  • Nasal congestion
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Headaches
  • Itching and watery eyes
  • Rashes

How to outsmart Allergies While Pregnant

  • Medication

It’s imperative that you visit the allergy doctor immediately you begin to experience the above signs or any other. The allergy physician will determine whether you are suffering from allergies or it’s the pregnancy-related infections. Once they establish that it’s an allergy, they will prescribe antihistamines, decongestant or nasal sprays that are safe for your pregnancy.

Home Remedies to Keep your Allergies at Bay

  • A homemade nasal spray made by mixing warm water and salt. Use the mix on the nasal passage and to soothe and clear away the irritation. You can also use a neti pot to clear the throat.
  • Avoid going outdoors when there is a high pollen count. Keep track of pollen movement, and this will aid in reducing the allergic reactions that result due to pollen exposure
  • If you have seasonal allergies, always clean up after going outside to reduce exposure to pollen. Take a shower and clean up after going out as this will minimize the exposure to allergens.
  • Wear protective gear and mask if you have to do you activities like mowing and gardening
  • Avoid smoking zones as this will result in an allergic reaction.
  • If you are allergic to dust, avoid dusting the house. That is the perfect excuse to get someone else to do the chores for you if you are not very lucky to ensure you wear a protective mask and use a vacuum cleaner.
  • Pets fur is also a source of the allergy, and when you are pregnant, you are susceptible to allergies quickly. Its therefore crucial to keep pets away from the house and if your friends have pets let them know that you are allergic, so they don’t bring them to your home.
  • Use an air conditioner to keep the house humid and keep irritants away from the home

Pregnancy is a sensitive time, and it’s therefore vital that you consult your allergist on any medication or remedy. Protect yourself from allergens as much as possible to avoid developing severe allergic reactions. Follow through on any prescription or instructions from the allergy physician and enjoy carrying the bundle of Joy.

Home Remedies to Curb Allergies in Children

Allergies in children are more prevalent during spring and autumn than other seasons. During the two seasons, allergies trigger increase and lead to allergic reactions. According to the statistics about 51 million people suffer from allergies most of which present during childhood. It’s essential that once you notice any sign or symptoms of an allergic reaction make sure you immediately take your child to the allergy physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Allergy Symptoms in Children

There are a different kind of allergens. These include food, air particles, and insects. If your child is suffering from an allergy you are likely to notice some of the below symptoms;

  • Hives which are bumps on the skin
  • Running and itching nose
  • Breathing problems
  • Pain in the stomach
  • Sneezing and coughing
  • Nasal congestion

In cases of extreme allergy, your child is likely to experience the following symptom

  • Difficulty in breathing and a tight throat
  • Unconsciousness
  • Very low blood pressure
  • Swelling od the face and hives

The extreme allergic reaction is also known as anaphylaxis and develops instantly. Its imperative that you teach your child the allergen they should avoid. In case of severe allergy take your child to the allergist immediately to avoid fatalities.

Home Made remedies to Cure Allergies in Children

The below home remedies will help control and prevent allergies in children without the need to load children with medication.

  • Cool Water Eye Wash

If you notice that your child has itchy, take a clean piece of cloth and dip it in warm water and then wipe the eyes. While cleaning the eyes move from left to right and then dip the fabric in water and wipe the other eye.

  • Hot Shower

A hot shower will clear off any airborne allergies and clear off any allergen from the body.

  • Saline solution

The solution will help cleat upper respiratory tract allergies and ease inflammations

Mix a tablespoon of water with warm water clean water, add a little baking powder and make the child sniff the solution through the nostril. The solution will help flush out allergies in the nostrils.

  • Include Allergy fighting foods in the diet

Ensure that your child feeds on foods such as Omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed and walnuts as this will help alleviate the allergies.

  • Drinks

One of the most effective drink that will curb allergies is apple cider vinegar. Mix a teaspoon of the vinegar with a glass of water and have the child drink it. The solution has a not so sweet taste, and the child may not like it.

Another effective home remedy is natural honey. Give your child a teaspoon of honey every, and this will alleviate the effects of the allergens. Honey works best if taken before the onset of the allergic reaction. If you anticipate that your child will suffer from a particular allergy due to weather change, then give the child the teaspoon of honey every day before the onset of the particular season.

It’s essential to monitor the allergy condition of your child even as you use the home remedies to ensure that the symptoms are not deteriorating. Visit the allergy clinic if the there are no improvements for treatment.

How to Treat Hives and Skin allergy with Home Remedies

At one point in our lives, we have experienced itchy and bumps on the skin that we couldn’t tell the cause. Hives and skin allergy are as a result of an allergic reaction to something ingested or that comes into contact with our skin. They can result from a drug allergy, food allergy or stress. The allergic reaction can happen to anyone and at any age. It’s Therefore paramount to understand how to deal with the allergy. In case you experience any severe allergic reactions ensure you visit your allergy doctor.

Natural Remedies to ease Hives and skin Allergy

  • Skin Massage

Massage the affected areas with coconut oil twice a day. Coconut oil has moisturizing properties and antimicrobial properties that will ensure your skin is protected from any bacterial and fungal infection and also relieves the itching. Ensure that the coconut oil is not refined as this is likely to cause the allergic reaction to worsening.

The second option to you can use to massage using baking soda paste. Mix baking soda and water and massage the paste over your skin and leave it to dry. After drying clean up and repeat this twice a day. Baking soda is alkaline, and that soothes the skin reducing the allergic reaction.

The third Option to use for a massage is aloe vera gel. Take an aloe vera lea and squeeze out the gel and apply on the area where you are itching. Leave it on your skin for some time and then clean it up. Aloe vera accelerates the healing process as it has glucomannans that reduce the itching quickly

  • Taking a Bath

Take a cold bath in ground oatmeal. Soak in the bath for a while once a day. The cold bath will shrink the skin pores and ease discomfort. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties.

  • Drinks that ease the allergens

Mix one teaspoonful of turmeric with water and drink twice a day. You can also make a turmeric paste and apply on the affected areas. Turmeric has curcumin which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihistamine abilities thereby easing your allergy.

Drinking two to three cups of green tea will reduce inflammation on your skin. Green tea mixed with a little honey has antioxidants and antihistamine properties which ease the allergic reaction.

A Mixture of ginger and honey will eliminate the itching and purifies your blood. The mixture also has anti-inflammatory properties that the reduce the effect of the allergens.

Symptoms to look out for before taking the natural remedy

  • Itching
  • Skin swelling and bumps on the skins
  • Welts on the skin that are red

If you experience the above symptoms for more than six weeks, then you need to see an allergist as this is considered chronic hives and skin allergy. It’s important to state that if the home remedy doesn’t relieve your symptoms visit your allergist Burke VA immediately.

How to Minimize Effects of Allergy During Spring

Spring is a time of joy and outdoor activities, but no so for everyone who suffers from allergies. During spring the amount of pollen is high and will cause untold suffering especially if you have hay fever.In spite of there being no cure for allergies, there are simple procedures to follow that will reduce the effect of the allergens. If you have a severe allergic reaction, immediately visit your allergy doctor near you and get the medication to ease the allergy.

Symptoms and Triggers of Allergy in Spring

The most prominent allergen during spring is pollen which is released into the air by trees, weed and grasses. Once you come into contact with the pollen, the body will release histamines which cause the allergy symptoms. The amount of pollen in the air will tend to increase especially if there is wind. The main allergic symptoms you are likely to experience are

  • Running nose
  • Sneezing and itching
  • Watery eyes and coughing

How to Minimize the Effect of Allergens

  • Avoid Being Outdoors when Pollen Levels are high

Pollen will be high especially if its windy and early morning hours. When you are outdoors, to work or run errands ensure you wear protective gear like masks and sunglasses to ease the allergic reactions. After the outdoor activities ensure you take a shower to clean any pollen in your body and to keep out the allergen out of the house

  • Medicine

Take medication early enough before spring starts and that way you will protect yourself from the effect of the allergens start to kick in. In case of any severe allergies don’t hesitate to seek allergy treatment immediately.

  • Clean and Keep Your Home allergen free

Simple ideas will reduce allergens  in the house during spring. Shut the windows especially during the windy sessions. Ensure there is clean air circulation in the house by vacuuming the house. Machine wash the clothes as taking them out they will collect pollen.

  • Natural Remedies

Natural remedies will go a long way in reducing the effects of mild allergies. Baking soda and salt will clear out mucus and clear out sinuses. Stinging nettle minimizes the histamine in the body reducing the impact of hay fever.

  • Avoid deep Cleaning the house

If you need to deep clean, the house looks for help. Dust and cobwebs will increase the allergic reaction. If you have to deep clean, ensure that you wear protective gear like masks and gloves.

Avoid lifestyle habits that will make your allergies worse. Smoking and drinking alcohol will increase your body production of histamine which in turn will cause allergies. Stress will increase the production of proteins that cause allergy symptoms thus increasing the allergic reactions. Visit your best allergist Gainesville VA if you have any persistent symptoms

Home Remedies to Reduce the Chances of an Asthma Attack

Over the years the number of people affected by asthma has gone up with around 18 million affected in the united states. The disease affects more than 6 million children with the cases going up every day. It’s therefore essential that we mitigate the effects of asthma without relying solely on asthma treatments. Homemade remedies will help ease the effects of asthma.It’s imperative before taking on home remedies that you visit an asthma doctor for a thorough analysis and a discussion of the home remedies and their effects on any medication prescribed.

Breathing Exercises

There are an exercise that will assist air movement into the lungs.  Don’t exercise while your asthma is severe as this may result in an asthma attack. Discuss all the remedies with your allergist before you start the exercise

  • Belly breathing technique

The technique will ensure that there is air distribution in your lungs. Breathe in slowly through your lungs and ensure you abdomen goes out, exhale and ensure that your abdomen goes in. The exercise will make sure that there is proper air circulation.

  • Purse through lips technique

The technique is effective during asthma to attack. To ensure that the air trapped in your lung is removed inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through pursed lips.

Foods and Oils

  • Mustard Mixed in Camphor

Warm the oil and add the camphor. Massage your chest with the mixture until you feel relieved

  • Ginger

Ginger is known as an antibiotic property among other uses.mix ginger, honey, and pomegranate and drink the mix three times daily

  • Figs

Figs is one of the best asthma remedies. Soak the figs in water and drink the water the first thing in the morning

  • Eucalyptus Oil

Put the oil in steamy water and breathe in the steam, that will clear the airwaves

Foods rich in Vitamin

Vitamin A maintains a healthy mucous membrane and reduces severe asthma attacks. Food such as vegetables and fruits are an excellent source of Vitamin A. Ensure that the vegetables and fruits are fresh.

Vitamin B9 reduces inflammation and allergy reactions. And to get Vitamin B9 ensure your diet has Vegetables, beans, and nuts.

Vitamin E and C are antioxidant and help your body detox. Foods such as nuts and natural oils are a source of the vitamins and are known to ease wheezing.

Omega 3 helps reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system

Keep your home allergen free

Allergens in your home will affect you more than the ones inside. Below are some tips on how to keep your house allergen free and fresh

  • Open the windows during the day to bring in fresh air
  • Avoid stoves that emit smoke
  • Use flooring solutions that don’t attract dust
  • Keep your bedding clean and fresh
  • Keep pets out of your bedroom and rest areas
  • Exterminate cockroaches
Stress management

High-stress levels will increase the chances of an asthma attack by causing inflammation and weakening the immune system. It’s imperative that you manage your stress levels.

Though asthma is not a curable disease, managing it can make life more bearable and fewer medications will be used. It’s critical to understand your allergens so that you can counter the effects.Visit your allergy clinic often for check up on the progress you are making while using home remedies.

How to Manage Asthma and Reduce Chances of an Asthma Attack

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the airways of the lungs. Asthma has several signs which include wheezing, Coughing, Chest congestion and breath shortness. The disease sometimes results in episodes which are mild, moderate or severe and cause more mucous production reducing the size of airwaves further. It’s critical to seek asthma treatments if you experience any of the signs

Types of Asthma

  • Nocturnal Asthma

It results from allergen mainly in the homes or sinuses and occurs between midnight and 7 am.

  • Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma result from allergens in the workplace which include dust, chemicals, dust, and fumes.

  • A cough induced asthma

Results from a cough and can occur any time of the night

  • Exercise-Induced Asthma

Coughing during an exercise could result in breathing difficulties an indication of asthma.

  • Childhood Asthma

The asthma results from a reaction to allergen present in the living environment.

Asthma results from environmental and genetic factors, and it’s crucial to visit an asthma doctor to promptly to ensure that you treat the signs before they deteriorate and become fatal. Environmental factors include dust, pollen, and other allergens.

Treatment of Asthma

Asthma treatment is either short-term and long-term treatment. Short-term treatment works for milder cases of asthma while long-term treatment involves taking medication daily for a given period to treat severe cases of asthma. Short-term medication includes anticholinergic and adrenergic agonist while long-term medicines comprise of corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonist.

Asthma Management

It’s paramount to manage asthma to avoid long-term effects of the medicine and lessen the visits to the doctor. There are several steps to take to control the disease;

  • Quit smoking

Smoking will cause a spike in allergic reactions, and it’s therefore highly advisable to quit the habit.

  • Know what triggers your asthma

It’s necessary to understand your body and what allergens it’s reacting to, after which you should avoid coming into contact with the allergens

  • Take medication given by the Asthma doctor and avoid self-prescription.
  • Alert your doctor if after taking the medications there is no change.

Action Plan in case of an Asthma Attack

  • Ensure airwaves don’t constrict by sitting upright
  • Take long deep breaths
  • Move away from the triggers
  • Take a hot beverage
  • If the wheezing does not subside, see an asthma doctor
Living with Asthma
  • Educating your family and the people near you

It’s crucial to understand your asthmatic condition, but it’s even more critical that the people around you have knowledge of your asthmatic situation and how they can help in case of emergency. Make sure you share with your family the action plan in case of attack.

  • Following the medical plan consistently

Ensure you follow the medical as shared by the asthma doctor maryland to reduce the chances of an asthma attack.

How to Manage Hives and Skin allergy

eczema and skin allergies

Hives and skin allergy is medically known as urticaria present in form of swollen bumps on the skin that appear instantly as a result of an allergen on the skin or in the body. The bumps will vary in size and will from a few hours to a day. Urticaria affects around 21% of the population at one point in their lives. Hives and skin allergy result from a number of allergens which include;

  • Chemicals in food
  • insect stings,
  • exposure to sunlight
  • certain medications
  • Viral and Bacterial Infections
  • Stress
  • Chronic illness
  • Other factors

Hives are either acute or chronic depending on the amount of time they take to clear off. Acute hives will normally resolve on their own, but chronic cases take more than 6 weeks to clear off and may result in dizziness, breathing difficulties and swelling of the body parts like the face. In case its chronic urticaria it’s paramount to consult a physician immediately to lessen the effects of the allergy.

Types of hives

Acute Urticaria is the most common and last less than six weeks. It mainly results from food, medicine, and insect bites.

Physical Urticaria which results from physical contact with the allergen. Exposure to the sun, pressure on the skin are among the causes of this kind of urticaria

Chronic Urticaria lasts more than one month and its most commonly associated with thyroid diseases, hormonal problems, and cancer.

Treatment and Management of hives and skin allergy

One of the most important steps in curtailing the effect of the allergy is being able to identify the triggers and avoiding them. Visit the allergy physician if the allergic reaction continues for more than 6 weeks as this is considered chronic. Milder and less serious cases can be managed through simple home remedies as below;

  • Bathing with anti-itch products

Soaking in a bath with the itch products will relieve the itching

  • Wear loose clothing

Wear clothing that is not tight fitting to ease up the itching feeling and any irritation. Ensure that the clothes don’t irritate the skin further. Heat increases the urge to itch so it’s advisable to wear lighter clothes.

  • Apply a cold compress

Use a towel wrapped in ice to relieve the itchy feeling

If the above home remedies don’t reduce the allergic reactions consider taking antihistamines or combination of medication as prescribed by the physician.

Diagnosis of Urticaria

Once you visit the allergy physician Manassas  depending on your medical history the doctor may order a blood test, stool test, thyroid function test and liver test to ascertain the exact cause of the disease. Milder cases may not require testing as the physician will ask a question to identify the allergen.

What to avoid in case you have hives

  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Stress

How to keep asthma and allergies at bay from your child?

It is no huge revelation that children are fond of animals and birds. More often than not, they are found interacting with them in some form or the other. However, the droppings of pigeons, the birds that children are fascinated by the most carry a certain fungus called Histoplasma Capsulatum. These can be detrimental to a child’s health and is said to have severe health implications, the most common one being asthma and allergies. But, by taking up the allergy tests beforehand and thereafter taking a few precautionary measures, one can easily trick the common allergens and prevent the allergy symptoms.

Why children are easily affected by the allergens?

It would be illogical to say that only a certain sex is susceptible to allergies because of Histoplasma Capsulatum in the environment. Both men and women are equally at risk of being affected. However, in case of the children the chances of being affected are higher, because their immune system is not as strong as adults. The most common infliction that is seen to affect people is the inflammation of the eye. Tests and examinations reveal ‘histo-spots’ and scars on the retina, that can result in blurry or impaired vision.

Effective ways to deal with the allergens:

Any form of allergy can lead to chronic health conditions for the little ones. But, it is practically impossible to confine your child within the house to avoid the allergens. Here are few ways you can control the problem by being extra careful:

  • Pay attention to the garden soil: In some cases pigeons in the vicinity may not be as harmful as thought, the larger they are in number, the higher the air and soil is likely to contain this fungus. So, make sure they are covered well if they go out to play in the yards. Ask them to change their outfits and wash their hands before entering the bedroom.
  • Avoid lakes parks or a bird sanctuary if your child is prone to allergies– Having a child who is prone to allergic reactions illness is bad enough. To top it, aggravation of the ailment because of bird droppings is more petrifying. Therefore, think twice next time you decide to visit the lake, park or any area where there is a possibility of birds, especially pigeons, being around in the vicinity.
  • Free your home from the common allergens– One of the most crucial steps in ensuring that hives and skin allergy don’t aggravate is to keep the environment at home clean. Clean air and ventilation, using the high efficiency particulate air or HEPA is crucial for the wellbeing of the child. Get rid of the dust mites in your home by regular cleaning sessions.

In case you are suspecting that your child is prone to allergies, it is always best to consult an allergy specialist doctor immediately. Their guidance will be crucial in determining the effect of the fungus on the child. Any problems with vision should be reported immediately. Even though scarring around the border of the retina is harmless, there is nothing to lose in seeking the opinion of an expert. However, avoiding pigeon and bird-infested areas is absolutely vital for children who are usually prone to such types of allergy-related ailments and illnesses.

 

How To Survive The Holiday Season While Suffering From Food Allergy

food allergy

As we are heading into the holiday season, the biggest worry with people suffering from food allergy is how they are going to survive the season. If you suffer from the condition you don’t have to worry as there are many strategies, you can use to ensure that you enjoy the season. Some of these strategies include:

Contact your host early enough

The main aim of any host is to organize a party that everyone will enjoy. To help the host do it while keeping yourself safe, you should contact him/her early enough. You should let the party organizer know about your condition and tell them the foods that you are comfortable taking. When you do this, you will help the host prepare food that will be appealing to everyone.

Carry your food

Another option that you can go with is to prepare your food at home and carry it to the party. You should do this if you don’t want to bother the host to cook different meals or you don’t have enough time to notify him/her about your condition.

After you have prepared your food, you should pack it safely and go with it to the party. It’s common for people to ask you why you are taking food that is different from yours. You shouldn’t shy away from explaining it to them.

You should note that it’s easy to develop the allergy at the party even if you are taking safe food. This often comes about when you take food in a plate that has the allergen. To avoid the condition, you should put the food in safe dishes. This calls for you to ask the host to give you plates that haven’t been used by other people.

Eat in advance

If you are attending a small party and you aren’t sure if there will be safe food there, you should arm yourself by eating in advance. Just like when eating different foods, people will ask questions. For example, they will want to know why you aren’t eating. Again, don’t shy away from explaining it to them.

Conclusion

These are some of the strategies that you can use to survive the holiday season safely even if you are suffering from food allergies. As mentioned above, it’s common for you to develop the allergies even if you are observing all the caution.

In addition to using the above strategies, also consider visiting an allergy clinic and take the necessary medications that will help you in the event you consume an allergen.