Tag Archives: allergy clinics

Ways to Prevent Indoor Allergies

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

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

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

Regular cleaning

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

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

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

Air purifiers

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

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

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

Allergy-friendly bedding

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

Humidity control

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

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

Pet care

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

Remove clutter

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

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

Seal cracks and leaks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Natural cleaning products

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

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

Other benefits of using natural cleaning products include:

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

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

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

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

Allergen-free diet

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

Allergen-free home décor

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

What You Must Know About Stress-Induced Asthma

If you are suffering from Asthma, you must know that it is a frightening feeling when you are unable to breathe. Some people’s anxiety and asthma go together. Most of the time, it is hard to unravel the connections between them. However, stress can also cause anxiety, but this article will talk about how stress and asthma symptoms go together.

When stress levels begin to go up, regardless of the reason, asthma symptoms can go overdrive. While the coughing and wheezing get bad, your health is one of the reasons why you should worry. Anxiety, stress, and asthma have a vicious cycle, and everything can quickly turn downwards. When this happens, contact your asthma doctor right away.

By reading this article until the end, you will learn more about this now.

Asthma – What is it?

Asthma is having shortness of breath and breathing difficulty because of inflamed airways. Asthma affects millions of people and it is one of the most chronic conditions that children have.

A lot of factors affect asthma, which includes genetics, allergies, and the environment. Your doctor will help you identify your triggers and learn how to master these irritants, calm them, or avoid them.

You need to understand the triggers because the triggers vary from one person to another.

Almost half of those with asthma have allergies, and you can control both conditions when you are aware.

How to Find Out if Stress Triggers Your Asthma Symptoms

The primary step is to know that you are stressed; sometimes people are unable to recognize these signs. Stress makes you feel irritable, more worried than you usually are, restless, teary, or have a hard time making decisions.

The second one is that stress levels can worsen your asthma even if sometimes you do not feel their connection.

You should write down when you are stressed and if it triggers your asthma symptoms. Keep a diary and write down why and when you are stressed together with the symptoms.

You are going to see patterns. For instance, maybe you have more asthma symptoms when you were moving, or your exams were coming up.

Managing Stress with Asthma

Stress is part of life – with or without it. Therefore, it is important to find the best ways to manage stress if you are suffering from a disorder. You need to relax before the stress happens so you can prevent shortness of breath and avoid an attack.

Change what is in your thoughts – You need to change your thought patterns that lead to stress. How you think, what you think, what you can expect, and what you must tell yourself most of the time to determine the way you feel and how good you are at managing stress levels.

Reduce the stressors around you – identify the stressors you have in your life like relationship problems, money problems, deadlines, grief, and not enough support. If you are unable to resolve these stressors, you must get professional help.

Daily exercise – You must exercise daily. Exercising when you have asthma is a great way to burn the accumulated effects that stress has so you stay healthy.

Sleep is powerful – When you have a chronic illness like asthma, you need a lot of sleep. If you are unable to sleep well because of nighttime asthma, your energy will go down and you will have fewer resources to cope with stress.

Stay away from stressful situations – Manage time effectively, like delegating when needed, pacing yourself, setting priorities, and resting.

These are the information you need to know about asthma. You can also contact allergy specialist Manassas VA.

Early Asthma Attack Warning Signs to Watch out for

When you have an asthma attack, you will feel your asthma symptoms suddenly worsening, and that is caused by muscle tightening of muscles on your airways. The tightening is known as bronchospasm and when you have an asthma attack, the lining of your airways become inflamed or swollen. You will start to produce thicker mucus and a lot more. These factors like inflammation, bronchospasm and mucus production can cause an asthma attack like wheezing, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, and challenge in performing daily activities.

Before you call up your asthma doctor, you should be well aware of those signs and what you can do to stop them from getting worse. Read on to find out more.

Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack

Breathing changes
Mucus changes (sputum)
Congested/runny/stuffy nose
Sneezing
Your throat is sore/itchy/scratchy
Itchy chin or beck
Watery/itchy eyes
Dark eye circles
You are always feeling tired, weak, or fatigued
Moody
Feverish
Restless
Dry mouth or hoarse voice
Not sleeping properly
Headache
Paleness
Anxious
Excitable
Chest pain
Symptoms worsen despite taking medications

Some asthma patients can go for long periods without experiencing an asthma attack or other symptoms as well. The interrupted worsening of symptoms because of asthma trigger exposure like exercise or cold air exposure are also signs.

It is generally more common to experience asthma attacks. Normally, it takes a few minutes to a couple of hours for the airways to open up after treatment. Severe asthma attacks are not as common, but they last longer and need medical help right away. Treating and recognizing mild symptoms early on is important because it will prevent you from having severe episodes.

Severe Asthma Emergency Symptoms

Worsening asthma
Worse shortness of breath
Your skin is sucked in around the neck or ribs
Experience trouble in walking or talking because of shortness of breath
Breathing becomes hard and fast
You cough a lot
Shoulders are hunched over
The asthma quick-relief and medicine are not helping at all
Your nostrils are wide open (could be rare if you are an adult)
Fingernails or lips are blue

What to Do During an Asthma Attack

If someone is experiencing a milk asthma attack, all they could need is an asthma medication, like a quick-acting inhaler. Some mild attacks may sometimes go away on their own.

It is essential that people who have asthma consult with their healthcare team about an action plan. This plan helps in guiding people on how their asthma can be treated, based on the symptoms they go through and what can be done.

A person would have to carry an inhaler and reliever with them, which can have asthma medication to relax their muscles in the airways. The medications can include rapid onset, short-acting, and anticholinergic bronchodilators.

The asthma attack can be dealt with by trying these first:

Sitting upright
Staying relaxed and calm
Using quick-acting medications, normally use a blue inhaler, and following an action plan for asthma
Call an emergency medical hotline if the symptoms worsen or if the medications are not helping

Your Asthma is Not Well-Controlled if:

You have asthma symptoms 2 times a week or more
You are taking quick-relief medications more than twice a month
You need to take corticosteroids more than twice a year

Asthma Symptoms Act up at Night

You will have nighttime asthma if it is uncontrolled and has something to do with your body rhythms and hormone changes. You can sleep through the night if your asthma is well-managed.

You can also go to an allergy specialist doctor Manassas VA for better asthma management.

What You Need to Know about Peanut Allergies

It is said that around 1 million children in the US suffer from a peanut allergy. Out of these statistics, only about 20 percent of them will outgrow their peanut allergies. Nonetheless, it is best to avoid peanuts and other food that contain this ingredient. It is also better to visit an allergy physician to help deal with your allergy issues.

Those with peanut allergy might suffer an adverse allergic reaction once they ingested even a small amount of peanut. Some common peanut allergy reactions include skin hives or swelling, stomach, or digestion problems. In the worst cases, peanut allergies can cause potentially life-threatening reactions such as airway constriction and inadequate blood flow.

Facts about peanut allergy

Here are basic but important facts about peanut allergies.

Peanut allergy is one of the most common allergies, especially among children.
Food allergies including peanut allergies can be potentially deadly. It can cause breathing difficulties, low blood pressure, and anaphylaxis in the worst cases.
There are about 3 million people in the US who are suffering from allergies due to tree nuts and peanuts.
Tree nuts include almonds, cashews, and walnuts. On the other hand, peanuts are actually legumes, the same as peas and soybeans.
A lot of people suffer from allergies throughout their lifetime, children and adults alike. However, about 20 percent of kids eventually outgrow their allergies.
You are more likely to have an allergy (including peanut allergy) if it is in your genes.
It is better to introduce peanuts to children at a young age. However, there should still be cautious when doing so to prevent the onset of allergic reactions.

How to prevent reactions due to peanut allergies

To prevent peanut allergies, you need to consult an allergy specialist doctor for proper treatment. You would also have to undergo allergy testing to confirm whether your allergies are indeed due to peanuts.

Aside from tests, you may also have to keep a food diary to track your food intake and medications taken in case of an allergic reaction. If you already know that peanuts are the culprit of your allergic reactions, make sure to get rid of it from your diet.

You can also use this method to confirm whether it’s the peanut that’s causing the allergies. Do not eat peanuts or food that contain even small traces of peanuts for at least a week. After that, you can slowly reintroduce it to your diet and see if you experience any adverse reactions when you do eat one later on.

Palforzia: The answer to peanut allergy?

Around the first quarter of 2020, the US FDA has approved Palforzia for peanut allergy treatment. The said medication aims to minimize the adverse effects of peanut allergy symptoms such as anaphylaxis. It can be taken by patients as young as 4 and above.

Common treatments used for peanut allergies include epinephrine and antihistamines. However, these treatments may not prevent severe symptoms even if taken in the right dosages and as per schedule.

Taking Palforzia requires three phases. First, is the Initial Dose Escalation. In this phase, this treatment is given for a day. The second phase, the Up-Dosing, requires multiple dosage levels in a course of several months. It should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable allergy physician for the proper way of taking the medication. The third and last phase requires maintaining the dosages at home.

Just make sure to monitor the treatment of any adverse reaction. If there is, the patient should discontinue taking the treatment. Ironically, California is made from peanuts and comes in capsule and powder forms. It is then mixed with pudding, yogurt, or other semisolid foods. Make sure to consult an allergist doctor first before taking any allergy treatments.

Conclusion

Peanut allergies are only one of the many types of food allergies. Some may experience only mild symptoms while others may experience extreme ones. Also, make it a point to check food packaging labels to prevent possible allergic reactions.

Consult an allergy physician for any allergy-related concerns. An allergist in Manassas should be able to diagnose a possible peanut allergy and recommend the best treatment for it. Contact one today for your peace of mind.

Is it a Cold or an Allergy? Here is What You Need to Know

Getting the sniffles can be annoying. Imagine you’re about to sleep but you cannot breathe properly while lying down due to a clogged nose. Or when you’re about to eat your favorite food but you cannot savor its taste because of your runny nose.

Most people think that a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, and sneezing means you have the common colds. However, these symptoms can also indicate signs of an allergic reaction. In such cases, you should consult an allergist doctor near you to treat those allergy symptoms.

But first of all, we must learn to distinguish the difference between common colds and allergies. For one thing, it can be tricky since most of their symptoms are similar. However, their root causes and treatment should be treated accordingly with proper medications.

Common colds vs. Allergies: Know the differences

Although the symptoms of colds and allergies are similar, these two are way different from each other. On the one hand, a common cold is due to different kinds of colds. It is transmitted via droplets from a sick person when they sneeze or cough. Among tell-tale signs of a common cold include:

Runny or clogged nose
Coughing
Sore throat
Headache
Fever
Body pains
Watery eyes

People usually recover from colds between a week to up to 10 days. If the abovementioned symptoms last for more than 10 days, you might have yourself checked as it can mean a more serious condition like bronchitis or pneumonia. Colds are all-year-round according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

People who experience allergies and young children are more prone to colds. In such cases, you might have to go to an allergy clinic to help deal with your symptoms.

Allergies, on the other hand, happens following a reaction from the immune system due to contact with certain substances. These triggers, called allergens, cause the symptoms that are similar to that of common colds.

In some cases, those with allergies experience other symptoms not common in colds such as itchy eyes and rashes. Some people experience seasonal allergies, but allergies can be experienced all year round.

How to diagnose allergies and colds

You might not need to consult a doctor for common colds. But it can also be a good idea to consult an allergy doctor if you think you are experiencing symptoms beyond common colds.

In case of a bacterial or viral infection, you might have to undergo further tests like a chest X-ray. But in case of allergies, you need to consult an allergist specialist and undergo allergy testing.

That is why you need to know the abovementioned symptoms to differentiate whether you have colds or allergies. In the worst cases, you might already have been experiencing life-threatening symptoms without you realizing it.

How to deal with common colds

Common colds are not life-threatening unless the symptoms haven’t gone away for weeks. Over-the-counter cough syrups and medicines for colds as well as nasal sprays and pain relievers can provide relief from the common cold. Ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medicines, especially for kids, or if you are pregnant or have an existing medical condition.

Other ways to provide relief from colds include:

Not drinking caffeinated drinks
Drinking more citrus-based drinks and water
Steam baths

Likewise, you should follow the prescribed duration of taking the medications. Otherwise, it can lead to side effects.

How to deal with allergic reactions

There are other treatments for allergies and prevent its triggers. Antihistamines are the most popular allergy treatments such as Benedryl and Zyrtec. However, these treatments can have side effects such as drowsiness. But other antihistamines have a non-drowsy formula.

For those with a clogged nose, you should take decongestants for relief. Decongestants come in spray or pill forms. Like any other medicines, you should follow the doctor’s prescription to avoid experiencing side effects. Other treatments for allergies include eye drops (for itchy and watery eyes), corticosteroids, and allergy shots.

You should also visit an allergy clinic for proper treatment of allergies. Whether you have allergies or colds, it can affect your daily life nonetheless. Talk to the best allergist in Manassas VA for your allergy-related concerns.

Is it Allergies, Colds, or COVID-19? Here are the Symptom Differences

In times like these, it is difficult to be sick. Just a simple sneeze or sniffles can trigger anxiety for a lot of people. On the one hand, these are common symptoms of common colds. However, these can often be mistaken as signs of COVID-19.

There is no doubt how this global pandemic affected our daily routines. There might be some people who experience some kind of body discomfort but are afraid to go to hospitals. Even consulting an allergy physician and other medical specialists can be a little challenging nowadays.

Facing fears and the unknown

Whether we admit it or not, COVID-19 has caused anxiety and stress at some point in our lives. Even if most people are in the safety of their homes, we cannot help but think about others who aren’t. They might be front liners and medical personnel that have no choice but to attend to their sworn duties.

As for those at home, it is important to stay indoors as much as we can. Take vitamins and eat healthy foods to boost our health and immune system. Practice proper hygiene and handwashing at all times. Consult an allergy specialist doctor online if you experience any allergic symptoms.

But sometimes, we cannot help but think about what will happen in the next coming days. What if we suddenly fell ill and we have to go to an allergy clinic or a hospital? What if the hospital or clinic nearby is not sanitized enough and contains the dreaded virus? Worst, what if you get the dreaded virus?

Is it allergies or COVID-19?

It is the spring season in many countries, so you can expect a lot of people suffering from seasonal allergies. You might have to consult an allergist if you experience the usual allergy symptoms.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of allergies can be similar to that of COVID-19. Even a simple cough, sore throat, or sneeze can cause panic not only to you but also to other people. On the other hand, there are also a lot of people who recover from this dreaded disease.

Then again, we should not underestimate the potential complications COVID-19 can bring. As of date, there are more than 250,000 deaths around the world due to the virus. Some people experience mild to none of the symptoms. But some experience extreme symptoms which lead to intubation and oxygen support.

How to know if it’s an allergy, common cold, or COVID-19

First of all, you need to monitor your symptoms. As mentioned, allergy, colds, and COVID-19 symptoms can be similar. This includes cough, loss of sense of taste and smell, and breathing difficulties. If you suspect of being in contact with a potential allergen, make sure to consult an allergist doctor at least online.

Some people also experience diarrhea or vomiting due to allergic reactions (ex. lactose intolerance). But if symptoms worsen after a week or so, perhaps it is a good idea to contact a doctor to get tested for possible COVID-19.

Meanwhile, common signs of allergies may include itchy eyes and nose, sore throat, and sneezing. Some may also experience skin rashes that can be itchy. Most of these symptoms usually appear a couple of minutes or hours after you came into contact with an allergen. In such cases, you should consult an allergy doctor for proper treatment.

Common colds can also be mistaken as an allergic reaction and COVID-19. Sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing are some symptoms of common colds. You can take care of it by taking over-the-counter medications. Or try home remedies like drinking lots of water or natural citrus drinks.

Enlightenment, not fear

It can be easy to confuse common colds and allergies with COVID-19. For one thing, most of their symptoms are similar to each other. However, it depends on the severity and the duration these symptoms manifest themselves.

For example, allergy symptoms usually appear minutes or a few hours after coming into contact with an allergen. In such cases, you should consult an allergist doctor in Manassas VA immediately.

On the other hand, COVID-19 can be stealthy. Some people may experience symptoms, while others do not. Nonetheless, it is important to consider the people around you. Make sure to wash your hands and keep yourselves clean at all times. Most importantly, you should keep yourselves healthy and at home until it is safe to do our usual routines like before.

What You Need to Know about Allergies in Babies

Babies can lighten up anyone’s mood with their cute coos and laughter. Their chubby cheeks, their toothless grin, and their pure innocence – who can resist these adorable little creatures anyway? More than material things, all parents only want what is best for their children and ensuring that they are 100 percent healthy and happy as they grow up.

However, babies do get sick at some point, whether it’s a simple cold to more complicated medical conditions. Of course, we as parents do not want the latter to occur to our young children. But if it does happen to our babies, you should rush to an allergy doctor immediately for proper medication.

What to expect on infant allergies

For one thing, it is not uncommon that babies get allergies just like older kids and adults. Baby allergies can be due to food or the environment they live in. On one hand, it can be easier to determine the cause of allergies among older kids and adults since they can verbally express to the allergy physician what happened prior to the allergic reaction.

On the other hand, it can be a little challenging to determine the root cause of a baby’s allergy since they don’t have the ability to speak yet. As a result, babies tend to be cranky and cry a lot due to the discomfort they are feeling. We all know that allergies occur due to our immune system’s reaction with a certain allergen, which also happens to babies.

The parents or their guardians can only guess the culprit based on the last food or drink the baby has consumed or the weather outside. Nonetheless, it is important to bring your baby to an allergist doctor for any unusual symptoms. Allergy testing may be needed to determine the root cause and provided the right kind of treatment for these little ones.

Is that an allergic reaction?

Babies sometimes catch colds, stomach aches, and other common illnesses at some point in their young lives. However, these symptoms might also be similar to allergic reactions. That is why it is important to distinguish the difference between the two.

For example, babies suffer from stomach issues mostly due to a virus. This results in gassiness, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, stomach aches in babies might also be due to an allergic reaction due to food or other environmental factors. In such cases, it is better to bring your baby to an allergist specialist for proper treatment.

Meanwhile, babies ages two to three months are also prone to rashes such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. It usually appears on the ankles, knees, neck, elbows, and wrist. However, eczema might be due to an allergic reaction to milk, food, and other environmental factors as well. Hives are usually rare in babies, yet should not be ignored when it does happen.

When we catch colds, we often experience runny nose and coughing. It is usually due to a virus or perhaps the weather. However, these symptoms might also be due to an allergic reaction. In some cases, babies experience wheezing and other signs of asthma which can be potentially fatal when left untreated.

Parents should look out for these symptoms – these usually last longer than colds and other common illnesses. It is also determined as an allergic reaction if it is not accompanied with body pains and fever. If you think your baby is experiencing an allergic reaction, it is better to visit an allergy clinic for proper treatment.

Allergy treatment for babies

If your baby is experiencing allergic reactions, you should do the following to provide relief for your little one. Your baby’s doctor may recommend prescription treatments for your little one’s allergic reactions such as creams and oral medications.

Also, make sure to avoid any kind of exposure to possible allergens including food, pollen, and other environmental allergens. You might also have to do some adjustments to your lifestyle such as replacing your mattress covers frequently and shifting into an allergy-proof detergent. Allergy testing, usually through blood or skin tests, may also be done in older children. Nonetheless, any kind of allergy treatment should have a go-signal from your doctor.

Taking care of your baby’s health

No parent wants to wish their child ill-health. That is why we should do everything to ensure our children’s optimum health. For signs of allergic reactions, you should visit an allergy specialist doctor in Manassas VA immediately.

Soy Yummy or Not? What You Need to Know about Soy Allergies

Food is life, literally and figuratively. It gives us the right nutrition we need to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Food also makes us happy and can’t live without eating. No wonder a lot of restaurants, cafes, diners, and food trucks appear here and there and in every street corner. Eating and enjoying our food is basically part of our lives.

However, not all people get to enjoy various foods and cuisines due to allergies. If you are allergic to certain foods, make sure to visit an allergy clinic to help treat your condition. Fortunately, allergies can be easier to manage by taking the prescribed medications religiously. Once symptoms occur, it is important to address them immediately to avoid further complications.

Facts about soy

People have mixed views about soy. On the one hand, some swear by its various health benefits. It is also a great protein alternative especially for vegans and vegetarians out there. Plus, soy is a common ingredient used in many Asian recipes. No wonder Asian people love their soy regardless of whether they incorporate it into sweet or savory dishes.

On the other hand, some do not like soy at all mainly because of their taste and texture. Also, a lot of people are allergic to it. If you are one of these soy allergics, it is best to visit an allergy physician for proper medication and treatment. You might undergo allergy testing when necessary.

There are also different types of soy products, namely: whole soy, fermented, soy-based processed food product, and soy supplements. Examples of whole soy products include tofu and soy milk. Fermented soy, on the other hand, includes products such as soy sauce, tempeh (an Indonesian fermented soy cake), and miso (a Japanese ingredient used in soups).

Soy-based processed food products are usually preferred by vegans and vegetarians as meat and dairy substitutes. Soybean oil and soy flours are also some examples of soy-based processed goods. Lastly, soy supplements are usually added to protein shakes and bars. It is also available in powder or capsule forms.

Symptoms and risks

For one thing, allergy to soy is a common type of allergies, especially among children. It is said that soy allergies usually occur at a young age. But in most cases, it can be outgrown before they reach school age. However, you should bring your child to an allergy doctor if symptoms appear and worsen over time.

This food ingredient is part of the legume family aside from lentils, beans, and peanuts. However, just because you are allergic to soy means you can be allergic to nuts although it may happen in rare cases. Still, it is best to consult an allergist doctor if you have soy allergies. Among symptoms to watch out for possible signs of soy allergies include the following.

Stomach cramps
Digestion problems
Diarrhea
Breathing difficulties/tightening of the throat
Repetitive coughing
Vomiting
The occurrence of hives or swelling around the lip or tongue
Anaphylaxis in worst cases

Treating soy allergies

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for food allergies, including soy allergies. If you are currently breastfeeding, you may have to consult your doctor first to avoid possible complications on the baby. As an adult allergic to soy, the only thing you can do is to avoid soy products as much as possible.

That is why you should make it a point to check the label carefully. Aside from the aforementioned products, soy may be also present in other foods such as vegetable oil, cereals, cookies and crackers, and processed foods among a few. Basically, you should avoid food products with “soy”, “soybeans”, or “soya” in it.

Soy is not all bad… almost

On the one hand, soy provides a lot of health benefits, which are the following:

Can help lower cholesterol levels
Can improve fertility in women and lessen symptoms of menopause
A great source of protein, perfect for vegans and vegetarians

However, soy also has its cons. For example, it is said that soy can affect men’s testosterone levels. However, there is no definite proof of this claim. Still, there should be nothing to stop you from trying soy products unless you are allergic to them.

If you are allergic to soy, it is best to visit an allergy specialist doctor for proper treatment. Find an allergy doctor in Manassas VA today!

Bedroom Hygiene and Allergies: What You Need to Do to Prevent Bedtime Allergies

Nothing beats that feeling of relief when you are bed-bound after a long, tiring day. You just had your dinner, took a refreshing bath, brushed your teeth, and then you are looking forward to a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, you are not able to achieve that good night’s sleep due to an allergy attack. If you experience allergic reactions, you need to consult an allergy specialist doctor near you.

Of allergies and quality of sleep

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that about 1/3 of American adults suffer from some kind of allergy. Allergies can be due to various triggers such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and household product chemicals among a few. Having allergies can affect your quality of life… and your sleep, too.

In fact, a published report revealed that there is almost 50 percent of allergic sufferers suffer from sleep deprivation and fatigue due to bedtime allergies. That is why you need to pay attention to your bedroom hygiene to avoid sleep problems. At the same time, you need to consult an allergist doctor to help manage your condition.

Speaking of bedtime allergies, a lot of people do not realize the importance of maintaining bedroom hygiene to better sleep. Most of the time, we tend to forget dusting our rooms and cleaning it from unnecessary clutter. However, such habits can potentially cause health issues including allergic reactions.

Like how we pay attention to keeping ourselves physically healthy, the same should also apply to our bedtime routines. Not only can it help in a more comfortable and satisfying sleep but also improve one’s quality of life. For any signs of bedtime-related allergic reactions, you should visit an allergy clinic immediately.

Bedroom hygiene mistakes that can affect your sleep

Everyone wants to have a nice-looking bedroom. For one thing, you can tell what kind of a person is by his or her bedroom. Of course, every bedroom owner wants to have a clean, comfortable, and presentable bedroom at all times. Otherwise, your room will be dirty and very uncomfortable to spend time at.

Letting dust gather up under your bed

Most of the time, we tend to forget cleaning the space underneath our bed frames. Over time, it can collect dust and dirt that can potentially trigger allergic reactions later on. It can worsen asthma symptoms as well. Plus, dust bunnies do not look cute under your bed at all.

Not changing your bed sheets

Although we do not notice it, our bedsheets collect the most amount of dirt. This is where dead skin cells and all sorts of dirt and oil stick to, which dust mites love to eat. If you do not change sheets on the regular, you can experience itching, sneezing, and other signs of allergic reactions.

Using aerosols/air fresheners

Air fresheners should make your room smelling more pleasant. However, a lot of people do not realize that it contains harmful chemicals that can be potentially damaging to your health. Not only can these product cause allergic reactions but even cancer. If you experience adverse reactions when using these products, you should visit an allergist specialist immediately.

Letting your pet sleep with you on your bed

A lot of people are allergic to pets not because of their fur but due to their saliva, dried-up urine, and dead skin. Not everyone may not experience allergic reactions, but some may experience adverse effects nonetheless. You might want to consult an allergy physician to help manage your allergic reactions.

How to avoid bedtime allergies

Here are some tips to avoid bedtime allergies and ensure better sleep every night.

Make it a habit to change bedsheets every one to two weeks.
Use a vacuum to clean the dust under your bed. Wipe your table, your bed headboard, and other surfaces where dust usually gather up.
Instead of using air fresheners, you can opt for more natural ways to make your room smell better. You can use essential oils or vegetable-based or soy candles.
Get rid of your room of any mold forming on your windowsill.
Clean your air conditioning filters every once every three months. Clean your room carpet of any accumulated dirt and dust at least once a week.
Consult an allergy physician for any signs of allergic reactions.

Get a good night sleep by having good bedroom hygiene

Allergies can be debilitating if left ignored. Make sure to call an allergist doctor to help you manage your allergic symptoms. There is an allergy clinic in Manassas VA for your allergy-related concerns.

Anaphylaxis: A Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction You Should Take Seriously

Allergic reactions vary from person to person. On one hand, some might experience mild reactions that can be manageable by taking prescribed medications. On the other hand, some individuals may experience severe allergic reactions to the point of life-threatening. While the latter should be brought to the nearest allergy clinic immediately, all kinds of allergic reactions should be addressed for proper treatment nonetheless.

There are people who experience severe allergic reactions to allergens that can potentially be deadly for them. This frightening reaction is called anaphylaxis, which occurs when there is an excessive chemical release and results in shock.

Anaphylaxis commonly occurs to certain allergens such as food, latex, medications, and insect stings. If there are symptoms that appear following contact with the mentioned allergens, it is best to consult an allergy physician immediately. Just because it hasn’t happened to you in the past doesn’t mean anaphylaxis won’t happen to you ever in your life.

What causes anaphylaxis?

As you might know, our immune system is capable of producing antibodies that protect us against foreign substances like harmful viruses or bacteria. However, some people tend to overreact to these foreign substances. Some allergic reactions are not really life-threatening, but some people do experience intense reactions that lead to anaphylaxis.

As mentioned, everyone is susceptible to experiencing anaphylaxis even if you haven’t experienced this for once in your life. More so, you have higher chances of having an anaphylactic shock if you have experienced this at least once in the past.

Among common triggers include certain foods like shellfish and peanuts, as well as antibiotics and other certain medications. Latex (ex. ones used in gloves) and insect stings can also trigger anaphylaxis as well. Some triggers may not be as common as the previously mentioned ones such as intense physical activities. Regardless of the allergic triggers, it is best to consult an allergy specialist doctor immediately.

Common symptoms of anaphylaxis

Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually occur in a snap and may progress later on. At first, symptoms can be mild just like the usual such as a runny nose or a skin rash. However, it can lead to the worst if you do not address it immediately to an allergy specialist. Among symptoms to watch out for include the following.

Tightening of the throat, resulting in breathing difficulties
Appearance of hives
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Dizziness and fainting spells
Low blood pressure or increase in heartbeat rate
Cardiac arrest, in worst cases

If you have first experienced mild anaphylaxis before, you should still not take it for granted. In some cases, the next occurrence can be worse and can even lead to worse reactions and even death. Before it becomes too late, it is best to call an allergist doctor to help manage your allergic triggers.

Diagnosis and treatment

As mentioned, any allergic reactions that are not the usual should be treated immediately by an allergy doctor. If you or someone you know show signs of severe allergic reactions, it is best to have it treated immediately. Call for emergency assistance and remove the offending allergen as much as possible.

Ensure that the patient is breathing well and as comfortable as possible. If there is a sign of low blood pressure, the person should remain in a supine position and raise the legs off the ground. In the event that the patient stops breathing, perform CPR immediately until paramedics arrive.

In some cases, the patient will be given an epinephrine injection which helps in stabilizing blood pressure and reduce the occurrence of swelling. It also helps in relaxing the muscles and prevents the progression of the allergic triggers that can worsen your condition.

Unfortunately, anaphylaxis can be unpredictable. As mentioned, it can happen to people who have not experienced this ever in their lives. That is why you should know the abovementioned symptoms and make sure you do not take those symptoms for granted. If those appear, make sure to visit an allergy physician to help you manage your condition.

Avoid the life-threatening risks of anaphylaxis

Allergic reactions vary from person to person, but should still be addressed by an allergist in Manassas VA. Anaphylaxis can happen to anyone, including you. That is why you should be able to identify your triggers if you have one. Contact the best allergists near you to help manage your allergies.