Tag Archives: Asthma Doctors

Life with Asthma: What It Feels Like, and How to Live Life Despite the Condition

It is said that asthma affects almost 4 million people around the world. It is often associated with frequent coughing and breathing difficulties. In the worst cases, some people die due to severe asthma attacks. If you or someone you know suffer from asthma symptoms, it is best to consult an asthma doctor and take asthma treatments as per prescription.

What you need to know about asthma

Asthma can be a potentially life-threatening condition if not managed well. It is a long-term medical condition that affects the airways. When the airways become inflamed due to certain triggers, it will tighten and cause breathing difficulties and the other common asthma symptoms we are familiar with.

Speaking of triggers, asthma can be due to allergic and non-allergic triggers. The former can be due to the presence of pollen, dust mites, molds, and pet dander among others. On the other hand, the latter can refer to air pollutants, intense exercise routines, and even uncontrollable emotions.

We might feel pity for seeing people experience asthma attacks. A lot of people might also think that it’s the end of the world for people with asthma since it can be a lifetime condition. However, this doesn’t mean that they cannot live their lives to the fullest. For those who suffer from asthma, it is important to follow their asthma treatments religiously to help them manage their condition better.

How it feels like to have asthma

You cannot simply imagine what it feels like to have asthma until you experience it yourself. For one thing, it is said that no two people experience the same asthma symptoms. Each of them will experience varying symptoms – from mild to severe – depending on the gravity of the condition.

Nevertheless, you should not take asthma for granted. If you experience any asthma symptoms, you should visit an allergist immediately. As to what it feels like to experience asthma attacks, some of those who experienced it first-hand described it as gasping for air like a fish that has been out of water.

Others described having asthma as if a large object is sitting on their chest – it was definitely hard to breathe according to these asthma sufferers. Asthma is also associated with constant coughing once the triggers occur. As a result, you have a hard time catching your breath.

Some also compared asthma attacks like breathing into a squished straw and getting their chest squeezed too much. You will also hear wheezing, which is not a normal thing when you are breathing. Regardless of how one feels, it can be one of the scariest things that can happen to you. For asthma management, make sure to visit an allergy physician for proper treatment.

Living a normal life despite having asthma

Asthma can affect one’s quality of life especially if you get exposed to certain triggers. But as mentioned, this doesn’t mean you cannot already live a normal life as possible despite having this condition. Here are some ways that can help you live normally even if you experience asthma attacks from time to time.

Be aware of your triggers.

It is important to know and identify what usually triggers your asthma so you can manage it better. For example, you need to stay away from the outdoors if you are allergic to pollen or any air contaminants. If you are allergic to pet dander, it may be a good idea not to have furry pets to lessen the risk of having asthma attacks.

Always bring an inhaler.

Inhalers have saved a lot of asthmatics thanks to its quick relief effects. Inhalers are usually prescribed by an allergy physician to provide relief from asthma attacks.

Make sure to clean your house regularly.

Some people may be allergic to dust mites and pet dander. That is why it is important to ensure cleanliness inside your home at all times. Instead of wool carpets, you can use other types of flooring such as laminate, wood, or tiles. Use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filter and clean every nook and cranny of your home.

Living life to the fullest

Even if you have asthma, it is still possible to live a normal life as long as you know how to manage it. Aside from staying away from triggers, make sure to follow your prescribed medications and visit an allergy specialist doctor in Manassas VA. Contact one today if you or someone you know have asthma symptoms.

It’s That Time of The Year Again: Managing Your Asthma This Winter Season

Allergy

Winter is just around the corner. A lot of people look forward to seeing and playing with snow at this time of the year. It is also a great time to show off your winter fashion and warm up with friends and family in front of the fireplace. But for some people, winter can be one of their worst nightmares.

For one, winter is also the time when asthma symptoms tend to get worse. Before your condition gets worst, you should visit an allergy clinic immediately. An asthma doctor will provide you the right medications to help alleviate your asthma symptoms. Knowing how to manage your asthma symptoms can help lessen the feeling of discomfort and somehow help you enjoy the chilly weather.

The link between winter and asthma

As mentioned, the cold weather can cause allergic triggers that can hinder you to enjoy the season. In fact, Chinese findings back in 2014 found that people who got hospitalized due to asthma attacks increased significantly during the winter season.

The cold and dry air is one of the most known triggers of asthma. It can irritate the airways and cause muscle spasms. The result is an asthma attack that can literally take your breath away, albeit in a negative way.

If you are prone to allergies and asthma attacks, you should consult an allergy physician to help manage your symptoms. An allergy specialist doctor will help you manage your allergic reactions. Aside from the cold and dry weather, there are other lesser-known asthma triggers.

Other common winter asthma triggers

Cold and dry winter air is not the only cause of asthma at this time of the year. Regardless of these triggers, asthma attacks can be potentially fatal if not treated immediately. Once asthma symptoms occur, consult an asthma doctor immediately. These are some of the following.

Smokes and scents

Most homeowners would be setting up their fireplaces to warm up their respective homes. Meanwhile, some homeowners light up scented candles to add up to the warm ambiance as well as to make the room smell like the holidays. However, smoke may contain particles that can trigger asthma. The same goes for scented candles, which can also cause allergic reactions.

Christmas tree

Believe it or not, your Christmas tree, especially real ones, can also cause asthma triggers. These real pine trees may carry pollen and mold which can be potentially fatal for allergy sufferers. While you can opt for plastic Christmas trees, nothing beats the real thing – unless you are not prone to allergies.

Pets

Cats and dogs are some of the most common household pets, and they tend to stay more indoors during winter. This means higher chances of pet dander and fur floating around your home, which can result in allergies. An allergy testing may be necessary to confirm whether pet dander is the culprit to your asthma attacks.

How to avoid winter-related asthma attacks

You cannot control the weather, but you can somehow manage your asthma symptoms. Having allergies doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the chilly weather anymore. Still, you need to take extra precautions especially if you know that you are prone to asthma attacks during the winter season.

Here are some preventive tips you need to take note of so you can make the most out of this festive season.

As much as possible, avoid using firewood to light up your fireplace. There are fireplaces that are lighted using gas that you can use instead.
If you are sensitive to the scent of essential oils, candles, or incense, consider shopping online instead. This lessens the risk of allergic reactions as compared to buying these items in a physical store.
Prevent the spread of flu bacteria and germs by washing your hands. Do not kiss people who have colds or coughs.
Use a scarf loosely wrapped around your neck when you go outside. This warms up the air you breathe, hence lessening the risk of asthma triggers.

Enjoy the holidays asthma-free

As mentioned, we cannot control the weather nor have the power to cease winter. However, there are ways to manage your allergy and asthma symptoms and be able to enjoy the holiday seasons in better health. Upon noticing signs of asthma, make sure to find an allergy doctor in Germantown MD to help manage your symptoms.

Simple Tips for an Allergy-Free Vacation

Allergies can dampen your travel plans especially if you are traveling during spring. Don’t let the allergies dampen the vacation spirit instead planning ahead will ensure you enjoy your vacation without any interruptions. It’s imperative that you understand the kind of allergy that affects you or your children to be able to counter it, be it a food allergy, seasonal allergy or asthma, hives, and skin allergy.

Preparing for an allergy-free trip

Speak to your the allergist

The first step towards a happy vacation is speaking to the allergy doctor so you can get advice on how best to avoid allergens and in case there are any medications one should take to avoid severe cases of the allergen. Take note of any steps you need to take to avoid severe allergic reactions while traveling

Choose the right place for your accommodation

It’s important to choose accommodation that doesn’t allow smoking, pets, and level of hygiene is high. Ask for rooms that don’t have carpets as this might hold a lot of dust and pollen. Inform the hotel of the allergies you have and confirm whether there any measures put in place to minimize the effects of allergies

Make sure the vacation takes you to the right place

Research about the place you are going to understand the allergens that are likely to be found in the area.Choose vacation spots that will favor your allergy situation. Mountain areas don’t have dust mites while pollen is rarely found on the beaches. Depending on your allergic reaction, choose to take the vacation in areas where the allergy will not be accelerated.

Pack your medicine and home remedy kit

Carry a bag with your allergy supplies and ensure that you have carried all the medicine that will help alleviate the allergy symptoms just in case they appear.

Pack the right clothes

Ensure that the clothes you pack don’t attract allergens. Carry your own pillowcases if possible and a bedsheet that you can lie on.

Traveling

If you are traveling by car use your air conditioner and filter the air. Early morning travels work perfectly before the pollen count increases. If you are taking a flight, ensure that the food offered in the flight has no allergens. Drink a lot of water during the journey.

Activities at your destination

When you get to your destination ensure that you confirm the kind of food available and whether there are any allergy triggers in the food. Check the rooms and confirm there is no smoking zone nearby.

Remind the families, Members of the allergies you have,

Vacations get exciting and some of the family members may forget that you have an allergy. Remind them of the allergic reactions you have towards certain foods and any other substance that may cause an allergic reaction. If you are sharing rooms ensure they observe hygiene and remind them to keep the windows closed to avoid pollen from entering the house.

Tips while traveling and you have allergies

Carry your own wipes to clean surfaces
Research on cultural differences and ensure that you understand them. In some cultures, smoking is allowed in public places
Carry your prescription in your handbag
Check out air travel policies
Follow the instructions from the allergist and enjoy your vacation

Simple Ways to Keep Your House Allergen Proof

The air inside our houses may can contain allergens more than the air outside. Common indoor allergens include dust, pet furs, mites, mold and cockroach droppings. It’s necessary to ensure that the house is free of any allergens as that is where we spend most of our time. The most practical way to manage allergies is to ensure we rid the home of the allergens. Regular house cleaning will ensure that your home is allergen free reducing the number of trips you make to the allergist

Simple Tips to Rid your House of Allergens

Get an Air Filter

Get an air filter that can handle the small dust and dander particles. High particulate air filters are made to remove small dust particles from the air. It’s ideal to have the air filter in the room where you spend the most time which is most likely the bedroom. It’s vital to regularly clean the air filter to ensure that it doesn’t contaminate the air.

Keep out Mites

Dust mites will trigger allergy and asthma. Mites will hide in rugs, boxes, and beddings. It’s therefore essential you do away with rugs and clean the bedding often to ensure there are no mites. Use allergy-proof covers and wash the bedding in hot water to keep away the mites. You can also keep the dust mites out by ensuring that the house is cold as they don’t survive in cool temperature. Keep the cockroaches away by thoroughly cleaning the house and sealing any holes to ensure that there are no entry spaces for the roaches.

General Cleaning

Ensure you thoroughly clean your house every week as this will ensure that your house is allergy-proof. Clean under the beds, seats and all the places with a clean mop and soap. A wet mop will trap the allergens instead of releasing them into the air. Vacuum clean all the carpets and the back of the seats. Wipe off the dust from windows, doors and all other surfaces. Make sure that there are no molds in the bathroom. Ensure that you don’t use scented cleaners as that may attract more allergens.

Keep out the Clutter

The cluttered items such as magazines, old books and clothes will host dust, cockroaches, and mites. You should ensure that you limit dust traps by keeping fewer items such as books, magazines, and frames. Remove old rags from the house to avoid hosting dust.

Other tips to Keep Allergens out of Your Home

Declutter the house, as this will keep out dust, mites, and cockroaches
Dry clothes using a dryer as air drying may increase allergens in clothes
Always wear a mask while cleaning
Avoid clothing made from animal fur
Ask a family member who doesn’t have allergies to dust out the pets
Ensure your house is humid, you can use a hydrometer to measure humidity
In case of an allergic reaction while cleaning, consult your allergy doctor va

Reduce the pet allergens in your home to prevent allergy attacks

Pets are man’s best friend, but if you are prone to hives and skin allergy, they can make your life worse. Not only their skin dander triggers allergic reactions, but their saliva and urine too can leave you sneezing throughout the day. Most of the pets shed off their dry skin cells in the form of dander, which gets attached to their feathers or furs and lands in your curtains, rugs, clothes, and furniture; and this is an unavoidable situation if you have pets in your home. Thankfully, there are some ways to reduce the allergens beforehand.

Detecting the cause of your allergy:

Apart from irritations in your skin and sneezing, you may also experience red and itchy eyes, runny nose or coughing if you are prone to pet allergy. However, it is ideally recommended to opt for radioallergosorbent allergy testing, which includes a thorough examination of your skin and blood, to detect the root of the problem. In many cases, you may find out that the culprit is not your four-legged friend, but the hidden pollen in their hair.

Reduce the allergens in your home:

If you are allergic to your pet but do not want to part with your furry friend, there are many ways to reduce the allergens in your home:

Make sure you give your pet shower on a weekly basis: Bathing your pets on a weekly basis can reduce the chances of dander shedding manifold. Consult your veterinarian to pick the pet grooming products, which are safe for regular use.
HEPA air cleaners can make your life comfortable: The high-efficiency HEPA air cleaners are very effective, not only to avoid the allergy-causing dander but also dust particles and pollen, which might trigger allergies.
Turn to frequent cleaning and dusting: Make sure you wear a protective mask while dusting your home. Clean the pet beds frequently. Change the curtains, bed and pillows covers and vacuum the blinds, carpets, and furniture to get rid of allergens.
Treat your allergy problem: There are numerous allergy treatment methods to deal with pet allergies. Consult your allergy doctor, to opt for immunotherapy, antihistamine sprays or pills and steroidal injections. It is essential, to find a specialist who understands your love and commitment towards your furry friend because only then he or she can suggest you the best way to deal with the problem, rather than blaming your pet and giving them away.

Instead of blaming your pets every time you get an allergy, prevent the causes beforehand to endure a healthy relationship with them.

Seasonal Allergies: Tips On How To Survive The Allergy Season

When you are suffering from seasonal allergies, the cold weather and presence of pollen in the air mean trouble. The cool thing is that you don’t always have to worry when the allergy season comes about. To help you out, here are tips on how to survive the season:

Start taking medications early

One of the main reasons why many people struggle with the allergies is because they don’t start taking the medicines early enough. The best way of going about it is beginning to take the medications at least a few weeks before the season starts.

You should note that the medications that you took last season might not work this season; therefore, you need to visit your doctor so that he/she can undertake the necessary tests and recommend the best ones for you to go for.

Know your medications

Sometimes you might not be in a position to visit your allergy doctor. In such a situation, you don’t have another way out other than to buy the medications over the counter.

Since there are many types of medications that you can take, it’s crucial that you know the ones that you take.

One of the best ones is 10 mg Claritin for adults and 5 mg for children. You can also take Zyrtec or diphenhydramine.

When taking the medications, you should be cautious of the side effects. For example, diphenhydramine can cause morning hangover. Experts recommend that you avoid this medicine when you are driving.

Know your symptoms

Do you know that you can be affected by the allergens before even the allergy season strikes? This has happened to many, and they rush to the hospital thinking that they are suffering from another condition.

To easily control the condition, you need to know your symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms associated with the disease include: new rashes, body aches, fever, difficulty breathing, eye pain, and vision changes.

If you notice any of these, visit your nearest doctor or drug store and take the necessary medications.

Take the medications properly

Taking the right medications isn’t enough—you need to take them correctly. All you need to do is check the back of the bottle and follow the instructions. If it’s a new drug and you aren’t sure of how to take it, ask your doctor for guidance.

Conclusion

These are tips on how to survive the allergy season. As mentioned, to have an easy time, visit a reputable allergy clinic before the allergy season begins.

Taking A Look At Spring Allergy Treatment Options

In spring we always look forward to warmer weather, blooming flowers and the chirp of birds. But there is a down side, more pollen and mold that cause sneezing, itchy runny nose and terrible nasal congestion. In this article we are going to look at some simple spring allergy treatment options you can settle for to alleviate the suffering.

Take medication

When that itchy runny nose kicks in, take antihistamines. These medications offer relief by blocking your body’s response to allergies. Always read the medication instruction well and follow the directions. Never take more than the dose indicated as these drugs tend to cause drowsiness. Opt for nasal sprays if the nasal congestion is severe. To avoid complications, don’t take the medications before you consult an allergy doctor.

Minimize outdoor times during spring; most plants tend to release their pollen grains in the air, this pollen travel into our lungs via the nose and at times eyes causing allergic reactions. Minimize the time you spend out and if you have to be out, get a filter mask and some protective eyewear like sunglasses. Always change your clothes when you get back to the house and shower too.

Herbal Remedies

Many natural herbal remedies might offer relief too. Go for some that contain ginkgo biloba leaves, a Chinese remedy that when taken provides relief for up to 8 months later. Consult with your doctor before trying any herbal remedies as people react differently to these medications.

Preventive measures

When it comes to spring allergy treatment, the best way to deal with it is to start taking your medication a week before the season kicks in. This will give your body ample time for the medication to get into your system before the allergic reactions manifest.
Make changes in your home: Start making basic but vital changes in your home. Keep windows shut and avoid using the fun as this will stir up the pollen and mold that might be in your home already. Use air conditioning system that filters the fresh air from outside. Thoroughly clean your house using a vacuum cleaner that has particulate air filters to trap all the tiny particles while on the job. Also, request guests to leave their shoes outside to prevent allergens from getting to the house.
Follow these simple treatment options to reduce allergy symptoms you might experience during spring. As mentioned above, don’t start taking the medication before you visit a reputable allergy clinic.

Seasonal Allergies: Guide On How To Survive The Allergy Season

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know that when the season strikes you are usually very uncomfortable. The cool thing is that there are plenty of things you can do to survive the horrifying season. Some of these things include:

Understand the triggers

Different people are affected by various things during the allergy season. Some are affected by pollen from trees, others from pollen from flowers and so on. Before the season begins, take the time to understand the allergy triggers. This calls for you to visit a specialist who will undertake the tests.

By understanding the triggers, you not only know what to avoid, but you are also able to predict the severity of the allergies. All you need to do is follow the weather calendar, and you will know the plants and flowers that are more likely to be growing, and you will be able to tell what to expect.

Create a comfortable zone

This is a zone that reduces your interaction with the triggering factors as much as possible. Once you have known your triggers from the allergy clinic, your next move is to stock up your fridge to minimize the frequency of which you have to go outside. You will be able to survive the season better if your work allows you to work indoors.

In addition to having everything you need in the house, you also need to ensure that the house is clean all the time. You also should keep windows and doors closed all the time to ensure that no allergens get in.

Get medications

While you should work at preventing the symptoms from coming about as much as possible, it’s wise to protect yourself in the event something happens. Before the season begins, visit your allergy doctor who will give you the right medications that will help you fight the condition.

Some people make the mistake of taking the first allergy medication that they come across or the one that is recommended to them by the pharmacist. This is wrong. To be safe, visit your doctor, and he/she will undertake some tests on you and make the right recommendation.

Conclusion

These are some of the things you need to know allergies. While most of the symptoms are minor, they can sometimes get severe resulting in complications. To be on the safe side, get spring allergy treatment from a reputable allergy doctor as soon as you notice even the slightest of symptoms.

Seasonal Allergies: Understanding Mold Allergies

If you find that you are developing allergies over a number of seasons, chances are that you are allergic to mold. Mold grows both indoors and outdoors and the spores are common from July to early fall.

Symptoms of mold allergies

When you are suffering from this type of seasonal allergies, you tend to experience a number of symptoms that include:

Rash or hives
Runny nose
Wheezing
Watery eyes
Itchy throat
Irritated eyes

When you are suffering from any of these symptoms you should visit your allergist who will recommend the best method of treatment.

Preventing mold allergy

If you have been suffering from allergies you know that there is no cure for it. When you visit your doctor, he/she will give you medication that will bring down the symptoms. To avoid the complications that come with the condition you should prevent the reaction from happening in the first place.

The first thing you should do is reduce your exposure to outdoor mold. You can do this by limiting your outdoor activities when the mold count is high. By doing this you lessen the amount of mold that you inhale thus you reduce the chances of developing allergies. Another thing you can do is to wear a mask while outdoors. Again this reduces the amount of mole that you inhale.

You can also prevent the allergic reaction brought about by mold by reducing your exposure to indoor mold. There are a number of ways in which you can do this:

Using a HEPA filter in your air conditioner: The air conditioner brings in clean air. To ensure that it brings in the cleanest air, you should install the best air filter. One of the best is the HEPA filter that traps most of the spores ensuring that the inside of your house is mold free.
Lowering the indoor humidity: As you might know, mold grows in humid environments. To kill the mold that might be growing in the house, you should keep your house warm. You should ensure that the indoor humidity is no less than 50%. You should pay attention to the wet areas of your house such as the bathroom, kitchen, laundry area, and basement.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about mold allergy. When you are allergic to the pores you tend to sneeze a lot which can make your life difficult. To lead a normal life you should visit your allergy doctor and get medications that will relieve the symptoms.

Taking A Look At Asthma Treatments

Asthma is characterized by difficulty in breathing. The difficulty arises from the inflamed respiratory tracts and subsequent contraction when it is triggered by physical activities or irritants. Asthma can be genetic, as a result of your response to environmental factors or medications such as Aspirin. As at the time of writing this article, no cure has been discovered for asthma. Since Asthma has no cure, it must be managed in an effective manner to minimize the effects, as the disease can lead to death if left unattended to.

When you are suffering from the condition you should visit your local allergy doctor who will recommend the best medication. There are both short-term or quick fixes and long-term medications that you can use to relieve the symptoms.

Quick-Fix Asthma Treatment

Inhalers are the most common quick-fix asthma treatments that you can. Asthma experts recommend inhalers as they are more efficient in releasing medication into the airways to the lungs in the form of powders and mists. In emergency situations, where the inhaler does not work and the asthma patient has suffered an attack, cannot walk or out of breath, quickly dial 911 or have the patient transported to the hospital’s emergency unit if you happen to be nearby. In most cases, the treatment at the hospital involves direct administration of oxygen to the patient.

Long-Term Asthma Management Strategy

There are several available medications that can be used to manage asthma on the long-term. Inhaled long-acting B2-agonists are one of the most commonly used medications. Also, corticosteroids have been found to be effective. Leukotriene modifiers, theophylline cromolyn, and nedocromil, also aid in reducing the effects.

Natural Asthma Relief

In addition to the modern medications, experts report that there are plenty of natural asthma treatments that you can go for. The ancient Egyptians knew about asthma and had means of relieving or treating the condition. Asthma medications have also been reported in other cultures and civilizations. Certain roots like ginger, garlic, echinacea and licorice root have been used in different cultures and documented as being effective against asthma. Also, acupuncture, air ionizers, and respiratory therapeutic techniques have been proven effective against the condition. There also have been suggestions that Vitamin D is effective against asthma.

Conclusion

There are many asthma treatment options that you can go for. Whichever method that you choose you shouldn’t start taking the medications without first visiting an allergy clinic.