Tag Archives: dealing with allergies

What You Need to Know About Allergy Shots

The concept behind allergy shots is that the immune system will be desensitized to certain allergens that give you allergy symptoms. Sometimes, your body reacts to the world when you scratch, sneeze, get rashes or develop breathing issues that are chronic. Sometimes, it is so bad for other people that it becomes life-threatening. Your allergy doctor will develop a plan that helps you beat your irritating allergy.

Over time, the dose of allergens in each shot will be increased by your allergy doctor. This is helpful in getting your body used to allergens.

Gain more information about this now.

How Often Should You Get Them

At first, you must go to your allergy physician once or twice a week for a couple of months. They will shoot you in your upper arm. It contains a small amount of something you are allergic to – pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold, or even been venom.

The dose will gradually be increased until you get what a maintenance dose is called. Then, you will normally have to go for a shot every 2 to 4 weeks for 4 to 5 months.

Allergy Shots Reactions

People commonly react to allergy shots. The majority of reactions are local and they can rarely affect your body. Most of the time this is called a systemic reaction, and it is dangerous. Therefore, you can not leave your office for 30 minutes and it follows every time you have an appointment. Aside from that, you should not exercise for 2 hours after the allergy shot.

If you have asthma symptoms when you get an allergy shot schedule, you should tell your nurse. Allergy shots can make your asthma symptoms worse.

Who Benefits from Allergy Shots?

Adults and children receive allergy shots, but it is not normally recommended for children below 5. This is because of the difficulties that younger children can cooperate with a program and articulate any symptoms they could be experiencing. When you consider allergy shots for older adults, medical conditions like cardiac disease must be considered and discussed with your allergist first.

It Does Not Always Work for Everyone

A lot depends on what you are allergic to and how severe the symptoms you get are. In general, allergy shots are working for allergies to bee stings, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold. It is not proof that they work for drugs, food, or latex allergies.

Risks

The majority of people do not face a lot of trouble with allergy shots, but they have substances that lead to allergies. Therefore, there are possible reactions and it includes:

Anaphylaxis – This is a life-threatening reaction when people get allergy shots. It causes low blood pressure and breathing issues. Anaphylaxis most of the time starts within 30 minutes of the injection, but there are times when it starts later than that.
Local reactions – it involves redness, irritation, or swelling at the injection site. Normally these common reactions start within a couple of hours of injection and they will clear up soon after that.
Systemic reactions – You can develop sneezing, hives, or nasal congestion. Other severe reactions include swelling, throat, chest tightness, or wheezing.

You can book an appointment with an allergy clinic Manassas VA anytime if you need to get allergy shots anytime. They will take care of you, especially if you have reactions.

Benefits of Allergy Shots

A lot of allergy sufferers feel they are different according to the time of year. The symptoms can be sometimes mild and more severe in other times because pollen counts change. The way you feel depends on which season, your allergen triggers, and the time you spend outdoors.

It should not be that way even if there are available effective treatments. If you are wondering whether you should go to an allergy specialist or not, this article is going to help you decide. The benefits are discussed here. Read now to know more.

Allergy Shots Reduces Your Sensitivity

When there are allergies, your immune system is overreacting, which treats the harmless substance and prevents it from becoming a threat. Elements can trigger reactions and they include:

Dust mites
Mold
Pollen
Pet dander
Insect venom

The allergy shots desensitize triggers when they introduce safe and small amounts to the body. Through time, you will become immune to them, and the effect is similar to a vaccine and your symptoms will decrease.

They Are Normally Very Safe

People are normally tolerant to allergy shots, and the side effects are very mild. Your doctor is going to talk about possible side effects that you should look out for. The shots are best for people who are over the age of 5. The common side effects are itching, swelling, or redness at the injection site.

If you have trouble breathing, experience dizziness, or throat swelling after getting the shot, you should let your allergy doctor know right away. They can be a sign of anaphylaxis, which is rare and serious. The doctor will ask you to wait a while after getting your injection for monitoring.

They Work for Different Allergies

Allergy shots are safe in children who are 5 years old and older, and for those who experience extreme symptoms all the time. It is recommended that you get allergy shots for different allergic conditions like:

Seasonal allergies, which includes hay fever and asthma
The indoor allergies include dust mites, cockroaches, and pet dander
Yellowjackets, insect stings, bees, or wasps

This is an effective therapy, and it also improves asthma symptoms, as well as asthma symptoms and inflammatory conditions such as eczema. However, it is not recommended that you should go for immunotherapy if you have food allergies. When you are pregnant, or if you have uncontrolled heart disease or asthma.

Most Insurances Will Cover You

Health insurances normally cover allergy shots, but this varies depending on the specific plan. Even if your insurance covers the shots, you might still be asked to copay each time you visit. For some, this cost might be cheaper compared to the total price of over-the-counter medications, other visits related to symptoms of hay fever.

If you are wondering about your coverage, you should ask your insurer. Otherwise, costs can be discussed with the allergy clinic.

Reduces Your Need for Long-term Medication

Unlike the allergy medications that work because they mask the symptoms, allergy shots are for reducing your trigger sensitivity. However, it takes a bit of time before this immunity is developed

Allergy shots happen in 2 phases: buildup and then maintenance.

The buildup phase means getting allergy shots on schedule until your body develops immunity.

After that, you will switch to the maintenance phase.

You can visit allergist specialist Manassas to get your allergy shots.

What You Need to Know About Seafood Allergy

Even if the worst food allergies begin during your childhood, seafood allergy stands out. If you consult an allergist, they will tell you that seafood allergy can develop anytime in your life. However, it is more present during adulthood. It could be caused by the foods that you ate before without issues.

Seafood allergy is the most common onset food allergy among adults. Therefore, you might be surprised that one day you will just develop a seafood allergy even if you never had it before.

You will discover more about this allergy as you read further.

Which ones are Considered Seafood?

Seafood pertains to any fresh and saltwater fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Common examples are:

Fish: Bluefish, anchovy, bass, catfish, carp, cod, char, haddock, flounder, herring, halibut, sardines, mahi-mahi, salmon, and tuna
Shellfish: Clams, abalone, mussels, conch, oysters, octopus, sea snails, scallops, and squid
Crustaceans: Crayfish, crab, prawns, shrimp, and lobster
Others: Kamaboko and surimi, caviar and roe, and tarama

It is not Rare

While figures range per country, about 1% of the population suffers from this type of allergy. Teenagers and adults experience it more compared to early childhood. Approximately 20% grows out of their allergy over time.

Symptoms of Seafood Allergy

You need to see an allergy doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms after consuming seafood:

Flushed face, rash or hives, red and itchy skin
Swelling of the eyes, lips, face, tongue, and throat
You have trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing
Itchy skin
Vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps
You experience distress, anxiety, paleness, fainting, weakness, and a sense of doom
Your blood pressure drops, have a rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness

How is it Diagnosed?

Seafood allergies are more seen in adults and less common among children. An allergist will be able to confirm if you suspect that you are allergic to seafood.

Cooking Sometimes Affect Your Tolerance

Normally, seafood allergens are heat stable and cooking cannot easily destroy them, but sometimes individuals can tolerate tinned fish. However, they are unable to tolerate the same type of fish if it is freshly cooked. You should not try tinned fish unless your doctor advises you to.

How You Can Avoid Seafood

It is easy to avoid buying or cooking seafood, but there are many ingredients added to food that is made from seafood. You must always check the labels on processed or packaged foods. Watch out for these:

Oyster sauce and fish sauce
Marinara sauce
Fish stock
Fish paste
Prawn crisps and prawn crackers
Sushi
Caesar salad
Cooking oil
Pizza
Krill or fish oil supplements
Cooking oil that was used for cooking fish

If you order a meat curry, they might have used the fish sauce to cook it. You should tell the waiters that you are allergic to seafood and your meal should not have any seafood in it, even if it is just oyster sauce or fish sauce.

Fish oil supplements are highly unlikely to cause any adverse reaction, but you should still avoid them.

Some people are extremely sensitive to any type of fish that they can react even to the steam produced from cooking fish. This is more common in children with asthma.

You should look for an allergy specialist Manassas VA who will tell you everything you should know because you should stay away from seafood no matter what.

Be Careful of The Holiday Allergies: Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s that time of the year again, although we all know that celebrating the Christmas season will be way different than years before. Nonetheless, there should be no reason why we should not celebrate the Holidays this year despite the ongoing pandemic.

There is no denying the fact of how it has been stressful this year mainly due to COVID-19. Millions have already died from all over the world. Those who have allergies can also be at higher risk of contracting this disease. Speaking of allergies, it is better to find an allergy doctor if you are allergic to something. Allergy testing helps in determining the root cause of your allergic reactions and get proper treatment.

It’s the season again… for allergies

We all know how busy this Holiday season is. From preparing gifts to decorating the Christmas tree, it is something that everyone also looks forward to. Unfortunately, not everyone also might not be looking forward to this season due to seasonal allergies.

Yes, some people experience allergies during Christmas. If you are one of them, you should hire the best allergy specialist doctor for your allergy treatment needs. But this doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the season anymore due to these common seasonal allergies.

Here are some common allergy culprits that you should know. It can be anything from pet dander, mold and mildew, dust, and even your Christmas tree. But this article should also help you beat these seasonal allergens and enjoy the season as everyone should.

Common Christmas allergies

You might be wondering why allergens are very common during the holidays. For one thing, indoor allergies are common during Christmas because we are often inside our home. This means the windows are shut and the heating system is constantly on. So, the indoor air circulates inside the room together with possible allergens like dust, mold, and pet dander.

Then again, you need to determine what is causing your allergies. Or in this case, Christmas-related allergies. You should consult an allergist doctor if you experience common allergy symptoms. Here are these common allergens present during the Holidays.

Christmas tree/décor

According to some studies, more than 50 kinds of molds are present on Christmas trees, most of which are leaf molds. These allergens would thrive indoors where central heating is working 24/7. These can cause non-stop sneezing or asthma attacks.

Balloons

Balloons are often made of latex which is also a type of allergen. Those who are allergic to it often experience skin irritations or even breathing difficulties in the worst cases. It can also be a choking hazard, especially to young children.

Gifts

While it’s the thought that should count, some gifts could also cause the inevitable allergic reactions. Some have cosmetic allergies which are present on perfumes and makeup. Meanwhile, some are allergic to jewelry especially if it is made from nickel.

How to get rid of Christmas allergens

Different types of allergens affect millions of people all over the world. If you experience symptoms of allergies, make sure to visit a trusted allergy doctor to help manage your allergic reactions. Allergy testing may also be necessary to determine the root cause of your allergies.

Instead of latex balloons, opt for foil helium balloons. There are shops online that offer these special types of balloons.
Avoid perfumes or any beauty products that contain ingredients such as benzene, propyl, or methyl as these can also cause allergic reactions. Some products made from essential oils can also cause allergies and should not be used by pregnant women.
Opt for jewelry alternatives such as sterling silver, gold, or any nickel-free material.
Dust off the Christmas tree and décor before assembling them. Opt for plastic, glass, or metal Christmas décor to lessen the risk of them attracting dust mites. Choose artificial trees instead of real ones.
Watch out for common food allergens being served on your Christmas table. Cheese, peanuts, seafood, or any other food item, make sure to know your specific food allergies (or if you have guests or family members who have one). Better yet, do not serve these and opt for other alternatives instead.

Keep your family safe from Christmas allergies

You can also invest in an air purifier to maintain the healthy and clean air quality in your home. Consult a professional allergist in Manassas VA to help manage your allergy symptoms and ensure proper treatment.

Bronchiecstasis: Not Your Ordinary Respiratory Illness

Bronchiectasis is a chronic health condition wherein the airway walls become enlarged. It causes the build-up of mucous and makes your lungs prone to infection. The most common effects of bronchiectasis are shortness of breath and coughing with phlegm. Symptoms are usually worse if there is a lung infection.

What you need to know about bronchiectasis

For one, this condition makes your lung’s bronchial tubes are damaged permanently. A damaged airway causes mucous build-up and accumulation in your lungs. As a result, coughing up mucous and even blood is a normal occurrence for someone who has this respiratory condition.

It is also said that bronchiectasis is a complication of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). This condition refers to those who have allergic reactions to aspergillus, a type of fungi found in various environments around the world. If you have this condition, it would be best to visit an allergy clinic for proper treatment.

When someone with ABPA comes into contact with fungal spores, it can cause allergic reactions and can eventually lead to bronchiectasis. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure yet for bronchiectasis but can be manageable. It can also not affect your daily life with help of proper treatment. You can also go to an allergy doctor as needed.

What causes bronchiectasis?

A lung injury is often the cause of this condition, either due to cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis or non-CF bronchiectasis. The former is a chronic condition that causes excessive mucous production. Cystic fibrosis usually affects the liver, pancreas, and other organs that can weaken their functions.

On the other hand, non-CF bronchiectasis is not related to CF whatsoever. Non-CF bronchiectasis can also lead to other health conditions such as:

Lung infections (ex. tuberculosis, whopping cough, etc.)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Allergic aspergillosis
HIV

As mentioned, bronchiectasis can also lead to an allergic reaction which can be potentially life-threatening. In such a case, you should consult a trusted allergist doctor to help you manage your condition.

Symptoms of bronchiectasis

It is said that around 110,000 people in the US suffer from bronchiectasis. Those who have this condition are also diagnosed with asthma, CF, and immunodeficiency diseases. For those with asthma, make sure to go to an asthma doctor for proper asthma treatments.

Older people and women are more at risk of having bronchiectasis, although it can also occur in men and at any age. Bronchiectasis occurs due to mucous build-up that causes inflammation to the lungs. Tiny hairs in the airways, called the cilia, are mostly damaged which makes it difficult for the mucous to get out of the body.

Among common symptoms of bronchiectasis include the following:

Coughing a large amount of blood and mucous
Breathing difficulties
Chest pain
Wheezing
Fatigue
Fever and chills
Weight loss
Clubbing (the abnormal change of fingernail and toenail structure)
Being more prone to respiratory infections

If you experience at least one of these symptoms, go to the nearest allergy specialist doctor or any professional medical personnel for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Treating bronchiectasis

As mentioned, there is no permanent cure for this condition. However, certain treatments can lessen inflammation and infections due to bronchiectasis.

For one, those who have this condition would have to take macrolides. It is a type of antibiotic to ease inflammation and treat the bacteria in the airways. Taking mucolytics is also effective in mucus thinning.

Oxygen therapy is also prescribed for those who have this condition to improve their breathing and their quality of life. In the worst cases, you would have to undergo surgery to get rid of any airway blockage. Also, make sure to stay hydrated to help clear out the mucous.

Best to avoid smoking and being near polluted air and other toxic chemicals in the air to maintain healthy lungs. Ensure to have you and your children regular vaccinations against measles, flu, and whooping cough to lessen the risk of contracting bronchiectasis later in life.

Prevention is the key to ensure one’s quality of life. However, bronchiectasis has no permanent cure although some treatments can lessen the impact of its symptoms. Since it can also be triggered by allergies, best to lessen or avoid contact with fungi and other similar allergens.

Speaking of allergies, you should visit a trusted allergist specialist doctor in Manassas VA for proper allergy treatments.

Can Allergies Disappear and Re-appear?

Not everyone has allergies, but one thing is for sure: it can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, and race. At some point, a lot of people will experience some kind of allergic reaction that can affect their quality of life. Some of these allergies happen as early as their childhood days, while some happen during adulthood. Nonetheless, allergies can be detrimental to one’s quality of life.

Do you also suffer from some kind of allergy? Make sure to have it consulted with an allergist doctor. You would have to undergo allergy testing to determine the root cause of your allergic reactions. If you are experiencing potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, head to your nearest allergy clinic immediately.

A rite of passage?

We all know how inconvenient it is to have allergies. You might not be able to enjoy spring due to pollens floating around the outdoor air. Or you might not be able to eat your favorite food because you are allergic to its certain ingredient, say, peanuts, or a spice. You would have to consult an allergist specialist to help you treat your allergies.

For starters, allergies occur as our immune system’s reaction to certain allergens like pollen, pet dander, and so on. Ideally, there should be no reason for your body to react to various things. But for some reason, a lot of people develop such intolerance to certain elements or ingredients hence the onset of allergic reactions.

Being allergic to something is one of the most common medical conditions that affect millions of people around the world. It can happen in your childhood, while some may experience it in their teens or during adulthood. If you have not experienced allergies but are experiencing its symptoms, better have yourself checked with an allergy doctor immediately.

Can allergies occur during adulthood?

It does happen in many cases. For example, you grew up having pet dogs or cats at home until you reach early adulthood. Then you leave for college, return home during the break, but you find yourself sniffling around your beloved family dog. However, the reverse can happen to other people, too.

Some people may be allergic to pollen or pet dander before but might have disappeared later on. Most likely because you have already built a tolerance to those common allergens. There is also some allergy specialist doctor who also says that the more you get exposed to allergens, the more likely you will be immune to it later on.

So why do allergies appear and disappear later on (or vice versa)?

Allergies can be weird sometimes. Some may have it during childhood while others have it for the first time during their teenage or adult years. Some experience allergies before but disappear at some point as if it did not happen at all. But there might be reasons why such a phenomenon happens.

It might have something to with age.

Some experts believe that allergies disappear as we age. It can be because we get used to a certain allergen or have built a tolerance to it over time. However, some people might experience the worse effects of allergies due to age.

It can also be caused by stress.

Stress can be detrimental to our health and also can cause allergic reactions. The more you are stressed at work or personal matters, the higher the chances of allergic reactions. Not to mention your immune system will crash and make you sick easier. That is why regular exercise and a healthy diet is a must for a stronger immune system.

The weather may also have something to do with your allergies.

Due to climate change and higher CO2 levels that a lot of plants spew a lot of pollen which is also a common allergen. Temperature swings also cause various illnesses such as inflammation of the sinus which can also cause allergy-like symptoms. There is also a higher chance of getting allergies if you live in a city than in the countryside or a suburban area.

Conclusion

Having allergies is no joke. It can affect the quality of your life. You also have to be always cautious of what you eat or avoid anything that can trigger your allergies. In such cases, you should consult an allergy specialist doctor for proper treatment. Make sure to have allergy testing in Germantown MD so you get treated as soon as possible.

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

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

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

When your fatigue seems too much

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

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

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

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

The link between allergies and CFS

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

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

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

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

What CFS feels like

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

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

How to deal with CFS

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

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

Essential Oils for Allergies: Do They Really Work?

The use of essential oils became somewhat controversial recently. Those who are pro-essential oils claim them to be effective in treating their health concerns including colds and allergies. Meanwhile, those who are not into it say that using essential oils is not a recommended alternative for “real” medications and treatments.

The use of essential oils can be a more practical and safer choice especially that COVID-19 is still around. By safer, it means you don’t have to go to an allergy clinic and be safe instead of at home. No wonder a lot of people turn to essential oils in an attempt to find relief for their health woes.

What is an essential oil?

For starters, essential oils are made from various plants concentrated into distilled liquids. It can be applied directly on skin or inhaled (also called aromatherapy). There are several personal accounts that suggest the efficacy of essential oils in providing relief from various health issues like coughs, cold, and even allergies.

In reality, essential oils have already been around and used by different cultures for hundreds of years. However, there are no scientific pieces of evidence that can prove how effective essential oils really are. Some doctors also believe in the efficacy of essential oils although further studies may also be needed.

If you have allergies, it’s up to you whether you use essential oils or consult an allergy doctor instead. But take note that you might also need to seek advice from an allergist before using essential oils or any similar product.

Can essential oils really cure allergies?

About 50 million people in the US are afflicted with allergies. Unfortunately, there is no definite cure for allergies yet although its symptoms can be managed with various medications.

An allergist doctor will prescribe medications to help alleviate your allergy-related symptoms. Another potential alternative in dealing with allergic symptoms is by using essential oils. But as mentioned earlier, it is better to consult a medical professional first before using such products.

Nevertheless, more and more people seem to realize the “benefits” of using essential oils. However, we should still err on the side of caution when using such products. For one thing, you also need to consider several factors like age and underlying medical conditions before using essential oils.

You should also consider the essential oil itself before using it. What is the essential oil’s chemical composition? How should it be used, topical, or diluted with water? How long and how much is the essential oil dosage per usage? If your allergy physician permits you to use essential oils for your allergies, make sure to ask these questions.

Essential oils for allergies

It is important to know how to apply essential oils properly. As mentioned, some can be applied topically while some need to be diluted to a carrier oil or water. On the other hand, the improper application can be potentially fatal and make your allergies worst. For symptoms of seasonal and skin allergies, these essential oils can help manage your symptoms.

Chamomile oil

Chamomile is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. This means it can help in treating mucus membrane infections and skin conditions like eczema. Applying chamomile oil with a mix of a carrier oil directly on the affected area (for skin issues) may help relieve itching and similar symptoms.

Tea tree oil

Like chamomile oil, tea tree oil can also alleviate symptoms associated with skin allergies. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties as well. When applied directly on the skin, it can noticeably decrease signs of inflammation and swelling. Because tea tree oil can be potent, it may worsen allergic reactions in other people.

Lemon

Lemon oil can help in treating allergic rhinitis and prevent bacterial activity. Lemon essential oil is better when diluted than applied topically. The latter can increase the risk of sunlight sensitivity, blistering, or burning.

Make sure to seek advice from an allergy specialist doctor before using essential oils. Other essential oils that can help with allergies include:

Eucalyptus – can provide relief from upper respiratory tract infection symptoms
Lavender – improves sleep, lessens anxiety and promotes relaxation, and hastens healing due to inflammation
Frankincense – can lessen symptoms of bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma
Peppermint – is said to have a relaxing effect and reduce contractions that lead to coughing, and also help alleviate fatigue and anxiety

A word of caution

Essential oils can do wonders for various allergic symptoms. More and more people are using essential oils in treating allergies and other medical concerns. But as mentioned, you should consult the best allergist in Manassas first before using any products that have healing or therapeutic claims.

Yes, There is Such a Thing as Sun Allergy

A lot of people are allergic to pollen, seafood, pet dander, or any other common allergens. But did you know that there are also some who are allergic to the sun? You can imagine how disappointing it can be not to be able to enjoy the summer. Unfortunately, sun allergy is real and affects a lot of individuals around the world.

A 2011 German study revealed that as much as 20 percent of people in parts of Europe and the US are affected with sunlight allergy. This condition is more commonly known as PMLE or polymorphous light eruption. Regardless of whatever allergy types you have, make sure to visit an allergy doctor immediately.

What is a sun allergy?

Sun allergy may not be as common as seafood or pollen allergies. However, it can affect the quality of your life just the same. It refers to a condition that results in an allergic reaction when exposed to sunlight. Allergy testing can determine whether you have sun allergies or any other kinds of allergies.

Genetics may have to do with sun allergies. However, there are also instances when sun allergies appear later in life due to specific triggers such as environmental or medication exposures. An allergist doctor can help determine the causes and how to manage the condition.

Among common symptoms of an allergic reaction to sunlight include hives, blisters, or rashes. Others experience itchy or painful skin, and even crusting and bleeding skin in the worst cases. Some people may experience immediate reaction following sunlight exposure.

A sun allergy reaction often shows up on the hands, arms, legs, and nape. Those with severe sun allergies can also experience reactions even on areas that are covered up with clothing. On the contrary, the back of the hand and the face do not

Types of sun allergy

Sun allergy is an umbrella term for several types of this kind of allergy aside from PMLE. You will know it is PMLE if there is a presence of itchy rashes and fluid-filled blisters. It also includes the following.

Photoallergic reaction

This type of sun allergy happens due to the reaction of the skin to any topical product like cosmetics or sunscreens. Usually, symptoms of sun allergies only appear after two to three days.

Solar urticaria

This is a rare type of skin allergy, which often causes hives and affect especially young women. Symptoms appear as fast as a few minutes following exposure to the sun. Some experience mild symptoms, but it can also be life-threatening in some cases. Contact an allergist specialist immediately if you notice signs of solar urticaria.

Actinic prurigo

This type of sun allergy is more common in Native Americans. But it also affects other races and symptoms can start in childhood. Actinic prurigo is characterized as having nodules or crusted bumps. You can consult an allergy physician if you suspect of having sun allergies.

Causes and treatment

As mentioned, sun allergies can be due to genetics. But it can also be because of other factors like medications and even beauty products. If you notice skin reactions that are beyond the usual after sun exposure, better consult an allergy physician or a dermatologist immediately.

Sun allergy can be somewhat preventable. You might also have to undergo a series of tests to determine whether it’s really a sun allergy or another type of allergy. These said tests include:

Photopatch testing
UV light testing
Skin and blood tests

As for treatments, it will depend on the sun allergy condition that you have. Your allergist doctor may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications depending on the severity of the allergy. These can also help relieve the symptoms of sun allergies.

Make it a habit to apply moisturizing lotions to reduce dryness and irritation.
Use aloe vera gel or calamine lotion for allergy relief.
Stop using products that might be triggering your allergies (ex. sunscreen or a specific medication)
Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if you experience high fever, vomiting, arrhythmia, swelling, or difficulty in breathing.

Contact allergy experts near you

Sun allergy does exist and is no joke. If you experience any of the abovementioned symptoms, better visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA for proper diagnosis and treatment. Make sure to follow the prescription given to you to lessen the effects of the allergic reaction.

Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: How to Explain the Impact of the Global Pandemic to Children

Contrary to popular belief, children also get stressed due to certain situations. Such a feeling of stress can affect their immune systems and make them more susceptible to health issues. More so, those with medical conditions like allergies and asthma should have twice the protection, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.

An allergist doctor may not be available for face-to-face visitations in an allergy clinic. However, there are still ways that you can contact an allergist in case of emergencies.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, it is natural for adults especially parents to be wary of the current situation. But it is also important that children, even as young as toddlers, understand what the world is going through now.

COVID-19’s potential impact on children

This pandemic has caused serious fear mostly for adults. For one thing, parents are especially worried about how they can protect their children against the disease. However, young children can be smarter than we think when it comes to this kind of issue.

Most children thrive on routine. But because of the virus, they are not able to play outdoors. Parents are also mostly having second thoughts of letting their kids play with their neighbors. Basically, the virus has disrupted children’s daily routines. This can affect their mood and cause tantrums and unpleasant behavior.

Meanwhile, parents may have second thoughts of telling their small children what is going on. There is this notion that young children may not be able to understand what is going on around them. However, it is possible for them to understand the current situation. How?

Talking to your children about the ongoing pandemic

First of all, make sure to choose the right timing to discuss this concern with your child. You also need to understand COVID-19 and its impact on our daily lives. You can find more information from reliable sources including the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control.

More or less, your child is already somehow aware of what is happening right now. It’s just a matter of explaining why this is happening in the first place. More importantly, they should know what they can do to protect themselves against the virus. It is also better to consult an allergist specialist to protect you and your children if you have a history of asthma and allergies.

Points to ponder when discussing COVID-19 with your child

There are some important things that you need to consider when discussing COVID-19 with your child. These include:

Explain what really it is.

Children should understand what COVID-19 is, how it affects anyone who gets it, and how to keep themselves safe from the virus. Those with asthma and allergies should also be extra cautious at this time. Those who have such conditions are more prone to getting the virus. You can consult an allergy doctor to help manage your child’s asthma or allergies.

Get straight to the point.

Children deserve straightforward answers to their questions. Let them ask questions, and answer as truthfully as possible. Too much information can overwhelm them and cause anxiety and stress. As much as possible, avoid sugarcoating words when explaining things to them. They need to know what “virus”, “germs”, and even COVID-19 are.

Teach them to be clean and protected against the virus.

Aside from knowing about the virus, they should also learn how they can keep themselves safe. This includes teaching them the basics like keeping clean and practicing safe distancing. Children should also be taught proper manners when coughing and sneezing.

Helping your child cope up with the current situation

Parents have the major responsibility of shielding their children from the pandemic. More so, if they have allergy history. In case of an attack, you should find an allergy doctor the soonest.

Other tips that you can do to help your children understand the impact of COVID-19 include the following:

Create new routines that will benefit your child. Say, schedule a time for doing worksheets, mealtime, and bedtime. It will help the child back on track on their previous routines that are disrupted due to the virus.
Do not blame other races or people for the virus. No one wanted this to happen. Everyone is affected, even the most well-off people out there.
Try limiting access to news and social media as it can also lead to anxiety due to the constant COVID-19-related reports.
Keep calm. Bond with your child more especially during this pandemic. Keep yourself and your family strong and healthy. You can seek help from an allergy specialist in Manassas VA online in case of asthma or allergy emergencies.