Tag Archives: signs of allergies

How to Relieve Itchy Hives

Hives are itchy, sometimes it has a lumpy rash that will appear on the surface of the person’s skin. Home remedies and medication can normally treat hives quickly.

Hives are intensely itchy and discolored raised areas of the skin. They can be anywhere on your body. Normally, hives have a trigger, which is both non-allergic and allergic.

While hive symptoms can be irritating, there are many ways of treating, soothing and removing them. When you go to an allergy specialist, they will talk to you about it in detail, especially the symptoms, and potential complications you can encounter.

If you have been suffering from hives, you should know that there are ways to relieve them. Read on now.

Lukewarm Bath

Hot water can be very irritating to your skin, but you can add different products to a bath so you can relieve the itching sensation. You should sprinkle in baking soda and colloidal oatmeal to achieve a soothing effect.

Colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and forms a protective barrier on the skin, which holds in moisture and eases inflammation. It can be found in a lot of moisturizers, cleaners, and shampoos that will benefit people who have sensitive skin.

Avoid Products that can Cause Skin Irritation

Certain soaps can dry your skin and causes more itching when you suffer from hives. Make sure to use soap that has been marketed for sensitive skin. Look for a great selection that will suit you. Choose the ones that omit fragrance and other irritants.

You must also avoid using irritating moisturizers or lotions. When you doubt it, choose a formula that will target sensitive skin. Applying it immediately after bathing can also help soothe the itch.

Follow the Treatment Plan

If you want the treatment to take effect, you should follow the treatment plan the allergy doctor recommended and created for you.

The treatment plan might not work when you take allergy medications less often than what was prescribed. For instance, if the doctor has prescribed a daily antihistamine and you only take it during a flare-up, you might still get hives.

Use Over-the-Counter Medication

Hives are treated best using over-the-counter antihistamines or topical creams such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone. Antihistamine medications suppress the histamine that the body releases, which causes your itchy reaction. Topical treatments work on the skin cells to stop histamine from getting released. You should not apply topical creams to hives if they are on your face or if the skin is infected or broken.

Use Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is known for the healing properties it provides you.

Even if it is a natural anti-inflammatory, it can cause contact dermatitis so you should do a skin patch test before applying it.

In order to do a skin patch test, you can simply add a small amount to an unaffected area. If you can do that, apply it to the side of your forearm. If you do not encounter skin irritation within 24 hours, you can apply it to your hives.

The topical aloe vera can be applied to your hives as you need to, which is likely a couple of times a day. Make sure to follow the instructions.

When Should You See a Doctor?

The severity of hives varies. Even if most people can manage the symptoms at home, you might have to seek medical attention if:

The symptoms last for days
The symptoms worsen
The rash is too painful and leave bruises
The symptoms interfere with your daily life
You experience dizziness

You can go to an allergy center Germantown MD anytime if you need to consult a doctor.

What are the Causes of an Itchy Throat

An itchy throat occurs for a lot of reasons, like allergies, getting exposed to irritating substances, infection, and situations that are easy to treat.

Most of the time, coughing happens if you have an itchy throat because it is the body’s defense mechanism against irritating stimulants. Other symptoms such as throat inflammation, and runny nose can also happen.

An itchy throat is irritating, but it can be worrying as well. However, it is common to have an itchy throat when you have a cold or when you are coughing. Over the years people have discovered why it is important to see an allergy specialist. You can find out more about this when you read until the end.

Dehydration

Dehydration is caused by insufficient water quantity in your body because of several factors like diarrhea, decreased fluid intake, vomiting, prolonged sun exposure, or excess sweating. Dehydration can also cause symptoms such as thirst, itchy throat, decreased output of urine, dry mouth, or low blood pressure. You can also have dry skin or eyes because of dehydration. You can also have an increased heart rate and dizziness.

Allergic Rhinitis and/or Allergies

This one is also known as hay fever, and it may be among the most common causes of an itchy throat. It occurs when the body will overreact to a harmless substance, which releases a chemical known as histamine causing overreactions. Some of the common triggers are skin flakes from animal hair, pollen, irritants, and dust like cigarette smoke or even exhaust fumes. Food allergies like eggs, shellfish, milk, peanuts, and wheat can cause itching in your mouth and throat as well. A lot of people suffer from allergies to some medications, like penicillin and also other antibiotics. Itchiness in your throat starts shortly after you take a new medication is a drug allergy.

Acid Reflux

This is also known as heartburn, and if your stomach acid enters your trachea, throat irritation is one of the known symptoms. If you are suffering from this condition, it can happen more often when you are lying down.

Viral and Bacterial Infections

Viruses that are caused by the common cold or flu virus can trigger an itchy throat. When you are suffering from the flu, you can get a dry cough, fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and headache as well. Regardless if it is because of the flu or worsening colds, these headaches can be caused by a build-up of fluid in your sinuses, and nasal passages. It makes them swollen, which causes pain-inducing pressure.

Food Allergy

A food allergy is caused by an exaggerated inflammatory response to a certain substance that you find in food. Inflammation affects different parts of the body, like your eyelids, mouth, and tongue, which makes breathing harder.

Medication allergies are similar to food allergies, but the allergic substance is normally easily identified while the allergy response is normally a lot quicker.

Medication

A side effect of a specific medication can be a scratchy throat or dry cough. An allergy to a certain medication can be the cause as well.

Tonsil or Cold Infection

Some respiratory infections, such as tonsil infection, cold, or pharyngitis, leave your throat itchy before it develops into serious symptoms like local inflammation and pain. Other symptoms can include coughing, runny nose, ear itching, fever, discomfort, and chills that can be very uncomfortable. Sometimes, your sleep will be ruined and you will have trouble getting back to sleep.

You can talk to an allergist specialist Germantown MD anytime you need to consult someone about your itchy throat.

Tips on How to Use Your Inhaler More Efficiently

Humans develop habits throughout their lives. Most of the time, the same route should be taken to your office or you put your shoes in the same spot every day when you come home. Some of those habits are ingrained that they have become a routine such as drinking a cup of coffee or brushing their teeth. They have become a natural part of your daily rhythm that you feel like something is missing if you forget to stick to it.

For those who have asthma, making the inhaler a regular part of their routine goes a long way when it comes to maintaining good health. Your asthma doctor will be happy if you use the inhaler correctly.

Here are tips for you:

Start Small but Do it Right

A bad habit is the hardest break. Therefore, it is a good idea to remember that while you make the inhaler a regular part of your daily life, you should ask your doctor to make sure you are using it correctly. Keep in mind to always follow the instructions for the medicine and the ones given by your healthcare provider. For instance, you can learn how deeply and quickly you should inhale when you take medicine and while you hold your breath, helping you make sure that you are getting the best form of asthma treatment.

Use a Spacer

A spacer is an important device to make sure that the medicine goes where it needs to go, which is deep inside your lungs. When you seal your mouth around the spacer, you need to spray one puff and slowly and deeply inhale. You should hold your breath and count to 10, then slowly exhale. For young children who use a spacer, make sure the child is taking five to six full breaths.

Doing Two Habits at the Same Time

Combining the inhaler you use with another habit is similar to brushing your teeth is a way to make sure that you can get it done. Even in the morning when you rush out the door, you do not neglect taking care of your teeth, and when you connect two habits, you are less likely to forget to use the inhaler.

Take One Puff with Every Breath

If your doctor already prescribed a dosage of one puff or more, you need to take each one separately. Do not spray multiple puffs of the medicine into your spacer. It is because multiple puffs will not work for one breath.

It Should be Stored in a Safe Place

If you do not see an object all the time, there will come a time when you will forget about it. When you store your inhaler in a place where you can see it, like on top of a makeup table or a spot you can frequently access is going to serve as a reminder that it should be regularly used. It is also worth it to make sure that you need to store your device very well.

Replace Your Inhaler Before it Runs Out

A lot of inhalers have counters with canisters. You must keep an eye on the counter and replace it before the medicine runs out. You should not put the canister in water to check if it is empty because it does not work. Take your inhaler with you when you go to clinic appointments, so your doctor can make sure that you are using the inhaler correctly.

You can go to an allergy specialist doctor Germantown MD to ask if you are using your inhaler correctly to get the most out of it.

What to do if Someone has Allergies

Allergies are a common indication of illness and can happen at any time in someone’s life. Different things can cause allergies from medication to pollen, which means it can be challenging to know the best home remedies or treatments.

When your body encounters allergens, it causes mild symptoms such as watery eyes, skin irritation, or sneezing. In other people, allergies could lead to anaphylaxis. When this happens, the person will experience a life-threatening condition. It will result in shock, blood pressure suddenly drops, and breathing difficulty. This can cause respiratory failure and also cardiac arrest.

If there is an allergy clinic nearby, you can take them there right away or contact an ambulance. Find out more about how you can help someone with an allergic reaction because you might be able to save someone’s life.

Allergic Reaction Symptoms

Rash
Itching
Hives
Watery eyes and sneezing
Mouth or throat swelling
Nausea
Fast and weak pulse
Rapid or difficulty in breathing

When you touch, eat, or breathe something you are allergic to, your immune system will produce histamines to handle a bothersome substance.

However, while your body has good intentions, the natural response triggers the symptoms that were mentioned.

Call Emergency

You need to call medical assistance since the allergic reaction can affect the person quickly, and it is potentially dangerous. The reaction could cause their airway to swell, and make them stop breathing eventually.

Calling the emergency hotline is better compared to driving there yourself. Emergency technicians in the ambulance follow certain protocols and access treatments mainly for severe allergic reactions.

Aside from that, a lot of people with severe and life-threatening allergies always have an injector that delivers epinephrine. It helps reverse allergic reactions while waiting for medical care.

Treatment

If the allergic reaction is mild to moderate, it can be treated at home or they can drink OTC medications. The treatments can be commonly used to reduce allergic reaction symptoms.

Antihistamines are taken to prevent symptoms like hives as it blocks your body’s histamine receptors so your body will not react to allergens. Decongestants help clear your nose and are effective for treating seasonal allergies. However, you should not take them for more than three days.

These medications can be bought in tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops. A lot of OTC drugs cause drowsiness as well, so you should not take them before doing anything.

Stay Away from the Allergen

The best way you can treat and prevent any allergic reaction is to be aware of your triggers and stay away, especially from food allergens.

When this is not realistic or possible, using decongestants or antihistamines when you encounter allergens are helpful in treating symptoms.

How to Treat Severe Allergies

People must talk to a professional If they suspect that they are suffering from chronic or severe allergies.

An allergy or doctor specialist is able to prescribe medications that contain many stronger doses of compounds available in OTC products.

The treatment options for severe or chronic allergies are:

Allergy shots or immunotherapy. The immunotherapy can be between 90 to 98% effective when it comes to reducing allergic reactions to insect bites or stings.
Asthma medications are prescribed, like inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
You can take oral cromolyn if you suffer from food allergies.
Drug desensitization therapy can be used for certain allergens.

Natural Remedies

Dietary changes – Low-fat diet with complex carbohydrates
Bioflavonoids – Plant-based chemicals found in citrus fruits
Supplements – Zinc, flaxseed oil, and vitamins A, C, and E
Acupuncture – – These treatments can help some people find relief symptoms

You can go to an allergy center Manassas VA for treatment.

What is Allergy Desensitization

You can have allergy shots regularly and it is generally given over the course of three to five years to reduce or stop allergy attacks. Allergy shots are an excellent form of treatment known as immunotherapy. Each shot has a small number of certain substances that trigger allergic reactions. These are known as allergens and they contain enough allergens that can stimulate your immune system, but it is not enough to cause an unbearable allergic reaction.

Even if allergen immunotherapy involves the typical administration of increasing allergen doses gradually over a certain period, immunotherapy can be given as injections or tablets.

In case you want to visit an allergy specialist doctor for allergy desensitization you can learn more about it here.

Oral Immunotherapy Treatment (OIT)

Desensitization treats peanut allergies, tree nut allergies, milk allergies, and other food allergies. The process will require patients to consume different allergen doses. Initially, food should be consumed under an allergist’s supervision. After this, patients must eat fixed amounts of the allergen until they reach a maintenance dose.

With the completion of OIT, individuals have to maintain the consumption of periodic doses of certain foods to ensure that there is ongoing desensitization. Normally, successful patients would have reduced the chances of allergic reactions. With the approval of an allergy doctor, it could even be possible to reintroduce it into your diet.

Risks

Most people do not experience a lot of trouble when they get allergy shots. However, they contain substances that cause allergies – so there can be possible reactions, which can include:

Systemic reactions – These are less common, but are more serious. You could develop sneezing, hives, or nasal congestion. Other severe reactions can include wheezing, throat swelling, or chest tightness.
Local reactions – This can involve redness, irritation, or swelling at the injection site. Normally, these common reactions start within a few hours after the injection and they clear up soon after that.
Anaphylaxis – Life-threatening reaction to allergy shots. It causes low blood pressure and trouble breathing. Most of the time, anaphylaxis starts within 30 minutes after injection, but they sometimes start at a later time.

If you will get allergy shots weekly or monthly, you are less likely to have a serious reaction.

When you take an antihistamine before an allergy shot, it reduces the risk of a reaction, mainly a local reaction. You should check with your doctor to find out if this is recommended.

Immunotherapy

It is similar to oral immunotherapy treatment, but with the use of allergy shots, seasonal allergies are less common and you will no longer be affected by indoor triggers or insect bites. Allergy shots can be used to treat pollen allergies, mold, dust mites, pet dander, and bee stings by giving small allergen doses via injection. When you administer incremental doses of the allergen, your immune system will become desensitized to its existence in your body.

Even if immunotherapy requires periodic visits to the allergy clinic, treatments will offer more benefits to patients. An individual can reduce their dependency on medication, and the immune system will get used to its presence in the system.

Where the Shots Should be Given

This kind of treatment must be supervised by a physician in a facility with the right staff and equipment to treat and identify adverse reactions to injections. The idea is that immunotherapy should be given at the allergy clinic. In case it is not possible, the allergist or immunologist should give the supervising physician clear instructions about the treatments of allergy shots.

You can check an allergy center Germantown MD if you need allergy desensitization.

Allergens that Cause a Sore Throat

Among allergy symptoms that affect daily life, getting a sore throat caused by allergies is irritating. If you have a runny nose and itchy eyes, a sore throat can be discomforting which can disrupt your routine.

Allergy sore throat symptoms can include a scratchy and dry feeling in your throat. The different kinds of allergies that cause this can be seasonal or something at home that is affecting you.

There are different steps you can take so you can manage or reduce symptoms.

Your allergy specialist will also tell you that histamines trigger your body to produce more mucus so your nose, mouth, and throat will not dry out. Most of the time, you will not notice the body’s mucus production.

Allergens and How they Affect You

Post-nasal drip is the culprit when it comes to an allergy-induced sore throat.

It is because of exposure to allergens and they occur when there is congestion in the sinuses and nose to your throat. This will cause scratchy or tickling pain.

The drainage can also cause:

Excessive swallowing
Coughing
Throat discomfort and clearing
Difficulty in speaking

A lot of allergies, like pollen, are seasonal.

If your symptoms are all-year-round, your symptoms could worsen during the seasons when there are a lot of airborne irritants.

Other Symptoms that Appear

Fatigue
Stuffy or runny nose
Sneezing and coughing

Symptoms of cold, flu, and other infections, but not normally allergies – include:

Body and muscle aches
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes

If you feel itchy, have watery eyes, and have a sore throat, it is most likely caused by an allergic reaction because the eye symptoms do not occur with the flu or cold.

Another clue is how long the sore throat lasts. A flu or cold does not last more than 2 weeks.

However, your allergic reaction can last for as long as you are exposed to the allergen. For instance, someone with a pollen allergy can have reaction symptoms for about 6 weeks, which depends on the season.

Oral Allergy Symptoms

Itchy mouth
Irritated, scratchy throat
Swelling and redness of the mouth and lips
Other symptoms of seasonal allergies

Anyone who has a sore throat or other allergy symptoms after they eat raw fruits or vegetables should talk to an allergy doctor.

How to Prevent Sore Throat Caused by Allergies

If you want to prevent sore throat caused by allergies, you would want to take steps in order to limit exposure to the substances that trigger you.

You should do your best to stay away from known irritants, like pet dander and cigarette smoke. If your allergies are seasonal, such as hay fever, are caused by trees and flowers in bloom, there are a couple of things you can do:

Keep your windows and doors closed
Wear a pollen mask when you are outside if it is “allergy season” to protect yourself from any airborne allergens
Take a shower after you come from outdoors
Wash clothing that you wore outside

Treatment

Preventing allergies is important in alleviating a sore throat, as well as other related symptoms. The primary step is to limit your allergen exposure as much as you can.

Avoid any known irritants, like pet dander or cigarette smoke, as much as possible. You should keep windows closed or wear a surgical mask outside so you can protect yourself from airborne allergens during the worst seasons.

You will not be able to avoid allergens all the time. This is the time when allergy shots and medication can help.

You can contact an asthma doctor Germantown MD anytime if you need a sore throat allergy treatment.

Types of Skin Allergies

Skin conditions can be difficult to identify. Is it hives or dermatitis? A breakout or infection? Since rashes should be treated in a specific way, if you are unaware of what you have, you could be making it worse. Regardless if it is minor nuisance or an epidermis nightmare, there are ways that you can soothe your skin when you know what you are dealing with.

With the majority of skin conditions, you might have a genetic predisposition which is why you have them. Allergies cannot be exacerbated by stress because they can be emotional, like meeting your future in-laws, or they can also be environmental like an allergen.

Before going to an allergy center, it helps if you know the types of skin allergies.

Eczema

This is medically known as atopic dermatitis and its characteristics are red, dry, splotchy, crusty, cracked, or flaky skin, and it can emit fluid if you scratch it. Normally, it is clustered around your elbows and knees, but it can appear on your skin anywhere. That is why you will also find eczema on your neck, arms, and legs.

It affects one in fifty adults, but it is most common in children.

Hives

Hives are skin inflammations that are triggered when your immune system releases histamine. This will cause the small blood vessels to leak, and it causes your skin to swell. The swollen deep layers of the skin are known as angioedema. There are two kinds of urticaria, chronic and acute. Acute urticaria happens after you eat a particular food or you encounter a certain trigger.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis has the same symptoms as eczema, and it can be a scaly or blistered red rash, depending on the cause and its severity. Normally, the rash has a distinct border.

Contact dermatitis can appear after you get exposed to an allergen or irritant, and it is a common rash because of external factors. Normally, allergens cause a blistered, shiny, and itchy rash while the irritants can be scaly, dry, or less itchy. It will appear hours to days after you get exposed.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Similar to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis is a fungus that normally crops up in oily areas like the face, scalp, back and upper chest.

Based on a study, it is very common and affects about 12% of the general population and 70% of infants during the first three months of their life. It seems to be caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Malassezia.

Angioedema

Angioedema is swelling in the skin’s deep layers. Most of the time, it is seen together with urticaria. Angioedema can occur in soft tissues like the eyelid, genitals, or mouth. Angioedema is known as “acute” in case the condition will last only a short time like minutes to hours. Acute angioedema is commonly caused by allergic reactions to medications or foods. Chronic recurrent angioedema happens when the condition keeps on returning over and over. It normally does not have any cause.

Rosacea

Rosacea will cause redness and thickness on your face, normally clustered in the center. Flushing, stinging sensation and small pus-filled pimples are common signs of the condition, which is normally confused with an acne breakout.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis will cause patches of thickened skin, most of the time, scaly flakes on your skin. It is normally found around your feet, elbows, palms, and knees, and you can also have psoriasis on your scalp.

Other symptoms are scales, aside from rashes. About 20% of people with psoriasis also experience psoriatic arthritis.

You can contact an asthma doctor Germantown MD if you are experiencing skin allergy to get the best treatment.

Signs You are Allergic to Alcohol

Alcohol allergy causes a rare toxic reaction to alcohol which can be fatal in some cases. Most of the time, what people consider an alcohol allergy is actually intolerance.

People can have an allergic reaction to certain ingredients in alcoholic beverages instead of the alcohol itself.

Someone who is truly allergic to alcohol should entirely avoid it. People who are intolerant to alcohol can still consume alcohol, but they will most likely encounter side effects. The reaction can come from something in the alcoholic beverage like grains, chemicals, or preservatives.

Aside from consulting with an allergy specialist, you can read this article to know more about what causes alcohol allergies and then review the differences between intolerance and alcohol allergy.

Causes of Alcohol Allergy

People who are allergic to alcohol go through a reaction just by consuming 1 milliliter of pure alcohol or a gulp of beer or wine. It is still a mystery to researchers why some people experience it when the body naturally produces it. However, in other cases, severe alcohol reaction is sometimes mistaken for allergies when it is actually caused by Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Some foods that could cause alcohol allergy are:

Tomato puree
Food marinades
Cough syrup
Overripe fruit that fermented
Mouthwash

Doctors can diagnose the allergy based on how antibodies are produced. Antibodies called immunoglobin E (IgE) can cause an allergic reaction in the body with common symptoms of an allergic reaction. In addition, blood tests can measure the responses of the immune system to specific substances.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of intolerance to alcohol or having a reaction to the ingredients in an alcoholic beverage include:

Red and itchy bumps on the skin
Facial redness
Stuffy or runny nose
Pre-existing asthma worsens
Low blood pressure
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting

Treatment

Like there are no real cures for food allergies or pollen, nothing can cure alcohol allergies as well. The truth is, that alcohol allergy treatment focuses mainly on any symptoms that are present like using a topical cream to alleviate rashes. After that, an individual should totally avoid drinking so they will not suffer allergic reaction symptoms and could also die.

Alcohol Allergy vs. Alcohol Intolerance

An alcohol allergy and intolerance are different from each other.

If you have an alcohol allergy, your immune system has an overreaction to alcohol. Intolerance to alcohol is genetic and the digestive system of an individual cannot break down the substance properly.

Alcohol intolerance symptoms make a person feel uncomfortable. In contrast to this, alcohol allergy can sometimes become life-threatening.

Symptoms of Alcohol Intolerance that People Confuse with Alcohol Allergies:

High blood pressure
Low blood pressure
Heart fluttering sensation
Lips or tongue swelling
Chest pain or fainting
Coughing

Who are More Prone?

People who come of Asian descent have a higher chance of experiencing alcohol intolerance symptoms because of a genetic variant that comes from rice domestication in southern China many centuries ago. An enzyme that is called aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) turns ethanol into acetic acid in the liver. Those with Asian ancestry might have a less active variant of ALDH2, which makes it harder for them to digest alcohol properly. ALDH2 deficiency commonly causes alcohol intolerance.

Complications

Migraines – This is probably because of the histamines in alcoholic beverages. The immune system releases histamines when there is an allergic reaction.
Severe allergic reaction – On rare occasions, the allergic reaction can become life-threatening and might require emergency treatment. You should know all the symptoms so you will know if it is already severe or not.

You can contact allergy center Germantown MD anytime if you need to consult about your alcohol allergy.

What are the Types of Pollen Allergies

Hay fever comes from discomfort for people of any age. However, you can minimize the effect of pollen allergy with effective allergy treatment. When you develop a treatment plan, among the primary steps an allergist takes is to find out what the exact allergy trigger or triggers are. This process starts with the understanding of different kinds of pollen allergies.

During spring, summer, fall, and winter, plants release tiny pollens to fertilize other plants that come from the same species. The majority of the pollen that causes allergic reaction comes from grasses, trees, and weeds. These plants make light, small, and dry pollen grains that are transported by the wind. These pollens can go inside your nose, ears, and lungs that cause allergy symptoms if you are allergic to pollen.

Grass Pollen

The most common culprit of hay fever is grass pollen, and it normally lasts from late spring until summer. In reality, there are different factors that could see grass pollen being there from March to October. The common signs of grass pollen allergies include watery eyes, runny nose, itchy nose, and other symptoms. The cause of allergies requires that an allergy doctor performs testing if you suffer from grass pollen allergy. Some grass types you should be aware of are timothy, Bermuda, sweet vernal, and orchard.

Ragweed Pollen Allergy

Ragweed plants are popular for being an allergen and they are most active between autumn and late spring.

Aside from ragweed, tumbleweed, and sagebrush, they are also common allergens of weed pollen.

Tree Pollen

Even if it is less common than grass pollen, tree pollen comes in the earlier part of the year. People who have hay fever normally start to experience symptoms in the spring – symptoms can continue the entire summer. Normally, peak periods fall from March to May when maple, oak, birch, and elm tree pollen are most common. When you have a diagnosis of the allergy, you can start to see how the different kinds of tree pollen are going to impact your allergies, and then you can take precautions to limit exposure to tree pollen.

Birch Pollen

Birch trees bloom during spring. Which is the reason why birch pollen is among the major causes of pollen allergies in spring. A single birch tree produces up to 5 million pollen grains that get dispersed into the air.

Aside from birch, allergies from tree pollen are caused by oak and cedar trees as well.

Treatment

Home remedies, medical treatments, and changes in lifestyle help ease pollen allergy symptoms.

Treatment options available:

Antihistamine medications are over-the-counter, like loratadine or cetirizine. A person should begin to take these medications a couple of weeks before the start of allergy season.
Immunotherapy tablets or shots in order to desensitize the body to pollen.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays are effective when it comes to reducing inflammation and its symptoms associated with it.
Nasal sprays are designed to relieve congestion and itching. These cover decongestants, which are just a short-term solution for swelling.

The majority of treatments can only help manage the symptoms or allergy, but will not cure them. immunotherapy can be helpful for managing long-term allergies but it takes a couple of years to complete.

How Long They Last

It will depend on the kind of pollen that triggers your allergies:

Tree pollen – March until mid-May
Grass pollen – Mid-may to mid-July
Weed pollen – Mid-August to November

Your location will impact this. The weather also has an effect on pollen levels, which delays or extends how long the allergies last in a year.

You can visit an allergy clinic Germantown MD to manage your symptoms

Facts About Seasonal Allergies

Allergic rhinitis that happens only in certain seasons is also called hay fever. There are about 8% that experience it. Hay fever happens when you have an immune system that overreacts to an allergen outdoors, like pollen. An allergen triggers an allergic response. Wind-pollinated allergens are the most common, like grasses, trees, and weeds. The pollens that come from insect-pollinated plans remain airborne for a long time, and they hardly trigger an allergic reaction.

It is called hay fever because the name is derived from the hay-cutting season. Based on history, this activity happened during the summer months, which is about the same time as a lot of people have symptoms.

You might need an allergy specialist to determine if you have hay fever. Read on to learn more.

Treatment of Seasonal Allergies

There are a lot of ways that seasonal allergies can be treated, which depends on how bothersome those symptoms are. A crucial part of treatment is knowing what a person is allergic to. Some kids are relieved by eliminating or reducing allergen exposure that bothers them.

If specific seasons cause symptoms, you should keep your windows closed and use air conditioning instead of fresh air if possible, and remember to stay indoors when there are high pollen counts. It is also a great idea for kids who have seasonal allergies to wash the dirt off of their hands or shower and wear a new set of clothes after they play outside.

Spring

Trees are to be blamed for the majority of allergies in springtime. The most common offender is Birch, which is found in the northern latitudes, where a lot of people with hay fever react to pollen. Other allergenic trees found in North America are aider, cedar, horse chestnut, poplar, and willow.

Fall

Ragweed season is in Autumn. Most of the ragweed grows in North and South America Temperate Regions. They have invasive plants that are hard to control. Their pollen is a common allergen, and ragweed allergy symptoms can be severe.

Other plants which drop their pollen during fall include mugworts, nettles, fat hens, sorrels, and plantains.

Summer

The hay-cutting season is normally in the summer months. But what really causes summertime allergies are the grasses like ryegrass and timothy grass, and even certain weeds. The most common trigger of hay fever in people are grasses.

Winter

During winter, the majority of allergens remain dormant, Therefore, cold weather gives relief to a lot of people who have hay fever. However, this also means that more people are spending time outdoors. If you are prone to getting seasonal allergies, you might react to indoor allergens like pet dander, mold, cockroaches, or dust mites.

Most of the time indoor allergens are easier to get rid of from the environment compared to outdoor pollens. Here are some tips for getting rid of allergens inside your home:

Make sure to wash your bedding in hot water once every week
Cover the bedding and pillows with covers that are allergen-proof
Stop using upholstered furniture and carpets
Remove stuffed toys
Fix any water leaks and clean up water damage that helps the mold and pests to grow and multiply
Clean the moldy surfaces and places where mold can form, which includes swamp coolers, humidifiers, refrigerators, and air conditioners
Use a dehumidifier to lessen excess moisture

You Should Take the Prescribed Allergy Medication the Entire Season

After you have identified the allergy triggers of your child and the season(s), your doctor might prescribe to minimize the symptoms.

Go to an allergy specialist doctor Manassas VA if you need an allergist before the season starts.