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Tips to Improve Indoor Allergens in Your Home

The control of asthma and allergy starts at home. A lot of people who have allergies stay in their homes when the outdoor air has a lot of spores and pollen. However, dust mites, animal dander, and cockroaches can cause problems indoors. If you want to reduce indoor air pollution, you need to have adequate ventilation, control pollution sources and clean your indoor air.

After you see an allergy specialist, you should also do your part by controlling indoor allergens in your home. If you want to know what to do so that the allergens in your home are kept at bay, this article is going to give you what you need. Read on to know more.

Control Dust Mites

Keep surfaces in your home clean and uncluttered. The best ones are bare walls and floors, specifically the one in your bedroom where you spend most of your nights. If you have a carpet, throw rugs that are washable or low-pile carpets are even better.

The most important method is to put zippered allergen impermeable or pillow covers, box springs, and mattresses. Encased mattresses work better compared to air cleaners in order to reduce allergy symptoms. You should wash your bedding, uncovered pillows, and stuffed toys every week in hot water.

If you are turning on the heat, allergens such as pet dander and dust are lurking in the air ducts. It is recommended that you use a high-efficiency furnace filter to lessen indoor allergens that circulate in your home. It is recommended that you immediately change your filters every 90 days. You should start to change it with the seasons so that you can remember.

Limit How Much Pollen Goes Inside Your Home

You should ask as much, to keep your window closed if you require air conditioning to keep pollen from being blown inside your home. Remember to take off your shoes outside, or put a mat outside the door so you can wipe dirt off your feet. When you keep temperatures inside cool is also helpful in preventing humidity. This creates the best environment for dust mites and mold.

Clean Your House Regularly

Vacuuming your home with a HEPA filter weekly will also cut down allergens indoors like pet dander and dust mites. When you dust around your knick-knacks and books, you should use electrostatic cloth or microfiber that holds dust instead of only moving it around. As you dust and vacuum, dust is going to get stirred up in the air, so if you are allergic, you can use an N95 filter mask while you clean.

When it is possible, you should use wall-to-wall carpeting, even in the bedrooms. Hardwood floors become easier to clean because you can see the dust while cleaning. However, you can use washable area rugs as well to cut down allergens.

Avoid Any Mold Spores

You should reduce moisture around your bathroom, kitchen, and other water areas in your home. Dehumidifiers are also helpful in reducing dust mites and mold. You should limit yourself to a couple of house plants. You should fix every leak and other cause of the damp areas in your home. Clean the moldy surfaces. Get rid of the moldy firewood, and piles of weeds and leaves.

Keep the Cockroaches Controlled

You should not leave any garbage or food uncovered. You should use boric acid, poison baits, and traps instead of chemical agents that will irritate your rhinitis and/or trigger asthma.

If you cannot control indoor allergens, you can always contact the allergy doctor Manassas VA.

Why is Asthma Worse at Night?

Having interrupted sleep makes you feel tired throughout the day, and it will have negative effects on your health in the long run. You do not want this to become regular because you need the energy to tackle daily challenges. When you wake up in the middle of the night because of a coughing fit or you are having a hard time breathing, the experience can get terrifying.

The unfortunate thing is that asthma patients have to deal with that, especially if they do not see their asthma doctor regularly. When your asthma gets worse at night, you are not alone because it is very common. Sometimes, experts call this nocturnal asthma, and it makes it very hard for you to get the rest you need.

Asthma Attack Triggers

People experience different asthma triggers. Some people get triggered due to allergens exposure like grass or dust mites. Other people are triggered by irritants like strong odors or chemicals. Respiratory illnesses that are accompanied by mucus drainages like sinusitis or colds increase the chances of an asthma attack. Weather changes and exercise can also trigger attacks. There are people who may discover that more than one thing increases the possibility of an asthma attack, and can worsen at night.

Factors that Contribute to Nocturnal Asthma

For some reason, asthma gets worse at night. This problem is serious and most deaths from asthma are because of wheezing or other symptoms at night.

The factors are:

Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD)
Dust mites or other allergens
Overproduction of mucus
Higher level of histamine
Breathing in cold air
Lower epinephrine levels
Sleep apnea
Obesity
Not elevating the head while sleeping
Psychological stress

Nocturnal asthma can be caused just by seeping because the bronchial function changes. During sleep, the airways become narrow and it creates more resistance for air to come in and out of the body. This causes coughing, which further tightens the airways. After that, your sinuses will drain, and trigger asthma reactions. Therefore, breathing worsens between 4 to 6 hours after you sleep.

Other Causes

Postnasal drip – People are more prone to postnasal drip during the night. When you are laying down flat, fluid can easily drip down towards the back of your throat and causes you to start coughing. Lying down can also cause the fluid to flow from your legs to your chest, and this leads to more fluid accumulation in the airways and narrows down breathing passages.
Timing of Medication – If your asthma medication starts to wear off while you sleep, you are more likely to have nocturnal asthma.

Medication

Asthma specialists normally prescribe 2 primary medications: a long-term inhaler and a rescue inhaler. The asthma triggers are individual-specific, and people should consult with their asthma doctor to find the right care plan for them. A lot of doctors prescribe both kinds of inhalers.

Treatment

If your asthma attack wakes you up in the middle of the night, reach for your rescue inhaler. Sleeping in a more upright position is also helpful. Some people discover that drinking water eases a cough.

In case you have regular asthma symptoms during the night, talk to your healthcare provider to address the problem. It may be helpful to adjust the timing of your medication.

There are times when your healthcare might have to add or increase medication. Asthma can get worse in the long run, and if you have nocturnal asthma, your asthma care plan might need tweaking to eliminate the symptoms.

You can visit an allergist specialist Manassas VA as well to find the best asthma treatment plan for your nighttime symptoms.

How to Make the Most of Your Allergy Appointment

Maybe you tried to eat something new and after that, your body starts acting up causing you to vomit and break out into hives. Maybe you suspect environmental triggers such as pollen or dust are making you suffer from congestion. This will be why your doctor has referred you to an allergist.

The allergist will use your medical history and perform a physical exam to help point out allergies and figure out what triggers them.

If you need help in finding out what to expect during your first visit, you must read this article on what you can do so that your first appointment is not wasted.

What You Must Check Beforehand

You must speak to your allergy doctor to make sure that you do not have medications that might cause problems during your appointment.

That is because some medications interfere with others, especially antihistamines. Your allergist might ask you to stop taking certain medications for a few days before seeing going to your allergist for testing.

However, you must ask your healthcare provider before you discontinue any medications because you do not want to sacrifice one for the other.

Your Medical History and Symptoms

Your allergist is going to ask everything about your medical history. Aside from that, the specialist is going to assess any pre-existing conditions that you might have. People with asthma might have more complex and severe allergic reactions that require non-stop treatment.

In addition, observe where your symptoms occur. The signs you must look for are:

Raised skin spots (hits)
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Chest tightness
Swelling and inflammation of different body parts

The doctor might ask you different questions to support your medical history that is related to possible and common allergens. You can expect questions about your pets, environment, proven allergic reactions, and current medications.

Questions to Ask

Aside from writing down your symptoms, there are questions you need to ask.

What foods will I be tested for? Why?
What will the test results mean?
Do I require testing for this kind of allergy?
How can I determine and avoid the triggers of my allergies?
How serious are these symptoms?
What are the available food allergy management tools?
How can people best manage their food allergies?
What should be monitored after my visit?
When should I do a follow-up at the office?
Do allergies worsen over time or can they improve?

If your allergy is diagnosed, including asking questions about how to treat questions, and concerns about the side effects of medications.

Treatment Plans

Your diagnosis will tell you what the appropriate treatment is. Commonly, your allergy doctor will ask you to avoid things that can trigger your allergies. The doctor might also prescribe medications like antihistamines.

What Happens After

As part of the first assessment, your doctor might also check your skin, nose, throat, and lungs. If your diagnosis is related to food or airborne allergies, they will need to run tests after that.

You might be asked to undergo allergy testing. In case this happens, your skin will also be tested for any reactions to different substances. According to the results, your doctor is going to recommend a treatment, which includes:

Allergy shots
Prescription medications
Avoid certain triggers
Make some lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms, especially if your triggers are food-related or because of some environmental factors.

In case your allergy symptoms do not go away with regular treatment, you might have to undergo immunotherapy.

If you need to find an allergy doctor Manassas VA, do not hesitate to contact them and book an appointment.

Surprising Things that Make Allergies Worse

If you have seasonal allergies, you most likely avoid triggers that cause itchiness, sneezing, and sniffling. However, even if you stay inside even on high-pollen days, there are some everyday habits that you might not think could be allergy triggers. They can wreak havoc on your allergies without being aware of them.

An allergist will tell you that you are not the only one who suffers from this because some of the everyday habits you do cause allergy reactions. There are seasonal allergies like they only come out during summer, spring, winter, or allergy to peanuts or cats is all-year-round. You need to limit exposure to allergens, and the symptoms can be treated by taking medication.

Here are some of the weird or surprising things that make allergies worse.

Clothes

Pollen can easily get stuck to the fabric, and after you spend a day outside, you are bringing those irritants at home. You will spread them to your bed, couch, and other parts of your home. If you want to keep the pollen from proliferating, you must change your clothes right away once you get home. You can also shower before bed to remove pollen from your skin and hair.

Your Shoes

If you have a rash or poison ivy after you wear leather shoes, there is a possibility that you are allergic to chemicals that are used in leather tanning. This kind of allergy is known as “contact dermatitis”, and a patch test can diagnose it. Contact dermatitis is a general term for the usual skin conditions that are caused by contact with allergens or irritants.

Red Wine

A glass of red wine might be good for unwinding, but it will not help with your allergies. Alcohol causes your blood vessels to widen, which causes a runny and/or stuffy nose. That is because alcohol is a vasodilator. Alcohol aggravates allergy and wine has an extra punch because of the sulfites it contains that cause some people to have a reaction. Red wine is high in sulfites, and fermented red grape skins have protein allergens.

Exercise Allergy

This kind of allergy was only reported 1,000 times since it was discovered in the 1970s. Exercise allergy causes urticaria, hives, but it can cause anaphylaxis in more severe cases. Anaphylaxis is a dangerous condition when your blood pressure suddenly drops and you will have a hard time breathing. There are 2 kinds of exercise allergies. One that occurs after you eat food within 2 hours after exercising, and the other one happens if you do not eat food. If you experience either one, you should stop your exercise, but you can prevent the food-related type by not eating anything before exercising.

Not Going to the Gym

It is difficult to find motivation when you feel like your face is about to explode, but working out brings some allergy relief. That is because of the stress hormones you release during exercise, and the blood vessels calm down so you can breathe better. This effect is only temporary, but you will get a break from congestion – together with the other benefits of exercise.

Swimming Pools

Chlorine dries out skin and irritates the airways of people with allergies like coughing, congestion, and itchy skin. Luckily, your allergy doctor can help you manage these symptoms so you can still go swimming whenever you like. Avoiding the pool because of your allergy is not the only solution, so make sure to ask your doctor what you can do.

You should go to an allergy specialist doctor Germantown MD if you want to manage your symptoms that are interfering with your everyday life.

When Should You See a Doctor About Your Allergies?

allergies

Some allergy problems are mild, like hay fever and they do not really need medical attention. Sometimes, your allergies can be managed by over-the-counter medications and there are times when they can disrupt your daily life. Allergies can also be life-threatening and you might need to see an allergy doctor.

They can tell you what you are allergic to and what you need to avoid so that the triggers will not act up. If you want to find out more, you should read on.

If You are Unsure if You Have a Cold or Allergies

Colds and allergies – allergic rhinitis can be easily confusing because both of them have runny noses and sneezing. A doctor helps you determine if the symptoms are because of environmental allergens such as dust, pollen, dander, tobacco smoke, or mites. It could also be a cold or upper respiratory tract inflammation because of a virus. The treatment for colds and allergies are different, so knowing what you are experiencing is crucial in choosing what medicines you must take. If you take cold medicine when you are actually having allergies is ineffective and wastes your money.

If you have an itchy nose or eyes, red/watery eyes, or puffiness/swelling inside your throat, eyelids, or ears, you most likely have allergies.

Who Can Develop Allergies or Asthma?

Allergies and asthma affect anyone, no matter the age, race, gender, or socioeconomic factors. Even if it is true that allergies and asthma are seen in children more, they can come out for the first time anytime in your life. Allergy symptoms sometimes start during childhood, go away for many years, and appear again in your adult life.

Even if exact genetic factors have no further studies yet, asthma and allergies can also be caused by heredity. With people who are susceptible, factors like stress, hormones, perfume, or other irritants may also contribute to this.

When the Symptoms Interfere with Your Life

Aside from having a stuffy nose along with other symptoms, allergies can also other annoying issues like sinus infections, ear infections, and headaches, which make you feel miserable. However, when you have allergies, you will have a hard time working, sleeping, or enjoying the outdoors, and this makes you suffer. A doctor helps you in figuring out what you can be allergic to, and how symptoms are effectively managed. Therefore, you can start to live your life again. Medicines and over-the-counter prescriptions can be bought to treat allergy symptoms. When they do no work, you can go to an allergy expert to get a shot, and they will desensitize your allergens over time.

Serious Allergy Symptoms that Require you to See a doctor:

You have a hard time breathing and need to catch your breath
Most of the time, you wheeze or cough, especially during the night after exercising
You have shortness of breath or tightness in your chest frequently
You had a diagnosis of asthma, and have frequent attacks even if you are taking medication
You suffer from other health problems like thyroid disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, liver disease, enlarged prostate, kidney disease, or liver disease. In case you do, it might not be advisable for you to use over-the-counter drugs without talking to a doctor

You should go to an allergic clinic Manassas VA anytime if your symptoms are interfering with your life.

How to Camp with Food Allergies

eczema and skin allergies

Have you ever thought of how to go camping when you have allergies and food intolerance? They also come with digestive issues or maybe you have children with food allergies, and being in the woods far from other people can be terrifying.

Most of the time, traditional vacations normally is about eating meals in restaurants. You should compare that when you go camping, where you are able to prepare and cook the food you want.

Therefore, you should read this article until the end and you can ask your allergist about it.

Prepare for Medical Situations

The best thing is when you camp with food allergies, you need to make sure that you are safe. Regardless of it is you or someone is traveling safely must be your priority. If the allergy is severe, you need to have an Epi-Pen. Make sure that you have more than one. If you will be in a secluded location, it might be a good idea to bring a couple of extras to be sure.

You need to make sure that you know where the emergency medical services are and how you will reach them. If the service is limited, you need to research this beforehand and figure out the options you have. Being aware of the emergency services will give you peace of mind and be prepared for what can happen.

Keep the Allergens Away from the Tent

Regardless of where the camping site is, make sure to take your jacket and shoes off before you enter the tent. If you do not find this to be practical, set these items in one spot in the tent. If you take your family or pet along while camping, wipe them down before allowing them inside the tent. You need to minimize allergens in your environment that disturb your sleep. You need your rest.

Research the Surroundings Ahead of Time

The main thing to do is to gather as much information as you can about the camping site and where you will be. Do your research and go beyond the information the camping site is giving you. In addition, look for testimonials from their past campers and check what they say. If you know what the available resources are, you will know what you need and how you can cook food. Knowing that they have an electrical plug-in means people can bring a coffee pot, or tea kettle to cook oatmeal, and a fan.

Find out if there are any nearby grocery stores or supply stores for anything you might need.

Plan Snacks and Safe Meals

Families with food allergies know this very well. The truth is, it can be easier to do this during camping because everyone prepares meals. If it is only your family, this is going to be like eating at home. However, when traveling with others, inform them about allergic foods. Make sure to bring your own utensils, pots, grill, and pans if other people in your group will cook and share foods that are not on the list. It is difficult to thoroughly clean everything when you are camping.

Emergency Plan

This is sensible regardless of what your allergy status is. Research if they have an emergency room. Make sure that everyone you are with is aware of this information and knows when to administer allergy meds if necessary.

You can go to allergy clinic Manassas VA anytime if you need more tips.

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.

Celiac Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Diet Plan

Gluten is a type of protein commonly found in some grain products such as barley, wheat, and rye. It helps maintain the food’s shape, keeps it moist and chewy, and makes the bread rise and look fluffy. Gluten may be harmless, tasteless, and odorless to some people. However, it can be fatal for many unlucky individuals.

People with such sensitivity to the food ingredient gluten most likely have a condition called celiac disease. It is usually diagnosed by an allergy specialist doctor. But if you suspect of having this condition, it is best to consult an allergist specialist for proper treatment.

What is a celiac disease?

It is said that one in 100 people around the world has celiac disease. To help manage this condition, you should visit an allergy clinic near you to prevent further complications that can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

This condition is considered an autoimmune disease wherein digestion of foods containing gluten can trigger allergic reactions. Worse, it can cause irreversible damage in the small intestine and largely affect your digestion. To begin with, celiac disease may not be easily detected as its symptoms vary from person to person.

As mentioned, celiac disease is triggered when a person has an allergic reaction to gluten. Upon consumption of food containing gluten, it triggers an immune response that causes damage to the small intestine particularly the villi. These finger-like things line up the intestine and aid in the absorption of nutrients. However, damaged villi can affect nutrient absorption and food digestion in general.

Celiac disease may occur either in childhood or in adulthood. However, it is believed that this condition runs in the family, which is why it may be a good idea to consult an allergist doctor to know if you inherited the condition. Nevertheless, the exact cause of the celiac disease is relatively unknown.

Causes and symptoms

As mentioned, both children and adults can be afflicted with celiac disease. However, symptoms may vary between both. For example, adults who have or are suspected to have this condition may experience one or more of the following symptoms.

Diarrhea/constipation
A feeling of bloating and excess gas
Sleep problems which can lead to chronic fatigue
Sudden weight loss
Anemia due to iron deficiency
Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting
Presence of rashes (dermatitis herpetiformis)
Osteoporosis
Mouth sores
Tingling sensation in the hands and feet due to an injury in the nervous system
Balance and cognitive problems
Hyposplenism (a condition that affects spleen function)

On the other hand, children may experience symptoms different from those of adults. It is also said that children may be more prone to digestive issues than adults. One possible reason is that their digestive system is not yet as mature as adults. Among common symptoms of celiac disease in children include:

Constipation/diarrhea
Excessive gas
Bloating
Nausea and vomiting
Stools that may have an unbearable smell

If you suspect your child has the condition, it is important to have him/her get an allergy testing procedure for proper treatment. Otherwise, it can affect digestion and lack of nutrient absorption can lead to:

Weak teeth
Weight loss
Headaches
A tendency to throw frequent tantrums
Anemia due to iron deficiency
Delays in growth and puberty
Learning and muscle coordination problems
Death especially in infants

What to have and not to have in a gluten diet

People with celiac disease should follow a strict gluten-free diet. Likewise, it is important to identify certain foods that contain gluten but does not explicitly state it in the food label. You can consult an allergy doctor regarding gluten-free foods you can indulge in.

Some wheat-based products that usually contain gluten include the following:

Semolina (common in couscous and pasta)
Self-rising (phosphate) flour
Graham flour
Farina (common in hot cereals)
Flour enriched with minerals and vitamins
Other wheat varieties such as durum, spelt, einkorn, kamut, and emmer

In addition, some foods may have gluten and should be careful not to eat to avoid adverse reactions. These include:

Beer, ale, malt (all barley-based beverage)
Bread
Cakes and pastries
Cereals
Soy sauce
Pasta
Soup Mixes

Meanwhile, a usual gluten-free diet may include meat, seafood, eggs, and other protein-rich foods. There are also gluten-free grain alternatives such as millet, quinoa, and buckwheat. You can also include vegetables and nuts, although you may need to consult an allergist as you may also have allergies with the latter.

Seek medical help from allergy experts

If you experience the abovementioned signs of celiac disease, you should visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA so you will be given the right medication and treatment.

What You Need to Know About Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis or EoE is a condition that causes the esophagus to swell. The esophagus is a tube-like internal part of the body that transports food that you eat into the stomach. EoE causes discomfort or even pain and difficulty in swallowing the food you eat due to the inflammation.

you can also be triggered by mold, pollen, or food allergens. Although, there is no exact proof and research about these claims. Nonetheless, it would be a good idea to consult an allergy physician for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you need to know about you

Eosinophilic esophagitis or EoE is a long-term disease that affects the immune system. It involves the eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, which builds up in the esophageal lining. Often, this buildup is caused by food allergens. The said buildup leads to the inflammation of the esophageal tissue, making swallowing difficult and even painful.

If you experience this, do not delay as it can be potentially life-threatening. Visit an allergy clinic and have yourself treated by a trusted allergist doctor. EoE is considered one of the major causes of gastrointestinal illnesses. Common symptoms of EoE include the following:

Dysphagia (Difficulty in swallowing)
Chest pain
Regurgitation
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Delayed growth and weight loss (in children)

This means eosinophilic esophagitis can be contracted by both children and adults. Men are more at risk of having this condition than women. Likewise, those who have family members who also suffer from allergies are also at risk of having EoE.

EoE in children vs. adults

As mentioned, eosinophilic esophagitis can occur both in children and adults. However, those who have a history of food allergies, eczema, and asthma are at higher risk of having EoE. Unfortunately, this condition might be challenging to detect as symptoms can differ depending on age and are often mistaken for other health issues.

For example, infants and toddlers suffering suspected of having EoE would not eat due to difficulty in swallowing. Some kids would also experience abdominal pain, vomiting, and growth delays in the worst cases. EoE patients point out certain food triggers that are causing the condition.

In adults, one of the most common symptoms of EoE is what is called dysphagia. It occurs when the food you eat gets stuck in the esophagus. Patients would have to chew their food carefully and drink lots of water to push the food down their stomach. If you or your child suffer from (or suspecting of having) EoE, it would be a better idea to consult an allergy physician near you.

Is not considered a food allergy?

Technically, it can be considered as one. When you take a certain food that is suspected of causing an allergic reaction, the condition usually subsides and makes the person feel better. But when the person starts eating that offending food again, the allergic reaction might come back.

Also, EoE does not involve IgE antibodies which makes it a little tricky to detect what the offending food is. That said, allergy experts suggest undergoing allergy testing to determine if there are any IgE-mediated allergies such as mold, pollen, or animal dander allergies.

How to treat EoE

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for you. However, this condition is generally manageable by proper diet, medication, or both. For one thing, there is no existing treatment for you.

However, allergy experts prescribe corticosteroids or glucocorticosteroids for the patients. Steroids can help provide relief from inflammation and lessen eosinophil activity. On the downside, steroids can only deal with the symptoms and can have potential side effects such as acne and weight gain.

Another way to treat EoE is by adjusting your diet. You can visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA to determine the specific food item that is causing the adverse reaction. The “Six-food Elimination Diet” refers to a diet that eliminates the most common allergenic foods such as eggs, nuts, soy, milk, wheat, and seafood. From here, doctors and patients will know which among these allergens the culprit is and come up with proper treatment.

The patient can also try the “elemental diet” which is getting rid of all regular drinks and foods from your usual meal plan. And then replacing it with various vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for about a month or so. Once there is an improvement in the esophagus, foods can be reintroduced slowly to determine the culprit that is causing the EoE symptoms.

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance: What’s The Difference?

Food and drinks are meant to be enjoyed and to be sources of nourishment and better health. Unfortunately, some people are not able to enjoy certain foods due to health reasons. For example, some people may be advised by their doctors to avoid fatty or salty foods. Others have to avoid dairy products or peanuts due to potential allergic reactions.

Speaking of allergic reactions, you should visit an allergy doctor if you experience symptoms after eating a certain food item. Some of these symptoms may only be mild, while others can be potentially life-threatening. If you suffer from common allergy symptoms, you should go to an allergy clinic immediately for proper treatment.

Often interchanged

There are many types of allergies, one of the most common is food allergies. Food allergies cause adverse reactions when a person consumes a food item that turns out to be the cause of the said allergic reaction. However, there are also instances wherein people mistake food intolerance as allergies.

Food allergies and food intolerance are often mistakenly interchanged but are actually two different things. So, how would you know if what you have is a food allergy or food intolerance? First of all, you should consult a trusted allergist doctor to confirm it. Other than that, you should understand the difference between the two.

All about food allergy

Like any other allergies, a food allergy causes an adverse reaction on the immune system and cause those familiar symptoms including:

Itchy skin/hives/skin rashes
Runny nose, sneezing, wheezing
Stomach pain, diarrhea
Vomiting, nausea
Swelling around the mouth, throat, or tongue
Difficulty in breathing

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease reports that more than 30 million Americans suffer from some kind of allergies – both adults and children. Some children eventually outgrow their allergies, while others bring it along with them into adulthood.

Several food items often cause food allergies such as peanuts, eggs, dairy, soy, tree nuts, wheat, and fish. Food allergies can be life-threatening and can hit different parts of the body including the skin, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. If you have allergies, make sure to visit an allergist for immediate treatment.

All about food intolerance

As mentioned, food allergies are often confused with food intolerance, which is two different things. Although, food intolerance can also cause discomfort and other symptoms similar to food allergies. However, there might be little to none reaction if you eat in small amounts. You can also opt for lactose-free milk or have Lactaid in hand just in case.

You can also consult an allergy physician if you are not sure if it’s an allergy or a food tolerance. Food intolerance occurs because of the following:

Being sensitive to certain food ingredients
Lack of an enzyme that is crucial to digest food properly
Stress/anxiety or any psychological issues that affect your eating
Celiac disease

Lactose intolerance is the most common and well-known type of food intolerance. The ingredient lactose is a type of sugar commonly found in dairy products. Some cannot tolerate food additives. The digestive system is the one affected by food intolerance and causes discomfort in your tummy area.

How to differentiate food allergies and intolerance

Both food allergies and intolerance can cause discomfort to those who have it. If you are not sure which of the two you have, you can visit a trusted allergist specialist to confirm your condition. Nevertheless, you should understand the difference between the two.

If you have a food intolerance, your digestive system is the one affected. Whereas, the immune system is often the one affected when someone is experiencing a food allergy. Food intolerance usually is tolerable with mild to moderate discomfort. However, food allergies can be potentially life-threatening if left untreated.

You usually feel the effects of a food intolerance a few hours after you have eaten the offending food. On the other hand, a food allergy symptom usually manifests itself within an hour. If that happens, be prepared to call the nearest emergency room or an allergy clinic in Manassas in case the symptoms worsen.

We need to eat to nourish our bodies and ensure a healthier body and mind. However, we still have to be careful with what we eat and make sure we only eat what’s best for our body and overall health.