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Early Asthma Attack Warning Signs to Watch out for

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

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

Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack

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

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

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

Severe Asthma Emergency Symptoms

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

What to Do During an Asthma Attack

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

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

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

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

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

Your Asthma is Not Well-Controlled if:

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

Asthma Symptoms Act up at Night

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

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

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 To Avoid Before Allergy Testing

Allergies are caused by certain things which trigger the immune system and they are known as allergens. These allergens can be spotted in certain tests done by allergist specialists. These tests are performed to diagnose what type of allergy you are suffering from. Here are some things you should avoid when you are going for an allergy test.

Avoid Going On An Empty Stomach

It’s never a good idea to go on an allergy test on an empty stomach. You never know how long you have to wait for your turn and some people can get queasy when they are having their blood drawn out. So, it’s important that you eat a good meal before going to the allergy clinic.

Also, drinking a lot of water before the test will ensure that your blood is not too thick and the platelets are not too high, or else, this can cause an alteration in the results. So, eating a healthy meal and keeping yourself hydrated will get you through the test with much ease and comfort.

Which Medicines To Avoid Before Your Test?

Here are some medications you should avoid before the allergy test. You would want to take a professional opinion from your doctor about this as well. In any case, you will be required to cease the use of any type of medication, which are mentioned below, two weeks before the test. This will ensure better results and you can clearly see which allergen is causing you problems and severe allergic reactions.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the biggest culprit which can alter your allergy test results. You need to stop taking any antihistamines, because you don’t want the allergen to be suppressed when it’s time for the test. You want the allergen to show all of its effects so that the test can detect it and therefore, come up with a solid diagnosis.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are also not good to take before an allergy test. Although they don’t mess around with your body as much as antihistamines do, there are certain relaxants in the antidepressants that can alter your allergy blood test.

Reflux Medicine

Any medicine which is used to jump start your system again after having problems are reflux medications. These include gastric medicine, heartburn medications and blood pressure medication. These can alter with the texture and composition of the blood and they can alter the allergens in your body too. So, they are not recommended to be consumed before an allergy test.

Steroids

Steroids are never good for you to take, especially if you are going for a skin allergy test. It will completely diminish the effect of the allergen on the body and you will be left at square one again, trying to figure out what your allergy is. Try not to take steroids at least 2 to 3 weeks before you plan to go for an allergy test.

Fever Medicine

Cough and fever medicine also contain antihistamines and these shouldn’t be taken before an allergy test. When going for a test, you want to make sure that your symptoms are elevated, so that there can be ease in diagnosis of your allergies.

Sleep Medicine

Sleep medicine can also alter the test results, so it’s best if you stop taking these a few days before your test, so that all of the sleep medications can be flushed out from your system.

Overexposure Of The Sun

If you are going to be tested for skin allergies, then make sure that you are avoiding too much exposure from the sun. If your skin is already sensitive, then it will be hard for the doctor to come up with a diagnosis. So, keep the sun at bay.

Applying Topical Creams

Your skin should be free of any topical creams or lotions before you go for an allergy test. There shouldn’t be a speck of anything external on your skin or it will alter the test results.

There you have it! If you avoid these things, the test results will not be altered and your allergist Manassas VA will have a clearer diagnosis of things which are causing these severe allergic reactions. This will help in prescribing the right medication to treat and prevent allergies.

All about Incontinence Associated Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Aging comes with a lot of complications such as memory gap, blurry vision, wrinkly skin, and a weakened immune system. Elderly people also experience all sorts of body pain that limit their movements. Due to old age, elderly people are also highly prone to catching diseases including allergies. In such cases, our elderly friends should be advised to visit an allergy physician to help them manage their condition.

All about IAD

Apart from physical and mental deterioration, elderly people also experience the inability to control their bladder and their stool. This condition is called incontinence. When this happens, the genital and anal area (sometimes also in the thighs and abdominal area) becomes inflamed and itchy and results in rashes. This condition is called Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis or IAD.

IAD, also called perineal dermatitis, moisture lesions, or irritant dermatitis, occurs as a result of incontinence. It usually results in itchy and red rashes, which is also similar to diaper rash among babies. It can also be considered a form of allergy, so it is a good idea to visit an allergy specialist to help treat this condition.

People who experience fecal incontinence may experience worse symptoms of IAD. For one thing, it is because feces is more irritating than urine when it comes to contact to the skin. The skin’s pH levels and the ammonia excreted by urine and feces result in IAD. In such cases, it can be a good idea to visit an allergist doctor to help manage the symptoms.

Symptoms of IAD

A normal and healthy skin serves as a barrier which lessens the risk of having rashes and other symptoms due to allergic reactions and the like. However, the skin of elderly people is not as supple and healthy as they were when they were younger. Add to that is incontinence, hence the occurrence of IAD. People with IAD might experience the following symptoms that should be treated immediately.

Feeling of pain or tender to the touch when coming into contact
Itchiness or burning sensation to the genital, anal, or abdominal areas
Skin redness, lesions, or presence of inflammation on the affected area

Too much skin moisture (ex. not wiping your genital or anal area after going to the toilet) and friction due to the use of pads and underwear can also cause IAD. Likewise, the inadequate cleaning of the IAD-prone areas, as well as the use of abrasive cloths, can also lead to IAD.

The impact of IAD’s symptoms depends on numerous factors such as the person’s overall health condition, nutritional levels, skin tissue condition, and risk of allergen exposure. In such cases, it is important to undergo allergy testing to determine other possible causes of the occurrence of IAD.

How to manage IAD

Back then, IAD was usually treated using soap and water. However, the usual soaps contain ingredients that can further dry out your skin and make the condition worse. That said, using soap and water may not necessarily be the best option out there.

Instead, the best treatment for IAD is proper skincare. Visiting an allergy doctor can also help in managing the condition. Here are some useful tips to lessen the impact of IAD and its symptoms.

Use a skincare product that matches the skin’s pH levels. Avoid ones with harsh ingredients that can make the condition worse.
Change adult diapers and pads regularly to avoid leakage and cause IAD from spreading to other body parts.
Do not use rough towels when wiping genitals and anal areas. Instead, make sure to wash thoroughly and wipe dry to lessen the moisture content within the said area.
Apply skin remedies with zinc oxide on the affected areas and lessen chafe and rashes.
Wear cotton underwear. Apply petroleum jelly on areas that are prone to chafing especially before any physical activity.

Conclusion

IAD can be managed with proper skincare and hygiene routines. Otherwise, it can lead to possible complications such as pain while urinating and genital discharge. Elderly people are at higher risk of having IAD. That is why it is important to ensure good hygiene at all times.

To help manage symptoms of IAD, it is best to find an allergy doctor to help manage the condition. Visit the best allergist in Manassas VA today!

Should You Get an Allergy Test?

Millions of people all over the world suffer from allergies. In fact, around 50 million people are afflicted with some kind of allergies in the US alone. Allergies are also considered one of the most common types of chronic health conditions that plague both children and adults alike. Allergic triggers vary from person to person and should be determined by allergy testing.

Knowing what exactly causes your allergies is an important step so you can be able to manage your condition. One way to determine what triggers your allergies is by having an allergy test. It is usually a painless and quick way to find out what causes your allergic reactions. Before that, you should know how allergy tests work and whether you need to take one.

What are allergy tests for?

If you experience any symptoms of allergies, you should visit an asthma doctor. But to confirm what exactly causes your allergies, it is better to find an allergy doctor who will conduct allergy tests.

For starters, allergies are usually our body’s response to a specific trigger or what we call “allergens”. Common types of allergies may either be seasonal (pollen, molds, and the like), perennial (pet dander, dust mites, smoke, etc.), or food allergies.

To determine which among these triggers your allergies, you need to undergo an allergy test. Allergy testing can either be through blood or skin tests. In some cases, the patient may have to undergo an elimination diet to determine the specific food that is causing an allergic reaction.

All of these allergy test procedures should be done by an allergist specialist and in an allergy facility or office. It is important to follow the doctor’s orders before undergoing an allergy test to ensure accurate results.

Allergy test standards

As mentioned, only certified allergists should conduct allergy tests. Otherwise, taking allergy tests without any medical recommendation and prior exams may not yield reliable results. This includes availing free tests in supermarkets or drugstores. You can even avail allergy test kits if you want to do the testing at home, but may not be as reliable.

This is why you should only rely on certified allergist doctor as they know better about allergies and how to manage it. You can guarantee that results will be more accurate and get better help in managing your condition. In effect, you can live a normal life as possible.

Most allergy tests are non-invasive and won’t require surgery or any complicated medical procedures. As mentioned, allergy tests may either be through skin patches or getting blood samples. If there is a certain reaction (ex. presence of rashes or swelling on the skin test area), it means you are allergic to that certain allergen. In some cases, you may have to take another test to confirm the previous test results.

Preparing for an allergy test

First of all, it is important to prepare yourself before undergoing an allergy test even if it is not really considered a major procedure. Such tests should be done only by certified or licensed medical personnel to ensure accurate results. Expect to be asked some details about your family history and lifestyle among a few.

If you are taking medications before getting an allergy test, you may be recommended to stop it temporarily. Otherwise, such medications may affect the results of your allergy test. In particular, you may have to temporarily stop taking medications such as:

Prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines
Heartburn medications (ex. famotidine)
Asthma medications (ex. omalizumab)
Antidepressants (ex. amitriptyline, nortriptyline)

You may also expect to experience some discomfort, although mostly tolerable, while the allergy test is ongoing. Results are usually available within a week. By then, you will be prescribed some medications and perhaps a lifestyle change to help manage your condition.

Should you get an allergy test?

If you are experiencing allergic symptoms but do not know which exactly causes the reactions, it is best to have an allergy test. While there are over-the-counter products that can relieve allergic symptoms, it will simply mask the discomfort but still have no idea of what the exact triggers area.

Having said that, it is highly recommended to consult an allergy physician to help manage your condition. He or she knows better in terms of identifying and recommending the right action steps to alleviate your allergic symptoms. Feel free to visit an allergy clinic in Manassas VA if you want to undergo an allergy test.

Home Remedies for Asthma Attacks

Having asthma is not cool. It can affect your everyday life even if it’s not really a serious medical condition. But it can potentially endanger your life if you ignore it. If you experience asthma attacks, you should consult an asthma doctor for proper treatment.

Asthma can be caused by certain allergies. Among common allergens include:

Pet dander
Foods (shellfish, eggs, nuts, etc.)
Dust and pollen
Chemicals in household products
Insect bites (bees, mosquitoes, etc.)

Allergic reactions happen when our body responds to certain allergens that are deemed harmful. Reactions vary from person to person. For example, some may experience skin rashes after eating foods that cause their allergies. Others experience asthma attacks when they come into contact with dust, pollen, or pet dander.

There are asthma treatments available upon a doctor’s prescription. It may not be a life-threatening condition – at first. But if it happens more often and you ignore it, it can lead to fatal consequences or even death. In such cases, you should consult an allergist to help you manage asthma attacks.

What happens during an asthma attack

One common symptom of an asthma attack is wheezing. It also occurs if you have colds. It should not really cause an alarm. However, you should see a doctor immediately if it’s recurrent and accompanied by breathing difficulties. Also, it can be a medical emergency if the person’s skin is starting to turn blue due to lack of oxygen.

In most cases, an inhaler will come in handy and help in relieving asthma attacks. It should be availed upon prescription by an allergist doctor. Meanwhile, some prefer using natural home remedies to get relief from an asthma attack. But if the situation worsens, it is best to rush to the emergency room immediately.

Natural ways for asthma relief

Speaking of home remedies, there are a lot of natural ways to relieve symptoms of asthma. In fact, a lot of people swear by the effectiveness of these natural remedies. However, there may be doubts whether these can really relieve asthma symptoms. This is due to a limited scientific understanding regarding their effects on the human body.

Among commonly-suggested natural ways to relieve asthma include:

Acupuncture

Apparently, acupuncture can help reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. However, it is not scientifically proven yet. But you can give it a try if you want.

Yoga

One major trigger of asthma is stress. Yoga can help relieve stress through correct breathing. In effect, it can help lessen asthma attacks.

Health supplements and herbs

Herbs and plants have been around since time immemorial. Our ancestors mostly relied on nature to treat illnesses, among other things. Some plants and herbs were said to help treat asthma. Likewise, health supplements such as antioxidants and Vitamin C are said to lessen asthma attacks. However, there are no scientific studies that can back up these claims.

Coffee/tea

It is said that the caffeine content in coffee and tea can provide relief from asthma. Drink it warm, not piping hot, for better results.

Essential oil (Eucalyptus)

Eucalyptus has a minty, menthol scent that is also a common cure for cough, colds, and other illnesses. It can also provide relief from asthma attacks. Put a few drops of the oil into a cup of hot water or an oil diffuser. Slowly breathe in the vapor deeply.

During an asthma attack, try sitting upright. This will allow for easier breathing. Also, try to breathe slowly and deeply. It can be hard to do while having an asthma attack. But it can help you stay calm and loosen up your chest so you can breathe better.

Are they safe?

An allergy specialist may not recommend home remedies for asthma relief. For one thing, most supplements and other so-called home cures are not scientifically-proven as of now. Likewise, these remedies are not regulated by the FDA. Some of these natural remedies (which are taken with some other medications) can cause adverse effects and do more harm on the patient than good. It is best to consult an allergy physician before using any home remedies for asthma.

When to seek medical help

Prescribed medications can usually provide relief from asthma attacks. But if symptoms persist or worsen to the point of life-threatening, you should go to an allergy specialist doctor in Manassas VA or elsewhere near you for immediate treatment.

Tips to Keep Your Home Allergen Free

If you suffer from allergies the environment, you live plays a major role and it’s crucial to ensure that it doesn’t aggravate your allergies. Even with the best treatment plan if the environment you live in is not conducive that will make your allergies worse. It’s therefore important to ensure that your home is allergen free. After visiting the allergy doctor ensure that your home is not a source of allergens. In this article, we give you tips to help you keep your home free of allergens. It’s best to identify the allergens and then work with your allergy physician on how to you can eliminate allergens. Make sure you follow the care tips given by the allergy specialist to keep allergies at bay.

Tips to Keep Your Home Allergen Free

Bedroom

You spend quite a number of hours in the bedroom and it’s important to ensure there are no allergy-proof your bedroom and the whole house. Below steps to follow to ensure there are no allergens;

Invest in dust mite proof covers for your pillows, mattresses, and blankets. Instead of using woolen bedding, replace them with synthetic because it will not harbor dust mites. Wash the bedding with hot water often.
Remove the carpet and use tiles or hardwood. Carpets harbor dust mites. If you have to use a carpet, make sure its low pressure and make sure its vacuumed every week.
Use curtains that you can wash often. Replace blinds with curtains that you can wash
Close windows especially during the high pollen season. Invest in the air conditioner. Make sure the window frame and sills don’t have mold.
Choose chair and furniture that is easy to clean. Upholstered furniture will attract dirt
Ensure there is no clutter in the bedroom. Remove items that you don’t need. Don’t store books, magazines, and ornaments in the bedroom. Have a different room for children toys.
Keep pets out of the bedroom. Make sure they are clean
Use an air filter to ensure you get clean air. Make sure that there is a circulation of clean air when you are sleeping

Living Room

The living room is an area where you spend a considerable amount of time. Below tips to keep your living room allergen free;
Ensure the floor is made of wood or tiles. If your floor mats and rugs, make sure that you clean them regularly.
Use furniture made of leather, wood, plastic or metal because it will not harbor dust
Use curtains that you can clean
Move potted plants from the living room.
Avoid fireplaces that use wood or stoves because the smoke will cause allergies. You can use natural gas for your fireplace

Kitchen

Make sure that exhaust fan is installed to remove fumes and reduce moisture.
Clean the dishes on a daily basis to ensure there is no mold growth
Wipe away excess moisture from the fridge to ensure there is no moisture which may lead to mold growth. Ensure that moldy rubber seals are cleaned regularly
Ensure there no leaks under the kitchen sink. Clean cabinets and countertops often.
Use a garbage can that has a lid to throw food waste. Keep the kitchen free of cockroaches by ensuring there are no food particles lying around.

Bathroom

Use a fan to reduce moisture in the bathroom
Avoid wallpaper because they will be a source of Mold
Leave the bathtub dry and ensure there are no leaks in the bathroom

Basement

Remove carpets that are moldy. Make sure that any leaks in the bathroom are repaired
Invest in a dehumidifier for your basement to keep the air fresh
Store items in plastic bags and bins

Keeping the House Allergen Free

Ensure that you maintain the house at the right temperature. Very hot and humid houses will have dust mites and Mold.

Make sure there are a pest in the house such as cockroaches and mites

Invest in air conditioners to keep Mold away

Have the house cleaned often.

Don’t allow smoking in the house

The above simple tips will make your house allergen free. It’s best to visit the allergy clinic to determine what causes your allergies and that way you will be able to avoid the allergen and reduce the allergy reaction. In case of any severe allergies make sure that you seek treatment from the allergist Manassas.

Tips to Keep Your Children Free from Food Allergies During Holidays

According to statistics, 6% of children suffer from food allergies. Food allergies are an immune response to certain foods. The food allergy will vary from one child to the other with the reaction being mild, severe or life threating. It’s important to work with the allergist Manassas to establish the food that is causing and develop a mechanism to protect your child from the allergy-causing food. As the holiday approach, if your child is allergic to certain foods it’s important to ensure that they don’t eat the food. As you shop for food make sure those delicacies don’t contain the allergens that affect your child. In this article, we tell you how to ensure your child enjoys the holidays despite having food allergies.

How to Avoid Food Allergies During the Holidays

Below tips to help you avoid the different types of food allergies.

Plan ahead and communicate

If you are attending an event with your child who is allergic to certain foods make sure you communicate what your child is allergic to. Inform them of what the child is allergic to and the main sources of allergens. Ask that they remove the allergens from the menu if its possible. If it’s not possible to remove the allergen from the menu come up with a way of avoiding the allergens. You can request for part of the kitchen to be reserved for the food without the allergens.

Carry Safe Food as you Travel

To reduce the risk of eating foods with allergens or coming into contact with food that causes allergies carrying the right food as you travel will reduce the chances of food allergies. Its also makes traveling easier and fun because you don’t have to wander away looking for food.

Monitor your child During events

If your child has food allergies, it’s important to ensure that you keep a close eye on them to prevent them from consuming allergens. A child may get over excited to see other consuming food that contains allergens and that may lead to food allergies. If your child is old enough train them on what causes allergies and how to avoid the allergens. The allergy doctor can train the child on how to avoid allergens. Inform the children to alert you before they take any food. Train older children on allergens that affect them and how to avoid the specific allergens.

Offer to Host Gathering or Cook During Gatherings

The health and safety of your child are paramount. If you can host or cook the food the child that will ensure the safety of your child. Getting involved in the cooking process will ensure that your child is safe.

Be ready in case of Emergencies

It’s important to ensure that family members understand your child allergy situation and what to do in case of severe allergies. Make sure they know what to do in case the child is in an environment which is not safe. You can request a different room for the child with allergies. You can also suggest that gathering be held in a more safe environment where they are not in contact with allergens.

Choose the right Destination for your family

Before you travel to explore places that offer with no allergens. Travel to places where you can communicate clearly Explain the child need before travel and confirm that food with no allergens will be available.

Always read the labels

Before you let the child indulge in snacks read the label and ensure there are allergens in the food. Even if you have previously bought the snack reread the label to avoid any surprises. The snack manufacturer may have introduced an allergen without prior notice.

Speak to Allergy Physician and Get a Meal Plan

The health of your child is important and it’s crucial to ensure that the child feeds on a balanced diet during the holidays. Speak to the allergy specialist on the best food supplement you can stock or carry as you travel. Consult the allergy specialist on ways to avoid the allergen. Ask for medications to use in case of an emergency

The above tips will help you and your child enjoy the holidays without developing severe allergies. Make the necessary arrangements before traveling to ensure the comfort of your child. Visit the allergy clinic and consult on any medication you can carry in case of an emergency.

How to Manage Drug Allergies

Drug allergies result when the body immune system reacts to medication. A drug allergy is different from a drug reaction or toxicity. A reaction is already anticipated by the drug manufacturer while an allergy may not be. Different people react differently to medication and it’s therefore important that you see an allergy doctor when you experience any symptoms after taking a drug.

Symptoms of Drug Allergies

Skin rashes or hives
Itching and breathing problems
Swelling of the mouth and throat
Congestion
Anaphylaxis which is life-threatening.it can cause breathing issues, dizziness, fainting, anxiety, high pulse rate, and confusion. Contact the allergy doctor immediately to avoid fatalities.

The symptoms of a drug allergy can occur immediately they are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Drugs that Cause Allergies

Below are the drugs that are likely cause allergies;

Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, tetracycline
Nonsteroid like ibuprofen and aspirin
Sulfa drugs
Chemotherapy drugs
Monoclonal antibody therapy
HIV drugs
Insulin
Antiseizure drugs
Muscle relaxers
Penicillin
Anticonvulsants

How to Diagnose Drug Allergies

To diagnose the drug allergies, visit the allergy clinic for a drug allergy test. The allergy specialist will carry out a skin test or a drug challenge. A skin test is accurate when testing for penicillin.

How to Manage Drug Allergies

Avoid drugs that cause allergies
Visit the allergy physician immediately to avoid the symptoms from worsening
Inform your family and health care providers of any previous allergies.

It’s hard to diagnose drug allergies. The symptoms of drug allergies resemble other types of allergies. Symptoms such as rashes and hives and asthma may result from other allergies and it’s important to visit the allergy clinic for a diagnosis. Below are some of the questions the allergist is likely to ask

What drugs did you take and which one do you think caused the reaction?
When did you start taking the drug that caused the allergy and are you still taking it?
After how long did you notice the drug symptoms and what symptoms did you notice?
How long did the symptoms last and how did you relieve them?
Have you taken any other medication or over the counter medication?
Did you take any other medication to relieve the symptoms allergies?
The allergist will also want to know whether you have a reaction to any other drug. It’s good to bring the drugs you have taken to the allergy specialist.

Facts About Drug Allergies

Below some facts about allergies;

Anybody can have drug allergies.

Prescription medication and over the counter medication can cause drug allergies. Some triggers such as antibiotics and pain relievers are more likely to trigger allergic reactions than other.

Symptoms may start right away or after weeks

Drug allergies can cause symptoms as soon as the drug is ingested or may take minutes or weeks. It may become hard to figure out the cause of the allergy and it’s therefore important to visit the allergy clinic for allergy testing.

Drug symptoms may range from severe to mild. Mild symptoms include rashes or give and may affect your nose, throat, and ears. Severe symptoms may be life-threatening.
A drug allergy is different from drug side effects. Drug side effects are expected while an allergy is not.
A drug allergy can occur at any time. A drug you have taken for a long time can result in an allergic reaction.

An allergic reaction may not occur the first time you take a drug. It may occur the second time you take the drug.

Having other allergies increases the chances of a drug allergy. Having the below allergies will increase the risk of drug allergies

Hay fever

Previous drug allergies

History of allergies in your families

Diseases such as leukemia, HIV

You can manage drug allergies

It’s important that consult the allergy physician who will give you alternate medication. Make sure you notify the allergy doctor as soon as you get the symptoms

Make sure that you consult the allergist Manassas when you experience the above signs to avoid any fatalities. Visit the allergy clinic and take an allergy test to diagnose which drug is causing the allergies. If the drug causing the allergy has no alternative, the allergy specialist will advise on how best to take the medication.

How to Manage Seasonal Allergies

About 9% of American experience seasonal allergies. Hay fever is a seasonal allergy that occurs in certain seasons. It occurs when the body reacts to an allergen such as pollen causing an allergic reaction. It’s important to see an allergist Manassas if you experience severe allergies. Pollen is the largest cause of seasonal allergies but below other allergens that may cause allergies.

Weed such as ragweed’s, and tumbleweed
Grass-like an orchard, Bermuda

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Runny and watery eyes
Sneezing and coughing
Itchy eyes and noses
Ear congestion.

Less common symptoms of seasonal allergies

Headaches and wheezing
Coughing and shortness of breath

If you have asthma hay fever will make asthma and may lead to an asthma attack. It’s therefore important that you visit the allergy clinic if you experience any severe symptoms

Causes of Seasonal Allergies

Hay fever results when the body encounters an allergen and release histamines. Histamines cause allergic reactions. Causes of hay fever depend from one season to another.

Spring

During spring trees are the biggest cause of seasonal allergies. Trees such as birch, cedar, alder, chestnut, and other trees produce pollen and that cause allergy. It’s important to determine when the pollen levels are high and avoid going out when the levels are high.

Summer

Summer is the hay cutting season and that’s when hay fever is most common thus the name hay fever. The main cause of summer allergies is weed and grass such as ryegrass. During summer make sure you know the levels of pollen and avoid having activities when there is a high pollen level.

Autumn

One of the main causes of allergy during fall is ragweed which has more than 40 species. Pollen from ragweed can cause severe allergies and it’s, therefore, important to ensure that avoid the plant. Other plants that may cause allergies include nettles, sorrels and fat hens plants. In case of any severe reactions make sure you visit the allergy doctor immediately for medication. Make sure the garden around your house is free of ragweeds or any other allergen.

Winter

During the winter most allergens are dormant due to the cold. There are minimal chances of getting hay fever because you spend most of the time indoors. Winter season allergies are mostly caused by indoor allergens such as mould, pet dander, dust mites, and cockroaches. Simple home remedies will ensure you get rid of the allergens. Below some tips to follow to get rid of the winter indoor allergens.

Clean your bedding with hot water once a week to keep away allergens such as dust mites
Make sure you cover your bedding in allergen-proof covers
Avoid having carpets and upholstered furniture
Make sure your bedroom is not stuffed with items such toys
Make sure there are no leaks that will cause moulds and other pests that can cause allergies.
Keep your house sparkling clean to avoid moulds. Invest in humidifiers and swamp coolers to keep moulds from forming in your house. Install dehumidifiers to reduce moisture.

How to Diagnose Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can be diagnosed using blood or skin test. The allergist put a small portion of the allergen on the skin and observe. The allergen will cause the skin to turn red and itch.

If the allergy cannot be diagnosed through a skin test the allergy physician will use a more detailed blood test.

Treatment of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can be treated using

Antihistamines and decongestants
Nasal sprays and corticosteroids
Eye drops and nasal irrigation
Immunotherapy

It’s best to visit the allergy clinic and let the allergy doctor diagnose and give you medication. Make sure you follow the prescription given by the allergy specialist to help ease the allergic reaction. If the allergies are mild home remedies may help prevent the allergies. It’s important that you discuss the home remedy to follow with the allergy specialist.

Tips to Ease Seasonal Allergies

Stay indoors when the pollen count is high
Use air purifiers and air conditioners to keep the air in your house clean and fresh. Make sure the air filters are cleaned regularly. Also, ensure any other space that lets in fresh air is clean.
Clean beddings and rugs in hot water often to kill dust mites and other allergens
When cutting grass in your lawn wear a mask to prevent coming into contact with pollen
Change clothes and shower after going outside. Don’t stay in the same clothes after going outdoors as they harbour pollen

Seasonal allergies can be prevented by using simple home remedies. It’s however important that you visit the allergy specialist and consult on how best to avoid the allergen that is causing your allergies. Make sure you follow the home remedy diligently to ease the allergy symptoms