All About Allergies

Katie asked:


Pollen is everywhere! I can’t escape it, and neither can the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies like I do. I’ve always got a stuffy nose, and perpetually itchy/watery/red eyes during the Spring season.

For my fellow allergy sufferers out there, how do you deal with it?
Know of any effective allergy medicines? (Claritin has stopped working for me!)
How can I keep my eyes from getting so irritated?

Thanks in advance,

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Raily Arena asked:


Allergies can cause a lot of trouble and in some cases, can even be fatal.  Since people tend to live with allergies all their lives, it’s important that they fully understand their condition.  They can do this by raising their awareness about their allergies, being educated and working with the right allergy doctor.  Here are some tips for hiring the best allergy doctor for you and your family:



Go to a specialist

An allergy doctor is called an allergist or an immunologist.  He or she is especially trained in the field, spending several years in medical school studying the nature and cause of allergies and their corresponding treatments.  This means that if you go see a physician, you will have to check whether they are specialists in allergies as well.  Other than their graduate education in medicine, they should have about 2 years of related education in allergy and/or immunology.

Look for an allergist that has training and experience for treating the specific allergy you are having problems with

Skin allergies are different from respiratory allergies.  They are also not treated in the same way as animal allergies or food allergies.  If you want to hire the best allergy doctor, always inquire regarding their specific field of practice.  They’re more likely to treat you better if they have the necessary expertise.

Ask for referrals

Sometimes the best way to hire the best allergy doctor is to ask for referrals.  Friends and family who may have allergies could help refer you to their allergist, which can help save you the time and effort in finding one.

Go local

Never hire an allergy doctor from out of state.  If necessary, find the best one nearest your location.  If they have to hold office in a location some distance from you, they should at least be accessible.  In case there is an emergency, you should be able to get in touch with them in the shortest time possible. 

Ask for doctor referrals

Do this if you or a member of your family will be traveling to another region or state.  This is so you have ready access to an allergist in case you need one.

Where to find the best allergy doctor

Before hiring an allergy doctor, go to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website (www.aaaai.org).  This is an organization that represents the physicians who have a good standing in the field.  The website has a database you can use for finding allergist members in your locality.  Plus, the website also has some valuable information about allergies that you’ll find helpful.



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Ragweed Allergy asked:


Cases of seasonal allergic rhinitis shoot up in mid-August when ragweed allergy season begins. There are about 36 million people in the United States suffering from allergic reactions caused by billions of pollen in the air, traveling for hundreds of miles.

There might not really be cure for allergies but there are a lot of medications which you can buy over the counter or have prescribed by your doctor, which can help control your allergy symptoms. Annoying allergic rhinitis symptoms like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and throat irritation can be handled well with antihistamines, prescription nasal sprays, allergy shots or other medicine combinations.  

The best way to control one’s allergies is by knowing one’s allergy triggers. In most cases though, we don’t have a clue at all. Here are some of the best treatments to consider for your seasonal allergy:

Antihistamines

You can get antihistamines in all forms. There are tablets, capsules, or liquid which you can take orally to help control the allergic reaction and symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and itchy nose.  There are also topical anti-histamines in the form of eye drops and nasal sprays which can give the same benefit. Some of these drugs may cause drowsiness.  Precaution should be taken when driving, using dangerous machinery or equipment; or engage in any activity which requires full concentration.  

The doctor will be able to guide you on the dosage of the medication.

Decongestants and Nasal Sprays

You can ask your doctor if decongestants can help you control the nasal or sinus congestion caused by ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis. Decongestants can help unclog your stuffy nose and relieve sinus pressure and provide relief of these annoying symptoms.

Decongestants are available in different forms.  Oral decongestant tablets, capsules or liquid can be obtained over the counter. You should be aware that side-effects of these medications can include tremors, irritability, insomnia, palpitations, or can aggravate high blood pressure.  Topical decongestant nasal sprays are also available over the counter however precaution should be taken since these can cause “rebound nasal congestion” once the nose gets ”addicted” to the decongestant nasal spray.

Other medications, including steroids, anticholinergics, and antihistamines, can be delivered via a nasal spray to help control the symptoms caused by the allergic rhinitis.  Intranasal steroids help control the inflammation in the nasal membranes induced by the allergic reaction.  Anticholinergic agents help control the profuse nasal secretions that cause the runny nose and post-nasal drip, and antihistamines block histamine which causes the sneezing, itching and runny nose.  

Allergy Shots

Allergen immunotherapy, also called allergy shots, help people increase their tolerance to different allergens. These shots are often given to people who suffer from moderate to severe allergic reactions not controlled despite taking multiple medications, symptomatic more than three months in a year, or when in situation where the allergen exposure is totally unavoidable. Allergy shots do not cure you from the allergies symptoms but help your body tolerate exposure to allergens like ragweed pollen. The times you will get the shot and the dosage will depend on the severity of your allergies. Make sure that you report any discomfort or shortness of breath to your allergist so they give you the appropriate dosage.



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J asked:


Whats the best ways to get rid of your allergies without medicine? I keep sneezing from mid-western seasonal allergies! UGH!

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cstacey_sf asked:


We’ve tried herbal remedies, i.e. grapeseed extract, allergic tonic and etc. However, they don’t seem to be that effective. He’s used Zyrtec in the past and it was helpful. I am wondering if allergy shots are the most effective way to combat allergies? I would appreciate any advice from fellow allergy sufferers. Thanks.

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Jack Sands asked:


Eczema is a type of skin ailment that usually comes with itching, skin thickening and scaling. Most often, eczema appears on the knees, arms, elbows and even on the face.

When this type of skin ailment affects children, especially those who have a clear skin, parents are not able to distinguish its cause at once.

Usually, parents perceived that food allergies are the source of their child’s eczema. However, there are numerous experts who find this belief to be untrue. Instead, these experts advise parents not to limit the diet of their child without consulting with a pediatrician first.

An example of eczema relating to food allergy was the case of a five month old baby who suffers from severe eczema.

According to the mother, the baby is intolerant to lactose early on, even the formulas of lactose free appear to be incompatible to her baby. Hence, she decided to shift to soy.

The soy shows a good reaction on the baby’s skin. However, after sometime, the eczema appeared again.

If you are in the position of the mother, would you think that the soy caused the eczema to the baby? Would you prefer to use again the lactose free formula?

As what has been mentioned in the previous paragraph, eczema usually appears and vanishes, leaving the child with clear eczema free skin for a couple of weeks. That makes the triggering factor of eczema hard to be determined.

This is the exact thing experienced by the mother in the presented case.

Though it is true that the controversy about food allergies as a triggering factor of eczema do not die away until now, the relationship of a lactose free formula to the baby’s eczema do not show a good reason.

According to the experts, the baby might catch the allergy from milk proteins, or if not from the soy proteins. They reject lactose, a sugar, to be the reason.

Shifting to lactose free formula can be her option. But experts affirmed that lactose do not include a formula that would cure the baby’s eczema. If ever it does, it is certainly a coincidence.   

Lactose may develop other symptoms, like or instance fussiness, diarrhea or gas.

If you have the same case, it is suggested that you visit your baby’s pediatrician rather than rely on hearsay. You can cite to your baby’s pediatrician that you are suspecting the baby to be allergic on soy formula including those that are milk based.

Your pediatrician will tell you whether these formulas really worsen the eczema. Hypoallergenic formula like Alomentum or Nutramigen can be prescribed.

The pediatrician might also advise allergy testing. This is done through blood testing.

Now, if you really observe that the food or even drinks your baby had taken has worsen his eczema, then you can just simply avoid them. But clarify it with your pediatrician; he is more knowledgeable about food allergies.

Note that there are also some children who both have eczema as well food allergies. But these two do not tend to affect one another.

The best thing about this case is to know the treatments for eczema. Follow the prescription of the pediatrician; this will assure you that you are applying the right medication for your baby.

Determine properly the triggering factor. Usually, pediatricians prescribe moisturizers, or topical steroids.



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help meeme asked:


how to reduse allergies in my room i hover eveyday and still have lots of dust it a small room with a pc and tv
not spending too much money our none at all

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Latoya K asked:


My husband has mild allergies. We have two young children, so I opt for carpet in areas where it is possible. Are there certain types of carpet that are best for someone with allergies?

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Ragweed Allergy asked:


On the average, a person could experience several allergic reactions to one or more things. This happens when we breathe in something that is usually harmless and our immune system (the body’s barrier against viruses and bacteria) classifies it as harmful and attacks. These are the allergens that we need to avoid exposure to. The hard part is, it is difficult to avoid allergens if we don’t know specifically what we are allergic to. Much harder still, allergens are everywhere. They can be in the form of plant pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds, dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, mold, chemicals, and so forth. It makes it thrice as hard to avoid because pollen and mold may become airborne and can travel easily for miles.

Those affected with allergic rhinitis, also called nasal allergy, pollinosis, or hay fever is commonly caused by plant pollens. Some weeds depend on the wind for cross-pollination than insects to produce seasonal allergies. This makes allergies hard to avoid. Allergies symptoms are a result of the release of histamine, a very important protein in the body which mediates inflammation and is involved in many reactions. Here are the common symptoms that you may experience: itchy, puffy, and watery eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, decreased sense of smell, headache, and wheezing. This makes it very bothersome as aside from these, one can experience shortness of breath because the airways become constricted as the body’s response to the allergens. Should the immune system over activate and not be treated, it may result to complications and life-threatening situations. Relief of symptoms is a must!

Allergies treatment is a big factor to those who have allergies. For one, it would be less bothersome for them if they have relief from their symptoms. Having itchy eyes and a runny nose is not exactly a recipe for a happy day. Having it for three consecutive days is already a burden, what more if it extends to more than that? The symptoms also get worse during different seasons. It is important to know what to do and prevent it from occurring before the season changes.

To be diagnosed accurately, check with your physician and let him help you determine which particles you are allergic to. For all the over-the-counter-medications, which includes the anti-histamine medications, that is available in the market to provide symptomatic relief, still the best way to treat the allergic rhinitis is to avoid exposure to allergens. It is also the most cost-effective way in managing allergies. It is best to remove pets from the house to avoid animal dander, staying indoors when there are high pollen counts, control dust mites by using plastic-lined covers for mattress and pillows, and remove any that could absorb minute particles of dust such as stuff toys, carpets and drapes. Allergies treatment may include over-the-counter medications for symptomatic relief and shot for uncontrollable symptoms or unavoidable allergens (or those present all throughout the year).

Do not be afraid to have your allergies checked. You have nothing to lose but a lot to gain. It is important that you know what you are allergic to so you could have better prevention. Enjoy life without the burden of allergies symptoms!



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peterhutch asked:


s a disorder of the immune system often also referred to as atopy. Allergic reactions occur to environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable and rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees.

Why Do People Get Allergies?

The tendency to develop allergies is often hereditary, which means it can be passed down through your genes. (Thanks a lot, Mom and Dad!) However, just because a parent or sibling might have allergies, that doesn’t mean you will definitely get them, too. A person usually doesn’t inherit a particular allergy, just the likelihood of having allergies.

What Causes Allergies?

A healthy immune system is balanced between the activity of 2 types of white blood cells, called Th1 and Th2.

Genetic or environmental factors can cause a Th2 dominated response to develop which can lead to allergies.

The use of immunizations and antibiotic therapies and increased pollution leads to Th2 dominance.

Once an imbalance in T cells develops, it tends to be continued by production of chemicals (cytokines) that keep the imbalance in place.

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system misidentifies harmless foreign substances and reacts to them as if they were as harmful. These substances are called allergens. Common pollens, mold spores, house dust mites, cockroaches, and animal dander (shed skin, fur, or feathers) are among the allergens that most frequently cause problems. Allergic reactions to allergens such as insect venom, latex, and certain types of food or medications are more rare.

Allergy Symptoms

For allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, watery/itchy eyes, or sneezing that occur infrequently, most individuals can be treated sucessfully with an oral non-sedating antihistamine such as loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Clarinex), fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal) or or an antihistamine nasal spray such as azelastine (Astelin) to be taken on an as needed basis when allergy symptoms arise.

Allergy Treatment

An effective allergy treatment is a concern for anyone suffering from seasonal allergies or asthma. Like many other medical conditions, allergies are affecting a growing portion of society. Serious diseases like cancer, heart disease and stroke seem to be rising at about the same rate along with allergies.

Topical nasal steroids. This class of allergy medications is probably the most effective at treating nasal allergies, as well as non-allergic rhinitis. There are numerous topical nasal steroids on the market, and are all available by prescription. Some people note that one smells or tastes better than another, but they all work about the same.

Allergies to Pets

Studies show that approximately 15 percent of the population is allergic to dogs or cats. An estimated one-third of Americans who are allergic to cats (about two million people) live with at least one cat in their household anyway. In a study of 341 adults who were allergic to cats or dogs and had been advised by their physicians to give up their pets, only one out of five did. What’s more, 122 of them obtained another pet after a previous one had died.



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