5 FAQS to Know about Allergies and Allergists

Associates of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. While that number is jarring, additional statistics show that approximately one out of six Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis. The following information will describe what allergic rhinitis is, what triggers it and why consulting an allergist as opposed to your primary care physician is the best course of action to take if you believe that you may be living with allergies.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergy means “strange activity” in Greek. Rhinitis, also Greek in origin, literally means “condition of the nose.” Therefore, allergic rhinitis, which is also referred to as hay fever, can be defined as a condition in which irritants cause “inflammation of the nose or its mucous membrane.”

What causes allergies?

Pollen is a powdery fertilizing agent that flowering plants release in order to fertilize other plants. It helps create beautiful gardens, but pollen also makes it difficult for people with seasonal allergies to enjoy them.

Pollen, which is transported through the air, attaches itself to a person’s hair, skin and clothing. When people who are sensitive to pollen breathe in pollen-laden air, typical symptoms include “sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, itchy throat and eyes and wheezing.”

Pollen and debris from an animal’s coat or feathers are two of the most common irritants that trigger allergic rhinitis symptoms. However, it is worth mentioning that pollen is not just limited to flowers. For example, certain trees, grasses, and desert plants like cacti are also pollen-heavy. Additionally, dust and chemicals from pipe, cigar and cigarette smoke are other windborne irritants, and all the above can be particularly tough on people living with allergies. This is just one reason why attempting to self-medicate with over the counter medicine is not advised.

Why do you need to see an allergist instead of your primary care physician?

Unlike general physicians, allergists are physicians who have completed additional training programs that allow them to effectively diagnose and treat asthma and allergic diseases. The following list describes some of the health issues that an allergist-immunologist treats:

• asthma
• hay fever
• sinusitis
• rashes
• hives  (ACAAI)

What should you expect when you visit an allergist?

An allergist-immunologist will conduct a thorough medical history and physical exam. Skin and blood tests may also be incorporated in order to determine exactly what substances are causing allergic reactions. This is typically done in an in-house testing lab. The new client visit could take up to two hours. Once the irritants have been identified, allergists will create a treatment plan that may include dietary recommendations, inoculations and other medication specifically designed for their clients’ needs.

Is there a cure for allergies?

Unfortunately, no. However, immunotherapy and specialty medicines as well as education, can greatly reduce the symptoms that people living with allergies would normally experience by attempting to self-medicate, which can be dangerous. By consulting a top Phoenix allergist, these individuals can avoid wasting time, money and possibly putting their health at risk and focus on enjoying life.

References

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (n.d.). Retrieved from acaai.org/

Allergy | Define Allergy at Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from dictionary.com/browse/allergy

Rhinitis | Define Rhinitis at Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from dictionary.com/browse/rhinitis

American Board of Allergy and Immunology:. (n.d.). Retrieved from abai.org

Allergy Facts | AAFA.org. (n.d.). Retrieved from aafa.org/page/allergy-facts.aspx

“This blog post originally posted @ https://allergyarizona.net/5-faqs-to-know-about-allergies-and-allergists/ “

How To Prevent Skin Allergies?

We all love having a flawless skin, free from conditions and allergies. But, it isn’t really a perfect world. With the presence of so many allergens around us, it doesn’t take much time to get a skin allergy. While there are several causes of having an irritated skin, some of the common causes include weak immune systems, medications, and infections.

Here are a few symptoms that can occur in various skin allergies:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Rashes and/or excessive itching
• Occurrence of bumps or blisters on the skin
• Peeling, cracking or flaking of the skin

They say prevention is better than cure. So, if you want to have a trouble-free skin, then here are a few things that may help you do so.

Strengthen your immune system – As already mentioned, if you are having frequent allergies, then it could be due to the problems in the immune system that lead to frequent infections. So, make sure you strengthen your immune system. Having a nutritious diet and by adding vitamin C to your diet might help in giving your immune system the boost it needs.

Take care of your skin – There are many allergic reactions that can be avoided merely by making simple changes in your lifestyle and by taking good care of your skin. Switch to natural skin care products that are free from harsh chemicals, keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water, and moisturize your skin regularly, to have a healthy skin.

Consult a board-certified allergist – The most important step that you need to take to prevent the occurrence of skin allergies is to consult a reliable and board certified allergist. Tell them about your skin condition in detail and they will help you find the underlying cause of the allergy, with the help of allergy testing. Once you will find out the reasons why you get allergic reactions, you will then be able to treat them better.

3 Tips On Dealing With Allergic Asthma

Just like no two people are same, their bodies’ responses to allergens aren’t same as well. While there are people who may experience sneezes and watery eyes because of certain allergens, there are others who may experience asthma attacks. As a matter of fact, allergic asthma happens to be one of the most common types of asthma in the world. So, what is the way to treat this allergic reaction?

Here are a few tips that may work great in helping you better manage your asthmatic allergy.

Understand the trigger points
As basic as it may sound, it is a great way to control your allergic asthma attacks. When you know what are the things that trigger the attacks, you can very well avoid doing them. For this, different allergy tests can be conducted. Apart from getting the allergy skin testing and food testing done, you should also try to maintain notes on the last allergic asthma attack you had and what could be the possible trigger points, based on the activity that you were doing at that time. This will help a lot in figuring out the reasons that lead to such attacks.

Keep it clean
Another important tip to prevent allergic asthma attacks would be to keep the surrounding cleans and free from dust mites, which are said to be one of the most common indoor allergic asthma allergens, as per studies. You can keep dust mites at bay by regularly washing all of your bedding and getting rid of those carpets from your home that are a haven for dust mites. Also, go for dust proof mattresses and pillows to avoid attracting the nasty little dust mites.

Contact an experienced allergist and asthma specialist
The most important tip to have an allergic asthma free life is to find a reliable and reputable Phoenix clinic, which has a team of experienced allergists for children, and asthma specialists. When you take the help of an expert to treat your respiratory/sinus concerns or allergic conditions, you take a big leap towards living a life free from allergic reactions.

So, stop waiting and start doing. Follow these simple tips and schedule an appointment for testing with a renowned allergist and immunologist nearby!

Allergy Testing & Holistic and Medicinal Treatment

• Pediatric allergies and pediatric asthma
• Immunodeficiency
• Food Allergies
• Skin Allergies also known as allergic contact dermatitis (contact eczema)
• Nasal Allergies also known as Allergic rhinitis (seasonal and perennial)
• Asthmatic bronchitis
• Occupational Asthma
• Insect hypersensitivity

Those who suffer from allergies  know the discomfort and anxiety that such a condition brings. While most allergic attacks can be prevented and easily managed, thousands of Arizona still suffer from allergies on a regular basis. The presence of allergens in our desert environment and foods, plus the lack of sufficient awareness about allergies play a major role in the increasing number of allergic attacks.

Don’t let allergies take over your life or your children’s!

Typical Allergy Symptoms Seen in Phoenix:

• Adverse reactions to insect stings, drugs, and food
• Eye tearing, itching or red eyes
• Coughing, wheezing and difficulties with breathing
• Problems in the immune system that lead to frequent infections
• Sinus infections
• Itchy skin or red bumps on the skin, hives
• Anaphylactic shock
• Angioedema

With over 20 years of experience, you are sure to receive special medical attention from our top rated Phoenix allergists and asthma specialists who have deep understandings of allergies and asthma, and their underlying causes.

We have 5 clinics valleywide which offer treatment plans for children and adults of all ages that are being affected by symptoms of allergy or asthma.  Please contact us today at 602-242-4592 so that we can help you STOP the persistent allergic reactions and other immunologic problems!

Primary Causes for Adult Onset Asthma

Most people think that asthma is an illness that is a person has their entire life. However, the truth is that there are factors that contribute to the development of asthma over time. Most people develop asthma when they are young, but symptoms may not who until you are an adult. Called adult onset asthma, there are a wealth of cases where people did not present asthma symptoms until they were in their 50s or older.

The following are some of the primary causes for asthma to present in adults.

Allergies

Allergies results in roughly 30% of the occurrence of adult onset asthma. Regular exposure to allergens can trigger asthma symptoms. If you regular suffer from allergies, it is better to be cautious about the possibility that it could lead to the presentation of asthma symptoms.

Hormones

Like allergies, hormone fluctuations can trigger asthma symptoms, particularly in women. For adults, the times where hormone changes are likely to cause asthma symptoms to appear are pregnancy and menopause. If you find that you are experiencing shortness of breath during either of these phases, it would be best to check with an asthma specialist to see if the issue goes beyond just a hormone imbalance.

Illness

Different types of infections and viruses can trigger asthma symptoms, and it is likely more difficult to detect during these times. Even illnesses as innocuous sounds as a bad cold can result in asthma symptoms appearing.

Smoke

Surprisingly, smoking is not a cause for the illness, but it can provide symptoms if they have already presented. This is true for smokers and those who are regularly exposed to second-and smoke. You should probably be consulting with a pulmonary specialist if you smoke or if you are frequently exposed to smoke. Shortness of breath could be caused by something more insidious than adult onset asthma.

If you have been experiencing problems with breathing, but have not been diagnosed with asthma, that does not mean you do not have it. Call or schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today and get comprehensive testing and treatment for your asthma.

Asthma can be fatal: take steps to protect yourself!

Asthma seems to be a growing problem in Arizona. Our state sees more cases every year according to a study done by University of Arizona. Even though scientists have not yet found a cure for asthma, there are steps you can take to reduce or eliminate its risks.

Here are some points to keep in mind for guarding against this sometimes fatal disease that relates to how inflammation in the lungs causes breathing difficulties.

Is Phoenix to blame?

Specialists know that there is not one specific cause of asthma, but there is plenty of evidence that it can be managed if you pinpoint what triggers your attacks. Keep in mind the Phoenix desert is prone to many allergens. Here are some of the known causes:

1. Heredity (yes, family genetics comes into play again!)
2. Exposure to allergens at a young age
3. Environmental conditions (pollen, pollution)
4. Mold and mildew
5. Chemical products such as cleansers and perfume
6. Animal dander from pets
7. Other: Non allergic asthma can be caused by reflux disease, inappropriate exercise, weather or various illnesses. 

Protect Your Lungs:

The main focus for preventing asthma is to protect the bronchial in your lungs. Inflammation can lead to coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and weakened response to allergens. Obviously, all asthma patients should avoid smoking or breathing in any substances that make symptoms worse. 

Learn Your Triggers:

There are many possible triggers to asthma attacks, but they can also be categorized into groups, as listed above. You can learn what elements or conditions affect your illness by eliminating items such as certain foods, chemicals or indoor plants one at a time. Lifestyle plays a huge role in managing your disease, so pay attention to nutrition, exercise and a sense of well being. 

Asthma…. Way more common than you think!

Although asthma can be managed relatively easily, it remains a potentially deadly illness. While genetics can play a large role in the development of asthma, environmental factors can also cause a person to develop the illness. Nor does a person have to be born with it. Specialty Asthma and Allergy Doctors  see thousands of adults a year who never suffered as children. Furthermore,  the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, roughly 8% of adults in the US had asthma.

A number of factors may increase your asthma risk:

Allergens both inside the home, such as dust mites and pet dander, and outside, such as pollens and dust.

Smoke, whether from a smoker or fire, can be both a factor and trigger for asthma.

Certain chemicals used for cleaning, particularly those that have fumes or include particles that can be airborne.

Environmental pollution can be a significant cause for the development of asthma, and allergies. If you live in an area where smog is a frequent problem, particularly in the summer months, this can be a serious problem for your lungs, even beyond causing the development of asthma.

Acid reflux, more commonly known as heartburn, can contribute to the development of asthma. When the digestive system pushes food back up the esophagus, stomach acid is included with the food, burning the esophagus. With the close proximity of the esophagus and airway passages, the acid may also trigger asthma.

Obesity is also a likely contributing factor as a greater percentage of those who have asthma are obese, compared to those who are overweight or at a normal weight.

Allergy-Free Outdoor Living Yard in the Desert during Fall?

Desert fall brings a drop in temperatures but also brings fall allergies.  The weather becomes beautiful but asthma and allergy sufferers sometimes get cooped up indoors – and not able to enjoy the AZ outdoors like they so desperately look forward to after surviving 4 months of 100 degree temperatures.

Be the change, opting for hypoallergenic landscaping options that can help return you a great outdoors. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Even reducing the allergenic plants in a single garden can make a difference for asthma clinic patrons and sufferers, reducing pollen levels and the spread of allergenic plants far and wide.

Allergy-proof your yard with these suggestions from a Scottsdale allergy doctor & specialist:

• Fruit trees
  With the exception of citrus flower fragrance, fruit trees are generally not allergenic or irritating.
• Bamboo and palms
  Bamboo and female date and fan palms offer a beautiful, drought-tolerant option for your yard.
• Succulents and Cacti
  The following do not produce wind-born pollen and are excellent low-water choices:
  • Saguaro
  • Peruvian Cereus
  • Golden Barrel
  • Hedgehog Cactus
  • Rainbow Cactus
  • Easter Lily
  • Sea Urchin Cactus
  • Prickly Pear
  • Cholla
  • Organ Pipe
• Vines
  Hypo-allergenic climbers include bougainvillea, queen’s wreath, trumpet creeper, passion flower, cat’s claw, and roses such as Lady Banks and Tombstone.
• Shrubs
  The University of Arizona’s offers an extensive list of shrubs which are both low-allergy and drought tolerant.
• Accent plants
  For accent planting, your allergy and asthma clinic suggests various yucca species, agave, and aloe, as well as sotol, desert spoon, ocotillo, and Mexican evening primrose are your friends.
• Brightly colored flowers
  Attracting bees, insects, and hummingbirds, these flowers are generally not allergenic:
  • Annual: California poppy, Mexican gold poppy; desert and arroyo lupine.
  • Perennial: assorted penstemons, chia, globe-mallow, and Peruvian and Goodding verbena.
• Ground cover
  Morning glory, trailing indigo bush, lantana, African daisy, and rosemary, in addition to ice plant, treasure flower, germander, and gazania offer great low-lying options.

Allergists suggest avoiding these highly allergenic landscaping choices:

• Olive trees
• Mesquite trees
• Juniper trees
• Nut trees
• Bermuda grass and most other grass species
• Triangle Leaf Bursage (Rabbit Bush)
• Desert Broom
• Privet

Ready to head out and get started on an allergy-free outdoor retreat? You’re sure to get the job done with your local allergy and asthma clinic and the University of Arizona Agricultural extension service. Start sowing the seeds of change today!

University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. Gardens Compatible with Respiratory Allergy in Southern and Central Arizona. http://allergy.peds.arizona.edu/southwest/lowpollen.html.

Dr. Aaron Davis, M.D. Cedar Fever is Coming to Town. Retrieved from: http://www.allergyasthmaaz.com/blog/.

Children’s Food Allergies Are On the Rise – Is Your Child Protected?

On the rise at your local allergy and asthma clinic: food allergies in children, to the tune of an increase around 50 percent between 1997 and 2011. That’s one in every 13 children, over 38 percent of which have a history of severe allergic reactions. Is your child effected by this potentially deadly issue?

Food allergy suspects: Repeat offenders
The most common food allergens seen in an allergy and asthma clinic are allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. These eight foods account for 90 percent of all reactions. Even trace amounts can cause an allergic response. With over 30 percent of children with food allergies having sensitivities to multiple items, that’s a huge possibility of allergic reaction.

Keep kids safe – learn the signs of food allergies!
Within minutes to up to two hours after eating, food allergy reactions may be mild to severe, including…

• Hives or itchy skin rashes.
• Swelling of the lips and face.
• Swollen, itchy, watery eyes.
• Swelling of the mouth or throat.
• Runny nose.
• Repetitive cough.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Handling a severe food allergy reaction in your child
Every 3 minutes, someone is seen in an emergency room for a food allergy. To keep your child from becoming a statistic, it pays to be proactive.

• Identify food allergies with the help of your local allergy and asthma clinic.
• Consider medical identification jewelry.
• Don’t take chances with problem foods. Reactions can worsen, and allergy medications are not foolproof.
• When eating away from home, always read labels and ask questions to ensure food safety.
• If you are at risk of severe food allergy reactions or anaphylaxis, keep doses of epinephrine (adrenaline) on you at all times for administration via auto-injector.
• Make sure prescriptions are up-to-date.
• Ensure your child, family members, and those who see your child on a regular basis (teachers, coaches, etc.) are aware of your child’s food allergy, as well as how and when to administer emergency medication.
• If your child experiences a severe allergic response, don’t wait, treat symptoms immediately!
• ALWAYS call 9-1-1 immediately following an anaphylactic reaction, even if medication appears to have resolved symptoms.

Food allergies don’t have to take over your life. Avoid anaphylaxis and effectively manage food allergies with the help of your local allergy and asthma clinic today!
“Facts and Statistics.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergy.org/facts-and-stats.
“Allergy Statistics.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.aaaai.org/about-the-aaaai/newsroom/allergy-statistics.aspx
“Food Allergy Training Guide for Hospital and Food Service Staff.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergy.org/document.doc?id=149
“About Anaphylaxis.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergy.org/anaphylaxis
“FAACT Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team Brochure.” Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.foodallergyawareness.org/media/faactbrochure/FAACT%20Brochure.pdf

Worsening Children’s Allergies: Is Your Dishwasher to Blame?

Hate handwashing your dishes, relying on your dishwasher to make your daily chore list a little lighter? You could be contributing to your child’s allergy and asthma symptoms, according to a recent study *published in the journal Pediatrics conducted by pediatric allergy doctors.

A dirty discovery:
In the questionnaire-based study, pediatric allergy doctors focused on 1,029 children ages 7-8. The findings: Families who utilized hand dishwashing over automatic dishwashers experienced a reduced risk of allergic symptoms such as asthma, eczema, nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, sneezing, red eyes, and itching of the nose and eyes. Children who at more fermented or farm-fresh foods were also noted as exhibiting lower rates of allergies, with the lowest risk associate with those children whose dishes were hand washed and food was procured directly from farms.

Too much of a good thing:

According to the hygiene hypothesis, children in developing countries grow up in an overly sanitized world, their lack of exposure to even common microorganisms leading to immune system misfires. The result? Over reaction – allergies and asthma rather than a normally developed, properly functioning immune system.

Don’t scramble to the scrap yard…
Though results were deemed “interesting,” physicians at the University of California-San Francisco explained more research into lifestyle choices is necessary. Until a causal relationship is identified, pediatric allergy doctors urge patients and their families not to ditch the dishwasher yet.

* Published at www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/289832.php ‘Fewer allergies among children in dishwasher-free homes”