Monthly Archives: April 2016

Treating Allergic Reactions to Insect Stings

If you think allergies to insect stings are uncommon, you should think again. 2 million Americans are allergic to insect stings with approximately 50 deaths in a year occurring due to this reason. The most common insects that trigger an allergy if they bite you include hornets, yellow jackets, bees, fire ants, and wasps.
It is important to note that not everyone suffers from allergy due to an insect sting and it could also be a normal skin reaction to a sting that you mistake for an allergic reaction. But once you know you suffer from an insect sting allergy, you will be in a better position to protect yourself.

Symptoms of an Insect Sting

A mild allergic reaction to insect stings has the following symptoms:

Redness or pain in the area
Spotting that looks like pimples
Swelling and itching

Meanwhile, a severe allergic reaction to insect stings is called an anaphylactic reaction and it may cause:

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Swelling in the throat, face or mouth tissue
  • Appearance of red itchy rashes on areas other than where the insect stung
  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Dizziness

Extreme reactions are uncommon, but can also lead to unconsciousness, cardiac arrest or shock. This kind of reaction is fatal and treatment should be sought as soon as possible.

Treatment

An allergic reaction to an insect sting can be treated in various ways depending on the severity. If there is swelling, an ice pack can be used on the affected area to subside it. Some over the counter medications are also effective if there is itching but pregnant women should first consult an allergist before taking any over the counter medicine for an allergic reaction to an insect sting.

If an insect bites you on the hand, the first thing to do is to remove any rings that you may be wearing. In case of a bee sting, the stinger must be removed as soon as possible, which stops the venom from spreading further. More severe allergic reactions are treated with an adrenaline known as apinephrine, which is administered by a doctor or can be self injected. This injection stops a severe reaction from spreading.

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid going in an area where there are insect nests.
  • Be fully covered when you step outside
  • Avoid bright colors or perfumes, which tend to attract insects.
  • Install insect screens at home
  • Use an insecticide to spray it on garbage cans and avoid growing insect attracting plants.

Should you or a loved one suffer from an allergic reaction to an insect sting, make sure you consult an allergist to avoid a severe problem. For more information or to book an appointment with one of the leading NYC allergist, contact us today at 212-319-5282.

Tips To Relieve Yourself from Seasonal Allergies

While some people feel joyous with the coming of winter or other seasons, others don’t. This is because no matter how much they love the season, it brings with it the dread of sneezing or coughing that they will have to endure. However, seasonal allergies are not as bad as you may think them to be and once you know the causes and symptoms, you can treat them effectively.

Causes of Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are also known as hay fever and affect one in five Americans. They occur due to the over reaction of the immune system towards an outdoor allergen which could be pollen. In fact, most wind pollinated plants such as trees and grass are the main reason behind seasonal allergies. While seasonal allergies are not as common in winters, how often they suffer from it, depends on a person’s immune system and the area where they live.

Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies

Symptoms of this condition are mild but they can also be severe in some people. Hay fever also triggers asthma attacks in some cases. The most common symptoms of seasonal allergies include a runny nose, constant sneezing, itchy eyes, throat or ears, watery eyes, postnasal drainage and ear congestion. Some people may also exhibit signs such as coughing, headaches, or shortness of breath in the case of seasonal allergies. It is important for everyone to pay attention to these signs when the weather changes and determine when their seasonal allergies symptoms are triggered.

Treatment Tips

Reduce Exposure

Once you know what triggers your allergies, the best way to curb them is to reduce your exposure to the stimulant. You can do this by avoiding pollen and staying inside during windy days. Doing gardening chores may also be the culprit and if that’s the reason, assign the task to someone else, take a shower when you come from the outside to rinse the pollen from your hair and skin or wear a dust mask when going outside.

Keep the Indoor Air Clean

Although outdoor air can cause allergies, the air inside your home can do the same too. It is thus, important to keep indoor air clean as well. This can be done using high efficiency filters in your home and keeping the air dry using a dehumidifier. Installing a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter in your bedroom may also help.

Consult an Allergist

There are many other over-the-counter medicines that are also available to treat your seasonal allergies but it is advisable not to use them without a recommendation from an allergist. The medicines should also, only be used if your condition is severe and affects your health significantly.

Otherwise, you can keep your allergies under control by following some simple steps and avoiding the cause of your allergy. It is nonetheless, important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment for hay fever from an allergist doctor. To book your appointment with a NYC allergist, contact us today at 212-319-5282.

Serving all of New York City and the Tri State Area including Zip Codes: Top Allergist NYC Midtown, Chelsea and Clinton: 10001, 10011, 10018, 10019, 10020, 10036 | Gramercy Park and Murray Hill: 10010, 10016, 10017, 10022 | Greenwich Village and Soho: 10012, 10013, 10014 | Lower Manhattan: 10004, 10005, 10006, 10007, 10038, 10280 | Lower East Side: 10002, 10003, 10009 | Upper East Side: 10021, 10028, 10044, 10128 | Upper West Side: 10023, 10024, 10025

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