Monthly Archives: September 2017

Common Signs and Symptoms that You Have an Allergy

Allergy symptoms occur when a person’s immune system overreacts to something that is innocuous to most people. It sparks a reaction in anyone who is sensitive to it. This ‘something’ is referred to as an allergen. Allergies are usually seasonal (intensifying during certain times of the year, like pollen allergies in springtime, but can also be perennial (occurring throughout the year). Common allergens include grass or weed pollen, animal dander, dust mites, insect stings, mold and a number of food types, like grains, nuts, shellfish, and eggs. If you are exposed to something that you are allergic to, your immune system will take as a danger sign and release a chemical known as histamine to counteract it.

This release of histamine is the reason behind various allergy symptoms, including headaches, skin rash, swelling, a runny nose, diarrhea, and nausea. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can prove to be fatal.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Allergy

When it comes to allergies, there are all kinds of causes and all kinds of symptoms and reactions. Nevertheless, there are several different signs and symptoms commonly associated with allergies that will tell you to go see a medical practitioner immediately. These are:

    • Sneezing and an irritated, clogged or a runny nose
    • Red, itchy, watering eyes
    • A wheezing or tight chest
    • Swollen eyes, face, lips or tongue
    • Stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting
    • Red, cracked, and dry skin
    • Mental confusion
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Dizziness
    • Postnasal drip

The symptoms may vary depending on what you are allergic to and the way you came in contact with it. For instance, you may have a leaky nose if you were exposed to pollen, develop a skin rash if you have skin allergies, or feel nauseous if you eat something you are allergic to.

Dealing with Allergy Symptoms

Depending on the type of allergy you have, you might be able to prevent some if not all allergy symptoms by having certain medication. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, for instance, you may want to discuss the problem with your physician and start taking a prescription allergy medication that will prevent the symptoms from developing or worsening.

An appointment with a board-certified allergist is a better option since they are specialists who will help you determine the intensity of the problem, discuss your symptoms and medical history, and may use skin or blood tests to identify if you have an allergy and what is exactly causing it. Medications (prescription and OTC) and immunotherapy may provide relief, and making changes to your lifestyle and environment can also be greatly helpful.

Are your allergies impacting the quality of your life and making daily tasks difficult to perform? If so then it is definitely time for you to see a reputable allergist. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and we will help you get in touch with the best allergist in New York!

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment.

Avoidable Allergy Triggers

Many of the allergies we get start in winter and are at their height during spring. Most people are not aware of how many allergens are present at our homes and that is why we get sick more often in winter than any other season. You share the same room with bacteria that can adversely affect your body upon contact. The allergic reaction due can considerably vary from person to person. For example, the allergic reaction can be troublesome for some who has asthma. Moreover, you can get skin allergies, rashes, swollen lips or even itchy arms and legs.

That is the reason why it is absolutely pertinent that you take precautions all the necessary precautions all year round to avoid falling prey to winter and summer allergies. Some can even be as severe as to land you in a hospital for weeks. Here are some avoidable allergy triggers:

1.    Dust Mites:

Dust mites infect areas with their waste. These microscopic organisms are present everywhere and are also one of the primary trigger points for asthma. Their sources of nutrition are human skin flakes. Most dust mites attach themselves to us while we are sleeping. Unclean sheets and humidity levels that are above 45% are a thriving environment for these microscopic insects. The best way to get rid of them is to wash your bed sheets thrice a week and use a new bed sheet every two days. In addition, vacuuming your house can also prove to be a quick way of getting rid of them.

2.    Mold:

Mold can be literally found in all types of environments. In your house, you can find it in your basement, storage room and even bathrooms. They trigger severe allergies on the skin and must be dealt with properly. To ensure you don’t have this problem affecting you, clean the aforementioned areas with bleach and strong detergents.

3.    Cockroaches:

These creepy crawlies are one of the biggest contributors to asthma and other allergies. Cockroach feces, their saliva and shedding body parts can cause skin allergies and a number of other allergic reactions. Call your local pest exterminator immediately, even if you find one cockroach. Where there is one, you can bet there may be a growing infestation in the house.

4.    Pollen:

Pollen is probably the trickiest allergic trigger to combat as it is everywhere. It travels with the wind and enters your house through windows, clothes, pets and even your hair. Most people have breathing problems in the spring when pollen distribution in the air is at its peak. To be safe, take a shower on a daily basis, and give your clothes a good shrug to get all that pollen and dust out. It would be ideal if you can wear a clean shirt every day.

Keep your pets clean and keep the windows shut during the day. If all of this does not work, wear a breathing mask, especially if you are asthmatic. In due time, you will notice the difference in your sleep pattern and you will also be able to breathe more easily with zero congestion.

Call our offices at 212-319-5282 to schedule an appointment.

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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