Monthly Archives: September 2018
Allergist for Mold Allergies
Mold Allergies: The Signs and Symptoms
Suffering from mold allergies can either be a mild nuisance to some or become completely debilitating and have a huge effect on your quality of life. Mold is much more widespread than most might imagine, and you could be suffering from mold allergies without even knowing it. In this article we’re going to address some of the signs and symptoms of mold allergies, how you can tell if you’re suffering from it and what can be done if that’s the case.
What are the Symptoms of Mold Allergy?
The symptoms of mold allergy are very similar to other kinds of upper respiratory allergies. Some of the symptoms of mold allergy might include excessive sneezing, post nasal dripping, stuffy or runny nose, scaly, dry skin, watery and itchy eyes, and an itchy nose and throat.
Note that the symptoms might vary greatly from person to person. Some people might have more extreme symptoms while symptoms might be more subtle in others. The symptoms might also differ depending on the time of the year and weather conditions. For instance, you might experience more symptoms when the weather is more humid or when weather conditions are facilitating the formation of mold in and outside the house.
If you have another condition like asthma, then you might also experience more symptoms as well. Exposure to spores might trigger asthma attacks in some peoples. You might also experience symptoms like chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
What are the Causes of Mold Allergies?
Like any allergic response, mold allergies are triggered by an excessive immune system response. When you inhale mold spores, your immune system will automatically identify them as foreign intruders and will start developing antibodies to neutralize them. That’s when you start feeling the symptoms.
After exposure, your body will automatically start producing these same antibodies once spores enter your system again, which will trigger the release of histamines. These histamines will cause your eyes to become watery and other symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing.
What Can You Do to Prevent it?
There are tons of things you can do to prevent or reduce the effects of mold allergies. For one, you could invest in a dehumidifier to reduce dampness inside the house. You could also consider investing in an HVAC system, but make sure that it is equipped with a nice HEPA filter that can trap spores and prevent your system from bringing outside spores inside the house.
If you feel like you might be suffering from mold allergy, it would be wise to see a professional to see if that’s really the case or if the symptoms are caused by something else. If you want more information about mold infestations, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best allergist in New York City.
NYC Allergist to treat Eczema
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a widespread skin condition that affects over 35 million Americans. It is mainly characterized by inflamed and itchy patches of skin. While it can be present in adults, it is usually more prevalent in small children and babies. Let’s take a look at the various types of eczema, what the symptoms are and what you can do to treat the condition.
What are the Different Types of Eczema?
There are many types of eczema and it’s important to understand each one of them if you want to understand how to treat them.
When eczema is caused by direct contact with an irritant, it is referred to as contact dermatitis. This will result in itching, burning and redness on the skin as the contact occurs. The issues will usually disappear once you remove the irritants.
Dyshidrotic dermatitis will affect your soles, palms and fingers. It will result in scaly skin patches that might become cracked, painful or red. The condition is more commonly found in women.
Nummular dermatitis will usually manifest itself in the winter and target the legs mostly resulting in round, dry patches of skin. The condition is more common in men.
And seborrheic dermatitis occurs on the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelids and takes the form of red, itchy rashes. The condition can also manifest itself on the sides of your nose side or behind the ears.
What Causes Eczema?
While the causes of the condition are not completely known, it is believed that it is caused by some kind of aggressive immune system response to irritants. It can also be caused by a reaction to various proteins in the body. The body will usually attack intruding proteins associated with viruses or bacteria, but in the case of eczema, the body is unable to tell the difference between the two and starts attacking your body’s proteins as well.
What are the Treatments for Eczema?
You can treat eczema in a wide variety of ways. Antihistamines can be prescribed to treat the condition. OTC antihistamines like Allegra or Zyrtec can help stop the production of histamines that are responsible for the symptoms in the first place.
Your doctor might also prescribe a cortisone ointment or cream. However, you should know that these should not be taken long term as they may lead to irritation, discoloration or thinning of the skin. Your doctor may also prescribe immunosuppressants to prevent your body from overreacting or antibiotics, whether oral or topical.
If you think that you may be suffering from eczema and might need treatment, we suggest that you contact a professional immediately. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best allergy specialist in New York.
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