Monthly Archives: August 2019
Allergies: What Are They?
If you are a US citizen, it is nothing short of a miracle to be immune to allergies, as it is rare. Allergies rank on number 6 when it comes to causing chronic illness in the country. Every year, allergies affect over 50 million residents in America, and it would be no surprise if you are one of them.
Allergy must be a familiar word to you, but what it is? Have you ever come across this thought that why allergies happen? What causes allergies to spread, and how do they affect us? If these questions pop-up in your mind, then spare a few minutes and find all the answers here.
What is An Allergy?
Our bodies have a strong built-in defense mechanism, i.e., our immune system which protects us from foreign invasions. However, sometimes, your guard may consider a harmless substance as an invader and react abnormally. This invader that triggers allergic symptoms is the allergen.
When your body feels it is under attack, it retaliates by producing Immunoglobin E (Ig E) bodies. These antibodies come in contact with the cell, thereby releasing histamine and other chemicals such as leukotrienes, causing allergic symptoms.
Causes of Allergies
There is no specific answer as to why some of us develop allergies to a particular substance, and others don’t. Some allergies run in the family. It does not matter if you are in your early teens or you are an adult, allergies affect people of all ages. However, Asthma patients and children are more vulnerable to develop allergies than others.
Some common allergens that are responsible for causing allergenic reactions include
- Airborne allergens – pollen, dust, animal dander, and mold
- Drug allergens – sulfur & others
- Some food items – such as milk, soy, peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, and fish.
- Insect stings – such as bee or wasp stings.
Symptoms of Allergies
Allergies are so common in the US that they have become a part of daily discussion. Different allergies exhibit different symptoms, but some are so common that you might get confused. How a certain allergen reacts on your body depends on the type of allergy you are encountering. The reaction may be mild to severe.
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
It is the most common type of seasonal fever that hits millions of Americans every year. Hay fever may start with a little itching on the nose or eyes. Sneezing and coughing without rest, shedding tears and running nose are common in Hay Fever. But, do not take this lightly and see the doctor.
You must avoid unnecessary outing when the pollen count is high as it is the main cause of spreading allergies.
Food Allergies
If you are a food lover, it must be difficult for you to avoid the edibles causing you allergies. Food allergies are complexed and can occur at any time. Consuming a food item, you are allergic to may cause you a sore throat and tingle in the mouth. The reaction may swell your face, lips, and tongue.
Anaphylactic Reaction
Severe food or drug allergies lead a person to anaphylaxis –a life-threatening condition. You may feel dizziness, headache, and become unconscious. Your blood pressure may drop, and your heart may beat irregularly.
Conclusion
Allergies can be managed and controlled. All you need to do is to take precautionary measures and consult a doctor immediately if any allergenic symptom appears. Contact us and schedule an appointment with the best Immunologist at Dr. Sneeze in NYC.
Allergy Season: Allergies to Look Out For
The allergy season for people with allergies has marked its way in the country. While the flowers are blooming, your nose may probably be running, or your eyes are watering –this is not the only trouble Spring has to offer; there is a lot more in the store.
You may experience allergy of one kind or another during a year. But, have you observed that every year, the count of people affected by seasonal allergies is climbing? According to forecasts, 2019 may prove to be worse than usual for allergies. The ever-increasing numbers suggest that you have to be more careful with your health during this season.
When the Allergy Season Begins
Allergies may surface at any point of the year, but some allergens – pollens to be specific –are seasonal. When the plants reproduce, they generate a fine powder called pollen. Here is a brief on which pollen may block your nasal passage, or cause itching at what time.
- Tree Pollens accompany the Spring season in late March.
- Grass pollens pop up in late Spring around May.
- Weed pollens arrive in Summers (July to August) and
- Ragweed pollen hit the US in fall (late August)
Allergies to Be Aware Of
Allergic Rhinitis
Hay fever is a product of pollen allergies. Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergy to hit millions of Americans every year. A small pollen grain may cause you much trouble than you may anticipate –from minor itching to coughing, a sore throat to wheezing, or breathing difficulties.
You are likely to come in contact with pollens in the morning as it is the peak time for pollination. If you have oak, maple, ash, or birch tree in your locality in abundance, your chances of inhaling pollens are higher. It is better to stay indoors and avoid exposure to pollen trees and flowers.
A recent research study suggests that airborne pollen count is on the rise across the globe as a result of global warming, and it will only become worse.
If you are affected by hay fever use antihistamines, over-the-counter products are a good option, but you can always go back to nature. Use vitamin C, honey, or butterbur to counter your allergy. Rinse off your nasal passage to clear the mucus with saline water.
Asthma
Asthma and allergy triggers have already marked their appearance this season. Pollen is possibly the main culprit offending your springtime asthma. You may be sniffing, and sneezing, with a thought to stay indoors until the season ends. Pollen is not the only offender; the air quality, temperature change, and an already existing allergy may also worsen your allergic asthma. Under an asthma attack, your nose, ears, airways, lungs, throat, or sinuses gets affected.
Food Allergies
Certain foods may deplete your seasonal allergies. Your morning coffee cup, a small chocolate bar, or a processed food item, all tend to stimulate your hay fever. If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, minus melons, cucumber, banana, and sunflower seeds from your diet. Consuming these fruits in large quantity may cause an allergic reaction to worsening your seasonal allergy.
Bottom Line
Allergies are always in the season – in different forms with different effects. The allergies are more or less the same, but your body may trigger a new allergen. Seeking medical help will allow you to fight all the new and old triggers.
Contact us and schedule an appointment with the best allergist in NYC Dr. Sneeze!
Boyan Hadjiev, MD
30 East 40th Street
Suite 1200
New York, NY 10016
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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