How Cat Allergies Are Diagnosed
There are two ways to test for any allergy, including to cats: skin testing and blood tests. There are two types of skin allergy tests. A skin prick test and an intradermal skin test. Both tests give fast results and tend to cost less than blood tests.
Certain medications can interfere with skin testing, so talk to your doctor about which test is best for you. Skin testing is usually done by an allergist due to the possibility of severe reactions during testing.
Natural Seasonal Allergy Remedies
Its time to shake off the cold winter weather and welcome spring!
If you have hay fever, a.k.a. seasonal allergies, you may be looking for ways to counter annoying symptoms like an itchy throat, watery eyes, or a runny nose. A common cause of allergies in the spring is the abundance of pollen from flowering plants. Some research suggests as many as 50 million Americans will experience various types of allergies each year.
Allergy medication is helpful when it comes to keeping allergies in check, but for those who are looking to explore alternative options, here are 4 natural seasonal allergy remedies that may help to make your spring better than ever before.
Home Remedies For Seasonal Allergies
Is your child suffering from a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes? Help them feel better with these natural allergy remedies you can try at home.
Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to a certain trigger, such as pollen from weeds, grasses, or trees. As a result, the body makes antibodies and histamine, which are released into the blood stream to fight off the foreign substances. This starts an inflammatory reaction that causes symptoms like sneezing, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes.;
Anyone can experience allergiesbut they generally start after age 3, peak in late childhood or the teen years, and subside in adulthood. Depending on your location and allergen, symptoms may begin in February and last until the end of September. Medications such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays can provide relief, but some natural DIY methods may also be worth a shot. Here are some of the best home remedies for seasonal allergies to try yourself.
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Supplement With Friendly Bacteria
According to naturopathic doctor Tracey Beaulne of Naturopathic Family Medicine in Toronto, if you suffer from seasonal allergies, reaching for probiotics, such as acidophilus, should one of your first preventative steps. Beyond the fact that all stomachs can benefit from the boost probiotics lend to digestion and immunity, they can also influence the immune system and potentially correct the root cause of allergic reactions, she says. Aim to take a daily dose of the BB536 strain year-round from food, and follow any course of antibiotics with acidophilus for double the length of time you were taking medication.
When All Else Fails For Allergy Relief
Sometimes, even the strongest immune system falls victim to seasonal allergies that leave a trail of mucus in their wake. When this happens, you may find the most surefire way to fight allergy symptoms is through good old-fashioned allergy medication, either prescription or over-the-counter. “The proper drugs can diminish and block the expression of allergic disease,” Mardiney said. “There’s a lot you can do for allergies.”
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It Works By Affecting The Immune System Preventing It From Releasing Histamines In Response To Specific Allergens
A nasal rinse cleans mucus from your nose and can ease allergy symptoms there. Not only can this be uncomfortable, it can also impact your hearing. Make sure your diet is 80% fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and greens. After 4 weeks you’ll want to consume 1 tablespoon a day. Vitamin c is known as the best natural antihistamines to combat against your seasonal allergies. Try a saline sinus rinse, found at any drugstore. These steps can help you reduce your exposure: Quercetin is a favorite of natural healing advocates who believe that it stabilizes the release of histamines and helps to control allergy symptoms. Sip two cups a day, about 2 weeks before allergy season starts, to help avoid congestion. It works by affecting the immune system, preventing it from releasing histamines in response to specific allergens. Unfortunately, using cotton swabs only pushes the wax blockage further into your ear. Adding essential oils to a bath, cup of tea, massage oil, or an oil diffuser can help reduce allergy symptoms. It reverses inflammation and is best taken from four to six weeks before you normally start allergy season.
How Can You Prevent Allergy Symptoms In The Morning
Here are a few tips to prevent allergy symptoms in the morning, whether youre dealing with allergic rhinitis or nonallergic rhinitis.
- Dont sleep with your pets or allow them on your bedding. Bathe pets at least once a week to reduce allergens in the home.
- Remove carpet from your bedroom and replace with hardwood or tile floors.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity level in your bedroom to below 50 percent. This helps kill dust mites.
- Put a dust mite-proof cover over your mattress and pillow.
- Take an antihistamine nightly before going to sleep.
- Dust hard surfaces at least once a week, and keep your bedroom clutter-free to reduce dust accumulation.
- Vacuum your carpet at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filer. Wash bedding including sheets and pillowcases once a week in hot water .
- Dont sleep with your windows open. This can help eliminate pollen in your bedroom.
- Elevate the head of your bed six to eight inches to reduce the back flow of stomach acid while sleeping.
- Schedule professional mold testing to check the air quality inside your home.
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Top 9 Natural Allergy Relief Home Remedies
According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, one in five people, or an estimated 50 million Americans, suffer from some type of allergies. The chances are high that you or someone you know deals with ongoing allergies, whether seasonal allergies, food allergies or another type, and could use allergy relief at least from time to time.
Most people who struggle to find allergy relief go to the doctor to be treated and/or are routinely given pharmaceuticals ranging from acetaminophens to antihistamines, both of which may actually further aggravate the symptoms they were given for. ;If you prefer not to take prescriptions to keep your symptoms under a control, what can help allergies at home?
Home remedies for allergies including symptoms like;congested sinuses, headaches, and watery or itchy eyes include using frankincense essential oil, eucalyptus oil and quercetin. Below youll learn about nine amazing, all-natural home remedies for allergies that can help provide fast allergy relief.
Risks And Side Effects
While most of the supplements and tips described above can provide;natural allergy relief safely, there are some precautions to keep in mind.
When allergies are mild or moderate, they are usually not very threatening and go away with time. However, severe allergic reactions can be dangerous and require medical attention.
Anaphylaxis is the term for;a;severe allergic reaction, which can happen due to contact with;food allergens, drugs/medications or;insect stings. Symptoms usually affect the lungs, blood vessels or heart and can include:
- trouble breathing
- rash
- vomiting
If you or your child experience these symptoms, head to your doctor or the emergency room right away to prevent complications.
What can you do for severe allergies? Your doctor may need to prescribe allergy shots or prescription asthma medications, such as bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids.
Discuss these options with your health care provider, and consider trying the natural allergy relief remedies described above in addition to using medications.
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Meet The Providers Event
Looking for a Pediatrician for your family? We welcome you to join us on Wednesday September 15th from 5:45-6:45pm;at our office. Tour our facility and get to know our providers. Questions are encouraged.; Come learn about our holistic, collaborative approach to Pediatric Healthcare. We will share our personalized treatment plans for your family using the best of both conventional and holistic care.;
What Are Other Causes Of Allergy Symptoms In The Morning
Allergy symptoms in the morning arent only caused by allergens, though. Nonallergic rhinitis can also trigger morning allergy symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.
Allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis cause similar symptoms. The difference is that nonallergic rhinitis doesnt involve the immune system. Rather, other irritants and factors trigger allergy-like symptoms. These factors include:
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What Are Seasonal Allergies
Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for hay fever and seasonal allergies, which affects the nasal passageways. This condition is;characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells within the mucosa and submucosa.
What months are allergy season? The time of the year that someone suffers from hay fever depends on the persons specific triggers. Allergic rhinitis can occur not just in the spring, but throughout the summer and into the fall depending on the person.
While hay fever frequently begins at a young age, it can strike anyone at any time. Sometimes seasonal allergy symptoms fade over the years, only to reoccur later in life.
If you experience allergic rhinitis one location and move to a new area with different types of flora, your symptoms may go away or possibly get worse.
Pollen is one of the main causes of seasonal asthma. Every tree, flower and weed releases pollen, but not all individuals have heightened sensitivity or allergic reactions to all types of pollens.
Its important to pay attention and recognize which things specifically trigger your hay fever symptoms. For some people, cottonwood trees and ragweed are the problems, while others struggle with grass.
Research indicates nearly 75 percent of people in the United States who suffer from seasonal allergies are allergic to ragweed. Unlike grass, trees and flowers that produce pollen in the spring and summer, pollen due to ragweed is often highest during the fall.
When Good Food Triggers Seasonal Allergies
Sometimes even good food can aggravate seasonal allergies. According to Dr. Joseph Leija, Those with grass allergies should avoid melon, tomatoes, and oranges. Ragweed allergies are also linked to allergies to bananas, cantaloupe, cucumber, zucchini, and chamomile tea. The spring allergy count in the Midwest is high in birch and oak, which usually triggers reactions to carrots, celery, almonds, apples, peaches, and pears in those with sensitive systems.5
We would be amiss if we did not mention that a food allergy can give not only gastrointestinal symptoms but can also impact the respiratory system. So, if you have respiratory symptoms during the entire year, food allergies are a possibility that should be explored.
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Find Out What The Pollen Level Is In Your Area
Knowing the pollen count can help you plan an attack for allergy symptoms. How can you find out? Just turn on your favorite weather report. Many reports include the pollen count in your area. Or, go online to Pollen.com.
Taking a trip? The pollen count may be higher where youre headed. Check the count at your destination and take along medications just in case.
Feeling Healthy And Fabulous
I dont have the words to express how grateful I am to have found Brooke. Her expertise has helped me not only control my Type 2 Diabetes, but got me off of my Diabetic medication that in turn was terribly effecting my digestive tract. My body is now absorbing nutrients, I am controlling my sugar by maintaining a low A1C and my weight has dropped by 20 pounds I feel healthy and fabulous.
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Dont Just Tough It Out If You Cant Find Relief From Your Allergy Symptoms
No one wants to be miserable. Bad allergies can ruin your quality of life and affect your overall health if symptoms turn into a sinus or upper respiratory infection. The good thing is you have options.
If youve never talked with a doctor about your allergies before, start by making a primary care appointment. Whether you choose a video visit or in-person appointment, your primary care doctor will listen to your symptoms, answer any questions you have and work with you to create a tailored treatment plan including connecting you with specialists like an allergist or an otolaryngologist if needed.
Your doctor can also help make sure if symptoms are related to allergies or COVID-19, a cold or something else.
Have you already been diagnosed with seasonal allergies? Make an appointment with an allergist. If youre struggling to get relief this season or your allergy symptoms feel like theyre getting worse, you can see an allergist without a referral. Allergists specialize in treating severe allergies.
Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies
At this time of year, many people are suffering from seasonal allergies. The symptoms can include itching, sneezing, congestion and runny nose, headaches, red or watery eyes, and so on. They can vary from mild to severe, acute to chronic.
Seasonal allergies, sometimes referred to as hay fever, result from exposure to spores or pollen released into the atmosphere by fungi, grasses, trees, and other plants. That plant material is mistaken for an invasive protein by your bodys immune system, leading to the production of chemicals like histamine. ;Histamine attempts to attack or expel the invader, resulting in the bothersome symptoms described above. Those who experience seasonal allergies are also intolerant to certain foods which they cannot easily digest. The poorly digested food is often regurgitated back into the respiratory tract leading to many of the allergy symptoms noted above. ;The big food culprit is dairy products followed by eggs, poultry, red meat, bread/wheat, certain nuts, and alcohol. With the immune system becoming increasing compromised with continued consumption of the biggest food culprits, the person become more sensitized to other food triggers and environmental triggers.
1) Hydration through Water
When the respiratory and digestive systems are dehydrated, the immune system will cause a rebound effect leading to nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and/or coughing. ;Do the following in order to optimize your hydration:
2) ;Saline nasal rinses
- wounds
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Cover Up Your Bedding
Dust mites love dark, warm environments, and one of their favourite spots to play house is in pillows and mattresses. To minimize their prevalence, encase both sleep aids with zippered, allergen-proof covers. People tend to think if they replace their pillows every year that theyre less exposed, but that doesnt address the real issue, says Dr. Keith. Using a breathable cover is the only way to prevent the microscopic mites from reaching your skin while you sleep.
The Best Natural Remedy For Allergies
The best natural remedy for allergies is, when possible, avoidance. Both doctors and natural healers will suggest that you limit or avoid allergens, which are what causes your allergic reaction.
You should avoid exposure to your allergens. For example, if youve had an allergic reaction to a sulfa drug, let your doctor know about your allergy. Theyll most likely prescribe an alternate antibiotic if youll ever need one.
That being said, some allergens are hard to avoid. In that case, after discussing your symptoms with your doctor, you might consider a home remedy for allergies to deal with the results of exposure to an allergen.
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Will We Be Walloped By Flu Season This Year
To be on the safe side, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, dont take any herb unless prescribed by your doctor, says Los Angeles otolaryngologist Murray G. Grossan, M.D., who specializes in natural care for sinusitis and allergies. Here are;6 effective natural allergy remedies that may help curb your sniffling and sneezing: 1. Stinging nettleGardeners may consider stinging nettle a pesky weed, but the mineral-rich green;plant is one of the best herbal cures for runny nose and itching eyes. Because its active ingredient, scopoletin, is a natural antihistamine, nettle extract helps prevent hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes, according to a 2009 University of Miami study published in Phytotherapy Research. The beauty of this herb is that it doesnt speed you up or dial you down, Steelsmith says. You feel normal on it, but the antihistamine effect is great. How to take it: I recommend freeze-dried nettle in capsule form, Steelsmith says. Take two 300-milligram capsules, 3-4 times daily.You can also brew 2-3 teaspoons of dried leaves in a pint of hot water to make nettle tea. Watch out: Dont pick it yourself. As the name implies, the plant has tiny thorns that sting and cause a nasty rash.
Seasonal Allergies Occur When Outdoor Moulds Release Their Spores Or When Trees Grass And Weeds Release Tiny Pollen Particles These Are Known As Allergens And They Enter The Body And Release Chemicals Known As Histamines In The Bloodstream
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If you are someone whos plagued by seasonal allergies, the changing of seasons can be especially harsh on you. Sneezing, runny and blocked nose, watery and itchy eyes, coughing, throat irritation, an excess of phlegm and a constant headache – all of these might be happening at the same time, or maybe youre experiencing a single symptom.
Whatever the case may be, living through a spell of seasonal allergies can be quite difficult. Also known as allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies occur when outdoor moulds release their spores or when trees, grass and weeds release tiny pollen particles. These spores and pollens are known as allergens and they enter the body and release chemicals known as histamines in the bloodstream, which in turn causes the allergic reactions.
Over-the-counter antihistamines are usually recommended for allergies to people who get them suddenly or at every season change, although they can make you sleepy. While you may have to use these medications to reduce the effect of allergies, there are some natural ways to deal with this seasonal issue too. Try the following to naturally prevent and manage seasonal allergies:
1. Know your triggers:;If you get allergies every time the season changes, then you might already know what type of exposure leads to which type of allergy in your case. Identifying these triggers and steering clear of them as much as possible can help avoid the allergic reaction completely.
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