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Surprising Asthma Triggers

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:28:48 GMT

Nearly 25 million Americans have asthma, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This lung condition can make breathing a challenge and cause coughing or wheezing. While scientists haven't found a definitive cause behind asthma, some environmental issues can prompt attacks. If you or a loved one has asthma, take a look at some of the most common asthma triggers.

Heat and Humidity

Heavy, hot air makes breathing difficult for almost everyone - especially if you have asthma. The rise in body temperature that high heat levels can cause often leads to excessive sweating. The more you sweat, the more water you lose. Dehydration can result in rapid or labored breathing, triggering an asthma attack.

Along with heat-related water loss, sudden changes in air temperature can put stress on the lungs. Moving from a chilly indoor environment (when the air conditioning is on) to a heated outdoor one can also set-off an attack.

On hot days, asthmatics should remain indoors (somewhere that is cool) as much as possible. If you have to go outside, take all required medications and keep yourself hydrated by drinking water. Avoid soda and caffeinated beverages. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, leaving you even more dehydrated than you were before drinking.

Cold Temperatures

Extreme heat isn't always to blame for temperature-related asthma attacks or increased symptoms. Cold is also a trigger for some asthmatics. The cold air can increase mucous production and leave your airways feeling dry. This can worsen symptoms, making you cough, wheeze, or have trouble catching your breath.

Along with taking all prescribed medications, avoid extreme cold, drink plenty of water to thin mucous secretions, and cover your mouth and nose with a zippered coat or a scarf during outdoor activity.

Air Quality and Pollution

Car exhaust, manufacturing byproducts, and other air contaminants can create a source of strife for many asthmatics. Decades worth of research supports the theory that human-created air pollution worsens asthma symptoms. Pollution-induced symptoms may include greater difficulty breathing, coughing, discomfort, or a burning sensation in the lungs, according to the Environmental protection Agency (EPA). This is a different type of trigger than indoor air quality issues, such as dust mites or pet dander.

The EPA notes that the two top pollutants affecting asthmatics are ozone ad particle pollution. Ozone pollution, which is found in smog, is at its worst during the heat of the summer or during any excessively hot day, regardless of the season. Particle pollution is typically highest during calm weather, near busy roads, near factories and in places that are near to fires.

While completely avoiding pollution isn't always possible, the asthmatic can reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors during peak ozone or particle pollution hours and weather. You should also keep your windows closed when driving in traffic or near factories that emit smoke or other airborne discharge.

Stress and Emotions

Not all asthma triggers come from outside of your body. Stress and powerful emotions are internal factors that may set-off an attack. Increased anxiety, panic, and other strong feelings can result in shortness of breath, worsening your symptoms.

Unlike hot days or air pollution, you can't always stay away from stress. If your stress level is causing your medical condition to get progressively worse or you're having more asthma attacks, a therapist can help to reduce the effects of the emotional or psychological issues. In some serious cases, anxiety may require a combination of medication and therapy.

You can also reduce the likelihood of developing stress-related asthma attacks by practicing meditation or by learning relaxation exercises. Some types of physical activity, such as yoga, can also reduce psychological stressors. Always consult your doctor before starting a new exercise or activity routine.

Do you have asthma or think that you have asthma? Contact Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic for more information.

Managing Food Allergies in the Workplace

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:28:29 GMT

Many people live with food allergies. Food allergies result in the body treating normal, otherwise harmless ingredients as invaders they must fight. While most people think of seasonal allergies when they think about allergies, food allergies can result in serious, life-affecting conditions.

The results of food allergies can be devastating, even fatal. Anaphylaxis requires quick treatment and know-how from others in the workplace. For this reason, education about allergies is crucial.

If you have food allergies and are trying to navigate these types of problems in the workplace, then you may need some suggestions. This guide will help you create a plan of action for contending with food allergies at work.

Common Food Allergies

Some of the most common food allergies people face at work include those linked to nuts. Peanut allergies are among the most common food allergies, and the reactions often carry on for the rest of one's life. Shellfish, while an uncommon food for the workplace, is another common food allergy. Shrimp and lobster are common culprits.

Of course, many other food allergies exist. For example, some people are allergic to wheat, whereas others can't eat eggs.

Employers should develop an understanding of these food allergies because they can directly impact employee morale and productivity. When employees have to take days off work to deal with allergies, the business loses.

Common Food Allergy Accommodations for Work

The Americans with Disabilities Act considers food allergies a type of disability . This means that some workplaces may be required to accommodate individuals with allergies to an extent.

Many people are surprised how much food allergies can impact an individual. You might think of severe food allergies as a type of invisible disability that can have effects at any time.

If you have food allergies, then you should always bring them up right after a new employer hires you. When you discuss allergies with your manager or boss, make sure to be as specific as possible about the circumstances involved.

Training programs and seminars may provide more insight about food allergies in the workplace. In training, employers can bring up specific examples and educate employers about how to avoid causing an incident.

Signage can also educate employees about food allergies. For example, posters hanging in the office kitchen can tell employees what to do if somebody exhibits signs of anaphylaxis.

In cases of extreme allergies, a workplace may set aside utensils and dishes that individuals with food allergies can use to avoid potential contaminants.

Managers and employers can also request that all individuals working in the facility label food clearly, marking any potentially hazardous ingredients on the outside of a container.

When individuals do not adhere to established guidelines, employers can take disciplinary action if necessary.

Common Ways to Make Your Workplace Safe

You can also take a few steps to help your workforce be a safer place. These steps might save your life and the lives of others at work with similar allergies.

If you are going out with a group of co-workers or you are having a luncheon at the office, then you should address severe allergies early on. If you are unable to go to specific restaurants, then let the group know that this food is dangerous to you.

Mistakes can happen. Make sure that you have epinephrine on hand if you need it. Before going to lunch, you can also instruct your co-workers on how they can use the epinephrine during an emergency.

The Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic offers treatment for all types of allergies. If you suspect that you have food allergies, then you should be tested right away. Call today to set up an appointment.

Managing Indoor Allergies: What You Should Know

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:24:09 GMT

When you have a family member with severe allergies, you want to do everything that you can to help keep them as healthy and happy as possible. The problem is that when a person is just as allergic to things inside the home as outside the home, it can be difficult to know what to do to help them manage their allergies.

Get to know some of the important facts about managing indoor allergies. Then, you can be sure that you are doing everything you can for your loved one with indoor allergies.

USE HEPA AIR FILTERS

One of the first things you will want to do for your loved one with indoor allergies is to change the type of air filters you use in your home. HEPA air filters are specifically designed to filter out the majority of irritants and allergens out of the air that circulates throughout the home.

Making this change to HEPA air filters can make a major difference in your loved one's breathing and comfort in the home. Just be sure that you change the air filters every three to four months for optimum performance.

HAVE FURNITURE REGULARLY DEEP-CLEANED

One of the areas of your home that you may not think is a problem for allergies is your furniture. Couches, chairs, and even beds can be havens for dust and dust mites as well as other trapped allergens.

To help prevent your furniture from unknowingly making your loved one miserable, you will want to have your couches and other furniture deep-cleaned on a regular basis. This will help to remove allergens from the fabrics.

USE ALLERGY-PROTECTION MATTRESS COVERS

A person's bed is often their sanctuary against the rest of the world. It is also the single piece of furniture on which you usually spend the most consecutive hours. As such, keeping it as free of allergens as possible is vitally important.

Get an allergy-protection mattress cover for your loved one's bed. This will keep dust mites and other allergens from getting down into your loved one's mattress. Then, all you need to worry about is regularly changing their bedding to avoid dust, dirt, and other irritants from accumulating in the sheets and blankets.

TRY TO KEEP PETS OFF OF FURNITURE

While you cannot or will not necessarily get rid of pets in the household because of allergies, you will want to try to limit the impact that they have on your loved one with allergies. One of the ways that you can do so is to keep pets off of your furniture as much as possible.

Discourage dogs from getting on couches and beds. Set up separate pet beds for them so they can still be comfortable and able to feel a part of the family. And most importantly, keep pets out of the bedroom of the family member with allergies. The dander and fur will get into everything in the room, worsening allergy symptoms.

CONSIDER REMOVING YOUR CARPETS

When it comes to the flooring in your home, there are some options that are better for allergies than others. Carpets are the flooring choice that can be the worst for allergies. The tiny fibers in the carpet trap dust, dirt, dander, hair, and more. This will happen even with regular vacuuming and carpet cleaning.

The best way to limit the allergens in your home via your floors is to remove carpets and replace them with wood, tile, or other options. These floors are easier to clean and maintain so that your loved one's allergy symptoms are minimized.

Now that you know some of the ways that you can help your loved one manage their indoor allergies, you can start making adjustments in your home as soon as possible. And remember to have them get treatment for their allergies to further improve their symptoms. For treatment options and more information, contact us at Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic.

Caring for a Senior With AllergiesCaring for a Senior With Allergies

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:19:20 GMT

If you care for a senior loved one, you know that paying close attention to their health can feel like a full-time job. You may begin to notice all the subtle details that come with growing older, including changes to health.

Worsening allergies are one factor associated with aging. In turn, allergies can impact immune system functioning and other chronic health issues. Knowing this, it makes sense that you want to nip allergies in the bud - preventing them from having long-term effects.

If you are worried about allergies and how they affect your loved one, read this guide. You will learn more about how to address allergies before they become a significant problem.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Whether your loved one has food allergies or seasonal allergies, pay close attention to the symptoms they experience. Some signs of allergic reaction, like a runny nose or sneezing, are more obvious. On the other hand, others may be more subtle, like swelling of the tongue.

When you notice symptoms becoming more predominant, make sure that you check the levels of allergens in the air before taking your elderly loved one outside.

DISCUSS ALLERGY DIAGNOSES WITH A DOCTOR

Allergies may seem harmless, but they can have an impact on chronic conditions later in life. Additionally, allergies may develop as they age, which leads to undiagnosed allergies that have no prescribed medication or plan for treatment when they coincide with chronic health ailments.

Some conditions, like rhinitis , tend to occur more often with age - often because the structure of the nose can change with aging. Millions of people have rhinitis, many of whom are elderly and deal with allergies daily. Rhinitis is often treated simply by keeping the nasal passage moist, but it may also require additional treatment.

UNDERSTAND MEDICATION SIDE EFFECTS

Certain antihistamines can be dangerous when seniors use them. Some antihistamines can cause urinary issues, dizziness, and confusion. These potential risks mean that you should discuss the use of anti-allergy medications with your doctor. They may have good ideas as to which antihistamines are safe for your loved one to use.

BE AWARE OF FOOD DANGERS

Seasonal allergies aside, food allergies can be deadly and have long-lasting detriments. The most common culprits are fruits, vegetables, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. Do all you can to eliminate these potential dangers from the dinner table, whether you are a long-term caregiver at home or you are going to a restaurant to eat.

Additionally, you should always be prepared for a bad reaction to food. Anaphylaxis strikes quickly, and you may not have time to call even an emergency number for help. Talk to the doctor ahead of time to discuss the steps you should take if your loved one experiences a food allergy.

MAKE HOME A SAFE HAVEN

Home should always be a safe place for your loved one, but allergies can work their way in regardless. One place to start with your home is to begin keeping shoes and jackets outside or in the garage. Try to change your outside clothes into a fresh outfit when you come home to avoid bringing allergens inside.

Next, consider your current HVAC system. You might need to have it serviced or maintained to ensure that it is not pumping additional allergens into the home.

Are you confused about what you should do next for your loved one? Whether you are a caregiver or you take care of your loved one occasionally, taking steps to prevent allergic reactions now is beneficial. Make an appointment at Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic to see how we can help you and your loved one fight back against allergies.

Children's Allergies: 5 Ways You Can Keep Your Child From Becoming Allergic

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:14:03 GMT

As many as 40 percent of children in the United States are allergic to something. While most allergies are mild, some can be severe and may prove to be life-threatening. Typically, children develop allergies within their first two years of life. What you do during those vital first few months plays a huge role in allergy development.

Exposing your children to certain substances may even help your child avoid allergic reactions later in life. Following are five ways you can keep your child from developing allergies.

Breastfeed as Long as You Can

Studies have shown that exclusive breastfeeding for the first four months of life can prevent the development of all sorts of allergies, including food allergies, asthma, and eczema. When you breastfeed exclusively, you withhold all forms of food other than breast milk.

If you cannot breastfeed exclusively for the first few months of life, strive to incorporate as much breast milk as possible into your baby's diet. Breast milk helps your child build up immunity to certain substances, including many known allergens. For this reason, you should continue breastfeeding for as long as you can, even after you start to incorporate other foods into your baby's diet.

Introduce Allergen Foods Early

In the past, health officials told parents to avoid giving their babies common food allergens, including nuts and fish, during the first few years of life. Unfortunately, withholding these foods only seemed to increase the number of children who are allergic to them. Today, it's recommended that you introduce these foods to your baby between the ages of 4 to 6 months.

It is believed that early introduction of common allergens, prevents your child from developing an allergy. To give your child a new food safely, introduce only a small amount of a single new food at one time and wait several days between offering new foods so you can monitor your baby's reaction.

Get a Family Pet

Pet allergies are common. However, you can keep your child from developing a pet allergy by getting a family pet when they are young, preferably as an infant. Exposure to pet dander early in life is one of the best ways to protect your child against developing an allergy later on.

While it's a great idea to introduce your young child to all sorts of animals, including your extended family's pets, occasional contact is not enough to prevent allergy development. The pet must live in your home in order for your child to get the full benefit.

Don't Worry about Dirt

Your child's immune system develops early in life. Young children must be exposed to all sorts of things early so their body can develop antibodies against them. For this reason, you should avoid creating a pristinely clean environment for your child.

Allow your child to play in areas that have not been disinfected, and allow them to play in the dirt once in a while. Use common sense, however.

Know Your Family History

Genetics do play a role in the development of allergies. If you have a strong family history of allergies, you should know that your child has a stronger chance of developing allergies. You may want to take them to an allergy specialist when they are young to develop a strategy for preventing allergies as well as a treatment plan for any symptoms they may be experiencing.

If you think your child has allergies, make an appointment with Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic today. The right treatment plan could make a huge difference in your child's symptoms and their quality of life.

A Look at Common Misconceptions About Allergy Injections

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:10:12 GMT

In the United States alone, about 50 million people have some type of nasal allergy. For a lot of years, the primary form of allergy treatment was through oral medications that counteracted the allergic reactions to certain triggers. However, immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots is now a highly efficient way to treat allergies in adults and children.

Allergy shots involve giving you a small dose of an allergen-containing solution so that your body naturally builds an immunity to the allergen with time. While they are effective, you may be apprehensive about getting allergy shots due to some prevailing falsehoods. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions about allergy shots and the real truths you need to know.

Allergy Shots Are No More Effective Than Prescription Medications

Allergy shots are considered a highly effective form of treatment for allergy sufferers because the shots work to desensitize you to the allergen itself. On the other hand, prescription allergy medications that are available are geared toward minimizing the symptoms you experience because of the allergy, so they don't change anything about the problem.

Some patients who go through the whole buildup and maintenance phases of shots may not see their symptoms return until a few years after they stop treatment, and some patients never do. With prescription allergy medicine, your symptoms will return about as soon as you stop the medication in most cases.

Additionally, it is worth noting that while allergy medications to treat the symptoms of the condition are common, these do come along with some side effects. For example, oral corticosteroids when taken for long periods can raise your blood sugar levels and even cause things like stomach problems and weakened muscles.

Allergy Shots Are Not a Good Idea If You Have Asthma

Allergy shots are an excellent form of treatment for people who suffer with asthma. In fact, they are one of the most common forms of treatment for those who have both allergies and asthma . A few things that will make you a good candidate for allergy shots if you have asthma include:

You have obvious asthmatic reactions when exposed to certain allergens
Your medication alone is not effective at controlling the asth-matic reactions
You suffer from allergy-related asthma for most of the year

Your individual success with allergy shot treatment for your asthma will vary depending on your specific situation. For example, people who are allergic to environmental allergens like pet dander may see more success than someone with an allergy to certain foods. However, allergy shots may be about as effective for asthma as corticosteroid inhalers.
Allergy Shots Are Painful and Have Severe Side Effects

For most patients, the primary side effect after having an allergy shot will be itching or redness around the injection site, which can be helped with an antihistamine taken just before your visit. Some patients will also experience mild to moderate symptoms following an injection for a few hours, including things like:

Nasal congestion
Ithcym, watery eyes Sneezing or Coughing

Beyond these common symptoms, most patients won't experience anything severe, and you should not feel any pain due to an allergy shot. However, a slight chance exists with all forms of immunotherapy for allergies that reactions will be more moderate. Therefore, after getting an allergy shot for the first time, your doctor may have you stay in the office for a bit to monitor your reactions.

Living your life in a world where the basic things around you cause you physical strife and discomfort is no fun for anyone. Thankfully, allergy shots are changing the way people with allergies live for the better. If you would like to know more about allergy shots, contact us at Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic for more information.

Protect Your Elderly Loved From Asthma Attacks With These TipsProtect Your Elderly Loved From Asthma Attacks With These Tips

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:05:11 GMT

If you plan to move an older loved one into your home, you may worry about keeping their health safe, especially if a doctor recently diagnosed your relative with adult onset asthma. Adult onset asthma (late onset asthma) generally occurs after 50 years of age.

Your home and property may contain triggers that aggravate your loved one's asthma, including pollen and dust mites. If your loved one inhales pollen or dust mites, they can experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing. The symptoms can become serious if you don't treat them immediately.

With the following information and tips, you can locate and secure the things that may cause problems for your relative's asthma. You also learn how to find treatment for your loved one if they do experience an attack.

Be Aware of the Plants and Trees on Your Property

Once your relative arrives at your home, they may want to explore your property. But some people experience problems with their asthma when they encounter plants that release pollen. Because of your loved one's recent diagnosis, they might not know if they have allergies to plants right now.

Some trees in Texas and nearby states can trigger asthma problems, including the mountain cedar tree. Although the tree grows near mountains, you might have one your property. You should also be aware of plants that bloom late in the year, including ragweed. Ragweed can make asthma and its symptoms worse for some individuals.

If possible, check your local weather guide for updates about pollen season. Although most plants release pollen in the spring and summer, some plants can become active in the fall. Try to remove plants and trim trees that could potentially aggravate your loved one's condition.

After you take care of the outside of your home, make a few changes indoors.

Use Tile Instead of Carpeting

Dust mites are tiny pests that consume the dead cells your skin sheds throughout the day. The dust in your home picks up the dead skin cells, which attracts and feeds dust mites. Dust mites can live anywhere that has dust, including your carpets.

Although you can vacuum your carpets to help control the dust mites in your home, it may not be enough. The fibers of your carpets may hold on to mites and their food source. If your vacuum isn't strong enough to remove all of these things, it can be difficult on your loved one's asthma.

If it's possible for you to do so, replace the carpets in your loved one's room and living space with tile or hardwood flooring. The flooring offers immediate relief from dust mites. Try to keep the flooring mopped and sanitized regularly to avoid problems in the future.

See an Allergist

If your loved one experiences asthma symptoms or an attack and you can't figure out why, contact an allergist for care. An allergist can perform different tests on your relative to see why they experienced problems at your home. The tests may pinpoint or diagnose the trigger right away.

An allergy specialist can't cure or get rid of your loved one's asthma, but they can offer treatment for it, including allergy injections . The injections help strengthen your loved one's immune system, which allows it to fight the triggers more effectively.

Most people require regular injections to avoid problems. However, an allergist will generally consider your loved one's age and overall health before they establish a treatment plan. If you have questions about your loved one's treatment, be sure to discuss it with an allergist as soon as possible.

You can learn more about asthma and how it affects the elderly by contacting Dr. Joseph Pflanzer, MD at the Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic today.

How to Reduce Pollen Exposure to Keep Allergy Symptoms Under Control

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 08:00:35 GMT

Pollen allergies can be particularly difficult to deal with since plants--and the pollen they release--are almost everywhere. If you suffer from a pollen allergy, it's important to work with your allergist to find the medications that work best to keep your symptoms under control. However, you also want to do all that you can to reduce your exposure to pollen. Here are some steps to help you accomplish that goal.

Use a HEPA Filter

Those cheap fiberglass HVAC filters may be sufficient for homeowners who don't have allergies, but they are not woven finely enough to trap pollen. You can greatly reduce the amount of pollen floating through your indoor air by switching to a HEPA air filter.

HEPA stands for "high-efficiency particulate air." This term is regulated by the federal government, so any filter marketed as a HEPA filter must meet government standards regarding the size of particles it traps. HEPA filters are known to effectively remove pollen from your air as it circulates through your heating and cooling system.

Clean and Vacuum More Often With a Good Vacuum

Pollen has a habit of settling out of the air and onto surfaces like your carpet and shelves. Then, when these surfaces are disturbed, the pollen floats back into the air. To keep pollen at bay, make sure you are regularly washing your drapes, sheets and rugs, as these are areas where pollen tends to accumulate. Also, get into the habit of vacuuming at least twice a week using a vacuum fitted with a HEPA filter.

Leave Your Shoes (And Pollen-Covered Clothing) Outside

It's common for people to track pollen inside on their shoes. Get into the habit of taking your shoes off outside and leaving them just outside the door. If you have nice shoes that you want to store indoors, at least wipe off the soles (and dispose of the moist cloth outside) before bringing them inside.

If you engage in any activities like gardening or mowing the lawn, put an outer protective layer of clothing on before you do so. Then, shed this layer of clothing outdoors before you come inside. This keeps you from bringing pollen indoors on your clothing. Later on, put the pollen-covered clothing in a plastic bag, carry it directly to the washing machine and wash it to remove the pollen.

Keep the Windows Closed

If your home gets warm or stuffy, use your air conditioning system or central fan rather than opening the windows. The screens on windows do not stop pollen from blowing in, and it can take several vacuuming and dusting sessions to get rid of the pollen that blows in on one breezy morning.

Have Someone Else Bathe Your Dog

Pets can track pollen inside on their fur, but a common mistake that allergy sufferers make is bathing their pollen-covered dogs themselves. Bathing the dog will expose you to a lot of pollen all at once, which can cause your symptoms to flare up. If at all possible, arrange to have a friend or family member bathe your dog for you. And remember to do this on a regular basis to keep the amount of pollen on your dog's fur down.

Change Your Car's Cabin Air Filter

Do you seem to have sneezing fits every time you drive in the car? Chances are, like many car owners, you don't change your cabin air filter often enough. Cabin air filters are designed to trap pollen, but they do not do a great job of it once they get clogged with debris. Change your cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. New filters typically cost $35 or less, and your owner's manual should show you how to change it.

If you are still suffering from allergy symptoms in spite of following the guidelines above, schedule an appointment with Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic . We can recommend additional medications and treatment options to help you feel comfortable and symptom-free.

4 Tips to Protect Your Child From Food Allergy Reactions at School

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:55:35 GMT

Seasonal and environmental allergies are common, but many individuals develop allergies to common foods and ingredients. While shocking to learn, an estimated 5.9 million children in America have a food allergy. If your child consumes foods they’re allergic to, they could experience digestive issues and skin rashes or anaphylaxis, which is a more dangerous reaction that causes airway constriction and your child's blood pressure to drop.

Due to these uncomfortable and life-threatening conditions, you must protect your child from food allergens at all times. With these tips and the help of your allergy specialist , you can protect your child at school from dangerous food allergies.

Communicate With Your Child

One of the first things you should do to protect your child is to discuss the allergy diagnosis with them. Most school-aged children are capable of understanding allergies, reactions, and the importance of avoiding these foods, so communication is key before they head off to school.

You should make sure they know which foods they are allergic to, but you must also teach them how to avoid items that may contain their allergen. For example, if your child is allergic to milk, they should avoid ice cream. If they are allergic to peanuts, they should not consume any foods that contain peanut butter or traces of peanut shells.

Some children will take food or snacks from classmates because they do not want to hurt their feelings. Explain to your child that this is a nice gesture, but they should never accept foods unless they are sure that they do not contain allergens. Teach your child how to decline snacks from friends in a pleasant manner.

Communicate With School Staff

Before the start of the school year, ask the school what procedures they already have in place for students with allergies. In most cases, you will need to complete a detailed form that lists each of your child's allergies. Your child's doctor can provide you with a copy of their medical records.

Your child's teacher should have a copy of this document in the classroom. However, teaching specialists, administrative staff, counselors, and nurses should also be aware of your child's allergies.

Communicate With Other Parents

You should work with the teacher to ensure classroom parents understand your child's allergies, as well. Many schools have a policy in place which states foods and special treats brought into the classroom should be allergy-free, but reminding parents about the dangers of food allergies can be helpful.

Ask your teacher if it is possible to write up a letter or email explaining your child's allergies. In the note, you should list each of your child's food allergies and any baked goods or packaged items that should be avoided.

Implement an Allergic Reaction Plan

Reducing the risk of an allergic reaction is possible, but you, your child and the school should have a plan in place just in case. If your child comes into contact with an allergen, your child and the school must act fast.

Make sure your child understands they should alert an adult as soon as they experience symptoms. Also, teachers should know the signs of a reaction. Wheezing, swelling and difficulty breathing are common signs that a reaction is occurring. If teachers and staff notice these symptoms, your child will require medication immediately.

Work with your child's allergist and school staff to ensure there is an injection of epinephrine available in case of a reaction. A dose of epinephrine can counter your child's allergic reaction, so this injectable medication should be available in your child's classroom, in the nurse's office, and with your child's teacher at all times.

It is possible to live with a food allergy, but it is important your child, family, friends, and school are educated on the matter. To learn more about your child's food allergies and to keep them safe while at school, consult Dr. Joeseph Planzer and the staff at the Allergic Diagnostic & Treatment Clinic today.

How to Tell if You Have Sports Induced Asthma

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:51:35 GMT

Asthma can be caused by a wide variety of things. One thing that can cause asthma is exercise and participating in physical activities. Here are some signs to look for that indicate you have sports induced asthma .

A long recovery time can be an indicator of sports induced asthma. A normal recovery time following a workout is just a few minutes. If it is taking you 30 minutes to an hour, it could be due to asthma.
A constricted chest and throat while exercising is caused by a struggle to receive oxygen. If you feel this tightening, you should stop your activity.
Coughing while doing any sort of cardio is the most common symptom of sports induced asthma. If you are short of breath and coughing while exercising and it occurs regularly, the cause could be asthma.
Exercise should energize your body. If you are feeling drained, sluggish or fatigued following your workouts, it might be wise to see a physician regarding the possibility of sports induced asthma.
Your environment can affect how you breathe. Pollen, chlorine and dry air can trigger allergies and agitate your respiratory tract.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms, there is a possibility that you have sports induced asthma. Contact Dr. Joseph Pflanzer, MD at 972-298-6677 for more information about this diagnosis.

Five Most Common Food Allergies and Symptoms

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:46:06 GMT

A common misconception about allergens is that they start from birth. Yet allergies can develop over time, well into adulthood. Food allergies are especially susceptible to sudden development. Contact can be as severe as ingesting it or even being in a vicinity of the allergen. Symptoms of allergies can include rashes, welts, itching, burning, sudden swelling or constriction of the throat and air passages. In some cases, allergic reactions can cause hospitalization or even death.

The top foods that cause allergies are as follows:

Nuts

Nuts can include peanuts, almonds or cashews. Tree nuts are also included and can include pine nuts, a common ingredient in pesto. The cacao nut, the primary ingredient in chocolate, can also be included in this category.

Dairy

Milk and milk products, such as yogurt and ice cream as well as eggs can be included in this category. Often, the more diluted the products are (for instance, being included in a cake), the less likely they are to trigger reactions. But people should be cautious.

Wheat

Wheat contains an ingredient called gluten, which has been known to cause increased allergic reactions in recent years.

Soy

Soy is in the same category as beans, but is also closely related to the peanut family. It is a supplementary product used in many food products.

Seafood

Seafood is a common food that causes allergies to develop over time. Many people discover that in adulthood, they become allergic to seafood, even when being in close proximity to it.

Allergies can be dangerous but are avoidable, preventable and treatable. For more on allergies, contact Dr. Joseph Pflanzer, MD at 972-298-6677 .

Tips to Fight Winter Allergies

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:46:05 GMT

Anyone susceptible to allergies associated with dust, mites, pets, molds, and insect droppings is likely to suffer at a much higher rate in the winter when these allergens are sealed in with them. In order to minimize allergic reactions and responses, people should try a variety of methods for eliminating these allergens.

Sanitation

The best method for reducing winter allergy threats is to keep your home as clean as possible. Vacuuming regularly, especially with a properly filtered machine, will help to ensure that as many allergens as possible are removed from your carpets. Wiping down counters as often as possible will make your home less attractive to pests and help to eliminate droppings and residues associated with them. Washing your pets once a week can help to keep their dander down, and keeping them out of bedrooms can help to minimize your susceptibility to their dander, too.

Climate Control

Overheating your home can lead to uncomfortably dry air. Once the air becomes too dry, noses dry out, too, and skin may be prone to cracking. Any place where cracking occurs may be open to infection. Try adding a humidifier to your climate control plans, but do not overly hydrate your air. Dust mites thrive in conditions with 60 percent or higher humidity.

Controlling allergens can be difficult in the winter months when people tend to stay inside more. Following these tips can help, though. For more information on fighting winter allergies , contact Dr. Joseph Pflanzer, MD at 972-298-6677 .

The Importance of Allergy Testing

Wed, 24 Oct 2018 07:22:37 GMT

Allergy sufferers know that effective treatment can help control their discomfort and improve their quality of life. When patients do not respond well to medication, they may be referred to a specialist for additional tests in order to better manage their condition. If you have been told that you have allergies but have been hesitant to get tested, here are some reasons that may motivate you to follow through with allergy testing.

The Right Tests

Allergists have the expertise to pinpoint exactly what factors result in an allergic reaction. While you may be able to take over-the-counter tests, you may get inaccurate results. With blood and skin testing, a doctor can narrow down specific allergens to customize treatment for each patient.

Accurate Diagnosis

Allergy testing is the best way to determine the cause of reactions and rule out the possibility of another diagnosis. A surprising number of people may be taking prescriptions for allergies that they do not have, based on symptoms or patient history instead of diagnostic testing.

Effective Treatment

After patients are tested for allergens, their treatment can be adapted to their needs. With so many regimens available, you may not be taking the best one for you. Doctors can use the data from allergy testing to treat each person more effectively.

Allergy testing may not always be covered by insurance, but it is a valuable tool for patients who are suffering regularly with symptoms. Please visit Dr. Joseph Pflanzer, MD for more information about the benefits of allergy tests .