Tag Archives: asthma

Dealing With Fall Allergies

Late summer and early fall bring on the OTHER allergy season. Allergy sufferers have trouble with the big two: ragweed pollen and mold spores. Other allergens may also contribute to the fall allergy season. The Facts About Ragweed Ragweed flowers mature and release pollen starting in mid-August Ragweed plants only live one season One ragweed plant can produce a billion grains of pollen Ragweed season lasts from mid-August until the first frost Ragweed pollen can travel as much as four hundred miles by air The Facts About Mold Spores Mold grows in gutters, soil, vegetation, fallen leaves, and rotting wood. … Continue reading →

What’s Blooming This Fall?

I don’t know about you, but my fall sniffles have already started. Spring and fall compete for the title of Worst Allergy Season; fall has two main allergy triggers. Allergy Trigger Number One: WEEDS If you are a fall allergy sufferer, you’ve probably heard of ragweed. This plant is the number one cause of fall allergy symptoms in the United States! Unfortunately for the allergy folks, this weed flourishes in most parts of the country; its pollen can travel as far as four hundred miles. So even if there isn’t ragweed in your area, you can still be affected by … Continue reading →

Allergies and Migraines Linked

A recent study of children and adults with nasal allergies found that there may be a link between allergies and migraines. Histamine, the compound that causes allergy problems may also help trigger migraines. During an allergic reaction, your immune system releases histamines. The study looked at nearly three hundred people — both children and adults — and the presence or lack of migraine symptoms. For people with allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever), a third of the participants met the diagnostic criteria for migraines. For study participants without allergy issues, only four percent of participants met the diagnostic criteria … Continue reading →

Allergy Emergencies

The Be S.A.F.E. campaign is here to help raise awareness about severe allergic reactions and help prevent needless death across the country. If you or someone you know has problems with severe allergic reactions to foods, insect stings, or medications, you should know about anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can affect many parts of the body at once. Among the most common causes are food allergies, insect stings, reactions to medications, and latex allergies. Symptoms may include hives; itchiness and redness on the skin, lips, or eyelids; tongue and throat swelling; nausea and cramping; vomiting and diarrhea; … Continue reading →

Food Allergies in Babies

A group of allergists recently recommended feeding an infant only breast milk for the first six months to help prevent food allergies. This suggestion comes after a joint research effort from the University of Milan Medical School in Italy and the Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. If you suffer from allergies, chances are your children will as well. Avoiding regular milk and dairy products during the first six months of life can help infants who are at risk of developing food allergies. The research team said that introducing solid foods in … Continue reading →

Household Product Alert–Dryer Sheets

They’re powerful enough to eliminate static cling and can leave a load of laundry smelling like a field of fresh lavender or a mountain breeze, but using dryer sheets to keep your baby’s clothes cuddly soft, could be a potential hazard. The majority of children’s sleepwear is labeled “Flame Retardant”. But ingredients in fabric dryer sheets and other fabric softeners may mask the flame retardancy of 100% polyester sleepwear. For that reason, companies like “Arm and Hammer”, caution consumers about the dangers of using their fabric softener products on flame resistant fabrics. Also, babies are especially sensitive to chemical irritants, … Continue reading →

When Should You Not Vaccinate Your Baby

When it comes to vaccination, it’s ideal if every baby gets them, but there are some babies who shouldn’t be vaccinated. The following describe some situations and conditions where you should not vaccinate your baby (be sure to always consult your pediatrician on the following): Allergies to Gelatin or to antibiotics like polymixin B, streptomycin and neomycin in your baby? Be sure to consult with your pediatrician so they can do tests to identify some alternative vaccines Illness, whether moderate or severe, including vomiting and high fever are good indicators that you should wait before getting your baby vaccinated; if … Continue reading →

Take Your Allergies and Asthma on Vacation

Traveling with allergies or asthma can be tricky. Usually, heading to a new area is a perfect way to set off an allergy attack! So how do you avoid being sniffly and sneezy on your vacation? How do you keep your asthma in check? Plan Ahead! Talk to your doctor before you travel if your symptoms are not under control. Ask your doctor for the name of an allergist or immunologist in the area where you will be vacationing, in case of emergency. Know where the hospital and/or urgent care centers are in the area where you will be vacationing. … Continue reading →

Managing Asthma During Pregnancy

Asthma is a common health condition. If you have asthma, it’s important to manage it well during pregnancy, both for your health and your baby’s. Often, pregnant women worry about the safety of the baby and may stop taking medications for fear they will hurt the baby. With asthma, doing this can cause more harm to the growing fetus. When asthma is controlled properly, there is no additional risk to mother or baby. However, uncontrolled asthma endangers the life of both of you. Uncontrolled asthma can result in low birth weight and preterm birth. The baby doesn’t get enough oxygen, … Continue reading →

The Secret Language of Boogers

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As yucky as it may be, mucus is good for you. It helps keep your nasal passages moist and it helps protect you from infections by trapping foreign matter. When I first started seeing an allergist (I was around five; my brother was around three), he told us to look at our snot every time we blew our noses. Old habits die hard; more than twenty years later, I’m still a booger looker. The color of the stuff coming out of your nose can tell you a thing or two about your health. Clear mucus If your boogers are clear, … Continue reading →