Tree pollen is one of the most common allergens in the United States. In 2021 alone, more than 81 million people received a diagnosis of hay fever! It's a serious issue that can dramatically affect your quality of life. Allergies can cause congestion, headaches, runny nose, watery eyes and more.
If you live in one of the worst cities for tree pollen allergies, you must take extra measures to manage exposure and avoid unwanted symptoms. Tree pollen comes from many different tree species. While people use the term "tree pollen" as a catch-all, some types of tree pollen will affect you more than others. Spring Pollens What kinds of tree pollen you deal with depends on where you live. However, a few different tree species cause the most problems around the country. During the spring, the worst offenders are oak, birch and cedar tree pollens. Other species can release pollen into the air, but these varieties have the most substantial impact. Oak, birch and cedar produce tons of pollen during the spring. The powdery substance is lightweight. When these trees release the pollen, the wind carries them to great distances. As a result, you don't have to live near these trees to feel the effects! Summer Pollens Not all trees will pollinate during the spring. Some wait until the hotter summer months or cooler fall months. The worst cities for tree pollen allergies have many varieties of trees. Therefore, allergy sufferers experience year-long struggles. The worst tree pollens in the summer include oak, mulberry, hickory, willow and cedar. These trees are most prevalent in the south but can grow elsewhere in the country, too. Fall and Winter Pollens Don't assume your allergy issues are over once the fall season arrives. Several tree species release pollen once temperatures cool in some parts of the country. Some trees will begin producing pollen in the summer and continue releasing it well into the winter! Some examples include mulberry and willow trees. Ash and groundsel tree pollens can also cause issues for allergy sufferers. Read a similar article about Aakash Shah here at this page.
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Angioedema is a type of swelling. While most people are familiar with surface-swelling like hives, angioedema occurs in the deeper layers of the skin. It typically affects the subcutaneous and submucosal tissue, resulting in a puffy and red appearance. The swelling most often occurs around the eyes and lips, but angioedema can affect the hands, feet and throat.
The most common cause of deep-layer swelling is allergies. When people experience angioedema from allergies, it's usually a reaction from histamines released into the bloodstream by the immune system. In some cases, the blood vessels in affected areas can leak. There are many potential allergy and non-allergy-related causes of angioedema. Here are the most common culprits. Animal Dander Those who are sensitive to pet dander may get angioedema from allergies. In this case, the immune system views shed skin cells from cats, dogs and other animals as a threat. Exposure triggers an allergic response as the immune system releases histamines. Pollen Pollen is another common allergen. Estimates say that over 81 million people in the United States have seasonal allergies. Like pet dander, pollen from trees and plants triggers an unwanted immune system response. The release of histamines is what results in angioedema. Insect Bites Seemingly benign bites from mosquitoes, spiders, fleas and other insects can cause angioedema. Swelling can be acute but usually occurs one to two hours after the initial bite. Negative Reactions to Medications Many medications could cause angioedema. Individuals with known drug allergens have a higher risk of swelling, but anyone can experience issues. The most common drug categories to cause angioedema include ACE inhibitors, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Environmental Exposure Swelling can also occur when exposed to certain environmental conditions. The most common is intense sunlight. Even covered skin can begin to swell shortly after exposure. Some people will also experience angioedema after exposure to extreme heat, harsh cold and water. Autoimmune Diseases Finally, angioedema can be a byproduct of autoimmune disorders. It can be a common issue for patients with conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Lupus. Read a similar article about shots for cat allergies here at this page. Virtually everyone has been or will be affected by rhinitis at some point in their lives. Rhinitis is a condition in which the nasal passageways become inflamed, and rhinitis symptoms can range from mild to severe. For most people, these include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, mild cough and sore throat.
Allergens and irritants in the air can cause rhinitis, but viruses can also cause rhinitis. The condition is called acute rhinitis when symptoms last for less than 12 weeks. Symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks usually result in a diagnosis of chronic rhinitis. Either designation will usually cause the same symptoms, but how each type of rhinitis is treated can vary based on how it is classified. If you’re dealing with rhinitis, your first step should be to contact your doctor. You will probably be presented with therapeutic options, including the following medicines to help with rhinitis: Over-the-Counter Antihistamines Histamines are produced in the body when the immune system comes into contact with an allergen, and these histamines are primarily responsible for rhinitis symptoms. Antihistamine medications reduce histamine production, thereby reducing your symptoms. Most antihistamines can be purchased over the counter at local retail drug stores, but prescription-strength solutions also exist. Prescription Medications If over-the-counter medications aren’t cutting it, prescription antihistamines and allergy medications are the next stop. Prescription medications are usually reserved for people who suffer from chronic rhinitis. If your condition is deemed chronic, your doctor may want you to undergo further testing to see if your symptoms are caused by something other than allergens. In cases where rhinitis is caused by a virus, additional treatment options may be available to alleviate symptoms. Homeopathic Treatments Homeopathic medicines, including supplements, may help reduce acute rhinitis symptoms. Homeopathic treatments include natural ingredients, and while most undergo minimal processing, some are heavily processed in manufacturing facilities. In some cases, combining homeopathic medicines with over-the-counter and prescription drugs can relieve rhinitis faster. Disclaimer: The above is not to be taken as medical advice. Always speak with your doctor before taking any medications. Read a similar article about treatment for allergy body aches here at this page. An allergy cough can be frustrating, especially if it becomes chronic. Allergy coughs are usually caused by a reaction to dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, freshly cut grass, food allergies, and other allergens. You may be able to relieve your allergy cough using home treatments, but over-the-counter medications can also be a big help read more
If you suffer from allergies, you may have just accepted that they are a part of life. Fortunately, allergies don’t have to be a constant problem as medical help is available. Different medical solutions work for different people, so you’re always encouraged to speak with your doctor about the treatment that’s right for you; however, you’ll likely find that both Wyndly and Nectar are two options that get mentioned most often. While both of these allergy treatments may seem the same at first glance, there are some key differences between the two.
How Many Allergy Symptoms at a Time? When it comes to treating allergy symptoms, you want the most comprehensive solution possible. This means your allergy treatment needs to be able to tackle multiple symptoms at once. Wyndly offers this ability since it was created by a team of leading immunologists using evidence-based medical research. Other options, unfortunately, only treat one or two symptoms at a time. This can leave allergy sufferers feeling like they’re constantly chasing a solution to get total relief. Ongoing Support for Allergy Relief Wyndly also provides ongoing support for allergy sufferers. Other solutions don’t offer this, making Wyndly the top choice. When you contact Wyndly, you’ll be able to speak one-on-one with a doctor who can answer your questions and provide guidance to ensure you get the most out of your treatment. Competing products may provide a customer support phone number, but you’re not likely to get medical support from these interactions. While only your doctor can provide medical care that speaks to your unique healthcare needs, it’s comforting to know that Wyndly provides additional support from licensed medical doctors for those undergoing allergy treatment. Wyndly Trains Your Immune System It should also be noted that Wyndly’s treatment approach to allergies involves training your immune system to recognize allergens and respond appropriately. This often results in longer-lasting results compared to once-daily treatments like pills and more prescriptions. Disclaimer: The above information is not intended to offer medical treatment advice. Consult with your doctor before beginning any medical treatment. Read a similar article about allergy relief from home here at this page. Do you find yourself getting into sneezing fits every spring and summer? If so, you may be looking at a grass allergy! Every year, grass releases tiny pollen grains. You might not see those airborne particles, but they get all over your clothes, skin, and hair. Pollen also gets into your system as you breathe, resulting in some nasty allergic reactions.
If you have grass allergies, here are some tips to help you avoid reactions and get relief. Limit Your Exposure The best thing you can do is avoid exposure altogether. Try limiting your time outside during the spring and summer, when pollen counts are at an all-time high. Of course, you can't stay cooped up at home for half the year. When you do go outside, cover up! Wear a mask, protect your skin, and avoid those allergens as much as possible. Then, take a shower to clean off what does get on you once you return home. Keep Your Grass Short Regularly cut grass is much less likely to release pollen. Those pollen grains develop when the grass gets tall and mature. Keeping it short is the best solution to limit pollen release. Consider hiring someone to mow your lawn regularly. Depending on where you live and how fast your grass grows, they may have to cut once or twice a week. However, that investment can make all the difference. Maintain Clean Air in Your Home It's not enough to limit your outside exposure. Pollen can get in through windows, doors, and your HVAC system. Keep your windows closed and upgrade your HVAC system to utilize HEPA filters. Replace filters regularly during the allergen season. You can also buy air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters. They will remove fine particulates like pollen, letting you breathe easier. Have Medication on Hand Reactions are bound to happen, even if you take all the proper precautions. Have some medications on hand to reduce their severity. Antihistamines are a great treatment for redtop grass allergies. They can keep your immune system under control. Anti-inflammatories can help, too. Try Immunotherapy Here's another treatment for redtop grass allergies worth considering. Immunotherapy can provide long-term results by slowly training your immune system to not respond to grass allergens. It takes time, but the results can be life-changing. You may notice fewer reactions and reduced severity. Read a similar article about oral allergy syndrome here at this page. You might not think about dust mites when considering indoor pests, but the truth is that dust mites can be found in virtually any indoor living space. These tiny insects absorb water from the air instead of drinking it, so they are often found in humid conditions. They can also cause breathing difficulties much like allergens, but you may be wondering if dust mites bite, and if they do, do dust mite bites itch?
Dust Mites Don’t Bite Before you start going on a cleaning frenzy around your home, you need to know that dust mites don’t bite humans. Dust mites can, however, lead to allergic irritation that can manifest itself in bite-like rashes. You may notice small patches of irritation on your skin when you’ve come in contact with dust mites, and these areas may itch and feel warm. Other Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergies While a rash may sound like the most concerning symptom of dust mite allergies, it may not be the most important. Dust consists of the bodies of dead dust mites along with dirt, pet dander, and dead skin cells. Mixed into this may be dust mite feces, which contains a protein that can lead to respiratory distress in addition to rhinitis symptoms like sneezing and runny nose. How to Treat Dust Mite Allergies If you’re concerned about dust mites and the allergy symptoms that can accompany them, you’re first encouraged to talk to your doctor. They will be able to provide you with guidance based on your unique healthcare needs. For most people, rashes from dust mite allergies can be treated with topical skin creams and ointments. If you’ve been scratching an area that has been affected by dust mites, you may need to use an antibiotic ointment to prevent an infection. For respiratory irritation, treatment options may include a nasal steroid spray and prescription medications designed to subdue allergic reactions. Once again, your doctor will be the best resource to turn to for solutions, so make an appointment to discuss your concerns before using over-the-counter medications. Read a similar article about cat allergies here at this page. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance from something eaten, touched, or inhaled into the lungs read more
Hives are itchy, uncomfortable bumps that usually appear as the result of an allergic reaction. Some people develop hives after being exposed to certain allergens, but they can also be a symptom of viruses. In addition, strong emotional reactions can cause a person to break out in hives, and exposure to extreme temperatures may also lead to the appearance of hives.
Treating hives often depends on the cause, but various topical ointments can help in many cases. Most ointments for hives contain light doses of antihistamine drugs that reduce allergic reactions. If you frequently deal with the itchy discomfort of hives, below are three of the best ointments to consider for relief: 1. Hydrocortisone Ointments containing hydrocortisone may bring a little bit of relief to hive sufferers. Hydrocortisone is available in different strengths, so you will need to talk to your doctor to have a prescription written if over-the-counter brands don’t help. 2. Benadryl Benadryl ointments may help a little bit as well, but be careful – these ointments can potentially lead to contact dermatitis. Before using Benadryl ointments for hives, talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe to do so. 3. Aloe Vera Ointments containing aloe vera may also be helpful to reduce itching, swelling, and pain. It’s important to avoid scratching at hives, despite the itch. Scratching can break your skin, potentially leading to an infection. Work With a Local Physician If you are prone to developing hives, you’re going to want to speak with a local physician who can provide personalized treatment options. If you don’t have a local doctor, try looking online to find one who is accepting new patients. For example, if you’re in Detroit, you could try searching the Internet for Michigan allergy treatments and specialists. A medical professional who specializes in Michigan allergy treatments can not only provide care for your hives, but they may also know about local allergens that are specific to your area of the state. Disclaimer: The above is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Contact your doctor to discuss any allergic conditions you have. Read a similar article about allergy immunotherapy drops here at this page. It doesn't have to be in the middle of spring to experience the discomfort of allergies. There are many types of indoor allergies. Everything from dust mites to pet dander can trigger a reaction.
Ready to win the battle against indoor allergies? Here are a few must-have products for your allergen-busting arsenal that can make a noticeable difference. HEPA Filters HEPA stands for "high-efficiency particulate filter." You've likely come across the term when shopping for HVAC air filters. It's a term that describes specially designed filters that can trap 99.97 percent of particulates that are as small as 0.3 microns. These filters can keep many common allergens under control, and they're a must for allergy sufferers. Air Purifiers Your HVAC system will do much of the heavy lifting as far as air circulation and filtration go. With a HEPA filter, you're turning your entire AC system into an enormous purifier. But room-sized purifiers can take things to the next level. These compact devices run quietly in the background to filter the air and remove airborne allergens that sneak past your HVAC system. Microfiber Duster You can suffer from many types of indoor allergies. Dust and dust mites are some of the worst. Regularly cleaning can help your remove allergens while preventing them from going airborne. But standard feather dusters won't do. If anything, they'll make it easier for particles to get into the air. To prevent that, use microfiber cloths and dusters. Dampen them with water and you can dust with them without any issues. Dust Covers Soft surfaces like pillows, mattresses, and sofas are great for comfort. But they're notorious for harboring allergens like dust, mites, and pet dander. Dust covers can prevent accumulation. They provide excellent separation and make regular cleanings a breeze. High-Powered Vacuum Cleaner Last but not least, we can't forget the vacuum cleaner! A good vacuum can do a lot to remove allergens. You can keep your home clean and dust-free. The best vacuums utilize HEPA filtration, sealed canisters, and other allergy-specific features. Look for a model marketed towards allergy sufferers. They're solidly built and take extra measures to ensure the motors don't blow anything back into the room. Read a similar article about home allergy test here at this page. |
AuthorAlester Brown is a certified immunotherapist. She advises people on personalized home allergy and skin treatment at home. Archives
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