Ask The Allergist
Our "Ask The Allergist" section features articles that are reviewed by an allergy doctor, offering you the opportunity to learn about allergies and asthma.
Whether you're seeking guidance from an allergist in Richmond, VA, curious about allergy testing procedures, or looking to understand the latest in allergy care, our blog page will help you learn more about current issues and answer common questions.
How to Read and Understand Food Labels
Managing life with a food allergy can make grocery shopping daunting. Ingredients are always changing so it means reading food labels every time you are in the store. Whether you are shopping for yourself or a loved one with food allergies, knowing how to read ingredient lists and understand allergen warnings is crucial. Making a habit of reading labels whenever you buy prepackaged food is important to avoid potential reactions.
5 Myths About Allergies and Asthma
Allergies and asthma are common conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Despite their prevalence, misconceptions about these conditions are frequently spread. Understanding the truth about allergies and asthma is important for proper management and care. By dispelling common myths, individuals can better navigate their health journeys and seek appropriate treatments.
In this blog, we’ll debunk five common myths about allergies and asthma. But first, let’s understand what these conditions are.
Traveling with Asthma and Allergies
Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but for those with asthma and allergies, it can also be a source of stress and concern. Whether planning a vacation or a business trip, managing your asthma and allergies effectively is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
We’ve compiled a checklist of essential tips to help you be prepared to travel safely and avoid any asthma or allergy-related emergencies while away from home.
How to Prepare for an Allergy Doctor Visit
Visiting an allergist is necessary to manage your allergies effectively, but you may wonder if there is anything you should do to prepare ahead of time. Whether you're seeing a Richmond Allergist or any other specialist, the goal is to identify what triggers your allergic reactions and find a treatment plan that works for you.
Preparing for this visit is important, as it helps maximize the outcome of your consultation and testing. Here’s how you can prepare for your appointment with an allergist.
When Should You Consult with an Allergist?
Allergies and asthma are prevalent conditions affecting millions of Americans each year. In Richmond, VA, as in many parts of the country, these conditions can significantly impact individuals' daily lives, making it crucial to understand when to seek the expertise of an allergist.
Why is Richmond, VA so Bad for Allergies?
If you are one of the 100 million people in the United States who suffer from allergies, you are probably familiar with symptoms that vary depending on the time of year. It’s no surprise that where you live plays a role in the severity of symptoms, and Richmond, VA is known for being a hotspot for allergy sufferers as many seek relief from an allergy doctor.
How to Minimize Seasonal Allergies This Spring for Relief
As the warm weather approaches and the first buds of spring appear, so does the season of sneezes and sniffles for many. At our allergist's office, we witness firsthand the impact of seasonal allergies on our patients' lives.
What Causes a Food Allergy? How is an Intolerance Different?
Have you ever wondered if you have a food allergy or a food intolerance? Allergists can help answer that question. Identifying the mechanism behind food reactions is important.
Tips to Reduce Exposure to Pet Allergens and Find Relief
Is my cat or dog making me sick? Can I get an allergy-free dog or cat? Can pet allergies affect me even if I don’t own a dog or cat, or if I am not frequently around animals? Do I have to get rid of my pet if I do have animal allergies? These are common questions that I hear on a daily basis. Let’s explore pet allergy and answer these and many other common questions.
Is it a Virus or Just Seasonal Allergies?
Do you ever wonder if your runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, body aches sore throat, yellow-green drainage or sneezing might be symptoms of viral illness or bacterial sinusitis? These symptoms may leave you feeling sick without an idea of what you are experiencing, or how to treat it. You may feel compelled to call your doctor for a dose of antibiotics or to run to the store for some over-the-counter cold medicine. But what if neither of these options helped ease your symptoms? If this has happened to you, you may be one of the 24 million Americans suffering from seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis.
What are Seasonal Allergies and Common Allergens in Richmond?
In most parts of the United States, tree pollen causes spring allergies. Your nose may be telling you that tree pollen season is already here. Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. We saw Henrico’s first measurable pollen for 2019 on February 4th. Juniper and Alder tree pollens were noted throughout the first week of February when temperatures warmed to the 60s. Elm, one of the most common tree pollens in the Richmond area, was also present last week. Warm, windy days are more likely to have high levels of pollen while cold, wet days tend to have lower levels. Rain brings pollen down and out of the air. When pollen is low due to rain, mold may rise and cause allergies.
