Tag Archives: allergies

Healthy Halloween habits

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Halloween is supposed to be full of scary fun and games, but it can get real-life scary pretty quickly if your child has an allergic reaction, eats treats that have been tampered with or has an unfortunate accident when it gets dark out, so there are a few tips that could help your whole family enjoy the fun of Halloween without the hazards!

Spoooooooky Safety Tips

  1. Really impress upon your little one the importance of not eating anything until mom or dad takes a look. Smaller kids are more likely to chow down on something without realizing it contains a serious allergen, or a young person may take a bite of a homemade item that could potentially have been tampered with. The best rule of thumb is “no treats until they are approved!”
  2. Be sure to ensure everyone is wearing reflective stickers or clothing so they will be seen by drivers in the dark.
  3. Ensure costumes do not inhibit eyesight, such as masks or hats that can slip to cover the eyes. It is also a good idea to make sure the child can move freely without risk of tripping over their costume.
  4. Avoid buying your child costumes that have sharp objects like swords that your child can fall on, or those that are flammable. Flame-resistant wigs and costumes are the way to go.
  5. Think about using battery operated candles in your jack-o-lanterns so a passerby can’t bump into it and start a fire.
  6. While colored contact lenses may look cool, they can cause permanent eye damage or even blindness, so it is important to run any decorative contact lenses by an optometrist before using them just for a costume.
  7. Ensure all children 12 and under are accompanied by an adult.

Tips for Teens

Children old enough to go trick-or-treating without adult supervision should be sure to follow these rules:

  • Plan the route with their parents before going out and stick to it
  • Have a group of at least 3 and stick together the whole evening
  • Stick to usual trick-or-treating hours of 5-9:30 so as not to run into late-night dangers
  • Have a cell phone on you for emergencies
  • Put your phone in your pocket and look where you are walking!
  • Carry a small flashlight on you
  • Scan your surroundings continuously for suspicious followers or cars that may not see you
  • Do not enter any homes or vehicles to get Halloween candy

Well, that concludes our Halloween safety tips, we here at DocChat hope your family has lots of spooktacular holiday fun!

 

 

 

 

Non-Contagious Causes of a Sore Throat (Part 2)

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We’ve all had a sore throat at some point in time and wondered if we should visit a doctor or if it will go away on its own. Sometimes a sore throat is a result of a passing cold, but other times it may be a sign or side effect of an underlying health condition and treatment may necessary to help it pass. We checked out the bacterial and viral causes of sore throats in our last post, so now here are some other types of sore throat causes:

  1. Allergies can cause the mucus membrane to swell, leading to irritation and soreness or itching of the throat. A more serious allergy-related cause of an uncomfortable throat would be an anaphylactic (life-threatening) allergy response which can cause a swollen, painful throat, hives, swelling and difficulty swallowing or breathing. This condition is life threatening, so if someone is experiencing these symptoms seek emergency medical treatment for them as soon as possible.
  2. Idiopathic or hereditary angioedema (swelling of the lower layers of the skin) can cause swelling in all parts of the body, including the throat. Those with angioedema may have some trouble swallowing on one side of the throat but otherwise may feel okay. However, as with anaphylaxis, symptoms can quickly turn dangerous. If you experience extreme throat tightening, difficulty swallowing or breathing, it is important to seek emergency care as you may need to be given corticosteroid injections or IVs to alleviate the throat swelling.

  3. Sinusitis, rhinitis, and asthma are often affiliated with a related condition called post nasal drip (PND) where excess mucus slides down the back of the throat and gets stuck, causing frequent coughing, tickling and soreness of the throat. If you suffer from sinus issues or asthma and think you may have PND, talk to your doctor (or one of ours) about treatment options today.
  4. Injured muscles – Sometimes if someone has yelled too much or too loudly, or has injured their throat in some way, for example by swallowing a jagged piece of chip, it can be tender and painful for days afterward.

  5. GERD – Those who have gastroesophageal reflux disorder may experience the occasional sore throat due to the bilious acid that repeats back up the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth. This acid can mildly burn or irritate the throat if it happens frequently. Speak to your doctor today if you experience heartburn symptoms along with an intermittent sore throat, or if you know you have GERD but need treatment for your throat as well.
  6. Smoking and other irritants – smoking exposes your throat to thousands of chemicals and irritants, many of which are carcinogenic. It is common for smokers to experience a longstanding sore throat due to this constant exposure. Those who work in jobs involving pollutants and chemicals may experience similar throat issues.
  7. Rare causes – Rarely, a sore throat can be a sign of HIV or a malignant throat mass. If you sore throat doesn’t respond to antibiotics or other treatment and persists for weeks or months, be sure to see your doctor to rule out more serious issues.

There you have the common non-contagious sore throat causes. If you have any questions about the conditions listed in this post, feel free to sign up to DocChat today to speak to one of our experienced, board certified doctors!

 

 

 

 

A Peek at Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)

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Conjunctivitis (commonly known as ‘pinkeye’), is a condition whereby the thin layer covering the white of the eye and the tissue in the eyelid becomes inflamed. Conjunctivitis can have several different episodic causes, or can be a recurrent symptom of a larger underlying condition.

What Causes Acute Conjunctivitis?

There are various potential causes of pinkeye, some of which are contagious and some are not. Causes of isolated cases of pinkeye include:

  • Bacterial infection – common among small children (usually daycare and primary school aged), pinkeye infection is very contagious, often spreading through groups of children rapidly. It is caused by harmful bacteria such as E. Coli which a child may come in contact with and accidentally introduce to their eye causing an infection.
  • Viral conjunctivitis – causes similar symptoms of bacterial pinkeye but may last a little longer and cannot be helped by antibiotics. It usually affects people of all ages.
  • Irritant–based conjunctivitis – when a foreign object like a contact lens or chemical substance (such as shampoo) is introduced to the eye it can cause a type of reaction resulting in conjunctivitis.

What Health Conditions Are Associated with Conjunctivitis? 

Sometimes conjunctivitis is caused by, or associated with other health conditions. Some health conditions that may cause recurrent conjunctivitis include:

  • Allergies
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Dry eye
  • Certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Untreated sexually transmitted diseases
  • Rocky mountain spotted fever (RMSF)

What Are The Symptoms?

Symptoms of conjunctivitis may vary depending on the cause, but most often it causes:

  • Itching
  • Discomfort or pain
  • Redness and irritation
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Crusty discharge
  • Unusually watery eyes
  • Minor swelling

What is the treatment?

Some types of pinkeye can be treated and others cannot. If the infection is bacterial antibiotics or drops may be given in moderate cases. In the case of dry eye or allergies an optometrist can prescribe special drops based on your condition. In cases of chronic inflammatory illnesses that cause pinkeye, your doctor may change up your medication or prescribe steroid drops for the eyes. Be careful about using OTC eye drops, as some types contain ingredients that actually irritate the eye more.

Pinkeye Prevention

To prevent contracting contagious viral or bacterial pinkeye you should maintain good hygiene and avoid touching your face in public areas where contaminants are all around. Wash hands or sanitize before eating or touching your face and encourage your child to do so as well. Do not share makeup, and be sure to replace eye make up every few months to avoid old bacteria entering your eye. Wash pillowcases in hot water and detergent to ensure they are bacteria free. You should also wash your eye out right away if you get something harmful in it.

 

If you have any questions or concerns about pinkeye, don’t hesitate to sign up today to start a video consultation with one of our highly qualified DocChat physicians. Thanks for visiting!

Could Cockroaches Be Triggering Your Allergic Asthma?

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Are your allergies or asthma out of control year-round and you’ve been dusting regularly, avoiding harsh chemicals and taking all the other necessary precautions to no avail? You just may have a creepy crawly allergic asthma trigger scuttling around your home! According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the number of asthmatics who are affected by insects like cockroaches could be as high as 60%. Moreover, it is estimated that 63% of rural homes and up to 98% of urban dwellings across America contain a few of these little troublemakers.

But…But How Do Cockroaches Trigger Allergic Asthma?

Similar to the other highly allergenic insect (the dust mite), cockroach allergies stem from skin and body parts they shed, feces they leave around and from their saliva, so your allergy is not actually to the insect themselves. All this bothersome matter is unknowingly stirred up into the air as the inhabitants of the house move about, clean and go about their daily business. This can cause troublesome symptoms in allergic asthma and allergy sufferers. German and Palmetto cockroaches are the two most common culprits in North America.

Allergic Symptoms to Cockroaches

Asthmatic Symptoms:

  • Wheezing and shortness of breath
  • A nagging cough
  • Chest tightness
  • Sleep disturbances because of asthma symptom flares
  • Recurrent asthma attacks

Cockroaches can induce full blown, dangerous asthma attacks. If you or the person you are caring for begins wheezing profusely, breathing rapidly, having trouble breathing or has a blue tinge to the lips or nails, call for emergency treatment right away.

What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?

If you think your allergies or asthma may be irritated by cockroaches, book an appointment with an allergist to be tested for the allergen. This may not help if it is your asthma that is bothered, but the allergist will be able to determine whether cockroaches are making you wheeze. She may prescribe medications to help ease your symptoms, or suggest immunization allergy shots in some cases. The best thing you can do to ease your discomfort is try to control the infestation by cleaning regularly (even in tight spots, they like to hide), eliminate clutter, keep food tightly sealed and hire an exterminator to assess your roach problem and take care of it.

So, there you have it! We all knew they were pesky, but roaches actually may be making you sick! If you have any questions about cockroach allergies feel free to signup to DocChat today for a video consultation with one of our highly qualified physicians. Thanks for visiting!

The “Big 8” Food Allergens (Part 1)

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Nearly 15 million Americans have food allergies. People can be allergic to nearly any type of food substance however, 8 foods in particular comprise 90% of all food allergies, earning them the moniker “The Big 8”. These allergens are responsible for up to 30,000 anaphylactic reactions annually. Due to the prevalence of the Big 8, companies are required to list these ingredients on labels. Unfortunately not all other allergy foods contain such warnings. The Big 8 include:

  1. Peanuts – peanuts are one of the most notorious and prevalent food allergies. They are also the most common cause of food induced anaphylaxis because those who are highly reactive to peanuts can have life-threatening reactions not only through ingestion, but also through cross contamination or inhalation. Many parents give their babies their first taste of peanut butter early under supervised circumstances, as some studies suggest early exposure may lower risks of developing the allergy, or in the least will catch it right away before a potentially deadly chance encounter can occur.
  2. Tree nuts – Unlike most of the others listed here, a tree nut allergy is one of the Big 8 that is rarely outgrown. Some of the most well known tree nuts are almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts and pine nuts. Tree nuts allergies range from mild to severe, but are often serious enough for the sufferer to carry an EpiPen. Many people hear “nut allergies” and assume those allergic to tree nuts definitely share an allergy peanuts, but that isn’t necessarily true. Peanuts are actually legumes not nuts, so just because you are allergic to tree nuts doesn’t mean you are automatically allergic to peanuts and vice versa.
  1. Milk – Cow’s milk is the most common food allergy in young children. Approximately 5% of children under 3 years of age are allergic to milk. Milk allergies should not be confused with lactose intolerance. People with milk allergies have an immune overreaction to milk, causing hives or rashes to life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, whereas people with lactose intolerance are missing the enzyme that breaks down lactose, so their system cannot process dairy regularly, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms. Children allergic to milk most often carry EpiPens in case their symptoms advance. Many children grow out of dairy allergies.
  2. Eggs – Are caused by an intolerance to a specific protein found in hen’s eggs. It is most common in children under 5 and is commonly outgrown. It usually causes digestive symptoms such as swelling, bloating, nausea and vomiting but can also cause hives, nasal symptoms or in rare cases more severe symptoms. If you have an egg allergy, look out for: “egg white”, “dried egg” or “albumin” listed in ingredients.

Thanks for reading, please keep an eye out for #’s 5-8 of The Big 8 in our next post! Thanks for visiting DocChat!

Strange But True Allergies

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  1. Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis

Cholinergic urticaria is a reaction to exertion which induces hives, and is sometimes accompanied by acute hypotension which mimics anaphylactic shock. Very rarely, people experience true anaphylactic shock from physical activity, but the exact science seems to be cloudy and usually there are other contributing factors. Doctors believe that what the person has eaten and medications they’ve taken such as NSAIDS before exercising, combined with the temperature and weather all play a role in episodes of exercise induced anaphylaxis. There could also be an element of temperature sensitivity involved as well.

  1. Allergic Response To The Cold

A few unlucky people have an allergy to cold temperatures. If their body temperature drops too low or if they come in contact with a cold substance they can break out into hives or a rash or develop swelling in the area. Often the person’s reaction will worsen when the body starts to warm up. In more extreme cases the person can go into a potentially fatal whole-body reaction (anaphylaxis) requiring an Epipen and emergency care. This type of systemic reaction is typically seen in cold-allergic patients who were immersed in cold water of less than 39’F.

  1. Allergy To Water

Aquagenic urticaria is a rare sensitivity (to water) that is largely cutaneous. Symptoms include hives, a rash, itching or pain upon contact with any kind of water. More women than men are afflicted by aquagenic urticaria and most often the condition develops around the time of puberty. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, and no treatment will eliminate symptoms, only lessen them. Treatments include antihistimines, topical corticosteroids, emulsion creams, ultraviolent therapy or in extreme cases AIDS medications have helped patients.

  1. Allergy To The Sun (Photosensitivity)

Like the others on this list, a sun allergy, also known as photosensitivity or solar urticaria is quite rare. People who have this affliction suffer a reaction to the ultraviolet light of the sun. The reaction mostly effects the skin, causing hives, redness, pain, or scaling; sometimes the blistering can be quite severe and debilitating. There are different types of sun allergies, the most common being polymorphic light eruption. Most people with sun sensitivity have to take great lengths in the summertime, use much stronger sun block (sometimes prescription), use corticosteroid creams or take medications.

  1. Semen Allergy

Also known as Seminal Plasma Hypersensitivity, a hypersensitivity to semen can lead to itching, skin irritation, swelling and burning minutes after the encounter. Immunization shots can help people with this extremely rare condition. There have been less than 100 documented cases, but there may be more people out there with the issue on a smaller scale.

There you have it, a few of the strangest allergies out there! If you have any questions or concerns about allergies, sign up to DocChat today for a video consultation with one of our excellent DocChat physicians! Thanks for visiting, hope to see you soon!

Tips For Allergy-Proofing Your Home

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The beginning of Spring is a great time to do some allergy-proofing as it can go hand in hand with Spring cleaning. It can also better prepare any hay fever sufferers in your household for the season by providing a safe place for them to catch a break from allergy and asthma triggers.

Allergy-Friendly Bedding

Those with asthma and allergies should use hypoallergenic dust-mite-free bed and pillow covers. You can purchase dust mite sprays for added nightly protection from triggers. You should also wash your sheets at least once a week at a temperature of 130 F (54 C) or hotter. If you have a lot of allergies or moderate asthma refrain from using unbreathable bedding materials, or down feather pillows as there is a higher likelihood that you may be allergic or bothered by down feathers.

Tackle Dust And Dander

Avoid using dry dusters or dry clothes for the task, as they just spread dust around. Use wet clothes or damp dusting tools. Frequent dusting is the best way to keep allergy sufferers safe in the house (this is especially important during pollen season as pollen allergy sufferers may spend copious amounts of time inside). It is best to do the dusting while the sufferer is out of the house or at least in another part of the house so they aren’t affected. They should refrain from entering the freshly dusted rooms for at least a couple hours. If you have pets, keep them out of the bedrooms and other highly occupied rooms so family members who are sensitive to dander can have safe places to spend time in the house.

Prep Your House For Pollen

There are some general precautions you can take to provide a safe haven for yourself or a member of your family who has hay fever or pollen allergies. Invest in a good air conditioning unit so you can keep the windows shut and sealed all season. Avoid hanging clothes out to dry, as they will become covered in pollen. Avoid upholstered furniture, carpet or fluffy mats where allergens such as pollen can be trapped and not as easily wiped away as from hard surfaces. Clean regularly, and implement a no-shoe policy in your home so people won’t trek pollen through the house. The last, and one of the most important precautions you can take to de-pollen your home is to buy a particulate filtration system such as a HEPA filter.

Eradicate mold

Mold can be tricky, and can be a big trigger for asthmatics especially. It is important to routinely wipe down damp areas such as refrigerators or window panes. Humid environments encourage breeding of dust and mold, so the Mayo Clinic suggests, “Maintain temperature between 68 F (20 C) and 72 F (22 C) and keep relative humidity no higher than 50 percent. Clean or replace small-particle filters in central heating and cooling systems and in room air conditioners at least once a month.” Dehumidifiers are also good devices to have around, especially in damp basements that can be mold free-for-alls.

Other tips

It should go without saying that if someone in your family has asthma or an abundance of allergies, you should make sure no one smokes in your home. You can also avoid wood-burning stoves, as those can really aggravate asthma and some allergies. You should also avoid using scented products or scented candles in your home if you have sensitive family members. You may not realize it, but scented products can be having detrimental daily effects on asthmatics or allergy sufferers in your household. There are also several hypoallergenic cleaners and laundry detergents available!

We hope you found a few of our allergy-proofing tips helpful! Thanks for visiting DocChat, we hope you’ll return soon!

Telemedicine for Asthma And Allergy Care

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Spring brings plenty of seasonal irritants along with it, so we thought it was an opportune time to examine the benefits of telemedicine as an option for continued allergy and asthma healthcare. Telemedicine can be a beneficial means of care for many other chronic illnesses such as arthritis, skin conditions, diabetes or stroke aftercare, so why not asthma and allergies? Studies already show that telemedicine is making major strides in asthma day-to-day care and maintenance.

Technology Aided Monitoring

Our modern world brandishes advanced technology including sharper images, HD screens and crisp audio. These attributes make it easy to diagnose and monitor chronic conditions such as allergies via telemedicine. If a person suffers from worsening hives, they can send photos of the different stages, as well as show a telemedicine doctor via teleconference the condition of their skin. A telemedicine doctor can also clearly see swelling, rashes and bloodshot or irritated eyes. When it comes to asthmatics, the doctor will be able to hear any wheezing or breathing changes that may be present, making it easy to assess the state of a patient’s condition. He or she will also be able to see potential physical characteristics such as blue/purple lips or nails, or pale skin and under-eye bags which may be indicative of inadequate sleep due to an asthma flare-up.

Get Prescriptions Filled Or Changed

Based on the doctor’s assessment of the progression of the patient’s allergies or asthma, the doctor can alter antihistamine levels or brands, change up puffers, or prescribe corticosteroids if need be. Doctors can send the prescriptions straight to the patient’s pharmacy and arrange for them to be home delivered.

Continued Medical Advice

Sometimes, especially with asthma, patients simply need general advice, or reassurance on the status of their condition. If a patient is having trouble sleeping or feels like they may be breathing extra shallow, a telemedicine consult can help determine whether the patient should be concerned and seek primary or emergency treatment soon, or if they are okay and should just up their puffers and try to relax. This is a helpful resource as the person likely doesn’t want to waste hours in an emergency room or try to get a doctor’s appointment just to be told they simply need to temporarily up their puffers, especially since clinic environments are dangerous for an asthmatic’s weakened immune system. In this way, telemedicine doctors can act as convenience triage for asthmatics.

Convenience During Pollen Season

This method of healthcare can be extremely convenient during hay fever months if the person has a bad allergy to pollen, or if their asthma flares up because of it. Those who are hypersensitive to pollen will want to spend as much time inside as possible so as not to worsen their condition. Being able to check in with a doctor without having to head out into a threatening cloud of pollen and wait in a germy clinic when their resistance is already down would be a big plus for hay fever sufferers or asthmatics during this time of year.

Feel free to call, email or visit DocChat‘s website to set up a video consultation with one of our highly skilled physicians about your allergies or asthma today. Thanks for visiting, hope to see you soon!

 

 

How To Prepare For The Season Of Sneezes

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Spring is undoubtedly the worst season for grass and pollen allergy sufferers. Pollen allergies (commonly known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis) can range from a few sniffles to rare cases of dangerous facial and tracheal swelling, with a million degrees of severity in between. So what can be done if you’re hypersensitive to pollen? It may seem impossible to protect yourself against gazillions of tiny particles closing in around you, but there are measures you can take to minimize your springtime discomfort.

Advice For Mild Sufferers

For those who mainly get stuffy noses and itchy eyes, allergy season can still be unpleasant. Going through boxes of tissues and rubbing your eyes raw can be quite frustrating. Here are some tips for mild sufferers:

  • You can talk to your eye doctor about allergy drops if your eyes are frequently bothering you. Be careful when choosing over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, some contain ingredients that may make the eye even more dry and uncomfortable.
  • Try topical anti-itch cream if your skin bothers you a little from the pollen.
  • There are many OTC antihistamines you can try before going to the doctor. You may only have to take antihistamines as needed instead of daily depending on your symptoms. Allergy tablets with a decongestant can be helpful as well for your stuff nose, but only if you’re not asthmatic (dextromethorphan can be a harmful ingredient for asthmatics).

Tips for Moderate Sufferers

For allergy or allergic asthma sufferers who experience more extreme symptoms such as urticaria (hives), itchy eyes and face, wheezing or other similarly unpleasant symptoms from exposure to pollen, you may need to take more extreme measures to stay safer and comfier during the Spring:

  • OTC antihistamines can help for some. You may even be permitted to take some anti-histamines at higher doses than listed, however, only when guided by a doctor or allergist. Do not increase the dosage without first discussing it with a professional as each case is different and it could be dangerous.
  • Benadryl cream can be good for itchy skin and urticaria
  • If you are very wheezy, you should ask your doctor to evaluate your lungs to make sure you don’t have an underlying lung condition such as asthma. Even if you don’t have asthma, he or she may prescribe a puffer for you to take temporarily until the pollen (and your symptoms) have calmed down.
  • For your stuffiness and other nasal symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a nasal corticosteroid which can help by reducing inflammation of your nasal canals
  • You should pay attention to the weather and pollen count, and avoid going outside during peak pollen hours of the day

What About The Severely Allergic?

A small percentage of the population suffers from extreme allergies to certain pollen. They may experience extreme urticaria, moderate or extreme swelling of the face, body or even tongue and throat (if you experience mouth or throat swelling, call an ambulance or go directly to the ER). Spring can be torturous and frightening for these unfortunate rare sufferers, so more extreme precautions may be in order such as:

  • OTC antihistamines may not effectively take care of extreme reactions, so often doctors will prescribe a series of medications including strong corticosteroids such as prednisone to help those extreme pollen allergies get through the season.
  • Severe sufferers should take all precautions possible to avoid highly pollenated areas, they should avoid traveling to rural areas with more trees, and as often as possible try to stay indoors until the evening when the pollen count is much lower.
  • There are many particulate filter masks available now that can keep pollen out of the mouth and airways in extreme cases. Some of them are designed to look fashionable.
  • Keep windows closed all the time and avoid putting clothing out on the line to dry as it will become infused with pollen.
  • A good tip would be for family or spouses of the extreme sufferer to change clothing when they come inside to avoid getting pollen on the person.
  • Another tip for a moderate or severe allergy sufferer would be to invest in a good air filtration system to help filter most of the pollen out.

If you have any concerns about allergies, symptoms or medication, feel free to contact one of our highly qualified DocChat physicians. Keep an eye out for our tips to help allergy-proof your house!

 

 

 

 

Why Allergies Should Not Be Neglected

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Young woman blowing her nose while being in the nature

Exposure to common allergens like pollen, animal dander, weed, and even some foods makes your immune system vulnerable, thereby causing allergic reactions. You are likely to be at more risk to develop allergy when your body is weak and healing after suffering through a fever or viral infection. Even though it is the allergens that trigger allergic reaction in your body, in reality it is when you neglect them that they worsen.

Although there is no cure for allergies, you can however treat them in order to control them and not let it worsen. Since allergy is a form of chronic illness, if you do not treat it in due time, it will aggravate.

Here are some problems that you could face if you neglect your allergies.

· You are likely to develop additional allergies

Common symptoms of allergy are cough, watery eyes, sore throat, runny nose, and itchiness. With time, people who already have some sort of an untreated allergy notice that their symptoms have become much more severe and unbearable. This might mean that you have developed additional allergies. For instance if people suffer from pollen allergy, they may also suffer allergy triggered by foods that contain similar elements.

· Your symptoms are likely to worsen

Allergies are chronic and they don’t go away on their own. If you don’t undergo a proper treatment plan in order to control the allergic reaction, it is likely to lead to much more severe symptoms like sinus infection, ear infection and advanced asthma.

· You may suffer from life threatening asthma

Basic symptoms of asthma are similar to most of the allergies, except that they are on a much more severe scale. Almost all sorts of allergies result in the allergic person suffering from cough. If you neglect it and leave it untreated, your allergy is likely to turn into a much more serious problem including asthma. Symptoms like severe coughing, shortness in breath and chest tightening are common in asthma. Delayed treatment of preexisting allergies like food allergy may cause chronic asthma.

Whether, you are an adolescent or an adult, neglecting allergies can cause severe problems and diseases in the future. One should avoid exposure to allergens, and in case it worsens, you ought to have a doctor’s advice and treat it with medicine such as nasal sprays and allergy shots.