Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 45)

Dander is found in mammals and birds, Kao says. If you happen to have a pet lizard or snake, you’re in the clear. Myth: Allergies are not life-threatening. Unfortunately, allergies are more than just a nuisance. “Allergies can be life-threatening if the allergic reaction [causes] the airway or lungs or heart to function very poorly,” Kao says. Called anaphylaxis, these severe reactions require emergency care and are typically caused by food allergies or bee sting venom. Myth: There’s nothing that can be done. photography by thinkstock vIDEO “It’s amazing the way people just put up with allergies,” Calhoun says. “There’s a whole spectrum of things to help them with those symptoms.” She recommends seeing an allergist to get tested. “Allergies are not easy to diagnose,” Fineman adds. “And it does take experience, specialized training and the proper tools to really make an accurate diagnosis.” In addition to avoidance strategies, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription medication designed to alleviate symptoms. Another option for some patients, Fineman says, is allergy shots, which are typically recommended for people who have symptoms more than three months out of the year or have severe allergies. It’s not a cure, but rather a way to reduce your sensitivity to allergens. “Allergy shots are a very effective way of helping patients build tolerance,” he explains. “It’s really the only disease-modifying treatment we have.” Stay Away from Allergens Perhaps the simplest way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen. While that’s not always possible (unless you live in a bubble), there are a few strategies that may help. For pet allergies, Karen Calhoun, M.D., president of the American Society of Geriatric Otolaryngology, a pet lover herself, has learned an important lesson. “Never tell patients to get rid of their pets,” she says. “They’ll get rid of the allergist first.” She suggests always washing your hands after petting or playing with your pet and keeping pets out of the bedroom. If pets are allowed in the bedroom, she says, “put your pillow up in a closet, so when you go to bed, you don’t have a pillow full of cat hair.” For dust allergies, she says, first get a dust-mite-proof mattress and pillow. Second, install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home. If getting rid of carpet isn’t an option, clean regularly with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. If your kids have allergies, put their stuffed animals in the freezer. “That will kill off the dust mites,” she says. What’s Your Allergy Acumen? Discover how to deal with those pesky allergy symptoms using holistic, over-thecounter and prescription remedies. Watch the video at Parrish Medical Center’s online content portal, parrishmed.com/ vimandvigoronline. Spri ng 2013 45 http://www.parrishmed.com/vimandvigoronline http://www.parrishmed.com/vimandvigoronline

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
Your Bridge to Healthcare
A Night of Haunted Elegance
You’re the Star
Heart-to-Heart
Lighten Up!
Have No Fear
Work It!
Diane Keaton
What Are the Chances?
9 Symptoms Never to Ignore
When Allergies Attack
Virtual Health
Learning to Be Healthy
Community Health
Business Black Belts
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Parrish Medical Center