Top Five Food Allergies

While everyone needs food to live, not everyone can eat every food. This fact is never more evident than when a person inadvertently eats a food that provokes an allergic reaction. Nausea, hives, itchy eyes and shortness of breath can ensue if the allergic reaction is not treated in the proper manner by an specialty allergy doctor.

Known in medical circles as “anaphylactic shock,” allergic reactions to food are not just irritating but can even lead to death in certain circumstances. Here is a quick rundown on the five foods most commonly associated with this disability:

Peanut Allergy – Probably the most commonly known food allergy because of the attention it has drawn from schools and airlines, peanuts are a significant threat to the unaware. Peanuts are included in all sorts of foods as a filler and care should be taken to read food labels.

Shrimp – This allergy is usually ascribed to the iodine that builds up in various shellfish. Whatever the root reason, a shrimp allergy provokes an almost immediate and violent reaction from someone who inadvertently exposes themselves.

Milk – “Got milk?” Is a popular marketing slogan but it is more than an annoyance to those who are better off ignoring this oft praised but sometimes deadly liquid. Humans usually react most violently to cow's milk but others – goat, sheep and buffalo – can have equally dire effects.

Wheat – The gluten in wheat can cause bouts of sneezing, headaches and skin rashes. This allergy is more of a nuisance than a real danger. Still, it should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Eggs – Most common in infants, an egg allergy usually manifests itself with vomiting. By adolescence, this allergy will usually be dissipated.

For more information on the best way to deal with an allergic reaction to food or any other irritant, or prevent food allergies in children, please contact us at allergyarizona.net, or call us directly at 602-242-4592. 

What is Allergy Immunology

Immunology is a very broad branch of biological science. It is commonly defined as the study of the immune system. In medicine, an immunologist is a specialist who uses his knowledge to evaluate, diagnose and manage patients with immunological disorders like asthma, food allergies, sinusitis, and more. In Phoenix, immunologists is commonly referred to as  allergists.

Specially Licensure:

An allergy immunologist such as Dr. Habib-Khazen and Dr Alasaly had to go through years of education and training in order to learn how to treat and manage allergies and asthma.

Our doctors must complete a medical degree, and then, train as a physician in either pediatrics or internal medicine. Once training has been completed, the physician must pass either the American Board of Internal Medicine or the American Board of Pediatrics.

To become an immunologist, a physician must undergo an additional two years of study (fellowship) focusing on immunology, and  pass the American Board of Allergy and Immunology’s certifying exam.

An allergist/immunologist's education and training doesn't stop there. Because immunology is applied to several other scientific disciplines, new discoveries in the field are continually being made. To remain a certified immunologist in Phoenix, continued medical education is  necessary in order to keep up with the latest news and remain competent in the field.

The Role of the Allergy/Immunologist:

Unlike other types of diseases, allergic disease isn’t a condition that can “go away” easily. Some people dismiss allergies and regard them as a mere nuisance. Patients who suffer from allergies know that this condition can  be debilitating and  keep them from their daily routines.

An effective Phoenix immunologist diagnoses the condition and provides a management plan to help the patient manage his allergy or asthma better, reducing the number of times the patient misses school or work because he/she has to stay at home to rest. The immunologist uses different allergy tests to determine what a patient is allergic to and what triggers allergic reactions. These tests include allergy skin testing, pulmonary function testing, penicillin testing, food testing, chemical and food patch testing, and venom and stinging insect testing.

Consult our Allergy Asthma Clinics which are renowned for the quality of care:

When in need of comprehensive treatment options, you can rely on our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and staff to work with you in helping you better manage your asthmatic allergy or respiratory/sinus concerns. By working with our  certified and experienced team at our Phoenix clinic or another location, you will find out exactly the cause of your condition, what triggers your asthma or allergic reaction, and how you can effectively manage it.

Find out why 1000s of patients have chosen us to be their Phoenix immunologists!  Please call NOW to schedule appointment at 602-242-4592! 

Primary Causes for Adult Onset Asthma

Most people think that asthma is an illness that is a person has their entire life. However, the truth is that there are factors that contribute to the development of asthma over time. Most people develop asthma when they are young, but symptoms may not who until you are an adult. Called adult onset asthma, there are a wealth of cases where people did not present asthma symptoms until they were in their 50s or older.

The following are some of the primary causes for asthma to present in adults.

Allergies

Allergies results in roughly 30% of the occurrence of adult onset asthma. Regular exposure to allergens can trigger asthma symptoms. If you regular suffer from allergies, it is better to be cautious about the possibility that it could lead to the presentation of asthma symptoms.

Hormones

Like allergies, hormone fluctuations can trigger asthma symptoms, particularly in women. For adults, the times where hormone changes are likely to cause asthma symptoms to appear are pregnancy and menopause. If you find that you are experiencing shortness of breath during either of these phases, it would be best to check with an asthma specialist to see if the issue goes beyond just a hormone imbalance.

Illness

Different types of infections and viruses can trigger asthma symptoms, and it is likely more difficult to detect during these times. Even illnesses as innocuous sounds as a bad cold can result in asthma symptoms appearing.

Smoke

Surprisingly, smoking is not a cause for the illness, but it can provide symptoms if they have already presented. This is true for smokers and those who are regularly exposed to second-and smoke. You should probably be consulting with a pulmonary specialist if you smoke or if you are frequently exposed to smoke. Shortness of breath could be caused by something more insidious than adult onset asthma.

If you have been experiencing problems with breathing, but have not been diagnosed with asthma, that does not mean you do not have it. Call or schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today and get comprehensive testing and treatment for your asthma.

Could your Asthmatic Attack be because of your Dad?

Across the U.S., more than 15 million people over the age of 18 and another 5 million under 17 have been diagnosed with the chronic disease called asthma. A diagnosis of asthma should be taken seriously, as it can lead to a life-threatening situation without any warning. 

If you are one of the millions who are living with asthma, it's important that you know the factors that increase your risk of an asthmatic attack. Knowing those risks can be the difference that saves your life.

Genetics

A pattern of allergies and asthma amongst family members could be an indication that you will be susceptible to developing this disease as well. Know your family history to determine if this is a risk factor for you. Yes, the fact that that your mom or dad has asthma - could be a predictor if you are going to have it.

Prenatal Lung Damage

When an expectant mother smokes, the fetus is subjected to the pollutants in the same manner as the woman, during the critical developmental process. Was your biological mother a smoker? This could increase your risk of allergies and/or asthma.

Also true is the fact that a premature birth can interrupt the development of a person's airways. Anyone who is born earlier than projected could have a higher susceptibility to asthma.

Chemical Pollutants

Breathing in chemicals and harsh pollutants can cause damage to the sensitive air passages that our bodies need to survive. When you are working with these substances, wearing appropriate safety gear is always recommended. Otherwise, you may find yourself in further danger of experiencing asthma for the rest of your life.

For more information on avoiding the worst of the asthma and asthmatic allergies, please contact us at Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates, P.C.. 

Tips For Hiring the Best Allergy Doctor

When it comes to your health, do you want a Phoenix allergy clinic that is superb or so-so? Finding a great allergy doctor can help you more quickly determine the cause of your allergies – and identify effective methods of control that can return your quality of life back to normal. What are the tricks to finding this paragon of knowledge?

Research reputation.

The best allergists will get results, gaining great word of mouth. Forget flashy advertisements - they will hold superior online and personal reviews. Don’t be afraid to schedule an initial consultation to interview the doctor and get references.

Get credentials.

Board certification by The American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) shows an Phoenix allergy doctor has the training and experience necessary to get the results you need, and a lack of malpractice claims and disciplinary actions means your health is safe in their hands.

Verify experience in your condition.

How many has the allergist treated? Does the specialist work often with sinus allergies or are they only knowledgeable about certain types of food allergies, such as gluten. The more experience, the more testing methods, the larger number of patients served, the better.

Consider gender.

Gender-specific care is becoming increasingly common. Does the doctor have experience treating the allergy in your gender, or does your allergy involve an issue you’d be more comfortable discussing with a particular sex?

Love their location:

Does the allergy doctor in question have offices conveniently located to you, with scheduling that meets your hectic lifestyle? If these things don’t fit, you’re unlikely to follow up on treatments and get results.

Hone-in on hospital quality:

Is the hospital the allergist has privileges at top-rated and conveniently located? Both accessibility and quality can affect outcomes in situations in which hospital care is necessary.

Rely on respect.

A top rated Phoenix allergist will be open to questions, interested in getting to know you, and considerate of your treatment preferences and decisions. Asking questions and noting responses is a great way to gauge communication styles.

It’s your health. Find the right area allergist to help you. If you are looking for a caring specialist with a friendly, knowledgeable team behind him/her, please call us! We would love to help you!

Moving Beyond Your Mucousy Misery: A Guide to Visiting the Allergy Doctor

Brain fog. Puffy eyes. Constantly dripping nose. Sneezes that throw your back out. Wishing you took out stock in the tissue industry…. When you’re experiencing more than your typical allergies, a typical doctor such as your primary care physician may not be able to offer the symptom management you need. To get back to your much-loved and missing quality of life, enlisting the help of a knowledgeable and well-versed allergy doctor may be in order.
How can you attain optimal results?

• Plan ahead.
  Keeping a symptom diary on timing and triggers before visiting your area Scottsdale allergy clinic.
• Follow through.
  Make – and attend – the appointment. Your allergy doctor can’t help you if you don’t show! Be sure to ask about special instructions for you appointment for the most efficient use of everyone’s time.
• Be prepared.
  During your visit, be sure to have access to the following information:
  
  • Your complete medical history.
    This may involve a records transfer from other physicians to help your allergist paint a complete picture and understand if any lifelong problems may be contributing to your condition.
  • Your allergy history – and your family’s.
    This helps your doctor gain a better understanding on contributing factors, such as desert foliage, pollution, and other common contributors. Family history is also especially important in food allergies.
  • Your medications.
    Bring in medications currently in use, as well as those used in the past which have been effective, for your doctor to review during your visit.
  • Your questions.
    Allergy doctors like – and encourage – questions. Writing a list prior to your visit ensures you won’t forget any.

Though some general practitioners may be able to diagnose and treat your allergies, moderate, severe, or long-lasting cases require the attention of an understanding allergy doctor. Get the help your raw nose and antihistamine-laden body really needs. Find a Scottsdale allergy clinic near you today!

Tips For Hiring the Best Allergy Doctor

When it comes to your health, do you want a Scottsdale allergy clinic that is superb or so-so? Finding a great allergy doctor can help you more quickly determine the cause of your allergies – and identify effective methods of control that can return your quality of life back to normal. What are the tricks to finding this paragon of knowledge?

Research reputation.

The best allergists will get results, gaining great word of mouth. Forget flashy advertisements - they will hold superior online and personal reviews. Don’t be afraid to schedule an initial consultation to interview the doctor and get references.

Get credentials.

Board certification by The American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) shows an allergy doctor has the training and experience necessary to get the results you need, and a lack of malpractice claims and disciplinary actions means your health is safe in their hands.

Verify experience in your condition.

How many has the allergist treated? The more, the better.

Consider gender.

Gender-specific care is becoming increasingly common. Does the doctor have experience treating the allergy in your gender, or does your allergy involve an issue you’d be more comfortable discussing with a particular sex?

Love their location.

Does the allergy doctor in question have offices conveniently located to you, with scheduling that meets your hectic lifestyle? If these things don’t fit, you’re unlikely to follow up on treatments and get results.

Hone-in on hospital quality.

1. Is the hospital the allergist has privileges at top-rated and conveniently located? Both accessibility and quality can effect outcomes in situations in which hospital care is necessary.
2. Rely on respect.
3. A superior allergist will be open to questions, interested in getting to know you, and considerate of your treatment preferences and decisions. Asking questions and noting responses is a great way to gauge communication styles.

It’s your health. Find the right area allergist to help you. Contact a top rate allergy clinic near you today.

Going beyond the symptoms in treating allergies

Allergies are pretty common in the spring. For a lot of people over the counter medicines work fine, but that is just treating the symptoms. Immunologists say shots can help a person develop a tolerance for allergies, and even cure them. The shots are an extreme measure though, and usually only done when allergies reach a severe level.

The allergies have to be severe enough, but doctors say allergies can be overcome with shots. You get the shots after going through a battery of tests to determine exactly what is causing your allergies, and to what degree. She shots are custom designed for each person, and you have to be consistent in going to the doctor to get the shot each week for it to work. After about six months the serum, or the shots, can be adjusted. A Scottsdale allergy clinic will advise you on the best approach for your individual condition by performing specific allergy tests on you.

The most common allergies are grass and ragweed pollens. People are also allergic   to tree pollen, mold, dust, food and other things. Sometimes it is a combination of things, like ragweed and mold, that cause symptoms.

A daily pill that can be used for grass and ragweed allergies, which work as well as shots. But it only works for those two things. If you have mold allergies too, you will have to get shots. The shots may also be tailored to fit your individual condition, and can address both pollen and mold, or any combination you might have.

The goal of immunology is to completely cure the allergy problem by helping a person build up a tolerance for the thing that is causing an allergic reaction. If symptoms are beyond minor, or if they last all year, this might be a reasonable alternative. The shots do require that you go to see the doctor once a week, which is a commitment of time and money. Immunology or immunologist and Scottsdale Allergy Doctor will closely monitor your progress and adjust the shots as time passes to get the best overall effect.

Diagnosing asthma in young children is difficult, but early diagnosis is essential to reducing asthma related flare ups and complications. Doctors have an especially difficult time diagnosing asthma in young kids because many viral illnesses mimic asthma symptoms. A Scottsdale asthma doctor explains the signs parents should watch for in their children.

The most common asthma symptoms in children include coughing, wheezing, troubling breathing, and recurring bronchitis. Children with asthma may experience a tight or uncomfortable feeling in their chest. However this can be much more difficult to spot because younger children have trouble communicating their symptoms. Parents should be particularly mindful if they notice decreased activity in their toddler due to breathlessness. If your child avoids running and playing or becomes tired quickly and begins coughing during physical activity, be sure to mention these symptoms to their physician.  

Further complicating diagnosis is the fact that some children experience few symptoms on a daily basis, but experience severe asthma attacks on other occasions. Other children will experience mild symptoms almost constantly and show an increase in symptoms during physical activities or when exposed to allergens. Smoke and seasonal allergies are well known for triggering asthma activity.

One of the premier asthma doctors in Arizona encourages parents who believe their child is suffering from asthma or asthma related symptoms to consult with their doctor. Parents have the most contact with their children and are in the best position to recognize symptoms of this complicated condition. Early diagnosis is crucial to help children live full and healthy lives.

Have asthma? Why seeing a specialist is so important!

Family physicians and general practitioners are great for handling day-to-day health issues. But oxygen deficiency resulting from asthma symptoms can be serious business. That’s where a great Phoenix asthma specialist can help. What makes them “special”? An asthma doctor in Phoenix is trained specially for taking care of kids, adults or the elderly who are dealing with asthma and allergy induced asthma.

How much training does an asthma specialist have? 

Your local allergy & asthma clinic asthma specialist has received a minimum of 9 years of training, as well as an additional two year fellowship focused on either allergic or lung diseases. Types of doctors that treat asthma include:

·         Allergists/Immunologists
Treat allergic diseases, including asthma.

·         Pulmonologists
Specialize in diseases affecting the lungs.

Why so much training?

Because asthma is serious business. It cannot be managed with a simple prescription such as with colds, flus, aches and pains. Asthma is a chronic disease, requiring constant monitoring and attention for effective management and prevention of dangerous asthma attacks.

What are the benefits of seeing an asthma specialist?

·         Better management of symptoms.

·         Reduced absences from work/school due to asthma symptoms.

·         Less emergency room visits.

·         Improved quality of life.

Do I need an asthma specialist?

If you’ve been trying to manage asthma for months without relief of symptoms, an asthma specialist may be better able to help you keep the condition under control. An asthma specialist is an especially good idea if you:

·         Have been hospitalized for asthma symptoms due to the inability to control them.

·         Have experienced life-threatening asthma attacks.

·         Are suffering unusual asthma symptoms.

·         Experience allergy-induced asthma symptoms.

·         Have other health conditions.

Ready to start breathing easier? Find an Arizona based asthma specialist  near you today.

Things Your Immunologist Wishes You Knew About Allergies

It goes without saying enduring allergy symptoms is a miserable experience. Add to that allergy ignorance, and you’re looking at long-term suffering. Fortunately, that suffering can be alleviated. Unfortunately, your Glendale Asthma & Allergy Clinic may assume you have the necessary information to address the situation when, in fact, you’re seriously in the dark.

Shed some light on stubborn allergy symptoms with these potentially missing links:

If the immunologist at your local allergy and asthma clinic could get in your head, you might discover…

• You may be taking the wrong medication
  Avoiding the doctor with over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines isn’t helping. Prescription steroid nasal sprays and prescribed antihistamines work significantly better.

• You waited too long
  Starting medication prescribed by your allergy or asthma doctor after allergies set-in makes treatment difficult.

• You need some personal space from your pet
  Keeping them out of your bedroom will make a huge difference – as will a HEPA air purifier.

• Your pet’s NOT hypoallergenic
  He might shed less hair, but you could be allergic to dander or saliva.

• You DO need those expensive bedding covers
  Pillow and mattress encasings between 2-4 microns prevent dust mite migration for those with dust mite related allergies.

• Neti pots work
  Even allergists use them.

• You can’t outrun allergies
  No matter how far away you move, you could develop allergies anywhere at any time. And if you’re allergic to one kind of pollen, it increases your likelihood of developing allergies to other (new) pollens.

• You don’t have to suffer
  Though you might feel like it, you won’t die from allergic rhinitis. But suffering through them without visiting the immunologist won’t win you a medal. Untreated symptoms could end up costing you more in sinus and ear infections – and lost sleep. Stop waiting for spontaneous remission and get help. 

Tired of sneezing your way through the day? Find an allergy and asthma clinic near you today!

It’s a NEW YEAR!!! Time to quit suffering from allergies

The army of allergy sufferers in this world know how difficult it is to live with their symptoms throughout the year. Although there are spikes in various allergens within your local environment at different times of the year, leaving allergies untreated means you are often miserable. That's why it is important to trust your health to your Scottsdale Allergist at a local allergy or asthma clinic

Living with Allergies

This is a tall order for anyone who didn't grow up with allergies. At any time, your body can react to allergens. Sometimes, the symptoms get so severe that you don't want to get out of bed. Here are a few: headaches, shortness of breath, a feeling that your chest is swollen, clogged ears, a constant drip in the back of your throat, a scratchy feeling, swollen glands, blurry, itchy, and watery eyes, and constant fatigue.

Allergies have the power to affect your whole body. Oftentimes, it takes mind over body just to get through the day. And, if you have had allergies for any period of time, a daily antihistamine is not worth much more than a sugar pill. It only works on a good day when you believe in it. That's the placebo effect. The rest of the time, the antihistamine is worthless.

Long-term solutions to allergies, whether seasonal or year-round, come with time. Trust your care to a talented allergy and asthma specialist. Our doctors are caring people who want to review all of your medical history and treat you as a whole patient. There will be things that you need to do to adjust your diet and remove allergens from your home. The total effect of medical treatments and small lifestyle changes will be worth it. Without the effects of allergies, you will have more energy and start to enjoy life again.

Ask us how allergy relief begins. Our allergy doctors can help.

Things Your Immunologist Wishes You Knew About Allergies

It goes without saying enduring allergy symptoms is a miserable experience. Add to that allergy ignorance, and you’re looking at long-term suffering. Fortunately, that suffering can be alleviated. Unfortunately, your Glendale Asthma & Allergy Clinic may assume you have the necessary information to address the situation when, in fact, you’re seriously in the dark.

Shed some light on stubborn allergy symptoms with these potentially missing links:
If the immunologist at your local allergy and asthma clinic could get in your head, you might discover…

•You may be taking the wrong medication.
Avoiding the doctor with over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines isn’t helping. Prescription steroid nasal sprays and prescribed antihistamines work significantly better.

•You waited too long.
Starting medication prescribed by your allergy and asthma clinic after allergies set-in makes treatment difficult.

•You need some personal space from your pet.
Keeping them out of your bedroom will make a huge difference – as will a HEPA air purifier.

•Your pet’s NOT hypoallergenic.
He might shed less hair, but you could be allergic to dander or saliva.

•You DO need those expensive bedding covers.
Pillow and mattress encasings between 2-4 microns prevent dust mite migration for those with dust mite related allergies.

•Neti pots work.
Even allergists use them.

•You can’t outrun allergies.
No matter how far away you move, you could develop allergies anywhere at any time. And if you’re allergic to one kind of pollen, it increases your likelihood of developing allergies to other (new) pollens.

•You don’t have to suffer.
Though you might feel like it, you won’t die from allergic rhinitis. But suffering through them without visiting the immunologist won’t win you a medal. Untreated symptoms could end up costing you more in sinus and ear infections – and lost sleep. Stop waiting for spontaneous remission and get help.

Tired of sneezing your way through the day? Find an allergy and asthma clinic near you today!