Allergies & Immune Health
Does your body over react to foreign invaders?
Allergies are over reactions to substances that typically should be harmless. Your immune system attacks the “foreigner” and creates lots of symptoms in the process.
- 1 in 5 have allergy or asthma symptoms in US
- Over 50% of US population tests positive to at least one or more allergens
- Annual cost of 7.9 Billion for healthcare related to allergies in US
- If parents have allergies it is highly likely that the child will have allergies
- Food allergies in children increased 50% from 1997 – 2011
- Economic cost of children’s food allergies is nearly 25 Billion per year
- Eight foods account for 90% of all food allergic reactions
Food Allergies
Allergies or Intolerance – Either way they can make you miserable
True food allergies can be very serious and even life threatening. Food Sensitivities or intolerances are often referred to as “allergies” but are not true allergies. They are very annoying none the less and create lots of chronic symptoms that can impact your daily life. Sometimes the intolerances may be due to poor digestion, lack of healthy flora or inability to process the specific food type.
By identifying the aggravating factors – the symptoms of food intolerances can often be eliminated without removing the food. Other times the offending food has to be eliminated. Once you know the difference you will have a better idea of how to manage it. We are here to help you figure it out.
Seasonal Allergies
Get a breath of fresh air
The symptoms of pollen allergies are so annoying! Itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing, headache, and fatigue. The allergies that pop up depends on the time of year and the area of the country you live in. Hot, dry and windy conditions tend to favor these.
- Early Spring - the trees begin to bud. Spring allergies go into full “bloom” as more and more trees and bushes bloom.
- Mid to Late Spring – More trees and grass mowing begins.
- Late Summer and Fall – Grass and weed pollen allergies tend to bein late summer with weeds like Ragweed, and extend through the Fall.
- Go to www.pollen.com - For local pollen counts and what pollens are high – this may help you identify what’s bothering you.
Ear Nose and Throat Issues
We help to clear the air!
Sinus Infections
- Sinusitis is caused allergens, bacteria, virus, or fungus.
- Infections are often preceded by congestion from allergies.
- When the sinuses can’t drain, it creates pain – a “sinus headache”.
- Pain is worse when leaning forward and when you press on them.
- Drainage can be clear, yellow, green or pus-like.
- Acute sinus infections are most often treated with antibiotics.
- Chronic sinusitis is more challenging – it is best to find the underlying cause to effectively treat.
Eczema
Eczema by any other name would be called atopic dermatitis – either way it’s inflammation.
30 million Americans have eczema.
Eczema is a skin rash that often begins in early childhood. It can be mild to severe, localized to generalize. The itch can be so bad that you scratch until the skin bleeds – which makes it worse and leads to further inflammation. This is called the itch-scratch cycle and it is very annoying. In infants the eczema tends to occur on the cheeks, chin, scalp and trunk. Older children and adults tend towards the neck, elbow and knee folds, wrists and ankles.
Symptoms may include:
- Dry sensitive skin
- Redness
- Scaly area
- Rough skin
- Swelling
- Areas of pigmentation
- Crusting
- Oozing
Eczema can be triggered by:
- Allergens – dust / pollens / molds / pet dander
- Foods – dairy / gluten / eggs / soy
- Contact Irritants – detergents / soap / cleaning agents / shampoos
- Stress
- Bacteria / Viruses / Molds
- Hot dry weather and perspiration
- Hormones
Resources
For helpful information about Eczema visit the National Eczema Association.
Starting from Scratch: Easing Eczema and Soothing Sensitive Skin. Part 1 & Part 2
We can help you identify what may trigger your eczema and help you get the skin you want.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Molds, Dust, Pets: Year round – inside and outside.
Molds can be somewhat seasonal occurring most commonly in the Fall when the leaves fall and the weather is damp. Molds grow best in humid conditions so can occur all year long when the humidity is high. St. Louis is at the convergence of two major rivers which are known to flood so there is lots of mold here.