Thursday, March 28, 2024

Oak Pollen Allergy Symptoms Fatigue

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How To Get Relief From Tree Pollen Allergies

Pollen problems: Doctor shares tips to alleviate allergy symptoms

First, letâs get it clear that the strategy to just âtough it outâ is a BAD way to handle your allergies. Your body isnât simply going to get better, and with allergy seasons only getting worse, so will allergic reactions and symptoms.

We hear from a lot of tree allergy sufferers, both jokingly and seriously, about how they need to âjust move out of Texasâ. The unfortunate news is that tree allergies can be bad across most of the country. So, unless you’re hoping on landing some sweet real estate in the North Pole or the Sahara, allergies are going to be a part of your life until you take the steps to conquer them.

Fortunately for allergies like oak tree allergies, you know when itâs coming and when itâs bad by just looking at the shade of yellow on your car ! Oak is an airborne pollen, which means that there are a few simple steps you can do to limit how much contact you have!

Symptoms Of Pollen Allergies

Everyones immune system is different and allergies to pollens can cause diverse signs and symptoms. This means that diagnosing an allergy can be difficult. If you think you may have an allergy, keeping a record of your symptoms can help you and your doctor to understand what is causing your symptoms.

What Types Of Tree Pollen Can Trigger Allergies

There are at least 14 species of tree pollen present in the United States. The most common culprits that trigger allergies and hay fever symptoms are oak, birch, pine, elm, alder, ash and juniper. Species of cypress, cedar and eucalyptus can also cause reactions in people with sensitive respiratory systems.

Tree pollen allergy season usually begins in early spring and lasts until late summer. Depending upon which tree species triggers symptoms, symptoms may appear weeks before or after another type of tree pollen.

Allergies can be triggered by an individual tree species or by a combination of various types of trees in a geographic location. In general, the United States has more types of oak trees than any other species, and oak is the number one cause of allergies. But there are many different kinds of oak trees, and not all types result in sensitivity to oak pollen.

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Does Yale Medicine Offer Specialized Allergy Care

Yale Medicines Allergy & Clinical Immunology physicians have expertise in diagnosing and treating allergies and immunologic diseases. The department schedules weekly conferences to guide care of complex allergy cases, so patients benefit from multiple expert opinions.

In addition, we conduct research to determine the molecular basis of allergic disorders in order to develop new ways to treat people with allergies. Our goal is to help you better enjoy the seasons as they turn by keeping the achoos in check.

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Tips On How To Treat Birch Pollen Allergy

Allergy Treatment in Houston, TX

We have put together some practical everyday tips for you, with which you can additionally prevent the symptoms of birch pollen allergy:

  • Attach pollen screens to your bedroom window.
  • Take worn clothes out of the bedroom. Do not let washed clothes dry outside.
  • Avoid too much outdoor exercise because the respiratory tract can become more irritated.
  • Wear sunglasses that fit tightly around the eyes. They protect the eyes from pollen.
  • Wash your hair before going to bed.

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Diagnosis Of Pollen Allergies

If you have allergic symptoms that seem to appear at certain times of the year, you should visit your doctor, who will ask some questions about your allergic reactions. You can also discuss your record of your symptoms. To diagnose your allergy, your doctor may refer you to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist.

Clinical immunology/allergy specialists can test for allergies using a number of methods depending on the type of potential allergy. To test for an allergy to pollens, the clinical immunology/allergy specialist may use a skin prick test or a blood test for allergies. The results will be interpreted and considered together with your clinical history.

is available on the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website.

Allergies Affect Our Patients Around The Clock

Most of our patients that have an allergy, especially Hay Fever/Allergic Rhinitis, tend to know they have them! They spend daytime during peak allergy season feeling the congestion, coughing and sneezing. Most people know how allergies affect their lives during the day, but not many of our patients are aware that allergies can affect the quality of their sleep. As you know from our other articles, the immune system is launched to attack allergens this frequent immune response can disrupt the body in various ways, including sleep.

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Effective Treatments Are Available

Seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor about medications that will relieve your symptoms. Although medications do not cure allergies, they are much more effective with few side effects. It is important to use them correctly, and to avoid medications that can cause problems such as frequent decongestant nose sprays or tablets.

Antihistamine tablets or syrups help to reduce symptoms , but they are not as effective in controlling severe nasal blockage and dribble. The advantage of antihistamines is their flexibility you can take them when you have symptoms, and avoid them when you are well. Antihistamine eye drops can also be helpful in controlling watery eyes due to allergies.

Intranasal corticosteroid nasal sprays have a potent action on inflammation when used regularly . These need to be used regularly and with careful attention to the way in which they are used. Different brands of INCS vary in strength and effectiveness, so it is important to read the labels and check details with your pharmacist or doctor.

Combination medications containing an antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroid nasal spray are available and offer the combined advantages of both medications.

unblock and dry the nose, but should not be used for more than a few days as they can cause long term problems in the nose

Natural products such as salt water nasal sprays or douches can be effective in relieving symptoms.

How To Fight Fatigue Related To Allergies

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Far too many people deal with constant fatigue today. Unfortunately, individuals dont always know what causes their symptoms. Fatigue often manifests itself during the day after a restless night of sleep. Its a vicious cycle that never seems to end. These days, a number of health conditions can cause fatigue, but few people seem to consider allergies as the culprit. Fighting allergy fatigue requires a comprehensive approach. Finding out the exact allergy that is causing the symptoms is the best long term solution.

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Avoid Common Allergy Triggers

Once you know what youre allergic to, you can work to avoid certain environmental allergens. There are many ways to avoid or reduce your exposure to allergens.

  • Vacuum often and keep your house clean. Regularly wipe down hard surfaces, vacuum carpets, and wash linens and clothes to remove common allergens like pet dander and dust mites. Change your air filter regularly, and consider investing in an air purifier.
  • Control indoor mold. Mold grows in damp, humid environments. Keep humidity levels below 50% in your home, and use cleaners designed to eliminate mold in the bathroom, laundry room, and other damp areas.
  • Dont dry clothes outside. Hanging clothes and linens up outside attract airborne pollens and molds. After washing, dry clothes and linens immediately in a dryer.
  • Wear gloves while you garden and a mask while you mow the lawn. Gardening and lawn mowing can expose you to many different mold spores, pollens, and weeds. Wearing gloves and a breathable mask can help reduce your exposure to these allergens.
  • Stop smoking. Smoke is a very common allergy and asthma trigger. Stopping smoking or reducing your exposure to secondhand smoke can help improve your symptoms.
  • Keep windows closed. Keeping windows closed can help reduce the number of outdoor allergens that get inside your home.

What Is Birch Pollen Allergy

With birch pollen allergy, your body reacts allergically to components of birch pollen that are actually harmless you will notice this in typical allergy symptoms such as rhinitis, sneezing episodes or watery eyes.Birch trees are wind pollinators, which means they produce particularly fine pollen that is carried for miles by the wind. The fine birch pollen can then enter our bodies when inhaled.For people who are allergic to birch pollen, the immune system classifies certain proteins in birch pollen as dangerous and fights them as soon as they reach the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, throat or lungs. The defence cells of the immune system release various messenger substances, which then lead to the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Read about different types of pollen allergy, the hay fever season and how our immune system reacts to pollen in our dedicated Health Portal article.

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What You Can Do

It might leave you feeling discouraged to hear about the links between fatigue, mood, and even cognitive abilities and allergies, but there are many things that can be done that could, in turn, benefit you both from an allergy standpoint and a non-nasal symptom standpoint.

We have come a long way in methods of treating allergic rhinitis. That said, everyone is different and it often requires some trial and error to find out what works best for you.

The first step is to take a look at your environment. With the medications we have available, it’s sometimes easy to forget that there are other methods available to address your symptoms such as avoidance of the cause.

You may also want to keep an eye on outdoor pollen counts and plan outdoor activities around these. Of course, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing stress management can make a difference all the way around.

Find Out Your Allergens

Houston Allergy Treatment

The first step in getting rid of your brain fog is finding out whats causing your allergies. If you dont know what youre allergic to, you should visit a doctor who specializes in allergies. Theyll run tests to find out whats causing your symptoms.

Common allergy tests include:

  • Skin tests. This involves pricking your skin with a needle to expose you to a small amount of an allergen. If youre allergic, youll develop a raised bump in the spot of the allergen.
  • Blood tests. If you have allergies, your blood will contain certain cells that show youre sensitive to certain allergens.
  • Physical exam. There are many physical signs of allergies, from skin irritation to nasal and breathing problems. These can help your doctor diagnose your allergies.

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Can Allergies Make You Tired How To Beat Allergy Fatigue

Its that time of year againspring means leaves returning to trees and blooming flowers. Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, it also means the reemergence of pollen, weeds, mold spores, and other common seasonal allergens.

Youre probably familiar with common allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes, but can allergies make you tired, too?

The short answer is yes, although it varies from person to person. Some people may just feel a bit sleepier than usual in the afternoon, while others experience fatigue thats so debilitating that it keeps them from being able to work or engage in everyday activities and hobbies.

Why do allergies make us tired, and is it possible to beat the fatigue? Florida Medical Clinic immunologist Dr. Daniel Reichmuth answers your questions about allergy fatigue and provides tips on how to alleviate your symptoms and start feeling more awake and alert.

Your Symptoms Might Only Show Up At Certain Times

If you have seasonal allergies, your symptoms should arise and go away around the same time each year. For most people, seasonal allergy symptoms begin in the spring and end in the fall. However, depending on your allergy triggers, you may experience allergic rhinitis in any of the four seasons. Here’s a rundown of plants that commonly cause seasonal allergies:

Spring:Tree pollen, particularly from oak, elm, birch, cedar, willow, poplar, horse chestnut and alder trees.

Summer: Grasses, such as ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy grass and Bermuda grass.

Fall: Pollen from weeds is the main concern in the fall months. Many people are allergic to the pollen in ragweed, tumbleweed, pigweed, sagebrush, Russian thistle and other plants.

Winter:Most people find that their allergies go dormant during the winter months because most plants don’t pollinate during winter. If you still get watery eyes and a runny nose during cold weather, you might be allergic to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, mold or pet dander.

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Allergies Can Worsen Sleep Apnea

Allergies can make certain sleeping conditions worse. Symptoms like inflammation and stuffy nose often cause you to breathe improperly, which can cause or worsen snoring and sleep apnea. When your airways are blocked or restricted, the lungs and even the heart struggle to get enough oxygen. The lack of air causes your body to wake itself up, interrupting your sleep sometimes hundreds of times in a given night. This explains the exhaustion that most people experience when suffering from sleep apnea, especially if allergies are making things worse.

Keeping A Record Of Your Symptoms

Live oak pollen allergies increase early | KVUE

Keep a diary that describes your symptoms and when and where they occur. Your diary could include information about whether your symptoms occur:

  • inside your home, outside or both
  • for a short time or longer
  • at night, during the day or when you wake up
  • at a particular time of the year
  • after you have been stung or bitten by an insect
  • after you have had a particular food or drink
  • after you have taken a particular medication, either prescription or over the counter from a pharmacy or supermarket
  • after you have taken a herbal medicine.

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How Allergies Affect Your Mood And Energy Level

Many studies have shown that people with allergic rhinitis not only suffer from symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes and nose, but from non-nasal symptoms, such as fatigue and depression as well.

Allergic rhinitis can make it harder to concentrate at work or school and affect your energy level and sleeping habits.

Unfortunately, some of these “extra-nasal” symptoms are more difficult to treat than the allergies themselves. Some of the major ones are:

  • Cognitive Effects

How Do The Different Types Of Tree Pollen Impact Allergies

Most people are aware there is a connection between pollen and seasonal allergies, but fewer are aware that there are several types of pollen. This article will cover the primary types of tree pollen, what symptoms they can cause, and how to prevent and alleviate these symptoms.

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Take Your Allergy Medication In The Evening

Antihistamines are a common and effective way to manage seasonal allergies, and modern allergy medicines are less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines. However, some people may still feel tired after taking an allergy pill, especially if they havent taken one in a while.

To help reduce drowsiness and feel more alert during the day, take your daily antihistamine in the evening rather than first thing in the morning.

Consistency is also key to reducing the drowsiness caused by antihistaminesthe longer you take a daily allergy medication, the more easily your body will be able to tolerate those side effects.

Not all antihistamines are intended for daily use, so talk with your doctor before starting or changing any allergy medications to make sure its a good fit for you.

How Do You Treat Birch Pollen Allergy

Allergy Treatment in Houston, TX

In fact, avoiding birch pollen is the most important measure you can take to prevent symptoms however, this is difficult to implement in reality, as pollen is often present in the air we breathe. Other treatment options are therefore:

Did you know that nasal irrigation involves flushing the passages of the nasal cavity with a saline solution? This makes it easier to get rid of pollen and secretions, and the symptoms improve. Nasal irrigation kits are available in chemists and pharmacies.

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Antihistamines Or Mast Cell Stabilizers

Available in a variety of forms like tablets, liquids, and nose sprays, these are great because they block the release of histamine, so you should see an improvement in common symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and hives. Try Claritin 24 Hour Non-Drowsy Allergy RediTabs.

Be sure to discuss these treatments with your allergist, who may also recommend allergy shots, prescription-strength meds, or carrying an EpiPen if your symptoms become severe.

Certain Allergy Medications Can Worsen Fatigue

Even though they work to relieve some symptoms, certain allergy medicines can actually make you more tired. Antihistamines in particular have been known to cause drowsiness, however, most newer, second-generation pills are designed to be non-drowsy. Still, it is important to always read labels carefully, and consult with a doctor if unsure which allergy medications may cause increased fatigue.

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Treatment For Asthma From Pollen Allergies

If you have asthma caused by pollens, your doctor will prescribe the correct medication and help you to develop a plan to manage your asthma. Make sure you follow your asthma action plan.

Asthma can be well controlled with the appropriate medication in almost all people. The main types of medication are:

  • Relievers act quickly to relax the muscles around the airways. This is the medication used during an asthma attack.
  • Preventers slowly make the airways less sensitive to allergy triggers and reduce inflammation inside the airways. These are taken daily.
  • Combination therapies preventers containing 2 different medications.

If you have an asthma attack, follow your asthma action plan. In case of emergency, call triple zero and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator that someone is having an asthma attack.

The signs of an emergency include when the person:

  • finds it very difficult to breathe
  • is unable to speak comfortably or if their lips are turning blue
  • has symptoms that get worse very quickly
  • is getting little or no relief from their reliever inhaler.

While waiting for the ambulance, give 4 puffs of reliever medication every 4 minutes.

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