An allergy specialist, or allergist-immunologist, is a medical doctor that has undergone years of training to be able to manage and treat allergic diseases such as asthma. In the United States, before one becomes an allergist-immunologist, one has to complete medical school, then undergo three years of training for internal medicine or pediatrics. After that, one has to pass the American Board of Internal Medicine or American Board of Pediatrics. In the US, allergy-immunology is a sub-specialty of internists or pediatricians, where another two-year training is needed, and a certifying exam of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology should be passed.

Source: Wikipedia

Skin asthma attacks are caused by insect bites, dust, contact with grass and certain animals, or food. The skin becomes itchy, become swollen and breaks – the wound doesn’t bleed but it produces fluids that actually protect the skin from infection.

A common treatment for open wounds due to skin asthma is potassium permanganate dissolved in hot water. The affected area is washed with the solution while it is hot, but tolerable. It helps in healing the wound and making it dry. A special cream formulated by a dermatologist is then applied to the open wound and is kept exposed to air until it dries.

The most common allergy triggers are pollen, pets, dust mites, insect stings , molds, food, latex, medicines, fragrance, and cockroaches.

Pets trigger allergies not because of its fine fur, but the proteins secreted by oil glands in the animal’s skin and saliva. To avoid allergic reactions to pets, bathe the animal at least once a week, avoid carpets and do not allow the pet in the bedroom.

Dust mites live in house dust and feed on human and animal dead skin cells, pollen, bacteria and fungi. It accumulates in pillows, carpets, stuffed toys – such items should be washed at least once a week in hot water.

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Preventive strategies are suggested by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health:

- Don’t smoke.
- If already a smoker, start your journey to quit smoking, and seek support from these websites: National Cancer Institute, Nicotine Anonymous, American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control, American Cancer Society.
- Look for non-smoking areas in public places such as restaurants, movie houses, etc.
- Do not smoke in enclosed areas, and avoid smoking in the presence of other people who may be exposed to second- hand smoke.

(source: Wikipedia)

True to all disease and illnesses – prevention is the best cure. For “asthmatics”, or people with an asthma condition, they can choose to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy more years free of asthma attacks.

Proper diet and exercise is a must. Although an appropriate exercise plan should be discussed with a doctor to avoid triggers, and a dietician or nutritionist can come up with the right diet plan. Smoking is definitely a no-no for those with lung asthma.

Be aware what triggers an asthma attack – and avoid it. Involve the family so they can make the necessary adjustments like cleaning more often or replacing the carpet with hardwood floorings.

Stick with your treatment. Be disciplined and you’ll be worry free.

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When children with allergies reach school age, they are more exposed to allergens and bacteria that can trigger symptoms. The most common are nasal allergies, where symptoms include runny nose and sneezing. This is usually triggered by pollen from plants and trees, dust and mold.

Once your allergic child starts school, take time to talk with the teachers and the school’s nurse. If your child is allergic to certain foods, you may also want to talk with the person in charge with the canteen. Ask them to inform you of any symptom or changes in your child’s performance, which may be associated with his condition.

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Certain jobs expose you to environments where molds thrive like logging, baking, mill work, carpentry, plumbing, gardening, house cleaning, carpet washing and furniture repair. People allergic to molds should take caution, or prepare doctor recommended remedies just in case symptoms start to show.

Mold or fungi grow both indoors and outdoors, and is related to moisture. Molds grow where moisture is, and is not dependent on seasons, unlike pollen which is more concentrated during spring to fall.

Mold spores spread when the molds ripen. It is usually seen in dark, moist, humid rooms like the basement, bathroom, under the kitchen sink, and ceilings if the roof has leaks. It also grows in carpets and walls. Rooms should be well ventilated to allow moisture to evaporate. Carpets, ceilings, walls and floors should always be kept dry, and make sure clothes placed in cabinets are totally dry.

Skin testing is also called puncture or prick testing. Allergen samples are introduced to the patient’s skin. Only a small amount is placed to avoid a full blown allergic reaction. Usual area for skin test is inside the forearm. Within 30 minutes, an inflammatory reaction will occur if the patient is allergic to the substance. Allergists interpret the reaction.

If a patient has had a history of a life threatening allergic reaction, a blood test is preferred.