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.

When my son was just one-month old, he developed a respiratory infection accompanied by a mild wheeze and rashes all over the face and neck. This quite alarmed our pediatrician, who is also a pulmonologist.

She told me that, although it was too early for a definite diagnosis as to my son being atopic or asthmatic, it was better to put some preventive measures in place. In retrospect, I am thankful for our pediatrician’s sound advice.

According to the WHO, asthma is leading chronic disease among children. It is also the most common cause of hospitalization in this age group. Because of this, experts are continually studying

Experts agree on the following measures to prevent or delay the onset of allergic diseases in children:
1. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 9 months
2. Use of hydrolyzed milk formulas
3. Maternal avoidance of allergenic food during pregnancy and while breastfeeding
4. Delaying the introduction of solid food, especially allergenic ones
5. Exposure to endotoxin

Hay fever is an allergic reaction caused by the pollens of ragweed, grasses and other plants whose pollen is spread by the wind.

Usually, rag weed season starts around August until around mid-October.
These months are probably the most dreaded for people suffering from hay fever. During these times, they experience severe allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red, itchy eyes and even fatigue.

Sometimes, they develop Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), where the mouth becomes extremely itchy and swollen when eating certain foods. The explanation for this phenomenon is that certain proteins present in these foods are similar to those in ragweed. Fruits and vegetables that may trigger an OAS are melon, banana, potato, cucumber and zucchini.

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“It’s called the hygiene hypothesis,” says Marc McMorris, M.D., a pediatric allergist at the University of Michigan Health System. “We’ve developed a cleanlier lifestyle, and our bodies no longer need to fight germs as much as they did in the past. As a result, the immune system has shifted away from fighting infection to developing more allergic tendencies.”

The body’s immune system is designed to fight infections, but also recognizes foreign substances as allergens. The use of vaccines and antibiotics has eased the immune system of the burden of fighting.

Even our homes have changed how our immune system functions. Air tight doors and windows – designed to save energy – have created an increased concentration of indoor allergens.

“The natural immune system does not have as much to do as it did 50 years ago because we’ve increased our efforts to protect our children from dirt and germs,” says McMorris.

He advises parents to just let kids be kids. Let them play outside and with friends, and don’t worry about them coming into contact with dirt and germs. But always be cautious with children with life-threatening food allergies, he cautions.

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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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