What are allergies?
Allergies are an immune reaction to a substance that doesn’t normally trigger a negative response in others. Many people experience allergies, and they can range from occasionally troubling to nearly incapacitating based on the kind of allergy and your overall health.
What are the most common allergies affecting Americans?
Many American may experience allergies including:
Outdoor allergies
Pollen is one of the most common outdoor allergens, and it can come from a variety of trees and plants. Insect bites and stings are other potential sources of outdoor allergies.
Indoor allergies
Pet dander, dust mites, and mold are some of the most common reasons for indoor allergies.
Environmental irritant allergies
Environmental irritants can be both indoors and outdoors. Some common culprits may include car exhaust and cigarette smoke. Many people can also be allergic to specific substances that linger in the air, like perfume or hair spray.
Food allergies
Food allergies are very common in children and can last into adulthood. While some children outgrow food allergies, others have the allergy their whole life. Some common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat.
Dr. Ha can review or suggest allergy testing to determine what kind of allergies you are dealing with. Then, she can help you make the changes necessary to reduce allergic reactions and improve whole-body health.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a respiratory condition in which your airways grow constricted and severely limit breathing. These episodes, called asthma attacks, can range from fairly mild to life-threatening.
Asthma and allergies sometimes occur together. If you have asthma, it’s vitally important that you work closely with Dr. Ha to protect your respiratory and overall health as you get older.
How do you treat asthma?
Asthma treatment can depend on your general health and specific needs. Dr. Ha always customizes asthma treatment based on your personal triggers. She may recommend homeopathic treatments, lifestyle changes, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements, and sometimes home nebulizer and inhaler use in severe cases. She typically works with pulmonary specialists to optimize treatment while reducing chronic medication use and avoiding exacerbations.
Request an appointment or call Dr. Ha today get help for your asthma or allergies.