Ask The Allergist
Our "Ask The Allergist" section features articles that are reviewed by an allergy doctor, offering you the opportunity to learn about allergies and asthma.
Whether you're seeking guidance from an allergist in Richmond, VA, curious about allergy testing procedures, or looking to understand the latest in allergy care, our blog page will help you learn more about current issues and answer common questions.
What are Seasonal Allergies and Common Allergens in Richmond?
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In most parts of the United States, tree pollen causes spring allergies. Your nose may be telling you that tree pollen season is already here. Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. We saw Henrico’s first measurable pollen for 2019 on February 4th. Juniper and Alder tree pollens were noted throughout the first week of February when temperatures warmed to the 60s. Elm, one of the most common tree pollens in the Richmond area, was also present last week. Warm, windy days are more likely to have high levels of pollen while cold, wet days tend to have lower levels. Rain brings pollen down and out of the air. When pollen is low due to rain, mold may rise and cause allergies.
Adult-Onset Asthma | Cause, Symptoms, and Treatment
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Adults may develop asthma symptoms and be diagnosed with adult-onset asthma. Adults may develop asthma at 40, 60, or even later. Allergies can cause airway inflammation leading to asthma. Adult-onset asthma is associated with greater symptoms and medication use compared to pediatric-onset disease.
Prevalence in Food Allergies and What Research Shows
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Yes, according to recent research by the Centers for Disease Control. Between 1997 and 2007, research showed an 18% increase in food allergies in children under 18. In fact, food allergy research has become a priority at the National Institutes of Health precisely because food allergies affect so many people. Continued research is important because even though some risk factors have been identified for food allergy, we still don’t fully understand why a patient’s immune system suddenly recognizes a food as foreign and manifests allergic symptoms. New research is working to solve these mysteries by examining the mechanisms of food allergy in order to treat, and even prevent, food allergy.
