Category: Allergy

Dry Eyes vs Allergies: How to Tell the Difference

Dry eyes and allergies are both common causes of eye irritation and discomfort. But, these conditions have clear differences and require separate treatments. Understanding the difference between the symptoms of dry eyes and allergies can help you differentiate these conditions and get the proper care that you need.  

Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition that happens when the eyes don’t produce enough tears for adequate lubrication. This condition may also occur in people who produce low-quality tears, meaning that their tears don’t evenly spread over the surface of the eyes or evaporate too rapidly. Continue reading “Dry Eyes vs Allergies: How to Tell the Difference” →

Pets are invaluable companions that provide opportunities to go outside, exercise, and even socialize with other pet owners. For kids, pets are an excellent way to teach responsibility. While the benefits of owning a pet are plentiful, many people can’t enjoy spending time with them due to allergies. 

If you’re allergic to pet dander, there are still ways for you to be a pet owner. There are many hypoallergenic pets that are no less lovable than the animals that give you allergy symptoms.  Continue reading “Great Hypoallergenic Pets for People with Allergies” →

Tips on Limiting Pet Dander in Your Home to Improve Allergies

Pet dander is one of the most common indoor allergens. But, regardless of the sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes that can result from our furry friends, they’re a part of our families. 

If you have a pet and suffer from allergy symptoms due to dander, there are strategies that you can use to limit the amount of dander in your home. By keeping the accumulation of dander to a minimum, you can continue loving your family pet without the discomfort of indoor allergy symptoms.   Continue reading “Tips on Limiting Pet Dander in Your Home to Improve Allergies” →

In the United States, approximately 8% of adults and 7% of children have asthma. It’s a prevalent condition with no cure, although there are many effective treatments available to manage the symptoms. There are several factors that may play a role in asthma development, one of which being viral infections.

There is more research yet to be done about the connection between viral infections and the risk of developing asthma. However, with current findings, it’s clear that there is a link between some viruses and asthma development, mainly in children.  Continue reading “How Viral Infections Play a Role in Asthma Development” →

Sinusitis and asthma are both common conditions that impact the airways. For people with asthma, a normal case of sinusitis can increase the risk of asthma attacks. Let’s learn more about the connection between sinusitis and asthma, as well as how asthma sufferers can manage their symptoms with sinusitis. 

Understanding Sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when the lining of the sinuses becomes inflamed. Symptoms of sinusitis include nasal congestion, a runny nose, facial pain or pressure, and headaches. Sinusitis can even lead to pain in the teeth and bad breath.  Continue reading “Sinusitis and Asthma: What’s The Connection?” →

Can Allergies Trigger Asthma?

Allergies and asthma are closely related conditions. An allergic reaction can trigger an asthma attack for people with asthma, causing allergy-induced asthma or allergic asthma. This makes it crucial for people with asthma to be aware of allergens and how they can trigger asthma attacks.

Here, we’ll discuss the link between allergies and asthma and offer tips for managing both conditions.  

Why Can An Allergic Reaction Cause an Asthma Attack?

Allergic reactions occur when the antibodies of your immune system wrongly identify a non-dangerous substance as a threat. As a result, the antibodies adhere to the allergen to protect your body, and the immune system releases certain chemicals. These chemicals can cause allergy symptoms, including runny nose, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. Some individuals also experience symptoms of the airways and lungs, which can trigger an asthma attack.  Continue reading “Can Allergies Trigger Asthma?” →

Summer Allergies in Florida

Summer is fast approaching, and that means summer allergies are on the way for many Floridians. Here in the Sunshine State, allergies can derail summer plans for many people, making it difficult to fully enjoy one of the most beautiful seasons in the year.

By understanding the most common sources of summer allergies, you can more effectively get the allergy care that you need. Dr. Kratz at Kratz Allergy & Asthma can perform allergy testing, and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve relief from your allergies.

The main allergy triggers in Florida during the summer include:

Continue reading “Summer Allergies in Florida” →

Many people still have questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Especially for people with allergies, the choice of whether or not to get the vaccine can be a complex one. However, the CDC has provided thorough information about the COVID-19 vaccine and allergies so that you can make the right choice for your health. 

Severe vs. Immediate Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions are considered severe if the person needs epinephrine (EpiPen) treatment or hospitalization. This is called anaphylaxis. An allergic reaction is considered immediate if it occurs within 4 hours of receiving the vaccination. Immediate allergic reactions may involve swelling, hives, and wheezing, among other symptoms. 

Continue reading “COVID-19 Vaccine and Allergies” →

If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms, a professional can identify the allergy trigger that’s affecting you and create an individualized treatment plan, but at what point do you need to see an allergist instead of opting for over-the-counter remedies?

Mild allergies such as hay fever can often be effectively treated with non-prescription medication, leading people to wonder if they need care from a professional. Here, we’ll discuss the instances in which you should see an allergist to get relief from your symptoms. 

Continue reading “When Should You See an Allergist?” →

How To Minimize Common Indoor Allergies

Many people associate allergies with pollen and the outdoors. However, there are many indoor allergens that you need to look out for, too. The interior of your home should be a respite from exterior stressors, so minimizing indoor allergens is well worth the effort. 

Here, we’ll discuss the most common indoor allergy triggers and what you can do to minimize them. 

The Most Common Indoor Allergens

The main indoor allergens that may be found in Florida homes include:

Continue reading “How To Minimize Common Indoor Allergies” →