Common Allergens reputable Allergy Doctors in Phoenix Fight Everyday
Many people tend to use the term “allergy season” at will, but the truth is that allergic reactions only occur at certain times of the year. Allergy seasons merely denote that there is an overabundance of certain allergens. The fact of the matter is that allergens bother people all year long and can lead to various health problems; with that in mind, here are some common allergens that keep reputable allergy doctors in Phoenix busy all year:
Ragweed Pollen
The climate in Phoenix is perfect for the growth of ragweed, much to the dismay of people that suffer from allergic rhinitis. In fact, an article from the Huffington Post reports that ragweed pollen concentration in Phoenix is one of the worst in the country:
According to a large, nationally representative study involving two million blood samples by research lab Quest Diagnostics, allergies are on the rise — ragweed sensitivity jumped 15 percent between 2005 and 2008, while mold increased by 12 percent. And the overall sensitization rate to 11 different allergens, according to the findings, climbed almost six percent during that same time frame.
“The level of sensitization to these common allergens is increasing,” study author Stanley Naides of Quest Diagnostics’ Nichols Institute told USA Today. And, as with many things in life, it may come down to a matter of location, location, location. “The highest areas are in the Southwest, and one has to raise the question of whether weather is contributing to this.”
Molds
As the temperature in Phoenix begins to drop during the winter season, more and more people start spending more time indoors in an effort to stay warm. However, this increases their exposure to any molds that may have grown inside their homes, thus triggering their allergies.
Food
Food allergies are very common in children. In fact, allergy experts from the non-profit organization FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) estimate that one child out of every thirteen in the United States suffers from some form of food allergy. The most common food allergens include milk, eggs, nuts, seafood, soy, and wheat.
Most of the time, the only way to deal with allergies is to avoid allergens and to take proper medication. However, certain allergens, such as ragweed pollen, are virtually impossible to avoid. If you are tired of suffering from allergies every day, be sure to consult an experienced Phoenix allergist, such as Dr. Fadia Habib-Khazen, to see what other allergy treatment options are available to you.
(Article Excerpt and Image from 30 Worst U.S. Cities For Allergies, Huffington Post, July 26, 2011)