As allergy specialists Centreville, VA patients trust may attest, while it is possible to be allergic to alcoholic beverages, an alcohol allergy is relatively rare. Most of the time, it is an intolerance and not an allergy to the alcohol that is bothersome to an individual. An intolerance is basically an unwanted side effect of the alcohol.
True alcohol allergies can occur and generally are not an allergic reaction to the alcohol itself, but more likely an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the alcoholic beverage. Some of the ingredients that may cause a true food allergy include barley, rye, wheat, corn, hops, grapes, egg, and yeast. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and can be the same symptoms that one experiences with alcohol intolerance (discussed below), which is why contacting an allergy specialist Centreville, VA has to offer may be crucial.
Most individuals that have reactions from drinking alcohol, however, have alcohol intolerance. Some of the symptoms commonly associated with alcohol intolerance may include facial flushing, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath, generalized itching (pruritus), hives (urticaria), swelling (angioedema), decreased blood pressure, and/or anaphylaxis.
If you speak to an allergy specialist in Centreville, VA, they might mention some of the following causes of alcohol intolerance which include:
Sulfites: Sulfites are put into most bottles of wine to act as a preservative. Note that one can buy sulfite-free wine, but the supply is much more limited than wines that contain sulfites. Sulfites are found in many other foods, medications, and vaccines. Many individuals are sensitive to sulfites and this preservative can cause hives, swelling, and even anaphylaxis in very sensitive individuals. An estimated 5-10% of asthmatics have the propensity for sulfites to exacerbate their asthma. Sulfites may be labeled as sodium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfite, potassium metabisulfite, potassium bisulfite, or sulfur dioxide (which technically is not a sulfite, but is a close relative).
Inactivated Aldehyde Dehydrogenase: Aldehyde dehydrogenase is an enzyme that breaks down alcohol to acetic acid (i.e., vinegar). Some individuals have a genetic mutation that inactivates this enzyme which results in a flushed face and body during the consumption of alcohol. They may also experience rapid heart rate, nausea, and/or headache. In these people, alcohol is not broken down into acetic acid, and as a consequence, there is a build-up of acetaldehyde which is the cause of the flushing. This mutation is more common in individuals of Asian descent as approximately 35% of East Asians have this condition and thus is sometimes referred to as “Asian flush syndrome.” The gene change responsible for this mutation is thought to be linked with the domestication of rice, several hundreds of years ago in southern China. The flushing syndrome is associated with a lower rate of alcoholism, probably due to the adverse effects when drinking alcohol, as well as an increase risk to esophageal cancer in those individuals who drink.
Histamine: Top allergy specialists Centreville, VA residents turn to should know that alcoholic drinks contain the chemical histamine, which is generated by the fermenting of yeast. Histamine is released into the bloodstream in a normal allergic reaction and is attributable for many of the symptoms found in hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Histamine found in alcoholic beverages are primarily responsible for the nasal congestion that one notices while drinking alcohol.
An Underlying Medical Condition: Hives and/or swelling can be exacerbated in patients with chronic hives (chronic urticaria) and/or swelling (angioedema). Likewise, patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers are more likely to have alcohol-induced pain. Individuals using medications such as Antabuse (i.e., disulfiram), Flagyl (i.e., metronidazole), and tinidazole (i.e., Tindamax, Fasigyn, Simplotan). Antabuse inhibits the enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase, thus causing the same flushing, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and/or headaches found in the flushing syndrome mentioned above. Flagyl and Tindamax both are anti-parasitic medications and Flagyl is also used as an antibiotic. Both of these medications interfere with the breakdown of alcohol and cause symptoms such as flushing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, sweating, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and liver damage. Keep in mind that small amounts of alcohol (e.g., 1 tablespoon) are all that is needed to cause reactions when mixed with these medications. Many over the counter oral and topical products contain alcohol such as colognes, aftershaves, cough syrups, mouthwashes, etc. and should be avoided while taking Flagyl and/or Tindamax. There may also be other medications that should not be taken together with alcohol. As experienced allergy specialists Centreville, VA patients recommend highly, it is important to read the warnings on all prescription bottles from the pharmacy to ensure one’s safety.
Contact a Top Centreville, VA Allergy Specialist Today
If you have had an untoward reaction or side effect from consuming alcohol, please call the board certified allergists at Black & Kletz Allergy to schedule an appointment. Food testing can be done to rule out an actual food allergy that is present in all alcoholic drinks. Black & Kletz Allergy has 3 offices in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area located in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA. All 3 locations offer on-site parking. In addition, the Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are Metro accessible with a free shuttle available that runs between the McLean, VA office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. To make an appointment, please call us or alternatively, you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours by the next business day. Black & Kletz Allergy has been providing high quality allergy and asthma care to the DC metro community for more than a half century. If you have experienced alcohol allergies or intolerance, turn to allergy specialists Centreville, VA is proud to have in its community.
September may be the month to consult an allergy specialist Centreville VA patients turn to, as ragweed pollen counts peak and wreak havoc in allergic individuals in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area including the following cities in Northern Virginia: McLean, VA, Tysons Corner, VA, Vienna, VA, Fairfax, VA, Arlington, VA, Great Falls, VA, Falls Church, VA, Annandale, VA, Alexandria, VA, Reston, VA, Herndon, VA, Sterling, VA, Oakton, VA, Burke, VA, Manassas, VA, Centreville, VA, Chantilly, VA, Gainesville, VA, Haymarket, VA, Warrenton, VA, Springfield, VA, Dumfries, VA, Culpeper, VA, Ashburn, VA, Leesburg, VA, Purcellville, VA. Ragweed also affects the surrounding Maryland cities such as Bethesda, MD, Chevy Chase, MD, Potomac, MD, Great Falls, MD, Gaithersburg, MD, Rockville, MD, Darnestown, MD, Germantown, MD, Olney, MD, Silver Spring, MD, Wheaton, MD, College Park, MD, Hyattsville, MD, Beltsville, MD, Bowie, MD, Clinton, MD, Annapolis, MD, Columbia, MD, and Baltimore, MD. In the DC metropolitan area, ragweed begins to pollinate in mid-September and ends at the first frost which is usually at the end of October.
What is Ragweed?
As an allergy specialist Centreville, VA has to offer might attest, ragweed is a tough and hardy soft-stemmed weed that can grow well along roadsides, riverbanks, vacant lots, and fields. It belongs to a genus called Ambrosia and there are 17 different species of ragweed. The height of the plants generally range from about 3 inches to 12 feet.
The plants mature in mid-Summer and produce small flowers. Warmth, decreased humidity, and active breezes after sunrise help create the ideal environment for ragweed flowers to release their pollen. Each individual plant can release up to one billion pollen grains. Though most of the released pollen stays in the general area, some grains can travel as many as 500 miles in dry and windy conditions. This helps explain why pollen counts are usually lowest on rainy days and cool mornings. Individual plants pollinate only for one season but the seeds survive in the soil from year to year producing fresh crops each year. Over the past decade, the EPA has noticed a prolonged ragweed season in the Washington, DC area. Climate changes and increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere may play a role in this prolongation of the ragweed season.
How Does it Cause Allergies?
Though ragweed pollen is generally harmless, in a genetically susceptible individual, the immune system can mistake it as potentially dangerous invader and mount a defensive attack. This process triggers antigen (ragweed) vs. antibody (immunoglobulin) reactions on exposure, resulting in the release of chemical mediators like histamine which are responsible for the classic annoying hay fever and/or asthma symptoms. An estimated 15% of all Americans are sensitive to ragweed. As an allergy specialist in Centreville VA may explain, the risk of developing sensitivity is higher in people with other types of allergic disorders like eczema (i.e., atopic dermatitis) and asthma and in those with a family history of similar disorders.
Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, and/or shortness of breath
Sinus pressure and/or headaches
Fatigue
Snoring
Clogging and/or popping of the ears
Though “hay fever” is the term commonly in vogue, “seasonal allergic rhinitis” is a more accurate description of the condition.
Oral allergy syndrome (i.e., Pollen-food allergy syndrome) is a condition where one experiences itching of the lips, mouth, and/or throat after eating fresh fruits and/or vegetables. The cause of the phenomenon is a cross-reactivity between similar proteins in the pollen and the fruits and/or vegetables. Ragweed pollen typically cross-reacts with melons, bananas, cucumbers, avocados, kiwi, and zucchini.
How is it Diagnosed?
An allergy specialist Centreville, VA residents turn to for help will take a thorough history and physical examination. A simple allergy skin test can be performed by applying the diluted allergen (ragweed) to the surface of the skin. A raised, itchy, red bump after 15 to 20 minutes at the site of application confirms sensitivity to the allergen. Alternatively, a blood test can also be done.
What Can Be Done to Minimize the Symptoms?
Keeping track of pollen counts and avoiding outdoor activities to the possible extent on high pollen days.
Keeping the windows closed in homes and automobiles and running air-conditioning.
Changing clothes and showering before going to bed.
If the symptoms are bothersome in spite of environmental control, several medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops, and inhalers may be needed. Keep in mind that most medications only mask the symptoms without treating the underlying cause and can cause undesirable side effects. Many individuals also become tolerant to an antihistamine and what had helped initially becomes ineffective.
Allergen immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots, allergy injections, allergy desensitization) is a process of increasing tolerance to the allergens by exposing the immune system to gradually increasing the concentrations of the antigen at regular intervals. This process has the potential to offer long-term benefit to many people who experience bothersome symptoms every year. Allergy shots are effective in 80-85% of individuals and have been used in the U.S. for over 100 years.
A Centreville, VA allergy specialist at Black & Kletz Allergy can treat both adults and children with ragweed allergies in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area. We have convenient offices in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA that all offer on-site parking. The Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are Metro accessible and there is a free shuttle between the McLean, VA office and the Springhill metro station on the silver line. Please call us for an appointment or alternatively you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours by the next business day. We can also answer your questions and concerns about other allergic and immunologic disorders, since we have been providing allergy, asthma, and immunology care to the local community for over 50 years. If you’re looking for an allergy specialist Centreville, VA patients recommend, turn to a board certified allergist at Black & Kletz Allergy.
Everyone has had an itch here or there, but as an allergist Washington DC patients rely on might attest, generalized itching (itching all over the body) does not occur in everyone. Generalized itching (i.e., pruritus) is not uncommon and is very annoying to the person suffering from this condition. It often may be associated with hives (i.e., urticaria), and/or angioedema (i.e., swelling). The intensity of the itching can range from mild to very severe. It can be so bothersome that it decreases the quality of life for that individual.
In many cases, the generalized itching is short-lived and subsides in a couple of days. In a number of cases, however, it persists more than a couple of days and the duration can last for years in extreme cases. Most individuals have tried over-the-counter topical creams and/or oral medications with minimal or no effect by the time they seek help from an allergist Washington DC patients trust.
The board certified allergist at Black & Kletz Allergy have seen and treated thousands of cases of generalized pruritus throughout the years in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area. Our 3 office locations in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA affords us the opportunity to treat patients in such adjacent Northern Virginia cities, some of which include Arlington, VA, Alexandria, VA, Falls Church, VA, Vienna, VA, Great Falls, VA, Reston, VA, Herndon, VA, Sterling, VA, Annandale, VA, Oakton, VA, Burke, VA, Centreville, VA, Haymarket, VA, Chantilly, VA, Gainesville, VA, Fairfax, VA, Springfield, VA, Warrenton, VA, Dumfries, VA, Culpeper, VA, Ashburn, VA, Leesburg, VA, and Purcellville, VA. In addition, we also treat many patients from Maryland due to its proximity to our offices largely from the following cities: Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, Potomac, MD, Great Falls, MD, Rockville, MD, Gaithersburg, MD, Darnestown, MD, Germantown, MD, Olney, MD, Wheaton, MD, Silver Spring, MD, College Park, MD, Beltsville, MD, Hyattsville, MD, Clinton, MD, Bowie, MD, Columbia, MD, Annapolis, MD, and Baltimore, MD.
It may be important to see an allergist in Washington, DC for generalized pruritus in order to try to find out the cause. At Black & Kletz Allergy, it begins with a thorough history and physical examination. There are many causes of itching ranging from different allergies (e.g., foods, medications, contact with allergens) to various systemic medical conditions, some of which may be serious. It is therefore important that a cause be identified, so that either the allergen is avoided or treatment can be aimed at the underlying systemic condition responsible for the manifestation of the itching. In many acute (i.e., less than 6 weeks in duration) cases of generalized pruritus, no testing is needed as a thorough history and physical examination may be enough in order to figure out the cause. When the duration exceeds this length of time and/or symptoms are very bothersome, allergy tests and/or blood tests may be indicated in order to find the cause of the itching. Either way, patients are treated on their first visit with medications in order to stop their itching.
Contact an allergist Washington DC residents respect
The allergy doctors at Black & Kletz Allergy treat both adults and children. If you suffer from itching, hives, swelling episodes, or any other allergy such as hay fever, asthma, sinus conditions, and/or eczema, please call one of our 3 offices to make an appointment. Alternatively, you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours by the next business day. All of the offices offer on-site parking and the Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are Metro accessible. There is a free shuttle that runs between our McLean, VA office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. Black & Kletz Allergy has been providing high quality allergy, asthma, and immunology care to the greater Washington, DC metro area for more than 50 years. Call us today for an allergist Washington DC is proud to have in its community.
As the Summer draws closer to an end in Gainesville, VA, Tysons Corner, VA, Falls Church, VA, and the rest of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, you may be searching for an allergist in Arlington, VA as certain allergens become more prevalent which tend to cause an increase in allergy symptoms in certain allergic individuals. In the Washington, DC, Northern, VA, and Maryland metro area, mid-August marks the time of the year when ragweed begins to pollinate. The ragweed pollen levels will steadily increase and generally peak in late September, and then gradually decrease and usually vanish upon the first frost in late October. In addition, mold spores are important allergens in the Fall in the DC area, which is why many seek an allergist in Arlington, VA during this time of year. Since Washington, DC was built on a swamp, there is always mold in the Washington, DC metro area environment, however, the mold levels increase during the rains in the Spring, during the hot humid Summers, and during the Fall, especially when the leaves on the trees fall to the ground. When the leaves fall onto the ground and become damp, the leaves decay producing an increase in the amount of leaf mold. When people rake these leaves in the Fall, it stirs up the leaves which subsequently increases the mold exposure to an individual which can give rise to an increase in their allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic conjunctivitis, or asthma symptoms.
Turn to an allergist in Arlington, VA if you have these symptoms:
The typical symptoms that one may experience may include: sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, itchy nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, puffy eyes, redness of the eyes, sinus pressure, sinus pain, fatigue, snoring, itchy throat, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and/or shortness of breath. Many people develop sinus infections during this period as well. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to consult an allergist in Arlington, VA that the community trusts. The diagnosis of Fall allergies can be made by seeing a board certified allergist in Arlington, VA, such as the ones at Black & Kletz Allergy. The allergy doctors will take a thorough history and perform a physical examination. Allergy testing either by blood or skin testing can be done in order to find out if and what the offending allergens may be. Environmental prevention measures are discussed with patients and medications are usually prescribed in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, powders, nasal sprays, eye drops, and/or lung inhalers. Allergy immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots, allergy injections, allergy desensitization) is a very effective treatment modality to treat and prevent unwanted annoying allergy and/or asthma symptoms. They are effective in 80-85% of patients on them and they have been around for over 100 years. They are used in all ages from little children through the elderly. The average length of time that patients are on allergy immunotherapy is between 3-5 years, however, some individuals are on allergy shots longer.
Contact an Allergist in Arlington, VA Today
The allergy specialists at Black & Kletz Allergy specialize in both adults and children and have been taking care of the allergy, asthma, sinus, and immunology needs of the DC metro area for over 50 years. Tysons Corner, VA, Gainesville, VA, Falls Church, VA residents as well as people from the rest of the Washington, DC metropolitan area see us at one of our 3 offices with locations in Washington, DC, McLean, VA, (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA. We have on-site parking at each office and the Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are Metro accessible. There is a free shuttle that runs between our McLean office and the Springhill metro station on the silver line. Please call one of our offices to make an appointment to see one of our highly qualified board certified allergists in Arlington, VA or you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond back to you within 24 hours of the next business day. If you are in need of an allergist in Arlington, VA, turn to Black & Kletz Allergy for a professional and caring environment with high quality innovative allergy, asthma, and immunology care.
The Allergists Tysons Corner VA Trust Explain the Effects of Climate Change on Your Allergies
The climate in places like Tysons Corner, VA, Falls Church, VA, and Gainesville, VA, as well as the rest of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, plays a significant role in producing allergens that annoy sensitized individuals. The DC metro area was built on a swamp and there tends to be high counts of mold spores throughout the year, particularly from the Spring through the Fall. Our humid Summers also account for excessive mold growth. Pollen production is also a major problem in the Washington, DC metro area, mostly in the Spring and Fall.
Though there are still some unresolved controversies, the preponderance of evidence indicates that our climate has steadily changed over the past several decades and it is likely to continue to change in the near future. This climate change has the potential to alter the incidence and severity of allergic and respiratory diseases in humans in the following ways:
Climate warming and higher carbon dioxide levels will lead to longer pollen seasons.
More hot summer days will generate ozone which triggers more flare-ups of breathing difficulties for people with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma.
With rising sea levels and changes in rainfall patterns, mold allergies are likely to increase.
Warming conditions may lead to the increased prevalence of biting and stinging insects, as well as the potential for more infectious tropical diseases that are transmitted by mosquitoes (e.g., Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue fever, encephalitis, malaria).
The effect of fewer cold winter days on respiratory infections from viruses and bacteria is unpredictable.
More energy efficient and tighter homes will lead to an increase in indoor air pollution. Accumulation of volatile organic compounds, radon gas, smoke, particulates, and protein allergens will increase the risk of respiratory illnesses. In addition, higher water vapor and moisture levels will increase dust mite populations and cause an escalation of mold growth.
“Green practices” like composting facilities may cause increased respiratory diseases through the increased fungal burden that they put into the air. Burning wood produces harmful chemicals including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and formaldehyde. Inhaling particles coated with these chemicals contribute to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (i.e., bronchitis, emphysema).
Ragweed flowers earlier and produces more pollen in urban locations where carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures are higher. The same effect can be seen with other allergenic species including poison ivy.
Whatever the coming changes may bring, a few proven environmental control measures such as keeping the indoor humidity lower to limit dust mite and mold growth, as well as decreasing outdoor activities on high pollen days, can help minimize allergic symptoms and reduce the need for medications. Contact a Top Allergist Tysons Corner VA Relies On
The board certified allergists Tysons Corner VA trusts at Black & Kletz Allergy see patients from Tysons Corner, VA, Falls Church, VA, and Gainesville, VA as well as many other cities and towns in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area. They are ready to work with you in teaching you how to improve your environment which subsequently will help relieve your allergic and asthmatic symptoms. The allergy doctors at Black & Kletz Allergy treat both adults and children. We have offices in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA. All of our offices offer on-site parking and the Washington, DC and McLean, VA locations are Metro accessible. There is a free shuttle that runs between our McLean, VA office and the Springhill metro station on the silver line. Please call one of our convenient offices to make an appointment or if you prefer, you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours. Black & Kletz Allergy has been providing excellent allergy and asthma care to the general population of the greater DC area for more than 50 years in a caring and professional setting.
The Allergists McLean VA Trust for Plant Rash Treatment
With the advent of summer, many people in Gainesville, VA, Falls Church, VA, Tysons Corner, VA, as well as the rest of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, are experiencing various types of rashes after outdoor activities.
“Irritant contact dermatitis” develops in individuals with very sensitive skin when they handle plants with prickles or barbs. Some other type of plants cause skin reactions only in people who are previously sensitized to them. This is called “allergic contact dermatitis.” Physical contact of the skin with oil from these plants, called urushiol, is usually the culprit in these instances.
Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are the common plants that produce urushiol and trigger inflammation of the skin. They grow as shrubs in open fields, wooded areas, on the roadside, as well as in backyards and parks throughout Falls Church, VA, Gainesville, VA, and Tysons Corner, VA.
The offending oils can be found on the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots of these plants. Exposure to even a small amount of urushiol can result in a severe rash in susceptible people. Touching the plants directly or indirect contact through pets, tools, and/or clothing can lead to the rash. Airborne exposure can also occur especially when the plants are burned.
The symptoms can start anywhere from a few hours to a few days after the contact and usually presents itself as redness, swelling, itching, and/or burning of the exposed areas of the skin. The rash may get more severe over the next few days and form blisters of various sizes. They are usually distributed in a linear or streaky pattern depending on the type of contact. The fluid that oozes from the blisters does not contain urushiol and therefore is not contagious.
The diagnosis is established after a detailed history and physical examination. No blood tests or X-rays are needed. The characteristic appearance of the lesions and their distribution pattern provide useful clues.
Thoroughly rinsing the exposed area with large amounts of warm water as soon as possible after known contact with plants may help remove the offending oily resins to some extent. After the rash appears, some helpful treatments consist of the following:
Cool compresses to the affected skin.
Local application of soothing agents such as calamine lotion and/or oatmeal baths.
Antihistamines like Benadryl (i.e., diphenhydramine) by mouth to help relieve itching.
If the affected area is limited and the rash and itching are intense, a topical medium to high potency steroid cream may be prescribed by an allergist in McLean, VA or the DC area.
In more severe cases, an oral corticosteroid course may be needed to reduce the inflammation and prevent progression.
In case of secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics are sometimes required.
One to three weeks is the usual duration of the condition. Future episodes can be prevented by the following:
Familiarizing with the appearance of the plants in order to recognize and avoid exposure.
Wearing protective clothing including long sleeves, pants, boots, and gloves before outdoor activities.
Applying commercially available OTC barrier creams to the skin in order to reduce or prevent contact with the toxic oils.
Thoroughly washing clothes and bathing pets with protective gloves after coming into contact with the plants.
The board certified allergists at Black & Kletz Allergy in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA have had many years of experience in treating poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac and will readily answer your questions and address your concerns at any time. In addition to treating poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, we also diagnose and treat both adults and children with hay fever (i.e., allergic rhinitis), asthma, food allergies, medication allergies, sinus disease, immune disorders, eczema (i.e., atopic dermatitis), hives (i.e., urticaria), swelling episodes (i.e., angioedema), and other types of skin rashes. The 3 offices of Black & Kletz all have on-site parking and the Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are Metro accessible. There is a free shuttle that runs between our McLean, VA office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. If you suffer from allergies, please call our office to make an appointment or alternatively, you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond to you within 24 hours by the next business day. The allergist McLean VA patients trust at Black & Kletz Allergy have been serving the allergy and asthma needs of the Washington, DC metro area for more than 50 years and we take pride in providing quality care in a friendly and professional environment.
From Allergy Doctors Vienna VA Patients Trust
Now that the weather in Tysons Corner, VA, Gainesville, VA, and Falls Church, VA and the rest of the Washington, DC metropolitan area has warmed up, as it is now Summer, the risk of an insect sting has increased. The most common stinging insects in the Washington, DC metro area are honey bees, yellow jackets, white-faced hornets, yellow-faced hornets, and wasps. They all introduce their venom into their subjects when they sting their prey. In some cases, people have toxic (i.e., non-allergic) reactions to the insect stings, particularly if stung by several insects at the same time. The body, in this case, generally reacts to the venom as if it was a poison. This can occur because the victim is exposed to an over-abundance of venom at one time. A toxic reaction can cause symptoms similar to those of an allergic reaction, but also may include symptoms such as nausea, fever, and seizures. This can be life-threatening and depends on the amount of venom injected into the individual. On the other hand, about 3% of individuals experience true allergic reactions, which is usually not dependent on the amount of venom, but to the allergic response to the venom by the individual. These allergic reactions can also be life-threatening.
When stung, most individuals have no reaction or a small local reaction. People with this type of response are at no increased risk for a systemic (anaphylactic) reaction than that of the general population. Other people will develop a large local reaction, where the area that was stung gets red and very swollen. This large local reaction can reach the size of a baseball in some cases. Still, however, there is no increased risk in these individuals of a systemic or anaphylactic reaction from the insect sting. On the other hand, a small percentage of individuals will develop a systemic reaction to an insect sting which may include some or all of the following: generalized itching (i.e., pruritus), hives (i.e., urticaria), swelling (i.e., angioedema) of another area of the body where the sting did not take place, abdominal cramping and pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, feeling faint, and drop in blood pressure.
If a person has had a large local reaction or a systemic reaction to an insect sting, they should definitely seek a consultation with a board certified allergist like the allergy specialists of Black & Kletz Allergy. The allergists that Tysons Corner, VA, Falls Church, VA, Gainesville, VA, and Washington, DC residents have trusted for years have had over 50 years’ experience diagnosing and treating insect sting allergies. A comprehensive history and physical examination is taken and then a decision is made whether to test that individual for allergies to honey bees, yellow jackets, white-faced hornets, yellow-faced hornets, and wasps. Allergy testing can be done via blood or by skin tests. The allergist will then decide the preferred method of testing for each specific individual, depending on the history of the reaction that is ascertained at the visit.
Measures in order to help prevent insect stings are discussed with patients, as well as what things should be done, if a future sting occurs. For example, if stung by a honey bee, a stinger is left in the skin of the victim. One should never pull out the stinger, as this actually increases the amount of venom that is introduced into the individual by causing contractions of the venom sac which is hidden under the skin of the person. Instead, one should scrape off the stinger with a finger nail, credit card, etc. in order to prevent the introduction of more venom into the body of the individual.
If a patient has a positive allergy test to any of the stinging insect venoms, it is imperative that he/she go on a course of venom allergy immunotherapy (i.e., allergy shots, allergy injections, allergy desensitization) as it is extremely successful in preventing further anaphylactic reactions from insect stings. The procedure entails giving progressively larger doses and volumes of insect venom to the individual weekly over a period of 10 weeks, then every 2 weeks for 1 dose, then every 3 weeks for 1 dose, then a maintenance dose every 4 weeks for 1 year, and then the maintenance dose can be decreased to every 6 weeks for several years. The maintenance dose is roughly equivalent to the amount of venom in an actual sting. Therefore, if someone gets stung while they are on a maintenance dose of venom immunotherapy, they are essentially getting the same dose of venom as they normally get every 6 weeks. For this reason, they usually do not have a systemic reaction to the stinging insect, because they are protected due to the allergy shots.
All patients with allergic reactions to stinging insects are prescribed a self-injectable epinephrine device (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q, Adrenaclick). At Black & Kletz Allergy, individuals are taught the correct method on how to use, when to use, and what to do, after using these devices. We have training devices that we use to show patients the proper way to use them. As a general rule, if someone is stung by a stinging insect and experiences any systemic sign or symptom, they should use the self-injectable epinephrine device and go immediately to the closest emergency room.
Reach Out To The Allergy Doctors Vienna VA Patients Call For Relief
Insect sting allergies in cities such as Tysons Corner, VA, Falls Church, VA, and Gainesville, VA as well as others in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area are not uncommon. During the Summer and early Fall, there are more insect stings taking place and it is very important to take precautions to reduce the likelihood of getting stung. The allergy doctors of Black & Kletz Allergy see both adults and children with insect sting allergies, in addition to other allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis (i.e., hay fever), asthma, hives, swelling episodes, eczema, sinus disease, food allergies, medication allergies, and immune disorders. We have offices in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA, all of which offer on-site parking. The Washington, DC and McLean offices are Metro accessible and the McLean office offers a free shuttle that runs between the office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. Please call one of our offices to make an appointment or you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond to you within 24 hours by the next business day. Black & Kletz Allergy takes pride in providing excellent quality allergy, asthma, and immunology care to the Washington, DC metro area community in a friendly, convenient, and professional setting.
Explained By Allergists McLean VA Patients Trust There has been an increase in the incidence of allergic diseases over the past 20-30 years and this phenomenon is more pronounced in industrialized countries compared to developing countries. Many researchers believe that environmental and dietary changes play major roles in the development of allergies. This is true in areas such as Falls Church, VA, Gainesville, VA, and Tysons Corner, VA as well as the rest of the Washington, DC metro area.
The primary role of our immune system is to defend and protect us from infections caused by germs like viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Exposure of the immune system to infections with germs in early life stimulates the maturation of the immune system in a normal balanced way. The absence of this stimulation can trigger the immune system to mistake innocuous substances such as dust mites, molds, pollens, and certain foods as potentially harmful and mount a defensive attack on them causing allergic disease. This “hygiene hypothesis” aims to explain why more people suffer from allergic disorders in the developed, overly hygienic Western world. An alternative interpretation of the evidence supporting the hygiene hypothesis forms the basis for the “microflora hypothesis,” which says that rather than specifically limiting infection, even the decreased exposure to microbes changes the colonization of bacteria of the infant gut, which has a negative effect in the development of the normal immune system which ultimately leads to allergic disease.
An adult human harbors about 100 billion bacteria in the intestines alone. These gut bacteria account for 90% of the cells in the human body! Human cells contain about 21,000 different genes, but the microbes living in the human comprise about 3 million genes. The composition and function of the bacteria in the gut varies from person to person (i.e., biodiversity) and evolve during the first years of life and stabilize within the first 3 years of life.
The development of the gut microbiome (i.e., all the microorganisms that live in the gut) is influenced by interactions between diet, environment, and host-associated factors. There is increasing evidence that these bacteria play many helpful roles in the modulation of our immune responses, especially in maintaining a balance between 2 different types of white blood cells called Th1 lymphocytes and Th2 lymphocytes. The Th1 lymphocytes help protect us from infections, whereas the Th2 lymphocytes help mediate allergic disease.
The emerging hypothesis infers that environment or lifestyle-driven aberrancies in the early-life gut microbial composition and function represent a key mediator of childhood allergies and asthma. Significant perturbations in the gut bacterial composition, especially reduced diversity, in the Western societies due to frequent antibiotic usage, environmental and lifestyle changes, etc. have disrupted the mechanisms of mucosal tolerance leading to more allergic disease.
Epidemiologic and clinical data supporting this interpretation include:
A positive correlation between increasing risk for asthma and allergies and increasing use of antibiotics in industrialized countries.
Correlations between altered fecal microbial flora and atopic disease
Successful prevention and/or reduction of allergies in some individuals by the use of oral probiotics (live commensal bacteria) and dietary changes.
A recent meta-analysis of 25 studies revealed that the administration of probiotics reduces allergy-causing IgE antibody levels and the risk of atopic sensitization. An example of dietary factors influencing allergies is the landmark LEAP study which demonstrated that early introduction of peanut products to high risk infants significantly decreased the subsequent development of peanut allergy.
There are a number of ongoing studies which will improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying allergic disorders and hopefully offer new and exciting options in the management of these conditions in near future.
The board certified allergists of Black & Kletz Allergy always strive to keep abreast of new developments in the field of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in order to offer new and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, as soon as they are available. Black & Kletz Allergy has 3 offices in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area. We have offices in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA and offer on-site parking at each location. In addition, the Washington, DC and McLean offices are Metro accessible. There is a free shuttle that runs between the McLean office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. The allergy specialists of Black & Kletz Allergy see both adults and children in the Tysons Corner, VA, Falls Church, VA, and Gainesville, VA areas and we have been serving the greater Washington metro area for over 50 years. Please call one of our convenient offices to make an appointment or alternatively, you can click Request an Appointment and we will reply within 24 hours by the next business day.
The Washington, DC, Northern, Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area has its share of pollutants in its air as well as the many allergens that are known to be prevalent. The allergens that are common in the DC metro area include tree and grass pollens in the Spring, ragweed pollen in the Fall, and mold spores which are perennial in nature. The molds are year-round due to the history of Washington, DC being a swamp many years ago. The humidity also tends to be high in the area, which favors the growth of molds. Regarding pollutants, there are many different types of pollutants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area including such cities as Gainesville, VA, Falls Church, VA, and Tysons Corner, VA.. Some of these pollutants include carbon monoxide, ozone, organic dusts and other fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and lead emissions.
It is not news to anyone that the traffic in the Washington, DC metro area is sometimes horrific. Not only does it play havoc with people’s temperament, but so many motor vehicles produce emissions which contribute greatly to the air pollution and thus the air quality of the area. In the summers, this pollution tends to be worse. The sunny days will produce increased levels of ozone which has been determined to be hazardous to one’s health, particularly people with lung disease such as people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD.
Almost all patients with allergic rhinitis (i.e., hay fever) and/or asthma know a lot about the pollen count and what it means. The pollen count is the number of pollen grains in one cubic meter of air. For example, if the pollen count for tree pollen is 250, it means that there are 250 grains of tree pollen in a sample of air that is 1 meter X 1 meter X 1 meter. Keep in mind that 1 meter is 39.37 inches. Different locations throughout the U.S. have different guidelines depending on the types of pollens they have and the quantity of the pollen released into the air. As a general rule, the pollen count levels can be interpreted by the following values: Trees – 1-14 is Low; 15-89 is Moderate; 90-1,499 is High; 1,500 and above is Very High. Grasses – 1-4 is Low; 5-19 is Moderate; 20-199 is High; 200 and above is Very High. Weeds – 1-9 is Low; 10-49 is Moderate; 50-499 is High; 500 and above is Very High. Molds – 1-6,499 is Low; 6,500-12,999 is Moderate; 13,000-49,999 is High; 50,000 and above is Very High. In fact, you can always click Today’s Pollen Count at the top of our website to see the latest pollen count for the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area. Many individuals use this knowledge to help them guide when they should avoid certain outdoor activities. Generally, the pollen counts are the highest in the mornings through midday. Planning to do outdoor activities, such as exercising or doing yard work, in the evening is usually recommended to minimize pollen exposure.
In addition to being aware of the pollen count, it is also important to be aware of the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI indicates how polluted the air is in your area. The AQI is calculated based on 5 major pollutants which include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, fine particulate matter, and ground-level ozone. The last two pollutants (fine particulate matter and ground-level ozone) pose the greatest threat to an individual’s health. The AQI is divided into 6 different zones of increasing amounts of pollution and thus health risk. The zones are color-coded and in order from less pollution to more pollution are as follows: Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, and Maroon. In the Washington, DC area, it is not uncommon to have a few “Code Red” days during the summer, particularly when it is hot, humid, and sunny. “Code Green” is the best air quality and poses little or no risk of any health concern. “Code Yellow” signifies acceptable air quality and may pose a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are very sensitive to air pollution. “Code Orange” indicates an unhealthy quality of air for some sensitive groups of people. “Code Red” means that the air quality is generally unhealthy for the general public, although usually only sensitive groups will experience more serious health effects. “Code Purple” notifies the general public that the air is very unhealthy and tends to occur in emergency conditions, such as when there is a chemical spill. “Code Maroon” indicates hazardous conditions where everyone will most likely experience untoward health issues. Generally, it is recommended to stay indoors when the level is “Code Red” and above.
The board certified allergists of Black & Kletz Allergy treat patients of all ages including children and the elderly in the Falls Church, VA, Tysons Corner, VA, and Gainesville, VA areas. Children and elderly persons tend to be more sensitive to poor air quality, as well as individuals with lung conditions such as asthma and COPD. Black & Kletz Allergy has 3 office locations in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area with offices in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA. The Washington, DC and McLean offices are Metro accessible and there is a free shuttle that runs between our McLean office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. If you would like to make an appointment, please call us or you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours by the next business day. The allergy doctors of Black & Kletz Allergy have been serving the greater Washington, DC metro area for more than 50 years and we pride ourselves in excellent quality allergy, asthma, and immunology care in a friendly, caring, and professional environment.
Providers of Asthma Treatment Gainesville VA Patients Trust: Dr. Kletz & Dr. Gondi Any provider of asthma treatment in Gainesville can tell you that about 10% of all adults with asthma may have a condition called Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), also known as Samter’s Triad, or Aspirin-Sensitive Asthma.
The 3 components of the disease are:
Persistent asthma
Chronic inflammation in the nose and sinuses with polyp formation
Allergic sensitivity to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAID’s
The asthma associated with AERD tends to be more severe and poorly responsive to the usual treatments. When providing the treatment for allergies and asthma Gainesville VA residents need, we see that most patients also suffer from recurrent sinus infections and often experience a reduced sense of smell and/or taste.
The adverse reactions on exposure to aspirin and/or NSAID’s can include:
Flushing, rash, and/or itching
Increased nasal congestion
Facial pain and headache over the forehead region
Coughing, wheezing, and/or heaviness in the chest
Abdominal cramps and/or nausea
Dizziness
What causes it?
AERD is not a genetic or inherited condition. The exact cause of the disorder is not known at this time, although a lot of research is being done in order to try to find a cause. The patients have higher than normal levels of eosinophils (i.e., a type of white blood cell that tends to be high in allergic individuals) in their blood and in the sinuses, and these cells usually play a role in causing chronic allergic inflammation. They also have high levels of substances called leukotrienes which also cause inflammation. Ingestion of aspirin and/or NSAID’s leads to a further increase in these leukotrienes resulting in a flare-up of asthma symptoms.
How is it treated?
Patients who are diagnosed with AERD and who have not been desensitized to aspirin should always avoid taking aspirin and other NSAID’s like ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil) naproxen (e.g., Naprosyn, Aleve), diclofenac (e.g., Voltaren, Arthrotec), indomethacin (e.g., Indocin), meloxicam (e.g., Mobic), piroxicam (e.g., Feldene), nabumatone (e.g., Relafen), sulindac (e.g., Clinoril), ketorolac (e.g., Toradol), oxaprozin (e.g., Daypro), etc. Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) is a suitable alternative medication for relief of pain. Certain related non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs called COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib (Celebrex) may be safer alternatives to aspirin in some individuals.
In spite of avoiding these drugs, many patients will continue to experience frequent asthma symptoms, repeated sinus problems, and growth of nasal polyps. They may need daily inhaled corticosteroid medications into their lungs to control asthma and daily corticosteroid nasal sprays and saline irrigations into their nostrils to control nasal congestion and polyps.
Medications that inhibit leukotrienes like zileuton (Zyflo), which reduce the production of leukotrienes, or montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate), which block the effects of leukotrienes on tissues can be helpful in certain patients to reduce the exacerbation of symptoms.
Many patients also need sinus surgery and removal of nasal polyps, often more than once, as polyps tend to regrow after the surgery. Regular use of intranasal corticosteroids and oral leukotriene modifiers after the surgery can help some patients in slowing the progression of their disease.
Aspirin desensitization (i.e., the administration of gradually increasing doses of aspirin under close monitoring in a hospital or clinic, followed by daily intake of a standard maintenance dose of aspirin by mouth) has been shown to reduce the need for medications and the number of surgeries in some patients with AERD who were unresponsive to other standard treatments.
The board certified allergists at Black & Kletz Allergy have 3 offices in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area and treat both adults andchildren with asthma, AERD, sinus disease, nasal polyps, other allergic and immunologic disorders. We have offices in Washington, DC, McLean, VA (Tysons Corner, VA), and Manassas, VA. Black & Kletz Allergy offers on-site parking at each of their 3 office locations and the Washington, DC and McLean, VA offices are also Metro accessible. There is a free shuttle that runs between our McLean, VA office and the Spring Hill metro station on the silver line. To make an appointment, please call our office or you can click Request an Appointment and we will respond within 24 hours on the next business day. Black & Kletz Allergy has been serving the asthma and allergy needs of the DC metro area community for more than 50 years and we strive to administer high quality allergy and asthma care in a caring professional environment.
As allergy specialists Centreville, VA patients trust may attest, while it is possible to be allergic to alcoholic beverages, an alcohol allergy is relatively rare. Most of the time, it is an intolerance and not an allergy to the alcohol that is bothersome to an individual. An intolerance is basically an unwanted side effect of the alcohol.
September may be the month to consult an allergy specialist Centreville VA patients turn to, as ragweed pollen counts peak and wreak havoc in allergic individuals in the 
Everyone has had an itch here or there, but as an allergist Washington DC patients rely on might attest, generalized itching (itching all over the body) does not occur in everyone. 
As the Summer draws closer to an end in Gainesville, VA, Tysons Corner, VA, Falls Church, VA, and the rest of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, you may be searching for an allergist in Arlington, VA as certain allergens become more prevalent which tend to cause an increase in allergy symptoms in certain allergic individuals. In the Washington, DC, Northern, VA, and Maryland metro area, mid-August marks the time of the year when ragweed begins to pollinate. The 
The Allergists Tysons Corner VA Trust Explain the Effects of Climate Change on Your Allergies
The offending oils can be found on the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots of these plants. Exposure to even a small amount of urushiol can result in a severe rash in susceptible people. Touching the plants directly or indirect contact through pets, tools, and/or clothing can lead to the rash. Airborne exposure can also occur especially when the plants are burned.
Thoroughly rinsing the exposed area with large amounts of warm water as soon as possible after known contact with plants may help remove the offending oily resins to some extent. After the rash appears, some helpful treatments consist of the following:
From Allergy Doctors Vienna VA Patients Trust
There has been an increase in the incidence of allergic diseases over the past 20-30 years and this phenomenon is more pronounced in industrialized countries compared to developing countries. Many researchers believe that environmental and dietary changes play major roles in the development of allergies. This is true in areas such as Falls Church, VA, Gainesville, VA, and Tysons Corner, VA as well as the rest of the Washington, DC metro area.
The Washington, DC, Northern, Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area has its share of pollutants in its air as well as the many allergens that are known to be prevalent. The allergens that are common in the DC metro area include tree and grass pollens in the Spring, ragweed pollen in the Fall, and mold spores which are perennial in nature. The molds are year-round due to the history of Washington, DC being a swamp many years ago. The humidity also tends to be high in the area, which favors the growth of molds. Regarding pollutants, there are many different types of pollutants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area including such cities as Gainesville, VA, Falls Church, VA, and Tysons Corner, VA.. Some of these pollutants include carbon monoxide, ozone, organic dusts and other fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and lead emissions.
Any provider of 
