Phoenix ranked second on the list for Worst Cities For Allergies in the United States from walkinlab.com in 2021. That’s a lot worse than ranking 79th out of 100 on the list of Allergy Capitals Spring 2019 by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation in 2019. It does seem to be getting from bad to worse here in the Valley of the Sun for seasonal allergy sufferers.
The whole world does the allergy dance! Dust, Bermudagrass, Mulberry, Cottonwood, Ash, Mesquite, Ragweed, Juniper, Olive tree, Palo Verde, Feather Palm, Russian Thistle (tumbleweeds), African Sumac are the major allergens here in the Valley of the Sun. The whole world does the allergy dance! Dust, Bermudagrass, Mulberry, Cottonwood, Ash, Mesquite, Ragweed, Juniper, Olive tree, Palo Verde, Feather Palm, Russian Thistle (tumbleweeds), African Sumac are the major allergens here in the Metro Phoenix Area. Phoenix is consistently ranked among the worst regions in the country when it comes to air quality.
The Battle Royale begins – An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance known as an allergen. That looks like a case of mistaken identity. In some people, substances such as pollen, certain foods, latex, mold, pet dander, dust mites, or insect stings are allergens that trigger the production of antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing symptoms most often in the nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, the lining of the stomach, or on the skin.
Did you know that there are actually 4 different types of allergic reactions? The allergic reaction we are talking about today is regarding environmental allergens like the ones described above, and are all part of Type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction group. This involves cross-linking of two IgE receptors (those darn antibodies) on basophils and mast cells with the allergen and subsequent release of inflammatory mediators like leukotriene and that dreaded histamine.
That’s why it’s important to either:
- Avoid those allergens altogether – Like never go outside ever again, stay away from your pets…well, you get the idea. It’s best to remove your clothing and wash away those allergens from your skin (showers and baths) before hopping into bed for the night.
- Take medications to:
- Avoid histamine release – Older histamine blockers like Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) vs newer generation histamine blockers like Loratadine (Claritin), Fexofenadine (Allegra), or Cetirizine (Zyrtec). There are eye drop alternatives for those that suffer from allergic conjunctivitis, namely Olopatadine (Patanol). Nourish IV by Desert Mobile Medical provides an IV anti-histaminic inside its unique blend called For-Sneezy.
- Avoid Leukotriene release – Leukotriene inhibitors like Montelukast (Singulair) or Zafirkulast (Accolate).
- Decrease overall inflammation – Nasal steroids like Fluticasone (Flonase), Triamcinolone (Nasacort), and many others. I do not recommend oral steroids for environmental allergens unless your allergies are severe.
- Stabilize Mast cells to prevent the release of histamine and leukotriene – Cromolyn Sodium, Azelastine (Astelin) and yes, VITAMIN D.
- Combat after-effects with decongestants.
- PRETREATMENT – Start taking your allergy medications a few weeks before allergy season begins.
- Obtain Allergen Immunotherapy or desensitization. Talk to us if your allergies are moderate to severe in nature and you’ve tried the above remedies without relief.
At Nourish IV by Desert Mobile Medical, we are your highest advocates when it comes to your health. We always recommend taking your medications as prescribed, and taking pretreatment when it pertains to Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever). We dispense your medications on our visit to you as an added convenience to you. Allow us to perform a telemedicine evaluation for you prior to coming out for one of our highly touted IV Drips and we can bring medications with us.
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