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Ragweed Season in Arizona

Fall is a beautiful time of year as the weather may start to cool down in some parts of Arizona, but for people with allergies, it can also bring sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy or runny nose. Ragweed is one of the most common causes of fall allergies, and on windy days, its pollen can travel through the air and cause many allergy sufferers to be miserable.

Ragweed season often starts in late summer and continues into the fall. The good news is that there are simple ways to keep allergy symptoms under control. If you know you have fall allergies, start your allergy medicine (like nasal sprays and antihistamines) before symptoms become a problem. Taking your medicine consistently can help keep symptoms away during this time of year. You can also keep windows closed, use air conditioning, shower after spending time outdoors, and change clothes after being outside — these things will all help reduce symptoms!

With a little planning, you do not have to let allergies slow you down. If symptoms are out of control, your allergist can help you find the right treatment plan to help keep your symptoms away!

Please Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Provider!

We are excited to welcome Courtney McConnell, PA-C, to the Arizona Asthma & Allergy Institute team! Courtney will begin caring for patients in our Avondale and Surprise offices late August.  Courtney is a board-certified Physician Assistant who earned her Master of PA studies from Touro University Nevada.  She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience.

Before joining AAAI, Courtney practiced in both general Pediatrics and Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in Las Vegas.  She is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered care and building strong relationships with her patients to help them achieve their best health.

Originally from southeastern Michigan, Courtney enjoys reading, working out, watching nature documentaries, spending time outdoors with her husband and their dog and cheering on the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Lions, Utah Mammoth and Michigan Wolverines.

We are thrilled to have Courtney join our team and look forward to the exceptional care she will provide for our patients.  Help us by giving her a warm welcome when you see her in our Avondale and Surprise offices!

August in Arizona: Extreme heat, monsoons, and allergies! 

August in Arizona brings more than just extreme heat – it also marks the start of monsoon season. Wind, dust, mold spores, and pollen can trigger sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and even asthma flare-ups. The extreme heat in the summer can also worsen underlying chronic health conditions for patients, especially those with asthma or skin diseases.

Here are some tips to help reduce symptoms:
-Keep windows closed during windy days and dust storms
-Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
-Check local air quality and pollen forecasts before outdoor activities
-Stay on top of your allergy, asthma, and skin medications

If your allergies are interfering with sleep, work, or enjoying summer, it may be time to see an allergist. Allergy testing can help identify your triggers and create a personalized treatment plan so you can breathe easier all year long!

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What’s New at AAAI?

WE NOW CHECK IN WITH PHREESIA – You will be sent a text or email prior to your appointment. Please go through every prompt and asnwer all questions. Take pictures of your ID & inurance card and upload. Your child’s information will be required to be verified at every visit. You may need to re-schedule your apt if not completed.

Are allergies causing your headaches?

Many people with allergies experience headaches, especially during allergy season. When allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or pet dander trigger inflammation in the nose and sinuses, congestion and pressure can develop. This pressure may lead to facial pain, headaches, or a feeling of fullness around the eyes and forehead.

Researchers have also found a connection between allergies and migraines. People with allergic rhinitis (also known as “hay fever”) are more likely to experience migraines than those without allergies. The exact reason is not fully understood, but allergy-related inflammation may activate nerves involved in migraine attacks.

It is important to know that not every headache in someone with allergies is caused by sinus problems. In fact, many headaches that patients believe are “sinus headaches” are actually migraines.

If you experience frequent headaches, facial pressure, or migraines along with allergy symptoms, talk with your allergy specialist. Proper diagnosis and treatment of allergies may help reduce your headaches!

Mythbusting in Food Allergy: Do allergic reactions get worse every time someone is exposed to their food allergy trigger? 

This is a common question and misconception in food allergy. The answer is NO! Food allergic reactions do not always get worse with future exposures.

Allergic reactions happen when the immune system mistakenly treats a harmless substance as dangerous. This can cause symptoms like hives, swelling, stomach pain, coughing, or in some cases, a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. A reaction could be the same, milder, or more severe than the last one. There is no set pattern that says each exposure will automatically make symptoms worse. In addition, many factors can affect how strong a reaction is. These include how much of the allergen is eaten, the person’s overall health, whether they have asthma, and how sensitive their immune system is at the time. Even things like recent exercise or taking certain medications can make your immune system more likely to react more intensely. Even someone who has only had milder reactions could be at risk for a more severe reaction with their next exposure. Because reactions are unpredictable, allergists stress the importance of avoiding known allergens and always being prepared, like having your epinephrine device available at all times.

What Is Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)?

Swelling can be scary, especially when it happens suddenly. Most of the time, swelling of the skin (like lips, eyes, or hands) is caused by something common, like allergies or a virus. But in rare cases, swelling may be due to a condition called hereditary angioedema, or HAE for short. HAE is a genetic condition, which means it can run in families. It happens when the body is missing or not using a protein that helps control swelling. Because of this, the body can swell suddenly without a clear reason. Thankfully, most swelling is not HAE. But if swelling keeps happening, lasts a long time, or does not respond to allergy medicines, it’s important to look deeper.

HAE causes episodes of swelling in different parts of the body. This can include the face, lips, eyelids, hands, feet, stomach, or throat. Unlike typical allergic or viral-induced swelling, HAE swelling usually does not itch, usually does not come with hives, and can last longer (usually 2-5 days).  HAE is rare, but it can be serious. The good news is that there are plenty of safe and effective treatments for HAE. If you have recurrent swelling, a family history of swelling, or swelling that does not respond to allergy treatments – you should see an allergist!

Food Allergy Myths

Food allergies can be frightening for families, especially with so much confusing or conflicting information online. Many common beliefs about food allergies are actually myths. An allergist can help sort through the misinformation, provide accurate testing and guidance, and create a clear plan to keep patients safe. This month, we’d like to share information on some common myths or misconceptions about food allergy:

  • Food allergies aren’t limited to peanuts. Many foods (like milk, eggs, and tree nuts) can cause serious reactions.
  • Reactions don’t always become worse with each exposure. Severity can vary from one reaction to another.
  • Simply smelling a food or being in the same room as a food rarely causes an allergic reaction. Most food allergens do not become airborne.
  • Antihistamines cannot treat anaphylaxis. The correct treatment for severe reactions is epinephrine.
  • Food allergy tests cannot predict reaction severity. They only help determine the likelihood of an allergy.
  • Food allergy and food intolerance are different. Intolerances do not involve the immune system and are usually less dangerous. Unfortunately, there is no accurate or reliable test for most food intolerances.
  • Precautionary labels like “may contain” are not standardized, so the risk varies between products. Some of these products can contain trace ingredients, and the others don’t.
  • Early introduction of certain foods in infancy may help prevent allergies, and infants can be evaluated for food allergies at any age – there is no need to wait until they are 1 year old!

Are Humidifiers Good for You? Experts Explain Benefits, Risks & Cleaning Tips

https://www.market.com/heating-cooling-air-quality/humidifiers/guides/are-humidifiers-good-for-you/

Pet Allergy: Separating Fact and Fiction

Did you know that there is no such thing as a “hypoallergenic” pet? This is often a marketing term used by breeders, but there is no truth to it! ALL dogs and cats produce allergens, which are tiny proteins that can cause allergic reactions. These proteins are in their skin, saliva, urine and other body secretions such as tears. Even hairless cats or dogs that shed very little still produce allergens. That means there is no breed that is completely safe for people with allergies.

Most people think pet hair is the problem, but it’s actually the proteins attached to the fur and skin. When pets groom themselves or move around the house, allergens get into the air and settle on furniture, carpets, and clothing. That’s why even “low-shedding” pets can trigger symptoms.

Allergic reactions to pets can include: sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, itchy and watery eyes, skin reactions such as hives, and even asthma symptoms such as cough and wheezing. Asthma can also be more difficult to control in those who are allergic to their pets.

If you already have a pet or are thinking of getting one, there are ways to reduce exposure and manage symptoms:

  • Keep pets out of the bedroom

  • Use HEPA air purifiers

  • Vacuum regularly with a HEPA-filter vacuum

  • Wash hands after touching your pet

  • Groom and bathe pets as appropriate

  • Wash bedding and soft surfaces often

  • Consider allergy medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Even though there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat or dog – Many people with mild to moderate allergies successfully live with their pets. The key is knowing your sensitivities and taking steps to reduce allergens in your home. Seeing an allergist before bringing a pet home can help you make the best choice for your health!