Living With Allergies
Dr. Chimezie C. Amanambu, M.D • February 22, 2022
Living With Allergies
The spectrum of allergic disorders include allergic rhinitis (Hay fever), Asthma, Food Allergies, Contact Dermatitis (Eczema), Animal Allergies (Dogs and Cats) and Insect Allergy.
About six million Americans suffer with allergic disorders with considerable suffering and loss of productivity. About 7.8% of people 18 years and over in the U.S. have hay fever. About 8% of children have food allergies. The commonest foods are peanut, milk and shellfish.
There are two types of Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever). There is one that is present all year round Perennial Allergic Rhinitis-PAR and Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis-SAR. PAR is mostly due to allergens that occur all year round. These include Dust Mites, Pet dander, Cockroaches and Molds. Causes of SAR are allergens that occur in certain times of the year like, tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen and grass pollen. Sometimes PAR may co-exist with SAR in which case, the symptoms get worse at certain times of the year.
Winter/Spring: Tree pollen.
Spring: Tree and grass pollen.
Spring/Summer: Grass pollen.
Summer/Fall: Weed and Grass pollen.
The Physician makes a diagnosis of the specific allergies by taking a good allergy history and by performing skin testing (scratch test) or blood test. Treatments such as medications, injections and avoidance strategies are based on this.
Avoidance Therapy is an important part of treatment for allergies. You have to make changes in your environment (home or work), lifestyles to reduce or eliminate your identified allergies.
For tree, grass and weed pollen allergy:
- Plan activities indoors especially when the pollen count is high.
- Wash hair before going to bed to remove pollen that may have settled on you.
- Change clothes after being outdoors for the same reason.
- Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry so that pollen does not settle on them.
- Keep windows closed at home and in the car.
- Change your air conditioner filters frequently.
- Avoid triggers such as cigarette smoke which make allergies worse.
Dust Mite avoidance techniques include:
- Sheets, blankets and pillow cases should be washed weekly in hot water (>130 F) to kill the mites.
- Use anti-dust mite solutions like Acrosan spray on rugs and carpets.
- Buy dust mite impermeable encasements for pillows, mattresses and box springs to reduce dust mite exposure.
Cat and Dog Allergy avoidance techniques include:
- If possible have your pets live outside and if not possible, have them live in confined areas of the house.
- Do not let your pet sleep in bed with you or snuggle with you.
- Wash your pets weekly to diminish the amount of allergen released by your pet.
For Mold Allergies:
- Avoid outdoor activities during times of high mold spore count.
- Avoid piles of leaves or decaying plants because those are sites of high mold spore counts.
- Clean/clear vegetation or plant debris near your home to lessen mold exposure.
- Reduce indoor mold exposure by reducing humidity in the home, decreasing the number of outdoor plants, closing windows (and using air conditioner) during time of high mold count, repairing any water leaks in the house.
Living with chronic joint pain, especially due to arthritis, significantly hinders your daily life. The persistent ache, stiffness, and inflammation make even simple tasks feel monumental. Fortunately, effective treatments for chronic joint pain and arthritis are available. Finding an experienced physician like Dr. Amanambu is the first crucial step towards managing your condition and improving your well-being. Understanding Your Chronic Joint Pain Chronic joint pain manifests in various ways, often accompanied by inflammation, swelling, and reduced mobility. Whether it's osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another underlying condition, pinpointing the cause of your chronic joint pain is essential for developing the most appropriate arthritis treatment plan. Dr. Amanambu takes the time to evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a comprehensive examination to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Effective Treatments for Chronic Joint Pain and Arthritis Dr. Amanambu is highly experienced in providing a range of effective treatments for chronic joint pain and arthritis. His approach is tailored to each individual, considering the specific type of arthritis, the severity of the pain, and the patient's overall health and lifestyle. Potential treatment options include: Medication Management: Dr. Amanambu may prescribe or recommend various medications to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for specific types of arthritis. Joint Injections: Corticosteroid injections directly into the affected joint provide significant, albeit temporary, relief from pain and inflammation. Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches help improve joint flexibility, strengthen surrounding muscles, and enhance overall function. Dr. Amanambu often collaborates with skilled physical therapists to optimize patient outcomes. Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance on weight management, exercise routines, and ergonomic adjustments play a crucial role in managing chronic joint pain and reducing stress on affected joints. Dr. Amanambu's Expertise in Arthritis Treatment and Chronic Joint Pain Dr. Amanambu’s extensive experience in internal medicine, coupled with his dedication to staying abreast of the latest advancements in arthritis treatment and chronic joint pain management, makes him a trusted resource for patients seeking relief. He understands the multifaceted nature of these conditions and is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. His goal is to not only alleviate your pain but also to help you maintain an active and fulfilling life. Don't let chronic joint pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards effective treatments for chronic joint pain and arthritis by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Amanambu. His expertise and patient-centered approach helps you find lasting relief and improve your overall quality of life.
Embarking on the journey towards permanent residency in the United States requires careful attention to detail. One crucial step is completing the immigration medical exam. For individuals residing in Akron, Ohio, finding a trusted and USCIS-authorized physician for these exams is a significant part of the process. Dr. Amanambu at Pax Internal Medicine Associates is an experienced and reputable provider of immigration medical exams, offering comprehensive and caring services to those navigating the path to US citizenship. Understanding Your Immigration Medical Exams Requirements The immigration physical exam is a mandatory requirement for most Green Card applicants. This thorough health evaluation ensures that applicants meet the public health standards set by the U.S. government. It is essential to have this exam conducted by a designated civil surgeon, a physician specifically authorized by USCIS to perform these evaluations. Why Choose Dr. Amanambu for Your Immigration Medical Exam in Akron? As a qualified civil surgeon, Dr. Amanambu is authorized to perform USCIS-authorized immigration medical exams in Ohio, right here in Akron. His extensive experience as an internal medicine physician equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the medical requirements and guidelines set forth by USCIS. You can trust Dr. Amanambu to conduct your immigration physical exam with thoroughness and accuracy, ensuring all necessary aspects are covered. What to Expect During Your Immigration Physical Exam: During your immigration medical exam with Dr. Amanambu, you can anticipate a comprehensive evaluation that includes: Review of your medical history: Dr. Amanambu will discuss your past and present health conditions, medications, and any relevant medical records. Physical examination: A thorough physical assessment will be conducted to evaluate your overall health. Vaccination record review: Dr. Amanambu will review your immunization history and administer any required vaccinations according to USCIS guidelines. Testing for communicable diseases: As mandated by USCIS, you will undergo testing for diseases such as tuberculosis and syphilis. Mental health evaluation: A general assessment of your mental health will also be part of the examination. Finding USCIS Civil Surgeon Locations in Akron, Ohio For those searching for "immigration doctor near me" or specific "USCIS civil surgeon locations in Akron, Ohio," Pax Internal Medicine Associates, under the care of Dr. Amanambu, provides a convenient and reliable option. Located directly in Akron, our office offers a welcoming and professional environment for your immigration medical exam. Completing your USCIS-authorized immigration medical exams in Ohio is a significant step in your journey towards permanent residency. Dr. Amanambu's expertise and dedication to providing thorough and compassionate care make Pax Internal Medicine Associates a premier choice for your immigration physical exam in Akron. Schedule your appointment today and take a confident step forward in your pursuit of US citizenship.