February 19, 2022

Allergies are one of the most common medical conditions in the United States. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Most allergies come about due to specific substances that the human body perceives as dangerous. These substances are called allergens and can include pollen, plants, insect stings, animal dander, molds, food items, synthetic materials, or dust. The symptoms of allergies range from mild to severe but generally begin with hives on the skin. If you think you have an allergy, you should visit Dr. Hiral Thakrar in Gilbert for treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. Below are some more signs of allergies.

• Runny, Stuffy Nose

One of the most common symptoms experienced by individuals suffering from allergies is a runny or stuffy nose. This symptom occurs when the body tries to expel allergens entering through the nose, eyes, mouth, or ears. Sneezing tends to be another common symptom in these cases, especially if an individual has hay fever.

• Rashes, Itchy Skin

A rash or itchy skin occurs when the body tries to expel allergens touching the skin. These rashes or itching tend to be extremely itchy, affecting large parts of the skin. Animal dander and pollen will usually cause itching or rashes in individuals who are allergic to these substances. Other symptoms include red or dry skin.

• Difficulty Breathing

Allergens such as dust and pollen can trigger the body to fight harder for breath, which results in difficulty breathing. Individuals suffering from allergies will usually find it extremely hard to breathe if they are allergic to these substances. Individuals who have allergic asthma experience difficulty breathing in addition to wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing.

• Tingling in The Mouth or Throat

If an individual is allergic to a food item, they may experience tingling in their mouth or throat. This tingling occurs when the body tries to expel the allergens. The symptoms usually go away once the person vomits or removes the food from their system. It is primarily a symptom of food allergies.

• Wheezing

Individuals who are allergic to animal dander, mold spores, and pollen often exhibit wheezing when they breathe in. Chest tightness and coughing may also occur in these cases. Sometimes individuals will experience difficulty breathing, which is the body’s reaction to not having enough air due to constricted passages. Hives can also occur with wheezing, as well as itchy skin.

• Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is the most severe allergic reaction an individual can experience. When the body tries to expel allergens but cannot, it becomes anaphylaxis. The throat, tongue, and eyelids may swell up, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. An individual suffering from anaphylaxis will also have hives on their skin, plus dizziness or fainting. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can result in death. If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately go to the emergency room.

In summary, allergies are a common condition affecting millions of Americans. Some of the most common symptoms include a runny, stuffy nose, wheezing, tingling in the mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, and rashes or itchy skin. In severe cases, you may experience anaphylaxis which can cause the throat, tongue, and eyelids may swell up, causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. Make sure you seek emergency treatment if you have anaphylaxis.

Screening for colon cancer can be a tall order, with your doctor requiring you to start preparing for the procedure 14 days prior. However, the process can be less demanding if you get the best GI doctors to guide you through. For instance, your gastroenterologist might give you instructions to follow on bowel preparation to help clean your colon, making it easy for him to detect tiny or hidden polyps.  

Why would your doctor recommend a colonoscopy?

Your healthcare provider may request a colonoscopy when he wants to:

• Screen your colon for cancerous cells. An examination is a screening option, especially when your doctor wants to rule out the possibility of colon cancer. Your healthcare provider may advise you to go for the exam after ten years or less to screen for abnormalities if you are 50 years and above and are at average risk of having the condition.
• Evaluate intestinal symptoms. While some pelvic floor signs might be harmless, some instances might prompt your doctor to perform a colonoscopy to investigate possible causes of intestinal problems like chronic constipation, rectal bleeding, and chronic diarrhea.
• Look for polyps. Your GI physician may suggest a follow-up colonoscopy to look for additional polyps, especially if you had the growths before, to minimize your risk of colon cancer.

What happens during the process?

Before a colonoscopy, your healthcare provider will administer venous medications to help you relax. The medical professional will ask you to lie (on your left side) on the examination table before inserting a colonoscope through the rectum into your colon. The colonoscope is a long, tubular device your gastroenterologist uses to have a clear image of your colon’s lining to check for abnormalities. Thanks to the instrument’s flexibility, your doctor can shove it to the extreme ends of your large intestine. Once the device is inside your colon, the medical professional blows air into your intestine’s curves to expand them so that he can check out for abnormal growths.

If your gastroenterologist notices anything unusual during the treatment, he may take tissue samples for further analysis. The medical professional may also identify and remove polyps without a major operation. However, you might need another colonoscopy sooner when your healthcare provider notices:

• An extensive polyp, usually more than a centimeter
• Cancerous polyps
• Polyps indicating a high cancer risk
• More than two abnormal growths

What should you know before a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an intense procedure. Therefore, there are a few things you should know before the treatment. For instance, inform the medical expert of the medications you might be taking, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter alternatives like supplements. Your doctor will advise you on the pills to use and those to avoid, plus the possible changes you might need to make. You may also need to reschedule medications, especially if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or need to take blood thinners. Other medical concerns you may inform your doctor about include:

• Heart conditions
• Lung conditions
• Pregnancy
• Medication allergies

Your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure if he identifies an abnormal tissue he cannot remove during the process. Inform your GI physician for a colonoscopy to investigate possible gastrointestinal symptoms like changes in your bowel habits. 

Leon Valley is a beautiful city in Texas with a sub-tropical climate. One of the main difficulties homeowners face in Leon Valley is pest infestation. Due to the subtropical climate, one can see all sorts of pests in and around the city. There are many professionals offering pest control in Leon Valley, TX. If you are struggling with pest attacks at home, book an appointment today!

Why are pests a cause of concern?

Pests are a total nuisance causing all sorts of troubles for humans. Common pests seen in the house include ants, spiders, termites, ticks, etc. These pests may not seem like a huge problem at first, but many potential dangers result from their infestation. 

1. Health: It is the biggest concern when dealing with pests. So many pests like rodents are reservoirs of deadly viruses that can spread infectious diseases in humans. 
2. Property damage: Termites and bed bugs can eat away wood and other surfaces in your home. These tiny pests are very hard to get rid of as well. 
3. Stings and bites: Some pests like spiders are poisonous, and you may end up in an ED after a small spider bite. 

Why take help from pest control services?

Elimination of pests is almost impossible when you try to do it yourself. You might find so many do-it-yourself articles online, which will offer tips to get rid of the pests fast. But, if you have tried them, you might know by now that it is not as easy as it seems. Besides, you may not get rid of them completely, and some of them will lurk around the corners of your home. 

Pest control companies have experts who will use professional products to eliminate pests at your home. Some of these products are not available to the public. Similarly, there will be more than one type of pest infesting your house. The pest control experts will be better prepared to deal with the menace causing trouble at your home. 

Professional pest control agents also have the know-how to use the products correctly. Also, you can use the time you would spend over pest control to do some other productive work!

Final takeaway

We can all agree that pests are unwelcome guests causing untold miseries. If you have trouble with pests at home, you do not have to deal with them alone. All you have to do is find an expert offering pest control services.