Blog Archive

Our Favorite Ways to Make Your Home Allergen-Free May 2nd, 2024

Anyone with allergies or asthma wants to live in a safe and allergen-free environment. Your home should be a sanctuary where you can breathe easily and enjoy optimal health.  The team at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center offers the following tips and strategies for making your home allergen-free. 1....

Recognizing Food Allergy Signs in Babies and Toddlers Apr 4th, 2024

Almost 5% of children younger than 5 years old have a food allergy. How do you know if your child is among them?  Here at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, we see children with all sorts of allergies, including those to foods. Food allergies can be incredibly frustrating because...

Myths and Facts About Allergy Shots Mar 2nd, 2024

More than 100 million people suffer from various types of allergies every year. Allergies can be a daily struggle, impacting everything from sleep quality to overall well-being. Medications offer temporary relief, but allergy shots, or immunotherapy, can be an effective solution to address the root cause.  Here at Regional Allergy,...

Helping Your Active Teen Manage Their Asthma Feb 2nd, 2024

If your child is 12-17 years old and one of the more than 2 million in that age group who have asthma, you want to support them in living a full life.  For teens who are managing asthma, a lifestyle full of social engagements and school sports or other extracurricular...

How to Help Your Child With Food Allergies Jan 16th, 2024

When your child is one of the 5.6 million people under the age of 18 who have a food allergy, it can be hard for them to grasp the potential health implications. You can help avoid the offending food(s) and stay safe without creating excessive fear. Here at Regional Allergy,...

5 Common Signs of a Dairy Allergy Dec 14th, 2023

Dairy allergy is one of the most common food allergies worldwide. About 6.1 million people have convincing symptoms of this allergy.   Living with allergies can be challenging, especially when it’s something as common as dairy. Dairy is present in milk, cheese, and yogurt. It’s also a common ingredient in many...

What to Do About Early Signs of Asthma Nov 1st, 2023

About 27 million people in the United States have asthma. Asthma affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrow. This makes it difficult for someone with asthma to breathe.  Although it’s a common chronic disease in children, asthma affects adults, too, and specialists like those at Regional Allergy,...

How Are Allergy Shots Different From Medications? Oct 2nd, 2023

More than 100 million people in the United States suffer from allergies, making it the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the country. Allergic reactions can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening events.  Allergy management involves the use of various treatments, including medications and allergy shots (also known as...

6 Medications That Help Eczema Symptoms Sep 7th, 2023

More than 31 million people in the United States struggle with eczema. This condition causes itchy, inflamed skin that seriously interferes with your quality of life. While avoiding your triggers and taking impeccable care of your skin can help, your symptoms may still flare up.  There is no cure for eczema, but several...

My Allergies Are Getting Worse — Should I Try Immunotherapy? Aug 2nd, 2023

Nearly 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children suffer some sort of allergy. These allergies may be to foods, pollen, or other triggers, like pet dander or latex. If you've noticed that your allergies are becoming increasingly bothersome and impacting your daily life, you want relief. Perhaps conservative...

4 Common Myths About Food Allergies Jul 10th, 2023

Food allergies affect about 20 million people in the United States. The most common allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, shellfish, fish, soy, wheat, and tree nuts. Sesame is also a rising food allergy. Here at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, we help people in Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee, as well as...

The Best Ways to Prevent Your Allergies on Vacation Jun 1st, 2023

When you head out on vacation, the last thing you want to deal with is your allergies and their bothersome symptoms. At Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, our experienced team wants to help you enjoy your next trip.  In addition to supplying you with any allergy meds and helping...

3 Causes of Hives — and How to Prevent Them May 10th, 2023

Hives affect about 20% of people at some point in their lives. These red or skin-colored bumps can appear and disappear quickly, cause itching, and range from mild to severe. They may burn or sting, and cover large areas of your body.  Hives aren’t always a medical concern and usually...

Does Hypoallergenic Bedding Work? Apr 5th, 2023

Managing allergies often requires a multi-pronged effort that limits your exposure, as much as possible, to your particular allergens. This can be easy if, say, peanuts are an issue, but decidedly more difficult if pollen, dust mites, or mold are your enemies. As you take steps to keep your environment...

Don’t Suffer Through Spring Allergy Season: Get Relief With Immunotherapy Mar 2nd, 2023

When spring allergies strike,  itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose can make life miserable. Avoiding seasonal allergy triggers is not always possible, and medications can make you drowsy or dizzy. The answer: Immunotherapy. This innovative treatment provides long-lasting results without unwanted side effects. Immunotherapy works with your body’s...

Understanding the Different Types of Allergy Testing Feb 15th, 2023

Allergies are the sixth most common chronic condition in America, with more than 50 million Americans diagnosed with them. Although allergies are common, individual allergy symptoms and allergens vary.  Allergies develop when your immune system reacts to a substance 一 allergens include dust, pollen, pet dander, medications, and food 一...

3 Health Complications That Can Occur If You Have Eczema Jan 11th, 2023

Eczema can be moderate or severe and start in childhood, adolescence, or older adulthood. Newborns might develop eczema weeks or months after birth. Young children with eczema can have dry and itchy skin that can develop into blisters and skin infections. Adults might get eczema in their 20s or 50s. Comorbidities...

4 Ways to Treat Your Chronic Hives Dec 5th, 2022

If you have chronic hives, also known as chronic idiopathic urticaria, you are probably already familiar with the intense itching that often accompanies it. This common condition is characterized by welts that last for more than six weeks. The itching is often intense enough to disrupt your life, even your sleep....

Home Solutions for Managing Your Asthma Nov 1st, 2022

Asthma is a common respiratory problem; in fact, one in 13 people suffer from this condition. If you’re one of the 25 million people who struggle because of your asthma symptoms, it’s time for professional help. At Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center in Virginia, our team is highly experienced in helping patients manage their asthma for a...

Understanding the Most Common Food Allergies Oct 5th, 2022

If you battle against food allergies, you’re not alone. In fact, 32 million Americans have food allergies, which typically get discovered in childhood.  Even though your body needs food to function, your immune system can see a specific substance in your food as harmful. As your immune system defends you,...

4 Ways to Assess Whether You’re a Good Candidate for Allergy Shots Sep 1st, 2022

Over 50 million people in the US deal with some type of allergy. Numerous environmental, medication, and food-related factors can cause an abnormal bodily response. Allergic reactions to these and other substances (referred to as allergens) can elicit several different reactions, including respiratory problems (allergic rhinitis, chest pains, wheezing), skin irritation, and...

Why Am I Allergic to My Dog? Aug 1st, 2022

Did you know that between 15 and 30% of Americans have a pet allergy? While allergic reactions are twice as likely with cats, they can be far more severe when they involve dogs — especially if you have asthma. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up your dog. Once you understand what’s triggering your...

Common Eczema Triggers and How to Avoid Them Jul 14th, 2022

It’s just a bit of itchy skin, right? Wrong. When you have eczema, it can seem like everything around you is a threat to your skin’s health. This impacts not only your physical health but your emotional well-being too. At the Regional Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, we know just how...

Can Asthma Develop in Adulthood? Jun 29th, 2022

Even if you have no history of asthma as a child, it can develop in adulthood. The condition, known as adult-onset asthma, leaves you short of breath and tight in the chest. You may wheeze as you exhale, suffer a dry cough, and find that colds move to the chest quickly and...

How to Introduce Potential Food Allergies to Your Baby May 1st, 2022

According to Food Allergy Resource and Education, 32 million people in the United States have food allergies, including one out of every 13 children. When you have a food allergy, your immune system attacks the proteins in a food that’s usually harmless, creating an inflammatory response in your body.  The...

Why Skin Testing Is the Best Form of Allergy Testing Apr 1st, 2022

Allergies affect at least 50 million people in the United States each year. On the list of chronic illnesses, allergies rank sixth. At Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, our team of allergy and immunology experts, under the leadership of Dr. Shailee Madhok responds to every case with the utmost concern, dedication, and professionalism to address...

4 Telltale Signs that Your Rash is Eczema Mar 1st, 2022

Eczema is a common disorder of your skin that causes uncomfortable symptoms, including an itchy rash. If you’ve been feeling bothered by skin rashes or itching, could it be eczema? Once you know your diagnosis, you can figure out how to resolve your uncomfortable or unsightly symptoms. At Regional Allergy,...

What to Expect From Your Custom Food Allergy Treatment Plan Feb 7th, 2022

Food allergies are fairly common allergies; an estimated 8% of school-aged children in the US have some type of food allergy, but food allergy issues can easily follow you into adulthood. With so many food products on the market, food allergies can sneak up on you, causing a potentially dangerous...

Can Asthma Be Cured? Jan 9th, 2022

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects over 25 million Americans. While there’s currently no cure for the disease, there are treatment options available that can both manage your symptoms and prevent new ones from occurring. At Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, you can find advanced diagnostic testing...

What's Triggering My Hives? Dec 8th, 2021

The lumps, bumps, stinging, and itching of hives are no fun. If you’re one of the 15-20% of people who experience them at some point, you’ll probably do just about anything to avoid recurrent flare ups. Understanding what causes hives can help you take steps to lower your risk for...

Choosing the Right Immunotherapy for You Nov 19th, 2021

It’s not uncommon for people to discuss their allergies freely. You might hear a co-worker complain that their allergies are acting up, or you might forgo outdoor social activities on high pollen days. Allergies are often the explanation for those who are dealing with itchy eyes, congestion, and sneezing. The...

The Danger of Food Allergies Going Untreated Oct 19th, 2021

About 32 million people have food allergies in America. Milk is the most common allergen for children, while shellfish is the most common allergen for adults. Other common food allergies include peanuts, eggs, treat nuts, wheat, and soy. Regardless of the food you’re allergic to, food allergies can be scary....

Understanding the Difference Between Atopic and Contact Dermatitis Sep 14th, 2021

Dreaming of an itch-free day? Eczema can cause itching so intense that it disrupts your daily routines and impacts your quality of life. But trying to find relief can be overwhelming. What type of eczema do you have? Which creams or treatments are designed to tackle your eczema? Our team...

Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Eczema Aug 4th, 2021

Itchy, red skin patches that flake, ooze, and maybe even bleed: These are the hallmarks of unmanaged eczema, a common skin condition that can make you uncomfortable (and self-conscious, too).  The good news: With a healthcare provider’s help, even chronic eczema can be managed. The bad news: A lot of...

How Do I Know What I’m Allergic To? Jul 4th, 2021

If you have symptoms of allergies, but you don’t know what you’re allergic to, allergy testing can help. Without knowing what causes your allergic reactions, you may be needlessly exposing yourself to allergens. When you get tested to learn which substances trigger your allergies, your doctor can recommend the best...

A Closer Look at Allergy Shots Jun 13th, 2021

If you live with allergies, you can get lasting relief from your symptoms by getting allergy shots. Allergy shots help stop the immune system from overreacting to allergens. At Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, with offices in Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee, and Abingdon, Virginia, we offer allergy shots....

Tips for Managing Asthma During the Summer Months May 4th, 2021

It’s not easy struggling to breathe. During an asthma attack, the airway walls swell, thus reducing the space through which air can pass. Attacks often have an activator, called an asthma trigger, and there are summertime conditions that can make living with asthma more challenging. You need a medical partner...

Stinging Insect Allergies: Get the Facts Apr 6th, 2021

When most people think of allergies, they usually think of hay fever or certain food allergies, like an allergy to tree nuts. But some people walk around not knowing when their allergy could strike because the catalyst is so small. Stinging insect allergies can be dangerous, so it’s important to...

What People with Asthma Need to Know About COVID-19 Mar 8th, 2021

You probably already know that COVID-19 can affect people in different ways. But it’s important to know what those ways are, especially if you have a chronic lung condition, such as asthma.  At Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, our specialists want to keep everyone informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic....

What Is Immunotherapy, and Can It Cure My Allergies? Feb 15th, 2021

Every year, more than 50 million Americans of all ages experience allergies, making it the sixth most common chronic health problem in the United States. If you’re a long-time sufferer, you know that your itchy eyes, runny nose, hives, and rashes are due to your immune system mistaking a benign...

How do Covid-19 Symptoms Differ from Those Caused by Seasonal Allergies, Colds, and the Flu? Jan 18th, 2021

It can be nerve-wracking to know there’s a new kind of bug going around, and we’re not exactly sure how it’s spread. Every sneeze, tickle in the throat, or muscle ache can make you wonder, “Do I have coronavirus?”  The medical teams at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center with...