Ask An Allergist – Dr. Mardiney

Dr. Matthew Mardiney, MDWe are constantly trying to bring you the most up-to-date and relevant information available. To help in doing so, we've begunn partnering with board certified doctors to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about allergies and asthma.

_With our first set of questions, I'd like to introduce Dr. Matthew Mardiney, MD.

_Travel Allergy Tips?

How can I keep my allergies in check when traveling to countries where I might be exposed to trees/plants that I've never encountered before?

submitted by TravelBug_

Traveling out of the country or even other parts of our country can be challenging for people who suffer from environmental allergies. There is no easy way to
________predict how a foreign allergen will impact the allergic individual. Factors that can impact include previous exposure, the amount, and duration of exposure. Often
________allergy sufferers who have not have had previous exposure will be less affected by a new environment.

________The keys to travel success are to ensure that your baseline allergic condition is being maximally treated and controlled prior to your travels and to have a
________treatment plan going forward. Being prepared to travel means knowing the predominant allergen that you will be exposed to {endemic pollens, animal dander,
________mold, etc.} and having backup measures to initiate if symptoms escalate. This includes avoidance measures (as best as possible) and additional medications
________such as antihistamines and/or decongestants for symptomatic control if needed. In extreme cases traveling with a low dose oral steroid and/or a rescue
________inhaler may be warranted based on the person's allergic history.

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________Finally, Individualizing a treatment plan with your Allergist or PCP is always a good idea before traveling. Remember the phrase ‘Fail to prepare…prepare to fail’

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________Keeping Your Child Active with Asthma?

Any advice on how to keep my asthmatic son active but safe during the spring and summer?

submitted by Marietta, OH Mom
________

Every asthmatic is different but typically the summer and particularly the spring can be challenging. Our goal is always shooting for maximum control
________where the asthmatic patient essentially normalizes and can do anything a non-asthmatic can do. Typically this Playing & Exercise with Asthmacan be obtained to some degree with preventative
________allergy and asthma treatment.

________If your child does have pollen sensitivity in the spring and summer it's best to do most activity outside in the early morning or late afternoon when pollen
________counts are down and temperatures are cooler. Be aware of the air quality and limit outside activities during poor air quality days. If your child struggles
________with allergy and asthma despite these measures, a reassessment of their maintenance allergy and asthma treatment is indicated and consideration for allergen
________desensitization ‘shots’ should be discussed with your local allergist.

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_Do you have questions you would like answered? Submit them to us via the FAQ form on every product page, email them using [email protected], send them to us via our live chat or send us something via snail mail. The most relevant and intriguing we'll select to be answered.

_Author: Kevin Gilmore

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