Allergy videos
eMedTV is a great source of videos regarding health topics. I have posted their 12 videos regarding allergies so that they can be viewed on our site. You can also check them out at eMedTV
INTRODUCTION TO ALLERGIES
This first video launches the series on the topic of allergies; it briefly discusses what allergies are, what causes them, and how they can be treated.
The More You Know About Allergies, The Better
November 29, 2009
UNDERSTANDING ALLERGIES
This video discusses how the immune system reacts to airborne substances and initiates the allergic response. Once antibodies are made, subsequent exposure to the same allergen triggers the allergic cascade. This then results in the symptoms that we all recognize as allergies.
WHO DO ALLERGIES AFFECT?
The third video discusses the two things that are needed to have allergies: genetics (you have to inherit the ability to react to airborne substances from your parents) and environment (you have to live somewhere where there are things to react to). The video provides some good information on what group of us are affected by allergies.
AIRBORNE ALLERGIES
Reacting to airborne substances is the most common way most of us experience allergies. This video gives examples of seasonal and year-round allergens as well as the symptoms they cause. It also discusses what allergic rhinitis means and how you can discuss this topic with your doctor.
ALLERGY SYMPTOMS AND WHAT CAUSES THEM
This fifth video shows how symptoms of allergies are often determined by the location of the reaction. With airborne allergens, the places most often affected are eyes, nose, ears, and throat. See how the immune system response is behind the symptoms we experience.
TYPES OF ALLERGIES
This video gives an good overview of allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies. Symptoms and treatments are also discussed.
UNDERSTANDING POLLEN AND POLLEN ALLERGIES
This seventh video discusses how pollen is used by plants to propagate the species and how these also trigger allergic responses in humans. It also mentions how most pollen is made airborne during specific times of the year and how this impacts us.
ALLERGY SEASONS
This video covers what pollens are prevalent during what seasons as well as how molds and indoor allergens contribute to seasonal symptoms. It also discusses how locations affect the kinds of pollens we are exposed to and the kinds of problems they might cause.
DIAGNOSING ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Diagnosing allergies requires a good history, especially what symptoms occur and when (what time of the year) along with what medications have helped. In addition, skin testing can be beneficial in uncovering the specific things that cause allergies for an individual.
ALLERGY TREATMENT
This video discusses the many types of medicines that are available for treating allergies and what each of them do. They also discuss briefly avoidance but unfortunately they do not discuss allergy injections.
LIVING WITH ALLERGIES
This video addresses what allergists mean by “avoidance”. It also gives great advice on how to decrease outdoor allergens from coming inside your house as well as what to do during specific seasons.
ALLERGIES SUMMARY
The last video summarizes what was covered in the previous presentations.
I hope you agree that these videos are a great educational resource.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the information presented.
J. Alex Martinez, M.D.
