If you have allergies, you probably know that the itchy eyes, nasal drainage, hives, and other symptoms you experience are related to your immune system mistaking essentially harmless substances that you inhale, eat, or touch as deadly invaders meant to be conquered. This overreaction by your immune system triggers a...
It is expected that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will approve a new drug that treats peanut allergies in children in January. The drug, developed by a California-based startup called Aimmune Therapeutics, is Palforzia. It would be the first ever drug that the U.S. approves for treating food...
The 3rd week in September marked Asthma Peak Week for 2019. What is Asthma Peak Week? It is a week when certain conditions come together to create a perfect storm for asthma sufferers. As a result, hospitalizations and private practice visits related to asthma increase that week across the country....
Roughly 1 in 10 people in the United States are allergic to cats. Despite exposure to cats resulting in symptoms including coughing, sneezing, wheezing, stuffy noses, and rashes in this part of our population, the desire to be around cats and to keep cats as pets does not seem to...
Northwestern University researchers have found that sesame allergies are more common in the United States that experts previously thought. According to their analysis of data from 50,000 households and more than 80,000 people, sesame allergies affect more than 1 million people in the U.S. While approximately 1.1 million people reported...
Many asthma sufferers do not realize that there are different types of asthma diagnoses that depend on the frequency of asthma symptoms. Whereas people who suffer from asthma symptoms regularly are often diagnosed with persistent asthma, those who experience symptoms 2 days each week or less are likely to be...
For those with food allergies, eating out can be anxiety-provoking, as it is difficult to control what ends up on your plate. Even if the problematic ingredient is not purposefully included in a dish, cross-contamination can occur in the kitchen. The result is that people with food allergies can still...
Over 6 million children in the U.S. suffer from asthma, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is approximately 12% of all children in our country. However, the prevalence of asthma amongst children is not evenly distributed between distinct demographics. Instead, minority children, those who are...
In attempts to develop therapies for seasonal allergies, researchers in Austria are using animals not often associated with scientific research: camels. There are currently about 800 million people worldwide suffering from seasonal allergies induced by pollen, and though there are several treatment options on the market, seasonal allergy sufferers often...
Asthma has long been linked to obesity, and researchers have shown over the years that not only does obesity increase the chances of developing asthma, but asthma also increases the chances of developing obesity. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40% of adults who...
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently requires that companies include on their food labels the inclusion of eight common food allergens, including: peanuts, wheat, eggs, milk, shellfish, tree nuts and soybeans. Sesame may soon be added to this list In 2014, a group that included the Center for...
Food allergies are often considered allergies that may be outgrown. However, the likelihood of outgrowing a food allergy depends in large part to both the severity of the allergy and the specific food that causes the allergy. Allergies to milk, egg, wheat and soy, for instance, are the common food...
The medical community has long recognized that obesity increases the risk of developing asthma. However, new research is complicating the story, suggesting that the opposite may also be true – i.e., that asthma may also increase the risk of becoming obese. According to the new data presented at the European Respiratory...
Over the last decade, a major mystery in the rise of red meat allergies has been partially solved, as scientists have discovered that being bitten by the Lone Star tick – which tends to be found in the southeastern United States – increases the risk of developing allergies to red...
The short answer is yes. The British Association of Dermatologists have recently reported on what they call an “allergy epidemic” resulting from exposure to a methacrylate – a chemical that is commonly used in gel polish, gel nails and acrylic nails. A major challenge with this rising allergen is that those experiencing...
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal concluded that diets that include high levels of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are correlated with better asthma outcomes. These foods are known to be healthy, with an abundance of scientific evidence pointing to the ways that these foods, and the nutrients contained...
When people experience allergic reactions, a blood protein or antibody, called Immunoglobin E (IgE) has recognized an allergen, interpreted it as harmful, and initiated the reaction that leads to allergy symptoms. According to some scientists, this same reaction can occur when we are exposed to environmental chemicals like those found...
When people are allergic to dust mites, allergy symptoms are often worse at night. Dust mites live within dust and feed on skin cells that we regularly shed. Given the amount of time we spend in our beds, our beds tend to hold relatively high volumes of these skin cells and are...
For those who receive or are thinking of receiving allergy shots for allergies such as those related to grass pollen, ragweed, or dust mites, there is an alternative that has been deemed effective by the American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology. Unlike allergy shots, or subcutaneous immunotherapy, which involves injections,...
Food Allergy Research and Education, the largest private funding source for food allergy research and the leading organizing that supports people living with food allergies, were involved in a study that was published in April and provides hope that a vaccine against peanut allergies may soon be a reality. Given...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just published results of a study into the prevalence of asthma amongst children in the United States. According to their findings, asthma attack rates have improved a bit in recent years, and fewer children are being admitted to the hospital for...
Researchers at Aarhus University have made a serendipitous discovery that could help an enormous amount of patients who suffer from allergies. Though they were searching for a way to improve existing allergy treatments, their data pointed to a new way to approach allergy treatment. Their results, published in Nature Communications, demonstrate how an...
Many of us tend to get sick during the cold months, but if allergy symptoms arise, we are likely to blame a cold. Though rare, some people are actually allergic to the cold itself, suffering from what is known as cold urticaria. For comparison, about 1 out of every 10...
A study published in Nature Communications at the end of 2017 has identified 6 genes involved with children’s allergic reactions to peanuts. Unlike many other studies, which compare the physiology of those with allergies to those without allergies, this investigation involved comparisons between when an individual was experiencing an allergic reaction and...
A new study conducted by scientists at the Copenhagen Studies on Asthma in Childhood Research Center in Denmark has revealed a way that cats may help protect newborns from developing asthma. According to the investigation, cats may also prevent babies from developing bronchitis and pneumonia. The researchers did not find, however, that...
A new review published in The Lancet has revealed that older people who suffer from asthma are five times more likely to die from the condition than their younger counterparts. Unfortunately, the rate of asthma in older adults is climbing. Though the specific prevalence is debated, up to 9% of all older...
When most people think of food allergies, they think of things like nuts, eggs, or shellfish. However, red meat has been causing more allergic reactions in recent years, and the culprit is a sugar molecule found in red meat called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal. The picture is complicated by the fact...
Women are twice as likely to develop asthma after puberty than are men, and they are also more likely to suffer from more severe forms of the disorder. More girls develop asthma than boys during childhood as well. However, doctors and researchers have not had a good idea as to...
Albuterol inhalers are commonly used to treat patients with asthma and allergy. Specifically, albuterol combats bronchospasms that can be induced by exercise or that occur as a result of reversible obstructive airway disease. Bronchospasms occur when certain cells of the immune system, known as mast cells or basophils, release substances that cause...
In 2014, researchers released results from a study on a new skin patch called Viaskin, aimed at treating peanut allergies. Now, more results have been released. The idea behind the patch was that by exposing people to small amounts of the protein in peanuts that causes allergic reactions, the patch could...
It has long been recognized that patients who suffer from asthma may struggle to use their inhalers properly. There are a number of mistakes that people can make when using inhalers. Research has shown that patients tend to make at least one of these mistakes 70% to 90% of the time. When...
Last year, Mylan the company that produces the EpiPen, received a lot of backlash for its increasing prices that reportedly preventing access for a number of people who require the medicine. The EpiPen is an injectable device that delivers epinephrine to those experiencing a severe allergic reaction. In the case of anaphylaxis, when...
Penicillin refers to a group of safe and inexpensive antibiotics that are frequently prescribed for an array of bacterial infections. Unfortunately, some people have demonstrated allergies to penicillin. These allergies occur when the immune system reacts to the penicillin. These reactions often lead to hives or rashes. In extreme cases, anaphylaxis can...
There are a number of known risk factors for asthma. Pollution, dust, as well as certain chemicals increase the risk for developing asthma. Smoking, allergies, viral infections, and obesity are also linked with the chronic disease. Additionally, genetics are thought to play a role. Recently, research has also pointed to...
The few scientific studies that have investigated a potential link between cured meats (including sausage, salami, and ham) and asthma have not found any relationship. A new study published in the academic journal Thorax, however, claims to have identified a negative impact of cured meats on asthma symptoms. These results are...
It is often claimed that food allergies have been on the rise for years. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4 million children currently suffer from food allergies, the most common of which are to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, fish, and crustacean shellfish. However,...
It's frequently asserted that the food allergies have been rising for several years. As stated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4 million kids now suffer with food allergies, the most frequent of which are to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, wheat, fish, poultry, and crustacean...
Since 2006, labels on foods that contain the major food allergens, which are peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, and tree nuts, must make it clear that these allergens are present. As a result of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), these products must be labeled...
Researchers at the University of South Carolina recently published a study in Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology, suggesting that exposing children to antibiotics very early in life may increase their risk for developing allergies. The researchers looked at over 7000 patients through Medicaid data from 2007 to 2009. Specifically, they compared 1504...
EpiPens could be purchased for less than $50 in the United States in 2007. The injection devices deliver epinephrine through the thigh to combat anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction that closes the airways. For those with allergies or with kids with allergies, having an EpiPen on hand has been...
A study released in July in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine claimed that a group of asthma patients that researchers studied in Pennsylvania were more likely to have asthma attacks if they lived near fracking developments. The researchers looked at data from over 35,000 patients that attended a particular clinic in Pennsylvania...
It is perhaps not surprising that allergies and allergic diseases can have a negative impact on quality of life. Patients with these conditions can be chronically nagged with symptoms that in addition to causing discomfort, can also minimize productivity and prevent the ability to engage in certain activities. However, studies...
More than 300 million people suffer from asthma. Though many people with the disease are able to control symptoms and disease progression, many others struggle to manage the disease. For some, the struggle is simply in figuring out the best drugs and doses to use. Others, though, seem unable to...
Though it is not necessarily intuitive, there is a significant amount of research that shows that the time of year when you are born can impact a number of factors in your life, including your eventual height, whether you develop diseases, and how long you live. In recent years, there...
Asthma has been reported as the primary cause of chronic disease and disability in children. Because asthma can be life threatening, effective drugs and inhalers that are used to combat asthma symptoms can be critical to survival. However, some doctors are arguing that asthma is being over-diagnosed in children and...
The significant rise in peanut allergies in recent years has puzzled physicians and scientists. In the past decade, peanut allergies have quadrupled in the United States. The scientific community has started to suspect that doctors’ recommendations to parents, regarding when to feed their children peanuts, could be partly to blame...
There are a number of reasons why babies may not be able to receive sufficient nutrition from breast milk. To combat the obstacle and ensure that babies are offered proper nutrition easily and early in life, formula was created. Given that breast milk is lacking in certain nutrients, formula provided...
Scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have discovered a genetic mutation that causes for a very rare type of allergy - an allergy to vibration. The team of scientists, who were specifically housed at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Human Genome Research Institute...
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, has long been linked to allergies. Studies have shown that children who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop allergies and suffer higher rates of hospital admissions due to allergic reactions. From November through February, it is thought that...
Scientific research has shown that having allergies makes it more likely that people will suffer certain anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks. According to a new study published in Pediatrics, children who suffer from allergies starting at a young age are at an increased risk for...
Autism and autism spectrum disorder involve impairments in communication and social interaction and are thought to result from abnormal brain development. This type of abnormal brain development is most likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The rate of autism diagnosis has increased significantly since 1980, as...
Though the medical community has not acknowledged it as a legitimate allergy, people have begun to claim that they suffer from allergies to Wi-Fi. Over the years, a number of health risks associated with our smart devices have been revealed – including insomnia, neck pain, and brain changes. According to the World Health...
Though sesame allergies affect less than 1% of the United States’ population, somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 people in the U.S. are allergic to sesame. According to allergists, many more people are afflicted in the U.S. today than a decade or two ago. The most common symptom associated with sesame allergy is...
Many people are allergic to insect stings, which can be associated with a number of insects including honeybees, sweatbees, bumblebees, paper wasps, white-faced hornets, yellow hornets, yellow jackets, harvester ants, fire ants, and jack jumper ants. Less often, allergies can also occur to proteins found in the saliva of other...
There are a number of cells of the immune system that are involved in allergic reactions. Relatively recently, platelets were added to the list of known immune cells that contribute to the body’s response to allergens and to underlie aspects of asthma. Platelets are the smallest cells that travel within...
People who work with laboratory animals are susceptible to developing allergies to the specimens to which they are regularly subjected, a condition termed laboratory animal allergy, or LAA. Lung function and changes in the immune system have been identified in a number of such workers, and it is believed that between...
People often wonder if their loving pets are susceptible to the same allergies that they are. Though our pets are less likely to suffer from the same symptoms that we do when we experience allergies, they are in fact vulnerable to allergies. Allergies occur in pets for the same reason...
It is common for people to be allergic to pollen, and to know that pollen irritates them. What is less well recognized is that there are a number of types of pollen, which peak at different times in the year and cause distinct symptoms for allergy sufferers. Having a precise understanding...
Though people often feel that their allergies get worse every year, it is not highly likely that seasonal allergies get worse over time. It is true, however, that the severity of allergies varies from year to year. Predicting how bad an allergy season will be is difficult because individual weather...
When we think of treating allergies, we often think of pills, inhalers, nasal drops, and EpiPens. However, preventing allergies can be one of the most effective ways to deal with them. Because there are no cures or vaccines currently available for allergies, prevention generally requires controlling one’s environment. For instance,...
Before puberty, boys tend to suffer from allergies and asthma more frequently than do girls. However, after puberty, these conditions are more common in women than in men. Women who suffer from acute asthma, which is related to allergies, are 60% more likely than men to require emergency intervention or...
We often associate weather with our allergy symptoms because certain seasons bring with them specific allergens that trigger our sneezing, runny noses, and wheezing. Often, the causes for our allergies are agents that thrive in certain weather conditions. For instance, mold grows in the winter, poison ivy is rampant in...
Several allergy drugs are on the market. There are over-the-counter medications and prescription medications that minimize specific symptoms associated with allergic reactions. EpiPens are generally prescribed for those with severe allergies because they can reverse the life threatening anaphylactic reaction that can occur in patients with allergies. EpiPens contain epinephrine, which can...
Anaphylaxis is an extremely severe allergic reaction, where the immune system releases histamine, basophils, mast cells, and other substances. The excessive reaction of the immune system to an allergen causes tightening of airways and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not properly treated. Once it is clear that a...
For millions of people allergic to eggs, exposure to these agents can lead to severe and dangerous reactions. Children are much more likely than adults to suffer from egg allergies, and eggs are the second most common food that causes allergy in children, behind cow’s milk. In the United States,...
These days, we hear a lot about kids developing allergies at a higher rate than in previous generations. Often, these allergies are quite serious. A common example is the peanut allergy that can be fatal if it leads to anaphylaxis, and the patient is not treated quickly enough. Given the...
A growing number of latex allergies are being recognized and diagnosed. It is believed that about 3 million people in the United States are allergic to latex. Those allergic to latex react to a milky fluid found in latex that is produced by rubber trees. As with other allergies, the...
Why Its Important to Know the Difference Colds and allergies have a number of overlapping symptoms, including runny nose, congestion, and cough. Given that these symptoms can indicate different issues that require different interventions, confusing one condition for another can prolong symptoms and reduce quality of life for an extended...
Donation Facilitates Important Allergy Research Almost 40% of the global population currently suffers from allergies, and the percentage is expected to increase to 50% soon. There is no cure for allergies that is currently approved by the FDA. Stanford University School of Medicine is launching a new research center aimed at developing...
Thanksgiving is the time of year when cooks prepare magnificent feasts. Special dishes are often served that you just don't get the rest of the year. These yummy recipes are great, but you need to be careful if you have food allergies. The best way to enjoy a holiday meal...
Dogs make wonderful pets and are found in many homes throughout the world. However, about 10 percent of the people in the United States are actually allergic to some dogs and experience itchy eyes, stuffy noses, wheezing, sneezing, and coughing when they are around them. Nevertheless, people with pet allergies still want...
Traveling can create unique challenges for people with allergies. Hotels may have dust mites or even mold, and airplanes and trains seem to always contain an allergy trigger. Whether it's from spending time in new places or around new people, you're likely to be exposed to something that can irritate your allergy...
Peanut allergies have frustrated researchers for a long time but they may have finally found a solution to the problem. Recently, researchers from the Oxford University found possibly conclusive evidence regarding the cause of peanut allergies. The results may surprise you. People consume peanuts fried, boiled, raw or dry-roasted and...
Allergy Symptoms For unknown reasons, allergies are on the rise in classrooms. One in 13 children is likely to develop allergies and need a pediatric allergist. As a parent, you need to know the symptoms of allergies and how to protect children from serious illness. Symptoms from allergies can appear...
Parents and schools have come to realize the seriousness of treating severe allergic reactions quickly with allergy shots. Schools are taking the initiative to see that epinephrine auto-injectors are available and used to stop allergic reactions in children and staff. Federal legislation for keeping epinephrine at schools was signed by President...
We are hearing talk of food allergies more often because there seems to be an increase in allergies found in children. What should you do if you think your child might have an allergy? Stay calm and consider these important points. Don't hesitate to contact a pediatric allergist if you see...
Breastfeeding has seen an increase in popularity in recent years, with advocates touting a number of benefits for both mother and baby. Two recent studies provide more information on the health-related benefits that many babies enjoy. Specifically, experts credit breast feeding with a lowered allergy risk and number of ear,...
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know just what a struggle it can be to overcome. Here are seven of the most unexpected factors that may be partially to blame for that runny nose or those itchy eyes: Alcohol - The sulfites in red wine are particularly notorious for causing allergy problems,...
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may have turned to routine allergy shots to control your symptoms. Many of us have gone through the experience as a child and continue to do so now as adults. There's a new solution called rush immunotherapy that has gained national attention as...
If you suffer from allergies, you are probably curious about what exactly causes your specific problems. Allergy testing can help you to get to the bottom of the cause of your symptoms. Whether you get red, itchy eyes when you go outside during springtime, or you can't pet a cat without become...
If you have allergies, you've probably experienced most of the symptoms involved. While most people think sneezing is a common reaction, many people don't realize that it's our eyes that are also under attack when we sneeze. Itchy, red, swollen eyes are a common reaction to dust, pollen, and other allergens...
Watery eyes. Itchiness. Trouble breathing. Some of us know much better than others that the effects of spring allergies can be very problematic during that certain time of the year. While others see beautiful sunny skies and flowers blooming, some of us are just waiting for the months to pass,...
You may think the misery of the “polar vortex” winter is over, but sadly, it can still have an effect in months to come for allergy sufferers this allergy season. It seems as if the extreme cold temperatures should have killed everything, but that, unfortunately, is not the case. Since...
We know you have choices when it comes to picking an allergist., and we think there are a lot of reasons to pick Premier Allergy & Asthma. First, we have eight convenient locations in the Columbus metro region. This makes appointments for your whole family easier, whether you are coming from...
Have you been suffering from seasonal allergies for months or years, but were afraid to get tested for fear of needles or discomfort? What if we told you that we could give you a skin test without needles and get you results in just 20 minutes? Yes, you read that right. Our...
Food allergies are typically caused by eight common ingredients: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. These foods can initiate annoying skin reactions or life-threatening breathing problems. Because of the danger posed to those who are allergic to these foods, companies are required to display allergy warnings...
Immunotherapy is a medical term for the treatment of disease by inducing, enhancing, or suppressing an immune response. Not surprisingly, this type of therapy is often used for treating allergies. While other allergy treatments only target the symptoms of allergic reactions, immunotherapy is the only treatment available that actually reduces...
People who suffer from allergies understand the fear of becoming violently ill, or even facing a life-threatening situation due to minute traces of a particular substance. These substances are often otherwise harmless, or even prevalent food items. Peanuts, for example, are a particularly common food allergy trigger, afflicting millions of...
Hives are itchy, red bumps that are a common condition for those who suffer from allergies. Those bumps may be quite swollen and can vary in size from being under an inch to as large as a few inches in diameter. They can appear on just about any area of the...
As anyone who deals with life-threatening allergies knows, allergy education is a critical part of the school curriculum. Not only do children need to learn about this serious issue, including the ability to identify it, seek help, and even treat it, but so do the adults around them. Teachers, other school staff,...
Natural allergy remedies are a real source of relief for sufferers of all ages. Fortunately, since they don’t involve chemicals or drugs of any kind, most of them can be used on everyone from young children to senior citizens. If you’re looking for an allergy remedy that you can try yourself...
Asthma sufferers are on the rise: recent statistics show that nearly 17 million people are affected by it in the United States, an increase of 2.5 million in the last 5 years. Because there is still no cure, sufferers of the disease are often in search of non-traditional or homeopathic...
Weather allergies are common from coast to coast, regardless of the exact climate or temperature around you. Whether it’s wet or dry, cold or hot, or anywhere in the middle, plenty of people find that they have an itchy nose, runny eyes, or show other allergy symptoms at one point or...
Many people associate allergies with the spring and summer months, when the pollen count is high and they’re spending a great deal of time outside. For pollen allergy sufferers, winter generally means a reprieve from the symptoms that plague them the rest of the year. However, many allergies actually get worse...
Anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction knows how uncomfortable and even dangerous it can be to come in contact with certain allergy triggers. Whether you react adversely to pollen, mold, pet dander, insect stings, dust mites, or certain foods and medications, there are measures you can take to...
Environmental allergies can occur at any time of the year, especially in warmer climates. Symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common things to expect include a runny nose, watery eyes, stuffy nose, and sneezing. So what causes outdoor allergies? Well, you might be surprised that they usually stem...
Many people have false information about allergies. They may experience different symptoms and link them to allergies when in reality there is a different culprit to blame. Some of the common myths below have been passed down for many years, but experts know there is no truth to them. ...
Pregnancy can be an exciting and overwhelming time in a woman’s life. Women who are pregnant know to expect many changes to their body. During these changes, it is important to know how to manage existing conditions or diseases, such as asthma. Fortunately, there are some easy-to-implement changes that women...
When allergies strike! Here are seven signs you are one of the millions who suffer from allergies. From coughing to sneezing to itchy eyes, we feel your pain! 1. You have your allergy doctor on speed dial. 2. You buy stock in Kleenex tissues because you might as well profit from your misery....
Penicillin and the family of antibiotics that fall under its umbrella are some of the most commonly prescribed options available in the United States. Many parents, however, may have had an adverse reaction to one of these medications themselves or may have witnessed it in their children, causing them to...
Alergy season is starting to get worse for many allergy sufferers due to changes in the climate. According to Grist, with more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, both the production of pollen and plant growth have increased, leading to more frustration and problems for those who are allergic. Dr. Shah, an...
Are your allergies in full swing? You’re not alone! Dr. Shah talks with WBNS TV in Columbus about why you may be experiencing more intense allergies than normal this year. This April and May, many people are suffering with allergies and asthma. Typical symptoms include itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Yet...
When your body is allergic to a foreign object such as dust, pollen, or a certain food substance, it produces a sneeze in an attempt to get rid of the irritant. A sneeze can project out of the body at up to 100 miles per hour and up to 5...
Spring gets the reputation of being the most beautiful time of the year because of all the flowers in bloom, but for allergy suffers, this isn’t what they think of when they realize that spring has sprung. The same bee pollen that makes the flowers grow also makes your nose runny...
Ohio allergist Dr. Patel appeared on Fox 28 news to discuss the upcoming allergy season. Experts predict this year to be the worst allergy season to date. There are a few reasons why you can expect your allergies to begin acting up: The long and wet winter set up perfect conditions for...
The urge to spend time outdoors is never greater than in the early days of spring. The days start to get longer, the snow melts away, the sun comes out and gardens bloom. But when some of us pull off our winter boots and stop to smell the roses, we’re...
Runny noses and sniffles aren’t exactly rare this time of year; colds and the flu run rampant among adults and children alike. After the twentieth sneeze or so, chances are you’ll pop a sinus pill, load up on Kleenex, and plop yourself in front of the fire to watch another...
Just because the seasons change, that doesn’t mean your symptoms will. Most of us enjoy summer’s perks; it’s the season of long nights, bikinis, and pints of beer on the patio. But summer is also the season of pollen, and for the unlucky among us that means sneezing, runny noses,...
A ground breaking research study by Dr. Summit Shah on accelerated allergy shots has been in the news! Dr. Shah’s study shows quicker results and no increased reaction rate using rush immunotherapy for treatment of allergies and asthma. Read more about the study and findings from Dr. Shah on PR Web.
Pass the tissues. Allergy season has arrived early this Spring, bringing with it sneezing, wheezing, and itchy, watery eyes. But along with early allergies, Central Ohio is still dealing with a late flu season, and the symptoms often overlap. Dr. Shah chats about getting your Allergies under control before April arrives. Take...
Allergist Dr. Summit Shah lent his knowledge to the folks at Columbus Parent Magazine to help clear the waters surrounding food allergies–and the verdict isn’t in yet. Even if your child doesn’t have food allergies, most parents know which foods most often ignite allergic reactions: nuts, wheat, eggs and milk. But what...
Allergens like mold, dust and pollen have led to a spike in back to school allergies. Dr. Shah identifies signs and symptoms of asthma that parents should look out for and weighs in on how worsening asthma, coupled with rising levels of ragweed have put children at increased risk.
When September rolls around, it usually means back to school for the kiddos. Back to school also typically means allergy season, high ragweed concentrations, and a mix of allergens all creating a disruption for your little ones and their school routine. Last week, NBC4i stopped by our Dublin office to...
Premier Allergy & Asthma very own allergist Dr. Shah talks about the introduction of rush immunotherapy and accelerated allergy shots being at the forefront of cutting edge allergy and asthma treatment options. Click here to read more about the rush immunotherapy process.
Dr. Summit Shah explains the difference between allergy symptoms and asthma symptoms, offers hope to allergy sufferers, and explains when you need to switch from over the counter medicines to prescription treatments and start looking for an allergist.
The beauty of budding plants and bouquet of aromas are sources of satisfaction for many gardeners. For allergy sufferers, though, gardening can be as much a chore as pursuit of passion. Pollen from trees, shrubs and grasses can cause an onslaught of allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion and in some...
As the number of people suffering from seasonal allergies rises, it’s been increasingly important to discover new ways to combat allergic reactions and symptoms. There are current medical practices and medications that can manage symptoms, but rarely does a treatment aim to eliminate the problem. A new way of treating...
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic allergic skin condition mainly affecting infants and children. It often begins within the first year of life, with 60% of cases occurring by age 1 and up to 90% of cases by age 5. It may last until adolescence or adulthood. If eczema is...
During an attack, the air passages become swollen and narrow and produces a thick mucous. At the same time, the muscles around the airways become tight. The tightening of the muscles, called bronchospasm, causes the airways to become even narrower.
Though penicillin allergy is the most commonly diagnosed drug allergy, there has been mounting evidence in recent years that many people who believe they are allergic to penicillin are in fact not allergic to it. True penicillin allergy is actually quite rare. A study that was just published in the journal Pediatrics investigated...
There are two main theories. One blames our increasing immune system sensitivity to the many synthetic chemicals in today’s society. Another theory, known as the “hygiene hypothesis,” states that the human immune system is becoming more reactive to allergens because of modern hygiene and health care. Our immune system is designed to...
Fortunately, at long last, we now have the ability to test for penicillin and penicillin derivatives through a simple skin test. If the history and testing align, the diagnosis is confirmed in about 97% of cases. Diagnosis of other drug allergies is done mostly through a patient’s medical history. Allergists are specifically...
Regular check-ups with your doctor are very important, even if you have been symptom free for an extended period. Take all your prescribed medications. There are two types of medicine: Long-term control medications – These are taken daily on a long-term basis. They maintain control by lessening chronic inflammation. Quick-relief medications – These are...
Hives and angioedema occur when histamine is released from special cells found along the skin’s blood vessels. In response to histamine, plasma leaks out from these blood vessels in the skin. Allergic reactions to things like foods, medicines, insect stings and sunlight exposure can cause histamine release. Sometimes it is impossible to...
Environmental allergies are generally known as allergic rhinitis. This is an allergic reaction that occurs in the nose when allergens in the air trigger the release of histamine. Histamine makes it difficult to breathe, causing inflammation, nasal congestion, swelling of the nasal membranes, blockage and reduction of normal sinus drainage.
People with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) experience symptoms during the time of year when certain allergens are in the air outdoors. There are several allergy seasons: springtime, when plants bloom and tree pollen counts soar; summer, the season for grass and weed pollen allergies; and autumn, the time for ragweed and mold...
Each person’s symptoms are different, but everyone must pay attention to the early warning signs to recognize that an episode may be developing. These signs may include breathing changes or coughing, feeling tired, having less energy for exercise and having lower peak flow meter numbers. A peak flow meter is...
An allergic person produces a specific type of antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, in response to normally harmless substances such as certain foods or medicines, pollen, animal dander and mold. These IgE antibodies cause allergic reactions. If a person is exposed again to the allergen, the IgE antibodies stimulate what...
Drug rashes are the body’s reaction to certain medications. The type of rash that occurs depends on the type of drug that is causing it. Rashes can range from mild to severe. Rarely, drug rashes may result in blisters. These blisters can be a sign of a more serious condition, so they...
There is no specific test for eczema. The diagnosis when done by an allergist is based on skin appearance and on personal and family history.
An allergy is a disorder of the immune system, an exaggerated response, occurring when a person is exposed to normally harmless environmental substances known as allergens.
Serum sickness is a delayed type of drug allergy that occurs a week or more after exposure to a medication. The immune system misidentifies a protein in the drug as a potentially harmful substance, and it develops an immune response to fight it, causing inflammation and other symptoms. Symptoms of serum...
About 50 million Americans, or 1 in 6 people, have environmental allergies, or allergic rhinitis. Allergic disorders are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States, according to the Allergy Report from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
At our clinic in Columbus, Ohio, allergy shots will be administered to slowly reduce the severity and frequency of your allergies. Despite this, allergies cannot be totally cured. A combination of avoidance measures, our medication, and our therapies will improve the quality of your life. Call us today or submit through...
At Premier Allergy & Asthma in Columbus, Ohio, asthma can be treated and diagnosed. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that can cause repeated episodes of coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulty. It can be triggered by allergens, infection, exercise, cold air and other factors. It is one of the most common...
Venom is the substance injected into the skin during an insect bite or sting.
A drug allergy is an allergic reaction that occurs when the body’s immune system produces antibodies and activates disease-fighting cells in response to a specific drug. In the development of a drug allergy, the immune system is triggered by the first exposure to the medication. A future exposure causes an immune...
Immunodeficiency refers to a group of diseases in which the immune system does not function normally. A normal immune system will attack what is seen as a foreign invader, like bacteria and viruses. When the immune system does not work properly, a person is more likely to suffer from frequent...
Angioedema is an allergic reaction similar to hives, but it causes swelling deeper in the layers of the skin. It commonly affects the hands, feet, genitals and face (lips and eyes). It generally lasts longer than hives (which can occur simultaneously) but the swelling usually goes away in 24 hours. In...
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. The reaction can occur a few seconds to as long as an hour after exposure to the allergen. It is a medical emergency, and in most cases it requires immediate treatment and then follow-up care...
A specific allergy is not usually inherited, but your tendency to develop allergies is often passed down through families. If both parents have allergies, their child is likely to have allergies. However, your chance of developing allergies seems to be greater if your mother has allergies.
Each person may experience symptoms of anaphylaxis differently. The most common symptoms include: Respiratory system: chest tightness, shortness of breath, wheezing, throat tightness, cough, itchy mouth/throat, nasal congestion Cardiac system: low heart rate, pale/blue color, dizziness, low blood pressure, lightheadedness Skin and mucous membranes: hives all over body, swelling, itchiness,...
A person is usually diagnosed with a food allergy after having a reaction that requires medical attention. If it is not clear what food caused the reaction, skin prick testing and/or ImmunoCAP blood testing may be performed by an allergist to identify the food allergen. Elimination diets, which involve removing certain foods...
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and immediate medical attention is necessary. The sooner the reaction is treated, the less severe it will become.Those with a severe allergy may be prescribed epinephrine autoinjectors, which are shots of adrenaline that relieve breathing problems and improve heart rate and blood pressure. This medication...
A diagnosis is usually made based on a complete medical history and physical examination. There are no specific tests for hives or angioedema. Skin testing may be performed to identify allergens. Routine blood testing may be done to determine whether any other illnesses are causing hives and/or angioedema.
The location of eczema on the body changes with age. In infants and young children, the cheeks, neck, knees and elbows are typically affected. In older children and adults, the hands, feet and areas inside the elbows and knees may be affected. Symptoms may also include: Dry, leathery, scaly skin Intense itching...
Seasonal, which occur mainly during pollen seasons. Particularly bad Ohio allergens include Canadian goldenrod and carnations. Blooming trees, grass, and weeds also release pollen. With blooms occurring earlier and more pollen in the air, it is increasingly hard for allergy-sufferers to breathe easy in Ohio. Perennial, which occur year round. Common allergens are mold,...
When you’re looking to breathe easy in Columbus, you’ve got to know what you’re up against in the area. Not all rhinitis can be blamed on Mother Nature. Rhinitis can result from anything, from the common cold, to cigarette smoke, cleaning solutions or chlorine in swimming pools. Rhinitis symptoms may also be...
If you have a true food allergy, there is always a chance for anaphylaxis. Symptoms usually appear a few minutes to 1-2 hours after eating the food. The following are the most common symptoms of anaphylaxis, but each person may experience symptoms differently. Anxiety Facial and/or lip swelling Throat itchiness and/or...
Avoidance is the best treatment for any allergic disease. If you avoid the allergen, you’ll avoid the allergic reaction. Diagnosis and education are crucial steps in allergen avoidance. Educated allergy and asthma sufferers fare much better than those who do not understand their condition.
The allergen triggering anaphylaxis can vary for each allergic person. However, some of the more common causes of anaphylaxis include: Foods – Any food can cause an allergic reaction, but the foods that cause the most cases of anaphylaxis are peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts, cashews and almonds), shellfish, fish, milk...
Allergic rhinitis can lead to recurrent or chronic sinusitis. The nasal obstruction and inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis interrupts the normal clearing of mucus from nasal passages, causing the sinus cavities to become clogged with mucus and making it difficult to breathe. Common symptoms include: Thick yellowish/green nasal discharge Headache Facial...
Allergic reactions can develop at any age, no matter how old you are. Since repeated exposure to certain allergens can cause an allergic reaction, it makes sense to develop allergies when you’re older, as you’ve had more time to be in contact with dust, dander, mold and pollen.
If the insect left its stinger in your skin, remove the stinger within 30 seconds to avoid receiving more venom. The stinger and its sac may be removed with a quick scrape of your fingernail.To treat local reactions to insect stings: Raise the affected limb and apply a cold compress to...
The first step in treating a drug allergy is to stop the drug that is causing the reaction. Mild allergy symptoms such as hives and itching may be relieved with antihistamines. Topical corticosteroids may also be recommended. If asthma-like symptoms such as cough or wheezing are present, a bronchodilator such as albuterol...
Everyone reacts to medications differently. One person may develop a rash, while another person on the same drug may have no adverse reaction. All medications have the potential to cause side effects, but only about 5% to 10% of adverse reactions to drugs are allergic. Reactions to medications can range from mild...
If you or your child has had a serious reaction to an insect sting in the past, then testing for an allergy to venom is necessary. Allergy testing is performed for five stinging insects: the white-faced hornet, yellow hornet, yellow jacket, honey bee and wasp.
There is no cure for eczema. The main goal of treatment is to remove any irritants and to decrease the amount of dryness and irritation of the skin. Some specific treatments include: Daily baths using less soap than usual. After bathing, it is important to trap the moisture in the...
Your breathing will be easier after an Ohio allergist has performed skin prick testing and/or blood testing to identify possible airborne allergens that trigger your rhinitis. Once these allergens are identified, you should avoid them if possible. Such measures may include remaining indoors when the pollen count is high and on windy days, dust-proofing...
People with immunodeficiency disorders experience recurrent ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis or pneumonia. It is common for children with immunodeficiencies to develop thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth) and other infections of the skin and mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth and genital area. Gastrointestinal infections may cause diarrhea, weight loss and...
It normally works the other way around – people can grow into allergies. There are cases in which one allergy replaces another, such as with childhood food allergies. Children normally suffer from food allergies more than adults. Once they grow up, they may get rid of food allergies but then be...
There is no cure for food allergies, although many children do outgrow them. Here are some precautions Ohio allergists suggest you take: Avoid the food: The only treatment is complete avoidance of the specific foods that trigger the allergy. Ask about ingredients: People with food allergies must always inquire about ingredients when eating away...
An allergist/immunologist is a pediatrician or internist who has undergone two to three years of special training in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases. To understand what you are allergic to, an allergist will: Take a personalized patient history, including a thorough record of the illness, a...
The most effective way to prevent stings is to stay away from stinging insects. These insects are most likely to sting if their homes are disturbed. It is worthwhile to have nests around your home destroyed. Here are a few tips for avoiding insect stings: If flying stinging insects are close to...
Our skin testing procedure checks for insect, food, and airborne allergens through the measurement of your allergic antibodies levels to these allergens. To do this we use a small plastic device that applies tiny amounts of solutions to the skin with a prick or scratch that contain the various types...
Theses tests are performed at a hospital or radiology center where X-rays or CT scans are taken of the chest or sinuses in order to diagnose various lung diseases. Following the scan, a report will be sent to us and we may request that you bring a copy of the...
Patch Testing checks for chemicals that cause a delayed reaction, such as contact dermatitis. This test is performed by placing a safe, chemical patch on the person’s back. In order to have the patch placed on, patients should properly clean the skin and be freshly showered. No rubbing alcohol should be...
This test is typically administered for those who are unable to undergo a skin test due to antihistamine use, skin diseases, chronic hives, or an immune system disorder. By taking a sample of blood, this test can determine environmental allergies and food allergies, as well as immune system deficiencies. It can also...
By breathing into a mouthpiece that is attached to a spirometer, the physicians are able to determine the the amount of air in your lungs and your ability to move the air out of your lungs. It is designed to diagnose issues with asthma and monitor any treatment methods. The test...
Each patient may express their rhinitis differently, but symptoms and signs include: Sneezing Struggling to breathe Congestion Runny nose Itchy nose, throat, eyes and ears Nosebleeds Clear drainage from the nose Children with perennial allergic rhinitis may suffer frequent ear infections, snore, breathe through the mouth, be frequently fatigued and, thereby, perform...
