Chances are you or someone you know has a penicillin allergy. Penicillin and its derivatives are the most common cause of drug-induced anaphylaxis, accounting for some 500 deaths per year […]
Archive for the ‘Allergies’ Category
More Severe Spring Allergy Season Than Usual – Dr. Marie Fitzgerald with CBS 11
Dr. Marie Fitzgerald recently discussed with Caroline Vandergriff CBS 11 the potential for spring allergy season to be more severe this year. I would say this April is worse than […]
POLLEN COUNT ALERT: OCTOBER 4, 2020
POLLEN COUNT ALERT: There are VERY HIGH concentrations of Weeds (Ragweed, Sage, Wormwood, Goosefoot, Lamb’s Quarters, Pigweed, Amaranth, Saltbush, Russian Thistle). Visit the website to get the full report. CLICK […]
Do I have allergies or COVID-19?
Coronavirus or Allergies? The spring pollen season is upon us! Our FAAC pollen counters are reporting record high tree pollen and the grasses are starting to bloom as well. (www.faaccares.com/pollen). […]
The Peanut Pill is Now FDA Approved
The peanut pill, Palforzia, has been approved by the FDA, so what are food allergy patients supposed to think? Here is what we know: Palforzia is a patented capsule that […]
Holiday Food Allergy Tips
Having a food allergy during the holiday season can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips: If you are hosting a holiday party, check with your guest. If someone is […]
Food as Ammunition for Bullying
“I’m going to kill you with this peanut butter cracker.” As an allergist and mom of a child with food allergy, I was shocked and disturbed by this headline quote. […]
What is Allergy Testing and how does it work?
When you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to a substance (allergen) to which you are exposed. Allergy testing can provide useful information which an allergist can then use to treat your symptoms.
What to do if you think you may be allergic to a drug
Medications affect each of us in different ways, and reactions to drugs are very common. However, not all reactions are allergies. This is important because the type of reaction you are having (an allergy, a side effect, or intolerance) will determine what medications you can take in the future.
Can I Outgrow a Penicillin Allergy?
Penicillin is one of the most commonly reported drug allergies. However, at least 80% of people who were penicillin allergic will no longer be allergic 10 years after the reaction. In fact, 95% of people labeled allergic turn out to have negative testing and can take penicillin again without problems. Simply avoiding penicillin anyway may sound simple, but there are risks:
