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). All the visible yellow pollen on cars, driveways and trashcans is causing the usual spring miseries of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and coughing. Currently, […]
Archive for the ‘Allergies’ Category
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 contains peanut flour. It is prescribed to treat ages 4 to 17 with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy through an oral desensitization process called […]
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 dealing with a food allergy, offer food allergy friendly options. If you are attending a holiday party, let your hostess know and bring your own […]
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. The idea of food being used as a weapon is horrifying. School should be a safe environment for all kids, including the 8% who suffer […]
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:
It’s Trunk or Treat time! Get your Teal Pumpkin Ready!
It is almost October which means that Halloween is upon us! Halloween should be a fun time for children, but it can be a challenge for families with food allergies. In order to better serve our community, we have an annual Trunk or Treat at our office that is free of the top 8 allergens […]
Hot Temperatures and Fall Allergies
Dr. Marie Fitzgerald shares insights with CBS 11 News for continuing heat and fall allergies beginning to appear in August.
What is Adult Eczema?
Are you an adult suffering from chronic dry, itchy skin or rashes? Do you have red patches of skin? You could be experiencing adult eczema. Eczema is also know as atopic dermatitis. Adult eczema is a chronic condition that involves inflamed, red, itchy patches of skin that can erupt in oozing flare-ups. Different areas of […]
