Take the tricks out of the treats!
BOO! Halloween is right around the corner, and it can either be fun or scary; sometimes even both if your child has food allergies. Ghosts and goblins are supposed to be the scary part of Halloween, not the candy! Here are a few tips to …
A big shout out to all Medical Assistants!
October 21-25, 2013 is National Medical Assistant Recognition Week. We, at Family Allergy & Asthma Care of Montana, wish to recognize our Medical Assistant, Merissa, for her hard work and the vital role she plays in our day-to-day operations taking outstanding care of our patients. I have …
Stadium-sized peanut allergy awareness!
Last weekend at the Northwestern University football game against the University of Minnesota Gophers, Ryan field in Chicago was “peanut free.” The 50,000 seats were power washed and no peanuts snacks were served. While many sporting venues have offered limited seating areas that are peanut-free …
Self-Injectable Epinephrine: how to do it right.
Epinephrine is the most important medication used to stop or lessen severe allergic reactions (called anaphylaxis). Such reactions triggered by allergies to foods, medications, yellow jackets and other stinging insects, or latex may be life threatening. EpiPen http://www.epipen.com/and Auvi-Q http://www.auvi-q.com/ are auto-injectors that will inject the …
Flu shot Season
It is that time of year again! The annual influenza vaccine is available. Here is a bit of information about the “flu” and the “flu shot.” Influenza “flu” infection: This is a contagious disease that spreads around the U.S. every winter, usually between October …
Is there really a snot test?
I can confirm now that there is indeed a SNOT test. In fact, it is called the SNOT-22 test. This 22 item questionnaire, Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, is a validated, patient-reported measure of outcome. It is a predictor of improvement after FESS (functional endoscopic sinus surgery) …
Climate Change and Allergies
It is well known that periodic climate changes (called phenology) especially precipitation and temperature are important predictors of tree and grass pollen production. While there is much “science” and plenty of controversy over the issue of “global warming,” with climate changes come potential impacts relevant …
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2013 is on Track to Become the Worst Measles Year Since 1996
According to the CDC’s latest Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 159 measles cases were reported from 16 states from January 1 through August 24, 2013. Among the 159 reported cases: 58 patients (36%) were aged 5–19 years old 17 required hospitalization, including four patients diagnosed with pneumonia …
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Beware of Bullying in Food-Allergic Children
In this month’s Montana Parent magazine, I write about the issues that children with food allergies face. While there are several issues, bullying has become a recognized phenomenon. To read this short article, go to page 51: http://digital.turn-page.com/i/161586 Don’t let bullying happen to your child. This …
I was stung and had a reaction! Do I need to see an allergist?
Late summer is the time for yellow jackets, wasps, hornets and honey bees to be active. Most insect stings will cause a local reaction (pain, redness and swelling at the sting site) lasting a day or so. Sometimes, the reaction is more than that and …