Are you ready for Valentine’s Day?
It’s time to prepare for Valentine’s Day! This holiday is known for romantic dinners (“Feast of St. Valentine”), confectionery (chocolate) and handmade Valentines. Individuals with food allergies need to take special precautions on this day. Romantic Dinners: Common: ingestion of shellfish (especially shrimp, crab and …
The itch that rashes!
Itch-scratch-itch-scratch……..Your young child is scratching constantly! The areas being scratched are becoming red, dry, cracked and now oozing. The rash is worsening This is atopic dermatitis (allergic eczema)! In this issue of Montana Parent magazine on page 40, http://digital.turn-page.com/i/455731 , you can find some interesting facts …
Your newborn’s immune system; maximize their protection!
Newborns have fragile and inexperienced immune systems. Soon after birth, they are exposed to a hostile world of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. I’ve outlined the keys to maximizing the immune system in your newborn. No, it is not a magic pill! While there is …
Fish Allergy or Food Poisoning?
So you ate that delicious mahi mahi, and had an allergic reaction…so did the others at the table who ate it to! Was this really an allergic reaction? Not exactly. This is called histamine poisoning and can result from the ingestion of foods with high …
Poinsettia Pitfalls for the Allergic Prone!
The poinsettia plant also known as Euphorbia pulcherrima is one species of the diverse Spurge family that is native to Mexico and Central America. The bright red and green leaves make it an especially delightful decoration during the Christmas season. The common name comes from …
Taming the Cold: Reclaim the Winter for Children with Asthma
Winter has arrived! That brings 2 challenges to children with asthma. First, they spend more time indoors where allergens and irritants (fireplaces) may trigger their symptoms. Second, the cold dry air outside can trigger asthma, especially while playing or exercising. In this month’s issue of Montana …
Navigating Restaurants When You Have Latex Allergy
Dining out should be festive and relaxing, not a burden or a time where worry zaps your energy trying to stay safe. For persons with latex allergy, the challenge at restaurants is three-fold. First, latex products such as gloves or utensils may be used by …
Are allergies just a problem with the nose?
If you answered “No,” then you probably have allergies or know someone who does. Allergic rhinitis has been designated the “Rodney Dangerfield” of medical diagnoses…it gets NO RESPECT! Many people (including health insurance companies) feel it is just a nuisance that can be treated with …
Congratulations Dr. Fink!
This blog is a “shout out” to my mentor, friend and colleague Dr. Jordan Fink. My inspiration to pursue a career in allergy/immunology stems from my experience as a senior medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin during a rotation in allergy/immunology where …
Can you have an allergic reaction to the cold?
Yes, but I’m not referring to snowbirds who leave the northern states to winter in Arizona or Florida. I’m referring to the development of hives and itching after you have been exposed to cold temperatures. Cold-induced urticaria (hives) is a type of “physical” urticaria. Other …