Beer Allergy
Allergic reactions to beer range from hives (urticaria) and swelling (angioedema) to severe anaphylaxis. Typically the reactions are after ingestion as opposed to just skin contact. How is beer made? Beer is formed by the breakdown of complex carbohydrates to monosaccharides (simple sugars) that are …
New Drug for COPD: BREO ELLIPTA
This new medication is a combination inhaler that contains fluticasone furoate (an inhaled steroid) and vilanterol (a long acting beta-agonist bronchodilator). Indication: Long term maintenance treatment for patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. It can reduce attacks of COPD in …
OTC Nasacort is here! Over-the-counter nasal steroid spray for treating allergies now available.
Yes, it is true! A nasal corticosteroid for treating allergies (hay fever) is now available without a prescription for the first time. Nasacort (triamcinolone acetonide) became approved as a prescription nasal steroid in the U.S. back in 1957. During my allergy training in the early …
Asthma wellness is within reach and without a prescription!
In this month’s issue of Montana Parent magazine, I discuss a few lifestyle changes that can improve your child’s lung health that does not require a prescription! To read the article go to page 36 at http://digital.turn-page.com/i/252493. This month’s edition has many excellent articles and these …
Ménière’s disease and allergies. Is there a connection?
What is Ménière’s disease? This is a disorder of the inner ear resulting in severe dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness, plugging or congestion in the ear. It usually affects only one ear. In severe cases, it …
Holy Guacamole! I have avocado allergy!
The avocado (Persea americana) is native to Mexico and Central America. The avocado tree belongs to the family Lauraceae along with cinnamon, camphor and bay laurel. Sometimes avocados are called “alligator pears” based on their shape and rough texture of the skin. The edible avocado …
Asthma and Allergy: Not Do-it-Yourself Diseases!
Do it yourself! That was my idea when I decided to remove the wallpaper from my wife’s kitchen. It was a disaster! Or the time I decided to “re-build” a 1973 Jeep CJ-5. How hard could it be? I had a manual, the internet, …
Runny noses aren’t just for youngsters!
The elderly population (over 65 years old) is one of the fastest growing age groups in the U.S. With age comes, unique causes for rhinitis (stuffy, runny nose) compared to other age groups. Yes, there is overlap, but in the elderly, there are distinctive aspects …
Preventing food allergies in your baby!
In this month’s issue of Montana Parent magazine called the “Oh Baby!” issue, I address some common questions asked by new or expecting mothers. Question 1: Does eliminating certain foods from mother’s diet when she is pregnant or breastfeeding reduce or prevent food allergies in …
Allergy-Safe Weddings: How to tie the knot without getting in a bind.
Preparing for that perfect day can be challenging. Preparing for that perfect day when you or your guests have allergies can be perplexing and taxing! Here are a few hints to keep yourself or your loved ones safe during the nuptials. If you are …