Sneezing can be hazardous to your health!
A sneeze is a protective reflex that propels air (and frequently mucus) at about 650 mph and may increase pressure to 176 mmHg. It can be like a time-bomb in your nose. Many people believe that a sneeze is just a nuisance. I beg to …
Hunters beware: allergy to deer, elk, bear, antelope and buffalo
It is that time of year again and the gun hunters are wearing blaze orange and bow hunters invisible in their camouflage. In search of the great horned beast, hunters will be exposed to triggers of asthma such as cold air, campfire smoke, other hunters …
Dance, choir, and band… meet asthma!
In this month’s issue of Montana Parent magazine, I write a column for parents whose children desire to participate in extracurricular activities. Participating in extracurricular activities in one of the best parts of school, yet, some thought needs to go into choosing the best activity …
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 …
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 …
Asthma Treatment: Where does Singulair fit?
There are many triggers of asthma and co-morbidities (associated factors) that can affect the ability to control asthma. These include tobacco exposure, excess weight, aspirin sensitivity, and hereditary factors. Asthma associated with these factors appears to be related to an increase in inflammation triggered by …
Back-To-School Asthma and Anaphylaxis Basics
Bozeman, Montana. School children with asthma and food or venom allergy face uncertainty and challenges not experienced by most classmates. The average classroom, lunch room, playground, class party and athletic field is filled with allergens capable of provoking asthma or allergy symptoms that students with …
Introduction to Yellow Jacket stings
Yellow jackets are: #1 cause of severe allergic sting reactions in North America and Europe Aggressive and will sting for no apparent reason (only females sting) Scientifically named Vespula, in the family Vespidae (like hornets and wasps) and order Hymenoptera Are in greater numbers where …
Dreams, sleep and your health
Do you dream? The answer to that question may change your life. It is not uncommon to snore and it may be harmless for most people, but when is sleep disturbance a real issue? Do you dream? If you don’t, then you have a …