Tag: allergies

News

Eczema. What is it?

Post author By Family Allergy Clinic
Post date November 29, 2018

Eczema is an itchy skin rash with flare ups. Genetics play a huge role in the cause of eczema, but irritants, allergens, environment, and certain foods can be triggers for flare ups.

Irritant triggers can include soaps, detergents, dryer sheets, bubble baths, certain shampoos, wool or other coarse fabrics, fragrances, dyes, and juices from acidic fruits, raw meats, onions, and garlic with direct contact.
Allergen triggers can include dust mites, pets, pollen, and molds.
Environmental triggers can include extreme temperatures, high humidity, cigarette smoke, and pollution.
Food triggers can include dairy products, nuts, seeds, eggs, and wheat.

Stress plays a role too. Although stress does not cause eczema, it can make symptoms worse.

Avoiding these triggers can help to reduce the symptoms of eczema. Mild non-abrasive cleansing and moisturizing are also important to help restore and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. This helps to prevent the skin from flaring up.

As always, talk to your Doctor if you have any questions or concerns about eczema.

Tags allergies, eczema, food allergies

Allergies News

September 28 is National Penicillin Allergy Day

Post author By Family Allergy Clinic
Post date September 27, 2018

Penicillin Allergy assessment questionnaire

Do you know that an estimated 9 out of 10 patients reporting a penicillin allergy are not truly allergic? Approximately 98% of hospitalized patients with a history of a penicillin allergy will have a negative penicillin allergy test². Have you always been told you have a penicillin allergy, but are unsure of the reaction or how it was diagnosed? Why does this matter?

There are several preventable negative outcomes resulting from an inaccurate penicillin allergy diagnosis. An inaccurate diagnosis raises the cost of treatment and patients have a threefold increased risk of adverse events. Some of the adverse events include increased days in the hospital, more Vancomycin-Resistance Enterococci (VRE) infections, higher incidence of C. difficile and MRSA infections. Correct identification of penicillin allergies can also combat the risk of superbugs.

September 28 has been deemed National Penicillin Allergy Day to raise awareness of the impact of carrying a penicillin allergy label. It is important to know your true allergy history. Ask your allergist or healthcare provider if you are a candidate for penicillin allergy testing. The test is easy and takes about an hour.

Tags allergies, allergy testing, National Penicillin Allergy Day, penicillin

Allergies Allergies Arizona News

Ragweed Allergy Testing and Treatment

Post author By Family Allergy Clinic
Post date September 14, 2018

Do you get a runny or stuffy nose, itchy, red eyes, an itchy throat, headaches, or sneezing episodes every fall? If so, you may be allergic to ragweed. People with asthma often have aggravated symptoms during ragweed pollen season. These symptoms include increased wheezing and coughing.

Pollen from ragweed usually peaks in mid-September, but often causes symptoms beginning in the summer, and can last through late fall. There are 17 species of ragweed in the United States, and the pollen can travel up to 100 miles in the wind, making it difficult to avoid. All varieties of ragweed in the U.S. are classified as severe allergens according to www.pollenlibrary.com. Allergy testing for ragweed and other seasonal allergens can be easily done with a skin test or a blood test. If your allergy test is positive for ragweed, there are several things you can do to help decrease your exposure.

If you are affected by ragweed pollen:

Know the pollen counts in your area. Avoid being outside when the pollen counts peak.
Keep the windows in your home and in your car closed at all times.
If you have been outside, shower before going to bed and wash your hands after petting animals that have been outside. Clothes, shoes, hair, and pets can all track pollen into your home.

Treatment for ragweed allergies include:

Over the counter antihistamines, such as cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, or levocetirizine
Nasal sprays
Allergen immunotherapy, which can be given via sublingual drops or tablets, or allergy shots

Tags allergies, ragweed, seasonal allergies

Allergies

Asthma

Post author By Family Allergy Clinic
Post date November 12, 2010

Asthma medications are costly with pills and inhalers that can range from $300 to $1,200 a month. But in spite of their high price, these medications don’t solve the asthma problem. They merely treat the symptoms and are often only partially effective at that. Furthermore, asthma medications can have harmful side effects such as tremors, dizziness, nervousness and steroid-related effects.

Fortunately, though, there is hope beyond medications for asthma sufferers. Since the majority of asthma has its root in allergy, proper allergy treatment can often control or eliminate the lung disease. Allergy treatment can be achieved through immunotherapy wherein the body is exposed to gradually increasing amounts of the most common allergens (i.e. pollens, pet dander, etc.) until it learns to tolerate them comfortably. Extracts of the allergens are mixed into a saline solution and administered through allergy shots or, more conveniently, through under-the-tongue allergy drops.

To get started with allergy drops at the Family Allergy Clinic, call 480-827-9945.

Tags allergies, allergist, allergy doctor, allergy drops, allergy relief, allergy shots, Arizona allergist, Arizona allergy doctor, asthma, kids allergies

Yes, We Accept Insurance

Your Arizona & Nevada Allergy Specialist