Archive for the ‘Allergies’ Category

6 Tips for Managing Food Allergies in Schools during the Covid-19 pandemic

It is back to school time! I know we are all wondering what this new school year will bring in terms of schooling and managing food allergies during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is always a flurry of things that we need to do to keep our children safe, for those who have children with food […]

Are you allergic to Penicillin? PERHAPS NOT!

Chances are you or someone you know has a penicillin allergy. Penicillin and its derivatives are the most common cause of drug-induced anaphylaxis, accounting for some 500 deaths per year in the United States. However, 10 times as many people think that they have a penicillin allergy. Did you know for every 100 people with […]

More Severe Spring Allergy Season Than Usual – Dr. Marie Fitzgerald with CBS 11

Dr. Marie Fitzgerald recently discussed with Caroline Vandergriff CBS 11 the potential for spring allergy season to be more severe this year. I would say this April is worse than usual. Originally, you might think well this is going to kill the pollen for the year – wouldn’t that been nice if that had happened […]

POLLEN COUNT ALERT: OCTOBER 4, 2020

POLLEN COUNT ALERT: There are VERY HIGH concentrations of Weeds (Ragweed, Sage, Wormwood, Goosefoot, Lamb’s Quarters, Pigweed, Amaranth, Saltbush, Russian Thistle). Visit the website to get the full report. CLICK HERE

Do I have allergies or COVID-19?

Coronavirus or Allergies? The spring pollen season is upon us!  Our FAAC pollen counters are reporting record high tree pollen and the grasses are starting to bloom as well. (www.faaccares.com/pollen).  All the visible yellow pollen on cars, driveways and trashcans is causing the usual spring miseries of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and coughing.  Currently, […]

The Peanut Pill is Now FDA Approved

The peanut pill, Palforzia, has been approved by the FDA, so what are food allergy patients supposed to think? Here is what we know: Palforzia is a patented capsule that contains peanut flour. It is prescribed to treat ages 4 to 17 with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy through an oral desensitization process called […]

Holiday Food Allergy Tips

Having a food allergy during the holiday season can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips: If you are hosting a holiday party, check with your guest. If someone is dealing with a food allergy, offer food allergy friendly options. If you are attending a holiday party, let your hostess know and bring your own […]

Food as Ammunition for Bullying

“I’m going to kill you with this peanut butter cracker.” As an allergist and mom of a child with food allergy, I was shocked and disturbed by this headline quote. The idea of food being used as a weapon is horrifying. School should be a safe environment for all kids, including the 8% who suffer […]

What is Allergy Testing and how does it work?

When you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to a substance (allergen) to which you are exposed. Allergy testing can provide useful information which an allergist can then use to treat your symptoms.

What to do if you think you may be allergic to a drug

Medications affect each of us in different ways, and reactions to drugs are very common. However, not all reactions are allergies. This is important because the type of reaction you are having (an allergy, a side effect, or intolerance) will determine what medications you can take in the future.