Allergy-Associates – Page 21 – 6294 1st Ave N., St Petersburg, FL 33710 (727)345-1900

Sensitive – but timely and critical conversation for families to have

December 4, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Death. Unfortunately, in my line of work, it’s part of my daily life. If you’ve had an appointment with my dad anytime in the past year, you know that I recently shifted gears from an Emergency residency to a Critical Care fellowship. Having spent the last several years in the Emergency Department (ED), I’d forgotten what a different beast death is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In the ED, death is swift, often unexpected and sometimes merciful. ICU deaths…

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Q – Tips: Dogs and allergies

December 4, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

The University of Chicago just finished a research study showing the benefit of dog ownership in reducing the likelihood of allergies in children born into a pet-owning household. Children born to allergic parents reduced their risk for developing allergies by 33% if born into a household with dogs.

Q – Tips: Vaccines and sleep

December 4, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Are you getting a vaccine? Then get some sleep. Research shows that sleep deprivation can lead to a poor response to vaccination. Sleeping fewer than six hours the night prior to vaccination reduces the benefit by 12%.

Pepper trees also get a bad rap

October 17, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

The Brazilian Pepper tree – also known as the Florida Holly – is an invasive species from South America that has spread throughout Florida and the Southeastern U.S. Many Floridians hate it because it is a common source of contact dermatitis similar in nature to poison ivy. Despite this mischievous aspect of the plant, immunologists have discovered it has incredible antibiotic properties. Amazonian native healers have used the plant for hundreds of years for its medicinal value. Now modern science…

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These ulcers probably not caused by allergy

October 17, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Dear Dr. K: Dear Dr. K: I get recurrent aphthous ulcers in my mouth and on my tongue. Is this an allergic problem? Known by various names, including canker sores, this condition of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) can be due to allergy, but that is one of the least frequent causes. Several systemic illnesses have RAS as part of their disease complex, including Behcet’s disease with RAS, genital ulcers, eye disease and neurologic symptoms; MAGIC syndrome with RAS, genital ulcers…

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Q – Tips: ionizers and ozone

October 17, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Several local businesses recently have advertised installation of ionizers to central air-conditioning systems to improve air quality and reduce infections. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), however, recommends that ionizers only be used temporarily to clear contaminated air, but not on a permanent basis because they produce ozone.

Q – Tips: water bottles

October 17, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Epidemiologists advise against re-using (re-filling) plastic water bottles that are designed for one-time use/recycling. Many who refill these bottles don’t wash them between refills, which can mean a harmful buildup of bacteria.

Don’t blame the goldenrod — blame prolific ragweed

October 17, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

When allergic people hear the word goldenrod, it makes them want to sneeze. But if truth be told, these plants have been victims of a bad rap. Goldenrod blooms at the same time (late summer and fall) as ragweed, and because of its bright yellow flowers, it has been blamed for fall allergy symptoms. But this plant produces a very heavy and sticky pollen that relies on insect transfer for pollination. It’s too heavy to fly in the wind. Ragweed…

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Not just face lifts with Botox

October 17, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

By Sasha Klemawesch, M.D. When a patient recently told me that she was getting Botox for her depression, not for cosmetics, my initial reaction was: “Sure, and your rhinoplasty was for a deviated septum.” But is turns out the joke was on me. Botox has been explored as an alternate therapy (to drugs) for clinical depression. Charles Darwin was one of the earliest with the theory that facial expressions are not only manifestations of emotions, but also have a direct…

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Child’s fear of choking again can lead to weight loss and eating issues

July 17, 2017 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Some children who have endured a scary choking incident may suffer from what’s called Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. The disorder was recently reviewed in The New England Journal of Medicine and presents as a condition associated with weight loss due to eating difficulties following a choking incident. The child basically fears having another choking episode. This leads to avoiding solid food, preferring or demanding only soft food or liquids such as milkshakes, puddings and oatmeal. Weight loss follows because the…

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