Allergy-Associates – Page 48 – 6294 1st Ave N., St Petersburg, FL 33710 (727)345-1900

Instrument allergies can sour the sound

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Musicians can present a unique group of skin rashes related to their profession or avocation. Some of these rashes are so common they have characteristic names such as fiddler’s neck, flautist’s chin, guitarist’s nipple and harpist’s finger. In a recent survey, 21 percent of musicians reported some type of instrument-related rash. Some of these rashes are mechanical in nature, such as chaffing, erosions or blistering and callusing due to repeated trauma. Many of the rashes are allergic in origin and…

Read More Read More

Kiwi fruit a mix of tasty, pesky and protective

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Kiwi fruit is a source of increasing allergic problems. The kiwi first became commercially available in the U.S. in 1970 and has led to a variety of allergic problems. The most common issue is oral allergy syndrome which consists of itching, burning and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Although not of life-threatening consequences, the symptoms are quite disturbing. Much less frequent is anaphylactic allergy which is truly serious in nature. Of curious interest, most people with kiwi…

Read More Read More

Vaccines after 65 — who and what for?

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Dear Dr. K: I recently heard that there are certain vaccines that are recommended for adults. I thought I got all my necessary vaccines as a kid. Not to pick on you, but I can tell by your question you didn’t read last month’s newsletter. In that issue I discussed influenzal vaccine (flu shot) which is recommended on a yearly basis. The vaccine is given yearly because it is a different shot each year, in order to address the new…

Read More Read More

New asthma medicine: A hopeful mouthful

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

The September issue of the New England Journal of Medicine discussed research on the newest medicine for asthma, Lebrikizumab. This drug is an IgG4 humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to interleukin-13 (I-13). I-13 is a cytokine (cell communicator) that plays a big role in causing the inflammation of asthma. It does this in part by causing airway cells to produce periostin, which causes narrowing and thickening of the airways. Inhaled steroids are supposed to inhibit I-13, but they don’t always…

Read More Read More

Quick Tips – Dental work

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

• In 2007, the widespread policy of antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures was challenged by an international group of academic cardiologists. The UK instituted this new approach in 2007 and just completed a four-year outcome study. They have found no increase in infective endocarditis despite cessation of pre-dental antibiotics. They do, however, still recommend antibiotics for people with congenital heart disease and artificial heart valves.

Quick Tips – Allegra and fruit juice

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

• The manufacturers of Zyrtec have aired a negative ad campaign about Allegra and fruit juice. It is true that fruit juice can inhibit absorption of Allegra, but this can be circumvented by taking the Allegra before juice or four hours afterward.

Quick Tips – water pipe tobacco

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

• Water-pipe tobacco smoking has found increasing popularity as a “safer alternative” to cigarettes. A recent study published in the medical journal Chest found there is no difference in terms of negative health consequences.

Quick Tips – Tylenol and immunizations

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

• Based on a study published in Lancet, it is best not to give children prophylactic doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) when they get immunized. Some parents do this to lessen the chance of fever or soreness from the shot. As it turns out, acetaminophen lessens the immune response to the vaccine by a significant amount.

Quick Tips – flying with food allergies

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

– Call the airline in advance to learn its policy on food allergy and what snacks are served, and about special seating arrangements. – Confirm your food allergy status with the gate agents and flight crew. – Pack safe snacks; most airlines allow fluid exceptions for formula and breast milk. – To head off hassles, bring a doctor’s letter regarding these fluids and also about carrying an epi-pen. – Label your carry-on bag clearly so…

Read More Read More

Afrin addiction study offers hope

October 27, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

For years allergists and ear, nose and throat docs have preached Afrin avoidance due to its addictive nature. In some people use of Afrin for as little as four or five days can lead to severe addiction with rebound congestion. Such patients often are trapped into escalating use of Afrin with poor outcomes. That said, Afrin is very seductive as it is an extremely effective way to reduce nasal congestion. Hence, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine did…

Read More Read More