Dear Dr. K: I read that since I’m 68 years old I won’t get as good immunity from the flu shot as a 30-year-old. Am I wasting time by getting vaccinated? The complete and total answer to your question is “No.” However, let me elaborate. The issue at hand is immunosenescence, or aging of the immune system. Just like other parts of our body, our immune systems age. It is for that reason that persons over age 50 are more…
Dermatographism is a term that comes from Greek and Latin words dermos (skin) and graphia (to write). It literally means to write in the skin and thus, describes an exaggerated cutaneous response to physical stimuli in the form of hives. The physiologic mechanism is histamine degranula-tion from mast cells in the skin by mechano-immuno-logic triggers. Thus, systems of burning, itching, redness and welting occur from pressure such as tight clothing, belts and bra straps. Stroking the skin or scratching can…
Fire ants are wingless bees and they sting with an abdominal stinger while holding on with their jaws. (Eeeww! and Ouch!) The allergic reaction is to the sting, not the bite. When gardening or picnicking, be sure to wear shoes and socks to make fire ant contact less likely.
When barbecuing, keep in mind the issue of second-hand smoke. Be sure to position the grill in such a way that the smoke blows away from adults and children. Some people with oak or hickory allergy are more sensitive to these flavoring wood chips.
Insect bites and stings can hamper an active outdoor lifestyle. For people sensitive to bug repellants there is a new line of clothing, hats and scarves that are impregnated with a safe, effective repellant. This clothing is widely marketed in catalogs and on websites.
Sunscreens are important commodities in the Florida summer. The ones most likely to cause skin allergy contain PABA (para-amino-benzoic-acid). If you have problems with sunscreen try one that is PABA-free.
If you or your child’s skin is aggravated by pool chlorine, try applying a small amount of olive oil to the skin before swimming.
Researchers at the University of Alabama Medical Center have discovered a new reason cigarette smoke causes lung damage. They found that smoke inhibits leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4A). This molecule is important in shutting down white blood cells following a successful response to inflammation. By not shutting down white blood cells, smokers experience ongoing inflammatory damage to the lung and airways; this leads to COPD and emphysema. The same researchers also discovered previously unknown substrata of LTA4H called proline-glycine-proline (PGP), which…
The lead article in a recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine was on leukotriene antagonists in treating asthma. The lead-article status reflects the importance of this research. As reported, scientists at the University of Aberdeen, U.K., evaluated leukotriene antagonists in two ways. The first part of the study compared the adding of inhaled steroids to the adding of leukotriene antagonists as add-on therapy for control of asthma. In the hundreds of patients they studied, the researchers…
Simple viruses or colds can often lead to sinusitis because the cold causes the sinus cavity to obstruct, thus trapping bacteria in a closed space. Once in this closed space, bacteria multiply and lead to the pain and pus of sinusitis. Keeping the sinuses healthy and bacteria overgrowth-free requires good ventilation of the sinuses. A recent article in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine cited a research project on humming. The scientists conducting this study found that…