Allergy-Associates – Page 31 – 6294 1st Ave N., St Petersburg, FL 33710 (727)345-1900

First “pro,” now add “pre” for even more gut benefits

February 11, 2016 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Over the past five years this newsletter has offered numerous articles about the health benefits of probiotics. We have learned that because 80 percent of the immune cells in the human body are found lining the GI tract, it is critical that these cells see a normal, healthy microbiome (like a micro-ecosystem in the body.) Altering healthy gut flora leads to both a pro-inflammatory and a pro-allergic state, predisposing to auto-immune and allergic disorders. Ingesting healthy microbes in the form…

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Flu vaccine meets new booster

February 11, 2016 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Recent research done at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis led to an unusual discovery! Rapamycin, a drug normally used to suppress the immune system was found to bolster the powers of the flu vaccine. Rapamycin was originally discovered in a soil sample taken on Easter Island (whose Polynesian name is Rapanui; hence, “rapamycin).” Early on it was found to have antifungal properties, but additional research revealed it to also have immunosuppressant and anti-tumor properties. Giving low doses…

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When managing iron supplements, turns out that less is more

February 11, 2016 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

We are obligate aerobic creatures requiring constant, good oxygenation. Allergic individuals sometimes have less than ideal oxygen delivery because of nasal obstruction or asthma. If, in addition, they are anemic, then oxygen delivery to the tissues is reduced for a second reason. Iron deficiency anemia is fairly common, especially in growing children and menstruating females. The usual therapy for this is oral iron supplementation. Until recently, this was recommended on a daily basis. However, recent research published in the Journal…

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Battle plan for repeat sinus infections

February 11, 2016 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Dear Dr. K: I don’t seem capable of getting just one sinus infection. Once I get the first one, I seem to get two or three more before it’s all over. Can anything be done? At the risk of sounding smart-alecky, first and foremost, don’t get the first infection. By this I mean try to avoid catching colds or URIs (upper-respiratory infections). In general people don’t “catch” a sinus infection; it usually occurs as a sequel to a viral cold/URI…

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Q – Tips: venom

February 11, 2016 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Stanford researchers found an interesting paradox: Individuals with venom allergy (bees, wasps, etc.) are less likely to die from the toxic poison effect of venoms, such as from hundreds of bee stings or snake bites (!) Reason: The chemicals released by mast cells (the allergy cells that cause allergic symptoms), inactivate the biologic poison of the venom.

Q – Tips: Algae and herpes

February 11, 2016 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

German scientists have found that ingesting blue-green algae spirulina reduces occurrence of fever blisters. Spirulina inhibits herpes virus from attaching to skin cells.

Q – Tips: Lipid Levels and allergies

February 11, 2016 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

New research in children reveals that those with allergies tend to have higher lipid levels. The connection: both are signs of inflammation in the body.

News about Vitamin B3 abilities to prevent skin and pre-cancers

December 9, 2015 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Research emanating from Sydney, Australia reports the use of a form of Vitamin B3 (Niacin) to prevent skin cancers. With the pharmacy name Nicotinamide, it is the “amide” form of the vitamin and as such, doesn’t cause the unpleasant side effects of niacin. These include flushing, itching, headache and changes in blood pressure. Nicotinamide has been used for its anti-inflammatory properties in some other types of skin conditions such as eczema and pemphigus. It seems to work in preventing skin…

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EoE: Feeding, swallowing issues differ from symptoms of GERD

December 9, 2015 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

EoE is the acronym for eosinophilic esophagitis. Once thought to be an uncommon condition, it is now recognized as one of the most common reasons for feeding problems in infants and for dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and food impaction in adults. Until the early 1990s EoE was lumped in with the GERD diagnosis (gastroesophageal reflux disease). But in the ‘90s researchers started to recognize that EoE was a different critter. The clinical symptoms were different from classic GERD, and the patients…

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Dear Doc: New drug helps certain types of asthma

December 9, 2015 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Dear Dr. K: What can you tell me about the new asthma drug, Nucala? It is just newly released by the FDA, seems very promising; unfortunately, it is not for you. Because I’ve helped you with your asthma for several years, I am aware that you don’t have eosinophilic asthma, and thus, would not be a candidate for this new drug. Nucala’s pharmacologic name is mepolizumab is a monoclonal antibody whose target is interleukin–5 (IL\-5). It is delivered in a…

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