• 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.
– 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…
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…
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.