Allergy-Associates – Page 51 – 6294 1st Ave N., St Petersburg, FL 33710 (727)345-1900

Effective therapy; no increased risk with asthma

April 5, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Inhaled corticosteroids are an important therapy for a variety of lung conditions, especially Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. It has been known for several years that inhaled steroids increase the risk of pneumonia in patients with COPD. Whether this is also true in asthmatics has not been studied. A recent research paper in the Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine indicates that inhaled steroids do not raise the risk for pneumonia in asthmatics. In the cited clinical…

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Molluscum rash: common, upsetting, not allergy

April 5, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

One of the most common rashes that allergists are asked to see that is non-allergic in origin is Molluscum Contagiosum. The rash tends to be a source of great consternation for parents, while the child who is afflicted generally is unaware or at least unperturbed by the rash. The parental angst comes primarily from the fact that the rash lasts for weeks, even months, and can slowly spread. The child’s indifference comes because the rash neither hurts nor itches. The…

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A little dirt might be good for us

April 5, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Research continues to seek an explanation for the escalating frequency of allergy problems and asthma. The leading hypothesis for this phenomenon of burgeoning allergies is the Hygiene Hypothesis. Simply stated, it posits that we are too clean, which leaves immune systems idle. This idleness leads to deviant behavior in the form of allergy, asthma and autoimmune conditions. Researchers at the University of Munich just published their findings in this regard in the New England Journal of Medicine. Their study included…

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Shingles: changes, incidence and new vaccine

April 5, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Dear Dr. K: I had shingles three years ago and now I have it again. I thought you were only supposed to get shingles once. Your impression and what I was taught in medical school are identical, but, unfortunately, are now incorrect. There are probably two reasons for this change. One reason is that until a disease state is subjected to critical analysis, misjudgments of incidence and frequency can be made. The other is that due to modern antiviral drugs…

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Quick Tips – Oak pollen defenses

February 25, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Oak season is rapidly approaching. To reduce indoor pollen, keep windows closed. Leave your shoes outside. Wash your dog’s paws with a damp cloth on returning indoors.

Quick Tips – Natural killer cells

February 25, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Recent research on natural killer cells (NK cells) has discovered that these provide not only innate immunity, but also adaptive immunity. Innate immunity is a primitive, non-discriminatory resistance against all foreign invaders. Adaptive immunity is a learned behavior requiring inter-cellular communication.

Quick Tips – Second-hand smoke

February 25, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Scientists in Sweden who did a study on second-hand smoke exposure worldwide found that 40 percent of children, 33 percent of non-smoking males and 35 percent of non-smoking females got second-hand smoke exposure to a degree that it shortens life spans, and adversely affects their health.

Phototherapy vs. nasal allergy

February 25, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Dear Dr. K: I read a report that said sunlight can help nasal allergies. Is that true? Yes, it is true. It has been known for years that sunlight can exert beneficial immune effects. The report you read was probably one about recent research using intra-nasal phototherapy. The most recently published article in this regard is from the journal, “Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Diseases,” and was a well-done, placebo-controlled, randomized study. Before discussing that research, let’s look at phototherapy in…

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New guidelines can help diagnose food allergies

February 25, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) has just released guidelines for diagnosing and managing food allergies. These guidelines were conceived because of a lack of uniformity among physicians in testing and treating food allergy. Frequently, pediatricians, family physicians and internists will order tests for food allergy. It is especially important that non-allergist physicians – as well as allergists – have a standard guideline for handling food allergy issues. The AAAAI starts by pointing out that food allergy…

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Stinging Insect Pain Index – This hurts to read!

February 25, 2011 Stephen J. Klemawesch, MD

Not infrequently, allergists are faced with a patient who has had an allergic reaction to an insect but has not been able to identify the culprit. Allergy testing can help identify the cause of the allergy. In cases where the allergy was mild and testing was therefore not warranted, another way to identify the elusive critter is the Schmidt Sting Pain Index. Justin O. Schmidt subjected himself to the stings of 78 species and 41 genera of hymenoptera. He developed…

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