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Crystal Lake area allergist explains: Understanding wheezing and other symptoms of childhood asthma

If your child is suffering from a recurring cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing, he or she may have a form of asthma. Asthmatic children often complain that their chests hurt, are unable to catch their breath, and have issues participating in physical activity without wheezing. The exact cause of asthma is unknown. In most cases, it is a combination of environmental factors along with a genetic predisposition to the condition. How childhood asthma is diagnosed Diagnosing children with asthma can be difficult. A one-size-fits-all test does not exist that can reveal the cause of your child’s symptoms. … Continue Reading

Allergy Specialist in Elgin, IL explains penicillin allergy and the importance of proper diagnosis

Recent research has begun to expose what many doctors have suspected for years, that the number of patients who are actually allergic to penicillin is lower than we think. A Penicillin allergy is diagnosed when your body has an adverse or abnormal reaction to the antibiotic. Penicillin is a common antibiotic that is prescribed for many types of bacterial infections. While not to make light of the allergy, severe allergic reactions to penicillin can include anaphylaxis, it is important to accurately identify the problem so patients can receive the best type of antibiotic treatment available. What is Penicillin? Penicillin is … Continue Reading

Common asthmatic symptoms for Crystal Lake residents

The underlying cause of asthma can often be difficult to pinpoint, or even be unknown. For most, asthma is the culmination of inherited risk factors and triggers within a person’s environment. Asthma is considered a genetic condition, so children whose parents suffer from asthma are at an increased risk for developing it. Asthmatic symptoms can often be grouped into the following categories: Allergens – Almost half of adults with asthma can link the condition to allergies, most of which developed during their childhood. For patients with this type of asthma, their immune system is triggered by inhalation of specific allergens. … Continue Reading

Elgin allergists discuss common allergies in kids

Allergies are among the most common childhood conditions in the U.S. The most common pediatric allergies affect the skin or are related to foods. Triggers include peanuts, eggs, and dairy products, as well as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold. While penicillins account for more allergic reactions than any other drug, allergic reactions to drugs are actually generally less frequent in children and seniors. Furthermore, most pediatric allergic reactions are milder in nature than those of their adult counterparts. These reactions may include hives and other skin rashes. While hives come and go, other types of skin rashes may … Continue Reading

National Allergy Bureau Pollen and Mold Report.