Blog

A true penicillin allergy can result in a host of scary complications ranging from hives, and facial and tongue swelling, to anaphylaxis. However, a large body of research exists to show that allergies to penicillin are overdiagnosed. The complications of misdiagnosing a penicillin allergy include: Drugs that otherwise would be available for treatment are withheldLess appropriate medications are prescribed in lieu of penicillinMuch more expensive antibiotics are prescribed as alternatives to penicillin Just as a true penicillin allergy can negatively affect your health, a false allergy can have negative implications for your health too. Since your well-being is at stake, … Continue Reading

The word “allergy” may immediately bring to mind sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, and a runny nose when a person is exposed to certain plants or animals. Allergic diseases are, however, many different things. Some of the most common allergy-related diseases include allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and atopic dermatitis (eczema). The allergies may be triggered by a broad range of allergens — from certain foods to medications to the venom of stinging insects. Allergies also play a significant role in asthma. In some people, the same over-reaction to a substance that produces itchy eyes and rashes also affects the lungs … Continue Reading

Management techniques for a severe allergy or asthma caused by allergens predate World War I, but these allergy shots and medications to control less severe allergy symptoms have advanced tremendously in recent years. Today’s drugs for asthma and allergic diseases have eliminated most of the side effects of older medications, and the effectiveness of shots (immunotherapy) has improved dramatically. Board-certified specialists Dr. Noga Askenazi have her fingers on the pulse of safe and effective advances associated with the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases and related conditions, including asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis. Allergy Treatment Avoidance – After doctors at Advanced … Continue Reading

Imagine that you are trying to breathe, but it feels like there is a strong force squeezing your lungs tightly. Think what it might be like if you had to take all of your breaths through a straw. For many asthma patients, these scenarios are a reality as they try to live daily with asthma. Asthma is a chronic condition that causes narrowing and swelling of the airways. Common symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightening of the chest. The symptoms of asthma can be overwhelming, but luckily, there are many treatment options to manage the … Continue Reading

Allergies are a condition that occurs when the body has an undesirable reaction to a substance to which it would not normally react. We use the term “allergic” when describing a specific sensitivity to an allergen. When patients are allergic to something, the body releases histamine that causes symptoms such as itching, stuffy nose, and sneezing. There are instances when a patient may not necessarily be allergic to a substance, but may instead have a sensitivity. True allergies and sensitivities are treated differently, so it is important to note the distinction. At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates in Illinois, we … Continue Reading

Asthma is a condition that can ebb and flow. There may be periods when you experience worsening symptoms, but with the right care and attention, you can help keep your asthma under control. At Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C., our team has the skills and expertise to help all of our patients who are living with asthma. Together, we can help you manage your symptoms to reduce frequency and severity, greatly improving your overall quality of life. Some things you can do to help manage your asthma include: Take proper care of yourself. People who suffer from chronic conditions … Continue Reading

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

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

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

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