Itepekimab and Brodalumab are two biologic medications being studied for asthma. Current biologics including Xolair, Nucala, Fasenra and Dupixent target downstream IgE, cytokines IL-5 and IL-4/13, have shown promising effects in terms of reduced asthma exacerbation rates, oral steroids, improved breathing capacity and asthma scores. However approximately 30% of patients receiving biologics do not improve […]
Roflumilast and Tapinarof; Emerging Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis
Roflumilast and Tapinarof are 2 emerging topical therapies that have completed or have ongoing phase 3 clinical trials, with the possibility of approval in 2022. Roflumilast is a more potent PDE4 inhibitor than crisaborloe (Eucrisa) with fewer local reactions. Tapinarof, the first therapeutic arylhydocarbon modulating agent for which the only associated local effect is noninfectious […]
Avocado Allergy Comes in Many Flavors
Avocado allergy is not commonly reported, but it can cause adverse reactions. The avocado (Av) is a fruit that belongs to the Lauraceae family. Hypersensitivity reactions to other fruits are commonly reported, particularly apples, stone fruits and bananas. Avocados have a creamy, nutty flavor that some people describe as almost buttery. Health benefits of avocado […]
Lirentelimab study for Chronic Urticaria (Hives)
Lirentelimab is an anti-sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 8 mAb that selectively inhibits mast cells and depletes eosinophils. It is being studied for chronic urticaria that is often refractory to standard therapy. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) Chronic urticaria is a mast cell disease that causes recurrent itching, hives and angioedema for more than […]
Dupixent for EoE (Eosinophilic Esophagitis); FDA approved and New Dosing
Dupixent for EoE (eosinophilic esophagitis) was recently approved by the FDA. This will be the first drug officially approved for EoE. Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory immune disorder of the esophagus where eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) builds up in the esophagus. This can cause symptoms of difficulty swallowing, eating or food […]
What are the best foods for Asthma?
As an asthma doctor, I am often asked what are the best foods for asthma? Before we begin, it should be noted that no foods will help relieve an asthma attack. But your daily diet plays a role in your overall health to keep you healthy and reduce symptoms of asthma. Asthma is a chronic […]
Best Nasal Polyps Treatment
With so many options available, the best nasal polyps treatment can be hard to pick. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is an inflammatory disease of the upper airways characterized by polyp growth in the nasal passages. It causes severe congestion, discharge and difficulty with smell. The best treatment option is unclear. A study published in […]
Fasenra for Nasal Polyps, a new treatment option
Fasenra for nasal polyps is currently being studied as a future therapeutic option. Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps is an inflammatory condition associated with symptoms that may be severe, including rhinorrhea, nasal blockage and congestion, loss of smell, facial pressure/pain. Nasal sprays have shown limited help and surgery only helps temporarily as many of them […]
Asivatrep a new topical treatment for Eczema
Asivatrep is a new potential treatment for eczema (atopic dermatitis). Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory itchy skin disease that affects up to 25% of children and 10% of adults. The cause is complex and multifactorial. Currently there are few classes of topical medications to treat it. Steroids Calcineurin inhibitors (Elidel, Protopic) Phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors Eucrisa […]
Kiwi Allergy can come in many flavors
Kiwi allergy is not commonly reported, but it can cause adverse reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions to other fruits are commonly reported, particularly fruits in the birch tree family: apple, hazelnut, carrot and potato, these may be symptoms of oral allergy syndrome. Kiwi is also known as a Chinese gooseberry. Kiwi has a slightly acidic flavor that […]