Cannabis is a flowering plant and its most widespread species is Cannabis sativa. Hemp seed is a variety of the Cannabis sativa species that is grown for the industrial uses of its derived products. Cannabis as a drug and hemp are both derived from the same species and contain the psychoactive component THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), but they are […]
Gelatin Allergy
Gelatin is an animal derived proteinaceous substance found in food, cosmetics and medical supplies. It is derived from collagen that is partially hydrolyzed from either pig or cattle. This leads to a gel forming property that gives texture to foods such as marshmallow and jelly. It is also used to make pill capsules, agents that […]
Cockroach allergy and asthma implications
Cockroach allergy is an important health problem that can lead to asthma, rhinitis or both. In the United States the main species of cockroach that causes allergy is the German cockroach, Blatella germanica. Exposure and sensitization to cockroach allergens are 2 factors that causes high morbidity among inner-city children with asthma. There seems to be […]
Which is easier to use, Epipen or Auvi-Q?
Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening systemic allergic reaction that can be induced by allergens such as food, medication and insect stings. Current guidelines recommend epinephrine as first-line treatment of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine auto-injectors are recommend for patients to carry to those who are at risk. Studies have shown that patients and caregivers sometimes incorrectly […]
Adult Eczema a common problem
Adult eczema rates are greater than previously thought, but the frequency and characteristics of adult onset disease remain controversial. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is the leading cause of skin related disability, but most studies focus only on children. Eczema is common in adults, but it is not known whether the higher rates are from new […]
Beer Allergy, what are the culprits?
Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the world and beer allergy is rare. According to Bavarian Purity Law, beer includes barley, malt, hops, yeast and water, but each individual beer may differ in content and brewing procedures. True food allergies can result in reactions of hives, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. At […]
Palforzia (formerly AR101) and peanut allergy
Aimmune is seeking approval of its peanut allergy immunotherapy product, Palforzia. We have extensively discussed AR101 a Potential Peanut Allergy Cure nearly a year ago, and the FDA is set to make a decision on it very soon. Traditionally peanut allergies are managed by avoidance but the threat of accidental exposure cannot be nullified. In the US, […]
Fasenra for Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
Fasenra (benralizumab) for Eosinophilic Esophagitis was made a reality today, when the FDA granted it Orphan Drug Designation (ODD). The Orphan Drug Act (ODA) provides for granting special status to a drug or biological product (“drug”) to treat a rare disease or condition upon request of a sponsor. This status is referred to as orphan […]
Zithromax prophylaxis in immune deficient patients
Zithromax prophylaxis (250 mg once daily, 3 consecutive days a week), has been studied to decrease the frequency of annual episodes of respiratory exacerbation in primary immunodeficiency patients with frequent respiratory infections. Primary antibody deficiencies are considered rare diseases, but only 1% of subjects living with it actually receive a diagnosis. The spectrum of primary […]
Chronic Cough; Management and Diagnosis
People with chronic cough can experience significant quality of life impairment. Cough is a fundamental protective reflex that can become disordered and lead to a persistent symptom complex that limits quality of life. The assessment should consider whether it is a manifestation of a significant underlying disease such as pneumonia, cardiac failure or an exacerbation […]