Joe Biden’s allergies are a significant part of his medical history. Vice President Joe Biden has released his medical summary history and in it there are notable findings pertaining to allergies and asthma. Joe Biden Medical History He has a history of atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia, acid reflux and seasonal allergies. Under the seasonal allergies category […]
Can you eat tree nuts if you are allergic to peanuts?
Individuals with peanut allergy often avoid tree nuts, yet the rate of tree nut allergy in peanut allergic patients is often cited as low as 7%. Peanut allergy affects 1-2% of individuals in the U.S. and its increasing. The current management is strict avoidance and prompt use of epinephrine for systemic reactions which can occur […]
Future Eosinophilic Esophagitis Treatment Options
Future eosinophilic esophagitis treatments are currently in development. There are currently on FDA approved medications for the treatment of EoE. Commonly used treatments now are proton pump inhibitors, swallowed or topical corticosteroids and food elimination diets. Although each of these options is effective, there are limitations. Swallowed steroids can control inflammation 70-80% of the time, […]
Can you taper your Xolair dosage for hives?
Chronic spontaneous urticaria involves recurrent episodes of hives with or without swelling for 6 weeks or longer from unknown causes. Although chronic hives tends to be self-limited in most patients, it affects quality of life. Most studies show that it affects 0.5% to 1% of the general population. The trigger is unknown and treatment includes […]
Ruxolitinib for Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Ruxolitinib is a new medication being studied for the treat of eczema. Ruxolitinib is a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 1 and Janus kinase 2, it potently suppresses cytokine signaling involved in atopic dermatitis pathogenesis. We discussed the Janus Kinase pathway in a previous post and how new drugs are being developed for the treatment […]
Asthma biologic agents (Xolair, Cinqair, Nucala, Fasenra, Dupixent)
The last several years have seen an influx of asthma biologic agents to hit the market. Here we will discuss the 5 that are currently FDA approved to treat type 2 inflammatory asthma. Type 2 asthma inflammation is triggered by IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 along with other inflammatory mediators. Half of all patients with asthma […]
Pataday OTC now approved for Eye Allergies
The US Food and Drug Administration approved Pataday to become OTC. It approved Pataday OTC through a process called a prescription to OTC switch. Pataday Twice Daily Relief (olopatadine HCL ophthalmic solution/drops 0.1%) is for the temporary relief of itchy and red eyes due to pollen ragweed, grass, animal hair or dander and Pataday Once […]
Fish Oil Supplementation during Pregnancy
Fish oil supplementation during pregnancy could help protect against asthma/wheeze in the offspring. The diagnosis of asthma has doubled in recent decades. It know affects as many as 1 in 5 young children in the U.S. and Europe. Attempts to prevent it include encouraging breast feeding, administering probiotics and reducing exposure to allergens, although this […]
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) Treatment
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an eosinophilic rich gastrointestinal/allergy disease increasing in pediatrics and adults worldwide. The diagnosis requires greater than or equal to 15 eosinophils per high-power field on light microscopy after a biopsy. Symptoms reflect esophageal dysfunction, and typical endoscopic features include linear furrows, white plaques, and concentric rings. Progressive disease leads to tissue […]
New treatments for eczema on the horizon
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that results in a rash and itching. This impacts a patients quality of life including depression, sleep disturbances and even suicidal ideation. Treatments include, moisturizers, topical steroids and calineurin inhibitiors. Despite treatment, many patients still suffer. Advances in recent years have brought new medications, Dupilumab and Eucrisa. Although they […]