Is Benadryl a safe medication to use? Benadryl or diphenhydramine has been available since 1946, before drugs were required to pass rigorous testing. Benadryl is commonly used and it is the most commonly recommended antihistamine for children over the past several years by physicians and pharmacists. Benadryl will frequently be chosen because of brand recognition […]
Airsupra for Asthma, a new rescue medication
Airsupra was recently FDA approved for rescue treatment for asthma. Airsupra is a combination product of albuterol and budesonide that is for as needed treatment of bronchoconstriction and to reduce exacerbations for those 18 years and older. Albuterol has been the mainstay for many years in the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations. Albuterol is a […]
Cantaloupe Allergy comes in many flavors
Cantaloupe allergy is not commonly reported, but it can cause adverse reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions to other foods are commonly reported, particularly bananas, cucumbers, sunflower seeds, zucchini, banana, honeydew and watermelon. A cantaloupe is an edible member of the gourd family known for its orange, sweet flesh and hard, scaly outer rind. Its scientific name is Cucumis melo cantalupensis […]
Remibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor for Chronic Hives
Remibrutinib is a highly selective oral, novel covalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor that might be effective in chronic spontaneous urticaria. Chronic spontaneous urticaria is characterized by the occurrence of itchy wheals and/or swelling lasting 6 weeks or more. Chronic hives affects about 1% of the population. First line treatment is the use of a non-sedating […]
Eczema and Hard Water, is there a link?
Does hard water affect the development of eczema? Children living in areas with hard water seem to have higher rates of eczema, raising the possibility that softening water might be an effective preventive measure. A recent study evaluated the effectiveness of home installation of water softeners in preventing the development of eczema in infants with […]
Nucala, Fasenra or Dupixent for Severe Eosinophilic Asthma?
With the advent of new biological medications for severe eosinophilic asthma, patients have improved significantly. Approximately 10% of individuals with asthma have severe disease, and this accounts for most asthma related morbidity and mortality. Previously the mainstay of treatment was inhaled steroids and beta agonists. In patients with severe asthma who have high eosinophils (greater […]
Xolair for idiopathic angioedema
Xolair for idiopathic angioedema may be used as treatment for patients who are suffering from uncontrolled swelling. Currently Xolair is approved for chronic idiopathic urticaria. But the underlying disease mechanism of chronic hives is similar to idiopathic angioedema. Omalizumab (Xolair) for treating Angioedema and Chronic Hives Xolair for Idiopathic Anaphylaxis Angioedema is defined as recurrent […]
When will my child outgrow egg allergy?
When will my child outgrow egg allergy is a common question asked by parents. Previous studies have shown that 80% of egg and milk allergy and 20% of peanut and tree nut allergy resolve by adulthood. Currently allergists are unable to accurately predict whether food allergy will resolve naturally. Presently egg allergy is established by […]
Can you be allergic to water? (Aquagenic Urticaria)
Can you be allergic to water? The answer is yes, although it is very rare. The medical term for it is called, aquagenic urticaria. It is a form of chronic hives that is characterized by the occurrence of itchy wheals after skin contact with water, such as bathing or swimming. The signs and symptoms of […]
Oclacitinib for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Dogs
Oclacitinib is a potent, safe and rapidly acting anti-itching JAK inhibitor. Oclacitinib was first approved by the US FDA in 2013 to treat eczema and allergic dermatitis in dogs, it is a first generation non-selective JAK inhibitor. The treatment protocol is 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg administered orally twice a day for 2 weeks, followed by […]