As Covid-19 continues to spread around the world, there are concerns that patients with asthma will be at higher risk or poorer outcomes. There is also concern about whether asthma treatments could worsen the risk of disease or severity. Currently, asthma is not in the top 10 comorbidities associated with Covid-19 fatalities, obesity, diabetes and […]
Newborns born to Covid-19 Mothers
Humans are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 and pregnant women and newborns are potential at-risk groups for COVID-19. Coronavirus infections in pregnant women can cause adverse consequences, such as spontaneous miscarriage, preterm delivery and intrauterine growth restriction and stillbirth. As of now, there is no evidence of mother to child vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2, it is important […]
CVID and Covid-19, what are their outcomes?
SARS-CoV-2 has become the focus of scientific attention. The presentation of COVID-19 can range from lack of symptoms to severe respiratory distress and multiorgan failure requiring ICU admission and mechanical ventilation and eventual death. CVID (common variable immune deficiency) are characterized of having primary antibody deficiencies with defective antibody production (IgG). A study published in the […]
New Treatment for Hives being studied
The current only approved treatment for hives are antihistamines and Xolair (omalizumab). Omalizumab is approved for the treatment of chronic hives for those 12 years and older (it is approved for 6 years and older in asthma). New treatment for hives are on the horizon. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) Ligelizumab is a […]
Abrocitinib for Atopic Dermatitis by Pfizer
Abrocitinib is currently being developed by Pfizer for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). It is an investigational oral once-daily Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) inhibitor. The JAK/STAT pathway is an important factor in inflammation and itch in atopic dermatitis. There are multiple receptors and signaling cascades involved in eczema related inflammation and itch, one of these […]
Is Clarinex safe during Pregnancy?
Is Clarinex safe during pregnancy? Clarinex, generic name is desloratadine does not have safety data to use during pregnancy. Loratadine (Claritin) has been previously studied and found no risk of adverse fetal outcomes during pregnancy and is considered safe. Desloratadine is the main active metabolite of Loratadine. In a previous post we described the difference […]
Breztri new inhaler for COPD by AstraZeneca
Breztri is a new inhaler that will be approved for COPD. Breztri is a combination of 3 medications, budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate. Each of these medications have been used to treat COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and used in combination, it has been shown to decrease the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations. We have spoken about […]
Can you outgrow tree nut allergies?
A question asked by many patients is, can you outgrow tree nut allergies? Tree nuts are common causes of food related allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Resolution of tree nut allergy is thought to be now, yet studies are limited. In a previous blog post, we explored the rates of outgrowing peanut allergy. Can you outgrow […]
Your Gut and Asthma, what role do they play?
Recent evidence has shown the importance of the gut and asthma. The gut biome is linked to airway disease through modification of the the immune response, which is called the gut-lung axis. In allergic asthma, altered gut microbiome has been reported to augment allergic sensitization. Studies have shown that the use of antibiotics and a […]
High dose Xolair for chronic hives
High dose Xolair may be a treatment option for patients with chronic hives who fail the standard treatment dose of 300mg monthly. Xolair (omalizumab) is a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody for patients who have chronic spontaneous urticaria who fail the 4 fold standard dosing of antihistamines. Stepwise approach to Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives) A recent study […]