Treatment for severe atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, has changed dramatically over the past several years. Patients who previously had relatively few options now have multiple highly effective biologic medications and oral targeted therapies. A recent article published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, titled “How We Treat Severe Atopic Dermatitis,” by Ellen […]
Should Airlines Be Required to Carry Epinephrine? An Allergist Explains
Should Every Airplane Carry Epinephrine? Why an Allergist Says the Answer Is Yes As an allergist practicing in the United States, I regularly counsel patients with food allergies and other conditions that put them at risk for anaphylaxis. One of the most common questions I hear before a trip is: “What happens if I have […]
Ketotifen for MCAS: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and U.S. Availability
Patients with mast cell disorders can experience symptoms affecting many different parts of the body, including itching, flushing, hives, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nasal symptoms, headaches, and episodes of lightheadedness or rapid heartbeat. Treatment often focuses on blocking the substances released by mast cells and reducing their effects on the body. One medication sometimes used as […]
Tyra Banks Cat Allergy: Do Allergy Shots Work?
Supermodel, television personality, and entrepreneur Tyra Banks has been reported to have a significant allergy to cats. Interestingly, a cat allergy was even incorporated into her novel Modelland, whose main character, Tookie, is allergic to cats. Banks has also spoken publicly about struggling with allergies and keeping several allergy medications on hand to control sneezing. […]
Famous Politicians With Allergies: Presidents and Political Leaders Who Have Battled Allergic Disease
Allergies don’t care whether you’re running errands or running for president. Sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, hay fever, pet allergies, hives and even potentially serious insect-sting reactions have affected some of the most recognizable political figures in American history. In fact, allergy problems have followed presidents into the White House for generations. Some presidents received allergy […]
Famous Athletes With Asthma: Beckham, Rodman, Bettis & Van Dyken
Asthma can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Those symptoms might seem incompatible with elite sports, where athletes push their cardiovascular and respiratory systems to extraordinary levels. Yet some of the most recognizable athletes in soccer, basketball, football, and Olympic swimming have competed while living with asthma. David Beckham, Dennis Rodman, Jerome […]
El Niño and Allergies
El Niño and Allergies: Why a Wet Winter Can Make Allergy Season Worse in Southern California If your allergies seem worse after a rainy Southern California winter, there may be a reason. El Niño can indirectly influence allergy and asthma symptoms by changing rainfall, plant growth, pollen production, mold exposure, and air quality. A wetter […]
Celebrities With Allergies: Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter & More
Food allergies can affect anyone—including some of the biggest names in music, movies, television, and professional sports. From Ariana Grande’s unusual tomato allergy to Sabrina Carpenter’s reactions to apples and almonds, several celebrities have publicly discussed living with allergies. Their stories are also a reminder that allergies can develop at different stages of life. Someone […]
Oral Allergy Syndrome: Why Raw Fruits and Vegetables Can Make Your Mouth Itch
If your mouth, lips, or throat start itching after eating a fresh apple, peach, melon, carrot, or other raw fruit or vegetable, you may have oral allergy syndrome, also called pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS). This condition occurs when the immune system mistakes certain proteins in foods for similar proteins found in pollen. It is especially […]
Jackfruit Allergy: Symptoms, Latex & Birch Cross-Reactivity
Jackfruit has become increasingly popular in the United States, especially as a plant-based substitute for pulled pork and other meats. Although jackfruit allergy is considered rare, allergic reactions can occur and may occasionally be severe. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) belongs to the Moraceae family, which also includes figs and mulberries. Published reports have linked jackfruit allergy […]