Opzelura (ruxolitinib) has been FDA approved for eczema. Opzelura is a topical JAK inhibitor, and its indicated for short term use in patients 12 and up who have mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. It is the first topical janus kinase inhibitor approved in the United States. Currently for atopic dermatitis topical treatment, the mainstay of […]
Allergy and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Is there a link between allergy and eustachian tube dysfunction? Symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction are: fullness in the ears feeling like your ears are “plugged” changes to your hearing ringing in the ear clicking or popping sounds ticklish feelings in the ears pain The Eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects your throat […]
Upadacitinib for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Upadacitinib is an oral JAK1 inhibitor being developed for patients with severe atopic dermatitis. Multiple phase 2 randomized placebo controlled studies have examined the efficacy of upadacitinib in adults and adolescent patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Published in The Lancet, 2 replicate 16-week trials showed that monotherapy with upadacitinib improved symptom and disease severity compared […]
Tomato Allergy can come in many flavors
Tomato allergy is not commonly reported, but it can cause adverse reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions to other fruits are commonly reported, particularly apples, stone fruits and bananas. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is derived from two wild ancestor species, Solanum pimpinellifolium and Solanum cerasiforme. Tomato flavor is a balance of acid and sugar recognized by the tongue and […]
Can you outgrow fish allergy?
The data of whether someone can outgrow fish allergy is scarce. Fish allergy is one of the most common causes of food allergy, especially in children and young adults, with rates from 0.1 to 0.5%. The major fish allergen identified is beta-parvalbumin, it is resistant to heat and digestion. Many patients with an allergic reaction […]
Eczema and Dementia Risk
Past studies have suggested that there is a link between eczema and dementia. Patients with dementia have a higher prevalence of eczema than those without. According the the World Health Organization, eczema (atopic dermatitis) is 15th among all nonfatal diseases and is the largest disease burden among all skin diseases. Eczema peaks in early childhood, […]
When can you stop inhaled steroids for asthma?
Inhaled steroids for asthma is the recommended first-line treatment for patients who are uncontrolled. Inhaled steroids have led to fewer hospitalizations and deaths over the past 10-15 years. Recent Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, recommend in mild asthma, intermittent use of an inhaled steroid and long acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) on an as needed basis […]
Nasal Polyps Treatment; Past, Present and Future
Nasal polyps treatment have shown great advances recently, and many more treatments are on the horizon. Nasal polyps are used to describe chronic rhinosinusitis associated with the formation of nasal polyps. Nasal polyps affect 2-4% of adults globally. About 50% of patients have existing allergies. Nasal polyps are semitranslucent, pale grey, grape-like, benign inflammatory lesions […]
Astepro OTC now available without a prescription
Astepro OTC has now been approved by the FDA without a prescription. The generic name for Astepro is Azelastine. Azelastine comes in 2 different strengths, 0.1% and 0.15%. The 0.15% is the one that is going OTC. Astepro OTC is a nasal antihistamine similar to Claritin, Allegra, Benadryl or Zyrtec, but it is in the […]
Pacifier and Allergies, is there a link?
The link between a pacifier and allergies has been researched in the past. Environmental microbial exposure plays a role in the immune system and the development and susceptibility to food allergy. Gut microbiome in food allergy A recent study sought to investigate whether infant pacifier use during the first year alters the risk of food […]