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Eating Out with Food Allergies

For a person with food allergies, or really any dietary restrictions, eating out can be challenging. Recently in the news was the story of a vegan man who is suing Burger King for cooking the newest addition to its menu, the Impossible Burger, on the same grill as the beef burgers. It seems logical thatContinue reading “Eating Out with Food Allergies”

Holidays and Food Allergies: Part 2

Another holiday season is here! No matter what holidays you celebrate, food is certain to be a part of the celebration. This can lead to anxiety for those who have food allergies or who have loved ones with food allergies. However, don’t let this put a damper on the festivities. Here are some tips toContinue reading “Holidays and Food Allergies: Part 2”

Taking the Fear Out of Halloween for Those with Food Allergies

It’s the time of the year that can cause some trepidation for those with food allergies and their families. During the holidays, food plays an integral part of the festivities and no one wants to bring down the mood thinking about the complexities of what can and cannot be eaten. However, if you or aContinue reading “Taking the Fear Out of Halloween for Those with Food Allergies”

Is Exposure to Mold Making Me Sick?

Mold is a naturally occurring organism in our world and we are all exposed on some level in our indoor and outdoor environments. However, whether it is harmful to us or not depends on the sensitivity of the individual, the level of exposure, and the type of mold involved. Let’s consider this case and exploreContinue reading “Is Exposure to Mold Making Me Sick?”

I Had an Allergy to Penicillin When I was a Baby. Do I Still Need to Avoid It?

A woman in her late 30s who has frequent sinus infections is at an urgent care center again with another sinus infection. The doctor would like to prescribe amoxicillin. However, she has a history of hives after taking penicillin as a baby and she has not taken penicillin or any related antibiotics since then. SheContinue reading “I Had an Allergy to Penicillin When I was a Baby. Do I Still Need to Avoid It?”

I’m Allergic to Shellfish. Can I Receive Iodinated Contrast?

One of the most common myths I hear about allergies is that if you are allergic to shellfish, you cannot receive contrast with iodine. Contrast is used during certain medical tests like CAT scans. The contrast helps to get a better view of certain parts of the body during these tests. In the past, itContinue reading “I’m Allergic to Shellfish. Can I Receive Iodinated Contrast?”

Is it Allergies or a Sinus Infection?

How do you know if you have allergies or a sinus infection that just won’t go away? Allergic rhinitis is a condition the results in swelling and irritation in the nose due to something that one is sensitive to in their environment, whereas a sinus infection is usually due to a virus or bacteria, insteadContinue reading “Is it Allergies or a Sinus Infection?”

Why do I Keep Getting Hives (aka Urticaria)?

As an allergist, exploring the reason a particular patient has recurrent hives makes me really feel like a detective. For many conditions that an allergist sees, patients usually have a general idea of what may be causing their symptoms. However, for chronic hives (also known as urticaria), there is usually no particular consistent pattern orContinue reading “Why do I Keep Getting Hives (aka Urticaria)?”

Heading to School or Daycare with Food Allergies

The realization that your child will be away from you for most of the day is a tough transition point for many parents, but it can be even more anxiety provoking if your child has food allergies. Even if you are preparing and sending their food with them, it can be difficult to control whatContinue reading “Heading to School or Daycare with Food Allergies”