Category Archives: allergies

Do you have a TRUE penicillin allergy?

Do you have a TRUE penicillin allergy? I often hear from patients that they have a penicillin allergy.  Penicillin allergy is the most commonly documented drug allergy in medical records.  Approximately 10% of patients report a penicillin allergy.  HOWEVER, up … Continue reading

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Saline irrigation. It’s worth your time.

Saline irrigation. It’s worth your time. Saline irrigation of your nose decreases the severity of allergy symptoms. You buy the nasal irrigation (like a Neti Pot) once and then it washes away allergens in your sinuses. Allergic rhinitis is the … Continue reading

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Do you have chronic sinusitis?

Do you have chronic sinusitis?  Does your nose drip all the time?  Do you have Facial pain/pressure, decreased or inability to smell, nasal drainage, and nasal obstruction? When 2 or 4 symptoms are present, chronic rhinosinusitis is present. chronic part … Continue reading

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It’s HIVES season!

Poison ivy, oak and sumac are notorious for causing hives.  I’ve seen this a few times this week in my office.  The allergic reaction is due to urushiol, colorless oil in the leaves, stem, root and sap of the plant. … Continue reading

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Face pain? Sinuses acting up?

The sinuses are four pairs of hollow spaces in the bones of your face.   The hollow spaces are lined with tissue that makes thin, watery mucus.  The sinuses connect to each other and drain through the nose.  Can you tell … Continue reading

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Hives. What causes them? How to make them go away?

I love to see hives.  So treatable.  So temporary.  And, to avoid them in the future is . . . so rewarding. What are hives? Raised bumps in the upper layers of the skin. Red or pink or pale (almost … Continue reading

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Anaphylaxis. The worst-of-the-worst allergic reactions.

One question I ask every new patient is “Are you allergic to anything?”   I need to know.  The goal is to avoid an allergic reaction, especially anaphylaxis.  Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.  Frequently it is not anticipated and … Continue reading

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Got an itch? Your doctor should be asking some of the following questions. . .

If you are itching, there is more to the story.  There are other parts to the history and physical to investigate. Any new cosmetics or creams? They can cause allergic contact dermatitis, hives or even sensitivity to the sun. New … Continue reading

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Watery eyes. . .

We are embarking on (one of) Wichita’s allergy seasons.  But, are your watery eyes from allergies?  It could be from a foreign body (think dust, dirt in the wind, or an errant fingernail. . . ouch!). When my patients come … Continue reading

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Dust mites. . . different from bed bugs. But gross (and unhealthy) nonetheless.

With my patients,  I may mention dust mites when discussing allergens. Dust mites are tiny bugs that live off of pet and human skin cells. It is their waste that is a major trigger of allergies and asthma. Dust mites … Continue reading

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