Author: lynnawiensmd
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What is the Best Method for Testing Allergy to Drugs?
I must have a drug allergy….what is the best method for testing? Countless times I have reviewed skin biopsy results that state evidence of a drug allergy. Obviously, this is not a very specific method of diagnosis, so what does work? I’ll copy the entire abstract for you and make some comments below. In the…
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Ouch! my tonsils are hurting me!
All that wheezes isn’t asthma! Ever heard that before? A common finding in our clinic is “wheezing” or difficulty breathing not due to asthma, but as a result of large tonsils/adenoids. A typical history is as follows: Snoring at night He wheezes–(it’s not really wheezing, but loud noises coming from the lungs is often labeled…
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This is for you smarties out there!
Case history: A 44-year-old man with bilateral eyelid swelling (Allergy Asthma Proc 33:205-11, 2012) Swollen eyelids are commonly ascribed to “allergies” 4 month history of eyelid swelling (bilateral) No ocular pain, visual disturbance, erythema, increased lacrimation, or itching–unusual for allergy! Denies any trauma, foreign body, smoke exposures, facial swelling, throat involvement, or urticaria Meds: amlodipine,…
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Usefulness of Omalizumab for treatment of asthma
Insurance is now a part of our lives, especially health care providers. Expensive medications such as omalizumab (Xolair™) are rarely approved for use unless patients and physicians complete an extensive application for benefits. Here is a list of medical articles that support the use of Omalizumab in the treatment of asthma: 1. Storms, W, et al. …
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Obesity is not a simple fix!
The patient with asthma has special challenges besides learning which inhaler to use at the right time. Obesity makes asthma worse and asthma is a risk factor for obesity. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? Treating obesity will require multiple concurrent strategies….there is no one size fits all! http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/wellness/story/2012-05-09/obesity-epidemic-strategies/54813912/1
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Help….my face is swelling!
New Guidelines Detail Hereditary Angioedema Management in Women Angioedema is a BIG problem in emergency rooms across the country and Tulsa is no exception! Most treatment protocols use antihistamines (Benadryl) along with steroids. aughhh! . She has some very common frustrations with this condition. The REASON antihistamines & prednisone often don’t work with angioedema is because…
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Celiac disease & gluten-free diets–now I can have pizza!
Finally, the voice of consumers is being heard! That is gluten-sensitive patients. http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/story/2012-05-04/gluten-free-food-pizza/54793108/1
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Why Can’t I just get medication OTC?
It’s allergy season and we should all be taking antihistamines–right? I don’t think that would be the best approach and here’s why… For allergy patients, getting medication OTC only may not be helpful. But don’t just listen to me, USA Today would also agree about OTC. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/story/2012-05-06/prescription-drugs-FDA-AMA/54791526/1
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If there’s one thing I’ve learned….
I always tell me nursing staff, that I learn something with every “face-to-face” visit with a patients. Maybe it’s what they don’t tell me, but show me using body language. At times patients will disclose medical symptoms just as I’m leaving the room…causing me to stop and reconsider. In any event, virtual medicine’s time has…
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Message from the American Academy of Allergy on Complementary Medicine.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health is hosting a Twitter Chat about asthma and complementary health practices. Join them for an online discussion on this topic April 26th at 1 p.m. ET. The Twitter account is @NCCAM and you can participate by using the hashtag #nccamchat.
TulsaAllergyNews 