Posted On November 19, 2018
Our October blog talked about the importance of receiving a yearly flu vaccine. This month, we will cover other ways in which people can protect themselves and others from spreading germs and respiratory illnesses, such as the flu virus. 1. Avoidance When you are sick, stay away from others to prevent passing on the illness. […]
Posted On October 28, 2018
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. Flu can cause mild to severe illness, including hospitalization and death. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) states than an estimated 80,000 Americans died of flu and its complications last winter. This ranks the 2017-18 season as the deadliest […]
Posted On September 26, 2018
Penicillin is an antibiotic that is used to treat many types of bacterial infections. Penicillin belongs to a family of over 15 chemically related drugs, such as amoxicillin, and is one of the most frequently prescribed classes of antibiotics in the world. Approximately 10% of patients in the U.S. report a history of penicillin allergy. […]
Posted On August 31, 2018
What is Cold Urticaria? Cold urticaria is a condition that affects the skin. It is characterized by the development of reddish, itchy welts (hives) and/or swelling (angioedema) within minutes after skin exposure to cold. This includes cold air temperature, cold water and even cold objects. Symptoms of Cold Urticaria The severity of symptoms can vary […]
Posted On May 31, 2018
Grass pollen season has arrived! Typically, in our area, the grasses start pollinating in May and will continue through July. Though there are over 1,200 species of grasses in the United States, only a small percentage of them can cause allergies. At Allergy & Clinical Immunology, we perform testing for the grasses that are known […]
Posted On April 30, 2018
What is Oral Allergy Syndrome? There are some fruits and vegetables that have very similar proteins to airborne pollen proteins of certain trees, grasses, and weeds. In people who are allergic to pollen, the body’s immune system sees a similarity between the proteins of the pollen and those of the food, and triggers a reaction […]
Posted On March 19, 2018
The onset of the spring season brings more than mild weather. For allergy sufferers, spring heralds the arrival of tree pollen season. In our area, trees generally start to pollinate in the early spring. However, not every tree is responsible for the sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes you may feel at this time of […]
Posted On February 28, 2018
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacteria is one of the most common causes of severe pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs. It can also cause other types of infections, such as: Ear infections Sinus infections Meningitis Bacteremia (bloodstream infection) Even though anyone can get pneumococcal disease, […]
Posted On January 23, 2018
For people with asthma, the winter months can bring on extra challenges. Though every season has potential triggers for asthma flares, the winter season can be an especially tricky time for asthmatics to navigate. Here are some reasons why and how to prevent them: Cold Weather – The cold, dry air of winter can cause […]
Posted On November 14, 2017
Last month, we covered the importance of spirometry and its value to our physicians in the care of our asthmatic patients. This month, I would like to focus on how to give your best effort when performing spirometry. Excellent technique only increases your physician’s ability to interpret your results and provide you with optimal care! […]
Posted On September 19, 2017
All of our asthmatic patients are certainly familiar with the process of coming in to our office for their routine appointments and being told, “It’s time for you to do your breathing test”. Quite frequently, this is met by moans and groans from the patient. (Everybody loves to perform their breathing test!) But these tests […]
Posted On April 21, 2017
Here at Allergy & Clinical Immunology, we post the daily pollen counts during pollen seasons as provided by the National Allergy Bureau. But did you ever stop to think about what is involved in obtaining a pollen count??? Pollen counts are generated by measuring the number of grains of pollen in a given volume of […]
Posted On March 17, 2017
There is new and exciting news in the world of peanut allergy! The findings from a landmark clinical trial, called the LEAP study, were published in 2015 and they have led to an update in the Guidelines for the Diagnosis & Management of Food Allergy in the United States. The LEAP study stands for “Learning […]
Posted On January 31, 2017
Local Allergy Expert Dr. James DeAngelo Discusses New Food Allergy Recommendations on TV News Pittsburgh, PA – Dr. James DeAngelo, a board-certified allergist with Allergy and Clinical Immunology Associates, was featured on a recent Pittsburgh KDKA newscast about new recommendations to reduce the risk of developing peanut allergies in babies. Peanut allergies, which are life […]
Posted On November 7, 2016
Asthma Control The Asthma Control Test, or ACT, is a questionnaire designed to help a patient and their healthcare provider determine if his/her asthma symptoms are well controlled.