Allergies - By Category

Allergy Basics

Start here for a basic overview of allergic diseases. The most common questions posed by patients are answered in brief, easy to understand answers. Once you understand the basics of allergic disease, more specific diseases and treatments can be researched in other areas of this website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A brief, question and answer format of the most commonly asked questions about allergic diseases. These questions are some of the most common questions I am asked in my allergy clinic. The answers are brief, but in many cases have a link to a full-length article on the subject if more information is needed.

Nose and Eye Allergies

Hay fever, or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, represents the most common form of allergies, affecting up to 30% of the population. An allergist discusses the causes, symptoms and treatments of this disorder, as well as complications that can occur, such as sinusitis. Less common diseases are also covered, including fungal sinusitis and nasal polyposis. Vasomotor rhinitis and other diseases that mimic allergies are also discussed.

Skin Allergies

Allergies of the skin is one of the most common problems seen by the allergist, and one of the most debilitating problems experienced by patients. From hives to swelling, and eczema to drug and medication rashes, skin allergies are explained in these easy to understand articles.

Asthma and Lung Allergies

Asthma is a common disease in the young and old, yet most people don't know that asthma is usually due to allergies in the lungs. This discussion focuses on the allergic causes and triggers of asthma so that patients can better understand how to control their disease. Many other forms of lung allergies are covered, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, which can mimic severe forms of asthma. COPD and emphysema, which can be confused with asthma, and chronic cough from various causes, are discussed by Daniel More, MD, a board-certified allergist.

Common Allergy Issues in Children

Allergies in children are often very different from those seen in adults. Learn how to recognize the first signs of allergic diseases in a child, as well as techniques that may prevent or delay the development of allergies in children. Special attention is given to food allergies in children, the treatment of the allergic child, as well as recommendations for parents for when their allergic child attends school.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are a commonly misunderstood area of allergic diseases. Daniel More, MD, a board-certified allergist, dicusses signs and symptoms of food allergies, how a diagnosis is made, and how treatment can be accomplished. The potential for a child to outgrow certain food allergies, and how to determine when this may happen, is a common question posed by parents, and answered here. Non-allergic food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance and reactions to preservatives, food colorings and sulfites is discussed. Rare forms of food allergy, such as eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, food protein induced enterocolitis syndromes (FPIES), and gluten sensitive enteropathy are also described.

Allergies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

A common concern of pregnant and breastfeeding women is whether it is to take medication for allergies and asthma. Many women also find that their allergies or asthma gets much worse during pregnancy, and want to know what medications are preferred in pregnancy. Special attention is given to the mother's diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding to help prevent allergies in the baby.

Drug and Latex Allergies

Most people have had a reaction to some form of medication in their lives, and therefore suspect they are allergic to this medication. However, this may not be the case. Allergist Daniel More, MD, describes the difference between medication allergy and intolerance, and discusses ways that medication allergies can be diagnosed and treated. Special focus is given to allergies to common medications, including penicillins, aspirin and NSAIDs, as well as sulfa medications, vaccines, iv contrast and local anesthetics. Various forms of latex allergy are also discussed.

Insect Allergies

Many people have been bitten or stung by insects, with some experiencing uncomfortable reactions as a result. Fear of a future reaction with repeat stings or bites can significantly reduce a person's quality of life. Daniel More, MD, a board-certified allergist, takes the mystery out of these reactions with discussion of allergic and non-allergic reactions to stinging and biting insects, with recommendations on how to avoid being bitten or stung, as well as how to treat future reactions.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis, which can be a life-threatening condition, is often inadequately treated by physicians. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are outlined by Dr. Daniel More, a board-certified allergist, as well as a discussion of the most common causes. Special attention is given to the prevention and treatment of future episodes of anaphylaxis. Conditions that may mimic anaphylaxis are also described.

Allergy Shots and Drops (Immunotherapy)

Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, are the only treatment for allergies which offers a long-term benefit for people's symptoms. This therapy changes the way a person's immune system deals with allergens in a beneficial way, becoming less reactive to them over time. While allergy shots are generally safe, one should consider the risks and benefits of this therapy prior to taking them. Daniel More, MD, a board-certified allergist, discusses the use of immunotherapy in an easy to understand question and answer format.

Alternative Therapies in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergies

With alternative medicine becoming more popular, people with allergies need to be careful that the treatment they choose has been proven to be successful. Unfortunately, many techniques are unproven and controversial, and yet very expensive. Dr. Daniel More, a board-certified allergist, discusses various alternative treatment options in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. These articles are a "must read" for anyone wanting to take a natural approach to the treatment of their allergies, before they undergo costly and unproven procedures.

Glossary of Terms

Definitions of commonly used terms in the description, diagnosis and management of the most common allergic diseases.

Information on the Most Common Allergy Medications

Find out important patient information for the most common medications used to treat allergies and asthma. Learn about what a medication is used for, who shouldn't take it, common side effects, and interactions with other medications. Pictures of the medication (pills, capsules, bottles, etc) are also shown.