The latest buzzword in the medical arena is bio-identical hormones. Patients are reading and learning about “natural” vs. synthetic hormone replacement therapy. Suzanne Somers, in her books, “Ageless”, “The Sexy Years”, and “Breakthrough” has raised public awareness to a new level. Whether for symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and decreased libido, women […]
The Sinus Headache Mistake: Migraine or Sinus Headache?
“Sinus Headaches”: One of the true mysteries of clinical medicine Patients regularly come into our offices complaining of pain in the area around their eyes. This pain usually also circles around their forehead and, without fail, these patients always ask for antibiotics to make the pain go away. However, all too often antibiotics are prescribed […]
Athletic Asthma: the role of the Allergist/Asthma Specialist
I just had a patient come into my office who is an avid biker. She can ride 100 miles in a day- that’s about 90 more than I can do. She is in terrific shape, but she is keenly aware that into her bike rides she gets a “wheezy sound in her chest” and feels […]
Stop & Read: #1 Lesson for Preventing Allergies
[updated July 2019] During one of the first lectures, I ever attended in allergy fellowship training was from esteemed Professor Vincent Beltrani, from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, a double-boarded allergist and dermatologist (one of a handful in the entire country.) In a room full of young allergists, Dr. Beltrani roared in his […]
Chronic Cough Relief: Treating the Cause Can Lead to the Cure
A noisy, chronic cough is not only uncomfortable, but it’s also unbearable for those around you such as family and co-workers. We mostly tend to think of a cough related to an infection, which would respond to an antibiotic. In many cases, this is erroneous thinking. It is easy to fall into this trap whether […]
Tree Pollen Allergy: The Ultimate Survival Guide
The famous boxer, Joe Louis, was once quoted saying his opponent ‘He can run, but he can’t hide.’ The same might be said for patients with spring tree pollen allergy symptoms. You can try to run and hide by going indoors, but eventually, you will have to go outside and face the pollen. Avoiding Pollen […]
Ragweed Is Blowing in the Wind…
The weather has been amazing the past few days….. Cooler air, sunshine; however, I am seeing many patients suffering from what at first seems like a cold- runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Beware! These are likely to be the signs of ragweed pollen allergy. The season started very late this year- usually Labor Day […]
Genes, Infections and Drug Allergies
I read an exciting article in USA Today (October 25th) about Genes and Medicine. The article, “Genes are Part of the Puzzle”, shows how medical research is moving to personalized medicine based on your genetic fingerprint (genome). The article is careful to state that while you can have your entire genetic make-up analyzed, even expert […]
Chronobiology and Allergies: Timing is Everything!
The field of chronobiology, the science of body timing, is not only fascinating but also has some very practical applications for allergy sufferers. Our bodies produce thousands of chemicals and hormones to regulate our body and immune system in response to our environment. We know that sunshine and daylight regulate our melatonin and Vitamin D […]
The Worst Allergy Season Ever! Don’t Worry, My Tips Will Keep You Protected
The Worst Allergy Season Ever seems to be the headline every spring. It alarms those that typically suffer from pollen allergies, and it worries others who think it’s contagious. The real secret to getting through a bad allergy season is to take some precautions before the season ever begins. The other key is to use […]