Allergy to sulfa-containing medications is very common; these are typically antibiotics. However, not all antibiotics are pills. Doctors will sometimes prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments for ‘pink eye’. Several eye drop preparations contain sulfa antibiotics, and it may not occur to the patient to answer that they have any... Read more
Latex is a natural rubber from the rubber tree, and can be found in gloves, condoms, balloons, and rubber bands. Most latex reactions cause a contact dermatitis similar to that found with nickel on exposed areas. Some individuals with latex allergy can have a life-threatening reaction to latex exposure, especially if they are undergoing surgery... Read more
In this entry, I would like to discuss the implications of some recently published basic science research on the function of beta agonists -- the most common class of quick-relief inhalers that includes albuterol. While the research was done with mice, it has implications on human asthma treatment, particularly in light of recent controversies of... Read more
In this entry, I would like to review the impact that severe infections from a common pneumonia bacterium can have on asthmatics and discuss some recent research on how this has changed immunization schedules for asthmatics.
This new research has changed recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the... Read more
In this entry, I would like to comment on how the fact that asthma is such a common disease can in some cases lead to individuals being told they have "asthma," yet on detailed review with specialized tests, are found not to have asthma. I know that this can sound a little confusing: "My doctor told me I have asthma and I am taking asthma... Read more
