November 19, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) has been a hot topic in recent years. It seems as though the prevalence is increasing over the last decade. Mast cell activation syndrome is caused by episodes of the abnormal release of mast cell mediators which can affect any organ system, but tends to involve the skin, nervous system, […]
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October 18, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
It is that time of the year again. Soon you will be seeing children (and some adults) trick or treating in your neighborhood searching for candy. For children, Halloween is a time to be with their friends, eat a lot of candy, and dress in scary costumes. For millions of parents however, Halloween can also […]
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October 15, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Immunizations are one of the most effective and safe ways of preventing or reducing the risk of serious illness from various infections. Vaccinations also prevent infections from spreading from one individual to another, thus protecting the health and well-being of the general population. One should always check with one’s primary care provider before getting a […]
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September 24, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Milk is one of the most common foods to cause allergic reactions. Almost 3% of children younger than 3 years of age are allergic to milk. Notwithstanding, a vast majority of children spontaneously outgrow their milk sensitivities. CAUSES: In children with milk allergy, the immune system falsely identifies the protein in the milk as potentially […]
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September 12, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Generalized itching (i.e., generalized pruritus) is a condition which can be quite annoying. It is when an individual has diffuse itching of the body usually without an associated rash. Approximately 20-25% of the general population experiences generalized pruritus at least one time in their life. The itching may be intermittent or it may be chronic in nature. “Acute” itching […]
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August 21, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Anaphylaxis is an acute, severe, and life-threatening allergic reaction. The most common triggers for anaphylaxis include allergenic foods, medications, and insect stings. Symptoms usually begin within a few minutes of exposure of the triggering agents. Initially, the symptoms characteristically involve the skin which typically causes itching and hives followed by swelling of the soft tissues. […]
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August 2, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
As the Summer marches on and we are now in the month of August, many allergy sufferers are about to get ready for another foe, namely ragweed. Usually about August 15th of every year, ragweed pollen begins to blanket the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area like clockwork. The dissemination of ragweed pollen […]
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July 31, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin triggered by a physical exposure to an allergen. These allergens are usually either chemicals or plants. There are 3 plants, (i.e., poison Ivy, poison oak and poison sumac) which account for a vast majority of plant-based allergens. The active allergen is the sap oil (i.e., urushiol) in […]
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July 31, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Now that it is Summer, mosquitoes are becoming more prevalent in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland region. Mosquitoes are flying insects that tend to be more widespread where there is standing water. They are more active early in the morning and early in the evening. Female mosquitoes typically lay their eggs in stagnant […]
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June 6, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Grass pollen allergy is a very common environmental allergy. Grass pollinates in at different time of the year depending on where in the U.S. one is located. In the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S., grass pollinates from the Spring through the Summer. In the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area specifically, […]
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