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March 21, 2023 | Black & Kletz Allergy
The esophagus is the muscular tube that propels food from the mouth into the stomach through a rhythmic, coordinated peristaltic action. The interior lumen of the tube is covered by a thin mucus membrane. This normal function can be impaired when the structure is chronically inflamed by various allergic triggers. A subset of white blood […]
Read MoreMarch 7, 2023 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) is a condition where there is a cross reaction to allergens that are found both in pollen and certain foods. The most common foods associated with pollen food allergy syndrome include fresh fruits, vegetables, and some tree nuts. The disorder affects roughly one-third of individuals […]
Read MoreFebruary 14, 2023 | Black & Kletz Allergy
This year so far it has been much warmer than usual for Winter. Typically in the Washington, DC Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area, trees begin to pollinate in March. Over the last few years however, tree pollination began in February. This year, we have seen tree pollen in the air in January and February! […]
Read MoreFebruary 8, 2023 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Nearly all children get infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a highly contagious virus, by their second birthday. RSV has a seasonal predilection, usually from December to March every year. In most instances, it causes mild “cold-like” symptoms and resolves without complications in approximately 1-2 weeks. Although most cases get better and resolve on their […]
Read MoreJanuary 25, 2023 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Many fruits and vegetables contain substances called lipid transfer proteins (LPT’s). They are usually present in the skin and seeds of these foods. Lipid transfer proteins are also found in various nuts and some cereals. In the plant, the purpose of the lipid transfer proteins is to move the lipid molecules so the plants develop […]
Read MoreJanuary 9, 2023 | Black & Kletz Allergy
In the U.S., dogs are the most common pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 77 million pet dogs are living in the country spread around roughly 49 million homes. This means that each dog-owning household has an average of 1.5 dogs. The most common breed of dog is the Labrador Retriever. The […]
Read MoreDecember 13, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Most of the medications used for treating diseases are chemically synthesized in a laboratory. Some newer medications, however, are derived from a variety of natural sources such as humans, animals, or microorganisms. These newer medications, often referred to as “biologicals,” are typically produced by using biotechnology and/or other cutting-edge methodologies. Biologicals represent a breakthrough advance […]
Read MoreDecember 2, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Now that it is turning cold in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area, some allergic individuals are happy because they have a respite from their pollen (e.g., trees, grasses, weeds) allergies which tend to bother them in the Spring, Summer, and/or Fall. Others however, are not as happy, as they either continue […]
Read MoreNovember 22, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Egg allergy is second only to milk allergy in prevalence among infants and young children. It affects about 1 to 2 % of young children overall. It is also the most common food allergy in children with eczema. Proteins found in egg whites are generally responsible for causing allergic reactions in egg-allergic individuals. Although the […]
Read MoreNovember 8, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Natural rubber latex is the milky white sap that comes from the Brazilian rubber tree. The Brazilian rubber tree is scientifically referred to as Hevea brasiliensis. The tree is mainly found in Southeast Asia and Africa. The sap is collected from rubber trees much in the same manner that maple syrup is extracted from maple trees. […]
Read MoreOctober 11, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Influenza Immunization: A routine annual influenza (i.e., flu) vaccination is recommended for all individuals equal to and greater than months of age. The recommendations below should always be discussed and approved by an individual’s primary care provider before vaccination occurs. Children: Children from 6 months through 8 years of age who have previously received 2 […]
Read MoreOctober 6, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
To the average parent, there is generally no association between Halloween and allergies. For some parents however, Halloween can be a “scary” time, but not because of ghosts and goblins. These “frightened” parents are parents that have a child who has food allergies. To the parent of a food-allergic child, the association between Halloween and […]
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Meat allergy is an increasing problem over the last decade. It is generally not that people have developed a typical food allergy to meat in the classic sense, but this increase has rather occurred because of an entity called alpha-gal syndrome. It is often referred to as mammalian meat allergy, red meat allergy, and tick […]
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Though there are still some unresolved controversies, the preponderance of evidence indicates that our climate is steadily changing over the past several decades and is likely to continue into near future. This climate change also has the potential to alter the incidence and severity of allergic and respiratory diseases in humans. Although each individual is […]
Read MoreAugust 9, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
The swimming season is in full swing and most public and private swimming pools are attracting swimmers of all ages and of all skill levels. For most individuals, swimming is one of the most pleasurable recreational avenues offered in the summer. For others, swimming offers an effective workout option without putting undue pressure on one’s […]
Read MoreAugust 5, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
We love our pets. Pets are very important to humans. They fulfill all types of psychological and social needs that people desire including happiness, self-worth, and companionship. Unfortunately, some individuals cannot experience the joy of owning a pet because they have allergy or asthma symptoms when they are exposed to the pet. Any pet can […]
Read MoreJuly 20, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) (i.e., allergy shots, allergy injections, allergy desensitization, allergy hyposensitization) is a time-tested efficacious treatment option for disorders caused by the sensitization to environmental allergens such as dust mites, molds, pollens, pets, and/or cockroaches. It is 80-85% effective in reducing symptoms from allergic rhinitis (i.e., hay fever), asthma, and/or allergic conjunctivitis (i.e., eye […]
Read MoreJuly 20, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Is it possible to be allergic to exercise? Well, not really, however, exercise can cause the body to exhibit the signs and symptoms of allergies! We are also not talking about an excuse not to exercise! The mechanism by which exercise causes “allergy” symptoms is not completely understood but it seems to be related to […]
Read MoreJune 8, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
The esophagus is a tubal structure that propels food from the throat into the stomach through rhythmic contractions of the smooth muscles in its walls. A thin mucus membrane lines the insides of its lumen. Eosinophils are type of white blood cells that have some role in combating certain parasitic infections. Eosinophils can also cause […]
Read MoreJune 3, 2022 | Black & Kletz Allergy
Generalized pruritus (i.e., generalized itching) is not an uncommon condition and can be quite maddening to the individual suffering from it. It may be associated with hives (i.e., urticaria) and/or angioedema (swelling). The itching is usually described as either intermittent or chronic itching in various parts of the body or it can be intermittent or […]
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