Allergy Nursing Newsletter

2003 Archives

December 2, 2003
Headaches, coughing, chest pain, body aches and pains...
Are my cough and chest symptoms caused by allergies?

My upper chest feels tight. Getting the shots makes me very nervous.
Anxiety or serious reaction to allergy shot?

Can fevers be associated with allergies?
Fever with hay fever?

Climate update:
There are so many triggers of allergies here [Nevada] that we didn't have in Seattle or Olympia
Climate -- Las Vegas, NV; Seattle & Olympia, WA

October 28, 2003
I have had cold urticaria for 11 years. Is it contageous, hereditary? Could it be caused by caused by syphilis?
What causes hives (urticaria)?

Dealing with MGUS - Just this once, a personal response to the many letters I've received asking about MGUS
MGUS - because I'm often asked

Exercise-induced asthma, diagnosis, treatment
Coughing after running, rapid breathing - could it be asthma?

Climate update:
Is a dry or moist climate best? What about humidifiers and dehumidifiers?
Best climate for allergies -- New Mexico, Florida?

Swollen: patches on arms, legs and face, lips and eyes...lasts for several days...getting down to throat.
Treatment for angioedema (angioneurotic edema), swelling

I'm 21 weeks pregnant and my doc prescribed Zyrtec 20mg. Could it be dangerous for my unborn baby?
Antihistamines in pregnancy: are they safe?

September 24, 2003
If I have symptoms but allergy testing is negative, what is the best treatment approach?
Allergy testing negative, symptoms real

Best climates for allergy sufferers -- Alaska?
Can people be allergic to another person?

Can having the patient watch the shot being drawn up help prevent errors?
Verifying the correct allergy shot

August 13, 2003
Chronic inflammatory processes caused by allergies can damage sinus and lung tissue.
Long term allergy effects

Red dye no. 2 (carmine or cochineal extract), yellow no. 5 (tartrazine) & blue no. 1 (brilliant blue FCF) & other food color
Allergy to food color (dye)

Climate update:
Best climates for allergy sufferers -- Alaska?
Don't pack your bags yet!

July 3, 2003
New feature! Learn about allergies and have some fun at the same time by enjoying our puzzles, crosswords, quizzes, and word exercises
Allergy puzzles & quizzes

Why are most doctors so insistent that you cannot take allergy shots when you are on a beta blocker medication?
Dangers & risks of beta blockers with allergy shots

Can allergy meds make the heart go "thumpy" and the blood pressure rise?
Antihistamines & rapid heart beat with palpitations

Glossary addition:
Defined in our glossary, mentioned in the quizzes, and featured in the one of our dual main topics.
What are palpitations?

Is it true that rice is the one food that no one in the world is allergic to?
Rice a non-allergic food?

June 4, 2003
If you experience strong reactions to items reported as negative, and no reaction to items reported as positive, what should you do?
Can an allergy test be wrong?

Glossary addition:
Histamine is a natural substance which helps you stay alert. But...
What is histamine?

May 20, 2003
Find a pet that won't make you sick: read experiences & recommendations from an allergy nurse.
Is there a "safe" pet for allergy sufferers?

I just got a new cat, then found I am allergic to cats. How can I live with my pet?
Keeping the cat

When allergy shots hurt: If you experience pain with your injections, here's help.
Painful injections -- what to do?

April 30, 2003
Source of dust, what dust is composed of, how our body reacts to it, and what we can do to help keep dust out of our air.
Where does house dust come from?

I take shots for inhalent allergies. Can I take shots for food or medication allergies also?
Shots for medication or food allergies

What affect does manufacturing dust & toner ink have on my lungs?
Manufacturing dust

April 17, 2003
What factors determine how many tests an allergist decides to administer? How many different allergies there are that can be tested using the scratch test?
How many scratch tests

Can one person be allergic to another?
Is my boyfriend allergic to me?

April 8, 2003
Untoward effects that may occur with allergy testing, as well symptoms that can be unrelated indications of a more serious condition.
Adverse effects of skin testing

March 26, 2003
She has a reaction even if the dog is not in my house, but the owners are.... I just bought a used jeep and I found out he had his dogs in it.
Second-hand pet dander

What are some medications I can take to relieve my allergies during the up coming months?
Medications for allergy season

March 18, 2003
Can immunotherapy help with eczema, dandruff or other skin conditions?
Eczema & immunotherapy (allergy shots)

A special alert for those with eczema or atopic dermatitis
Warning: Eczema & smallpox vaccine

March 6, 2003
Can a mold or fungus grow like a parasite on various organs of the body and create many allergy like symptoms?
MGUS, mold & fungus on body organs

I have prepared a supplemental item in which I've shared more about the serious fungal infections.
Mycotic diseases

I have this friend who wants me to give his allergy injections and I am not sure about pulling up the dose.
Giving an allergy injection to someone else

February 19, 2003
Fungi rules it's own mysterious kingdom. From morel mushrooms and truffles to powdery mildew; from single celled yeast to coral mushrooms, fungi are fascinating.
The fascinating Fungi Kingdom

February 12, 2003
God has provided our world with all the ingredients needed to keep it healthy. Mold spores are a necessary part of that balance. But it can cause health problems.
Mold is a natural occurence

I'm allergic to penicillin, and recently was exposed to some form of penicillium mold (I believe). I'm currently taking medicaiton to relieve the hives.
Allergic to penicillin, exposed to penicillium

What is the difference between an antigen, an allergen, and an antibody? Find help in our "Glossary"
The three A's

February 5, 2003
I have to use a nebulizer for my astma and it also makes my heart beat rapid. What can I do?
Rapid heart beat with asthma meds: Asthma control

What are the health hazards on mold. What would you look for if someone is exposed to mold?
Exposure to mold, health hazards & symptoms

In regards to IAQ, are carpets a good or bad thing in public schools?
IAQ & public schools

January 30, 2003
Some of the places have grown a lot and itch really bad. Also congestion is worse. This is 24 hours after the testing.
Delayed reactions to skin testing

Climate update:
Best climates for allergy sufferers -- Alaska?
What a difference!

January 22, 2003
Is it safe for those with Penicillin allergy to eat blue (Roquefort) cheese, which contains penicillium mold?
Penicillin allergy and cheese

I am thinking about moving to Alaska. Where would you suggest I move to in order to find some relief?
Best climates for allergy sufferers - Alaska?

January 14, 2003
I'm allergic to just about every antibiotic. What if I get a life-threatening infection?
Multiple antibiotic allergies

Allergy Nursing Newsletter archives
(More questions and answers)

2002

2001

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December 4, 2004: I have temporarily suspended the newsletter due to some health problems. We plan to resume this service as soon as we can. Click here for the latest update. You may still subscribe if you wish, and you will be on the list to receive the newsletters when they are resumed.