July 17, 2020

Are Food Allergies Under-Diagnosed in Poor Families?

TUESDAY, June 2, 2020 -- Food allergies may be under-diagnosed among children covered by Medicaid, a new study suggests.

"We were surprised to find such a large discrepancy in estimates of food allergy prevalence in children on Medicaid compared to the general population," said senior study author Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a pediatrician and food allergy researcher at Children's Hospital of Chicago.

July 9, 2020

Many Cases of 'Penicillin Allergy' Might Be Mistaken

WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2020 -- Penicillin allergy is often unconfirmed in hospital patients, meaning many unnecessarily receive other antibiotics that may be less effective and even harmful, a new study finds.

The researchers analyzed records of nearly 11,000 patients at 106 U.S. hospitals and found that 16% of those with a self-reported penicillin allergy were twice as likely to be prescribed alternative antibiotics.

June 29, 2020

How the Saharan Dust Plume Could Make Your Allergies Worse

THURSDAY, June 25, 2020 -- As the giant Saharan dust plume continues its 5,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean, experts warn that people in its path can expect to have flare-ups of allergies and asthma.

The massive dust cloud is expected to hit the U.S. Gulf Coast this week.

June 15, 2020

Pill Might Prevent Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions

WEDNESDAY, June 10, 2020 -- Pills used to treat blood cancers may potentially prevent life-threatening allergic reactions, early research hints.

That could spell good news for people with severe food and drug allergies.

June 4, 2020

Sinus Infection? 'Good' Germs in Your Nose May Be Key

TUESDAY, June 2, 2020 -- If you constantly battle sinus infections, low levels of good bacteria in your nose may be to blame, new research suggests.

Previous research has shown that health-protecting strains of bacteria reside in your digestive system, genital tract and on your skin.

June 8, 2020

Are Your Symptoms From COVID-19 or Seasonal Allergies?

THURSDAY, June 4, 2020 -- In the thick of the coronavirus pandemic, it might be hard to tell if you've come down with COVID-19, spring allergies or a cold, which all have some similar symptoms.

Fever and dry cough are common symptoms of COVID-19, along with shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, sore throat, diarrhea, fatigue, chills, muscle pain, loss of taste and smell, and body aches.