Allergies are a common issue that millions of people suffer from. While some people develop allergies as adults, it is more common to develop them during childhood. One common question patients with allergies have is whether they can outgrow allergies. The answer to this question is: Read More
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Unproven Food Allergy Tests
Some healthcare providers may offer diagnostic tests that are unproven food allergy tests. There are many tests that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) do not recommend for the diagnosis of food allergy. This article discusses some of these tests. IgG Testing This Read More
Polyethylene glycol allergy
(Updated 9/5/2021) - Over 300 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech (also known as Comirnaty) and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the United States. There have been approximately 5 cases of a severe allergic reaction to these vaccines per 1 million doses administered. Read More
Vaccine basics
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there is hope now that vaccines will help end this pandemic. This article reviews vaccine basics and how this will help prevent getting a COVID-19 infection. What are vaccines? Vaccines, also known as "vaccinations" or "immunizations," help prevent specific Read More
How Severe Is Your Asthma?
If you have asthma, knowing its severity and its triggers is key in controlling your symptoms. Your allergist will determine these factors when recommending a treatment for you. According to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, which is an initiative under the National Institutes Read More
The Difference Between Food Intolerance and a Food Allergy
Symptoms of food intolerance and a food allergy can be similar, so people can be confused between the two. However, there are clear distinctions. Food intolerance is a problem with digestion, whereas a food allergy is a problem with the immune system. Food intolerance may produce discomfort, but it Read More
Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Information
At Oak Brook Allergists, we have been monitoring the situation closely regarding the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The clinical trial data can be reviewed here. In this post, we will give an overview of this vaccine and how it pertains to our patients with Read More
Christmas Tree Allergies
While the holiday season will likely be more quiet with less guests this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be more unwanted guests this year: allergies. Christmas tree sales are booming. Whether you own a live Christmas tree or an artificial one, allergy and asthma symptoms may worsen in Read More
Hives: Diagnosis and Treatment
Hives, also called urticaria, is a type of skin reaction that produces reddish and very itchy welts. The welts may vary from small to extremely large blotchy areas on the skin. Acute hives are usually a result of an allergic reaction to an insect bite, food, airborne allergen, or medication. They Read More
Skin Allergies: Types and Triggers
As you go through your day, you encounter a wide variety of substances, including the objects you touch, the food you eat, and even things floating in the air. Sometimes, these may result in an adverse reaction known as an allergy. Have you ever had a rash or persistent itchiness? If this has Read More