What should I know about allergic reactions?

Posted April 12, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: My sister-in-law has a bee-sting allergy. What happens if she gets stung? Can it be life-threatening?

DEAR READER: For someone with such an allergy, a sting can be very serious — yes, even life-threatening. If left untreated, an allergic person could die within minutes to hours after a bee sting. Bee-sting allergies — along with some other allergies, which we’ll discuss — are so serious because they can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe, sometimes life-threatening, allergic reaction. It occurs within minutes of exposure to an allergy-causing substance (allergen). It is also sometimes called anaphylactic shock.

Is there a treatment for lactose intolerance?

Posted April 04, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’ve recently become lactose-intolerant. Is there a treatment for this? Or do I have to say goodbye to cheese and milkshakes forever?

DEAR READER: Yes, there is a treatment. But whether it will allow you to eat cheese and drink milkshakes occasionally depends on your gut. Lactose intolerance occurs when your gut does not have enough of an enzyme called lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose, the main sugar in milk. When lactose isn’t properly broken down, it can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, gas and diarrhea.

How is a shellfish allergy diagnosed?

Posted April 03, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’ve always loved shellfish. But lately when I eat it, I break out in hives. Could I be allergic?

DEAR READER: You sure could be. Such an allergy could cause more symptoms than just a rash, including low blood pressure and difficulty breathing, so you need to find out if you are allergic to shellfish. See an allergist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies.

What is a sun allergy?

Posted March 22, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: A friend recently revealed that she is allergic to sunshine. I was so surprised — what does this mean, exactly?

DEAR READER: I agree that it’s a strange-sounding concept, but sun allergy is a real phenomenon. A sun allergy is an immune system reaction to sunlight.

What is a scratch test for allergies?

Posted December 01, 2011

DEAR DOCTOR K: Over the past year I’ve suddenly developed allergies. The problem is, I don’t know what I’m allergic to. My doctor wants to do a scratch test. What can I expect?

DEAR READER: Scratch tests are often done in cases like yours, when allergy symptoms have no clear trigger. The tests usually are done by allergy specialists.

What causes the feeling of a “lump in the throat”?

Posted October 06, 2011

DEAR DOCTOR K: I often get the feeling that there’s a lump in my throat. Sometimes in the morning I’ll cough up mucus, but it doesn’t make the feeling go away. What can I do to get rid of this feeling?

DEAR READER: Some use the expression “a lump in my throat” to describe experiencing a strong emotion such as grief or gratitude. But, as you’ve discovered, this feeling can be an annoying and recurrent problem that has nothing to do with how you’re feeling at the moment.

Allergies