Do you experience nasal congestion or stuffiness,tenderness of the face, persistent post nasal drip, headaches or teeth pain?

Then you may have sinusitis or a sinus infection.

It is often confused with a bad cold that never seems to go away. Sinuses are air filled cavities within the skull. As a result of allergies and hay fever, people often get infections in their sinuses caused by bacteria leading to the symptoms described above.

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If you suffer from these symptoms, we can help. A board certified allergist is the most appropriate doctor to take care of these problems. Once the diagnosis is made, the proper antibiotic can clear up this problem and we can help you keep it from recurring.
By diagnosing what the cause of your allergies are, we can treat these symptoms and prevent ongoing and recurrent sinus infections.

Contact our office now and see what we can do to help you rid yourself of sinus infections once and for all.

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It’s all over California, especially the Bay Area! It is insidious, creeping up on you when you least suspect it. And it’s miserable to deal with. The diabolical skin rash we call poison oak can affect anyone at anytime of the year. In California, the rash is caused by poison oak, in the Midwest and East coast it’s caused by poison ivy, and in the South it’s caused by poison sumac. But whatever the cause, the reaction is generally the same. It is triggered by an oil on the plant we call Rhus. And the reaction of this oil to your skin will lead to the typical rash we see. This rash can occur on any skin that has contact with the oil. The rash can occur within two days of exposure to the oil, or as long as two weeks if this is your first exposure.

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Initial symptoms are skin irritation followed by itching and blister formation. The rash can be pretty extensive and may be spread by touching the initial exposure site and spreading the oil to other parts of the skin. Often the rash is seen in a linear deposition due to the patient scratching the skin in a line.

The best thing to do if you know you have been exposed to poison oak is to immediately wash all exposed skin with rubbing alcohol in which the resin in soluble. Soap works also but not as well. And rinse with cold water that will not open the skin pores to the oil.

Once the rash appears, the horse is out of the barn and no washing will help. However, contrary to popular belief, the fluid from the blisters and skin vesicles cannot spread the rash. But you must be careful not to touch any clothes that may still have the oil and be ure to wash the clothes thoroughly to get rid of the oil

Treatment of poison oak consists of cool compresses to sooth the rash. Antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec can be helpful to minimize the itching. And these antihistamines should not cause drowsiness like the older ones do such as Benadryl

However if the poison ivy or poison oak is moderate, severe or more extensive, a visit to your doctor may be warranted. They can prescribe potent topical steroids to the affected areas or if the rash is extensive enough than oral steroids. These medications will suppress the allergic reaction caused by the oil on the skin. In two or three days, the itching should subside and the rash should start to recede. However it is crucial to take these meds in tapering doses over two to three weeks to prevent a recurrence of the rash.

Some researchers have tried to desensitize patients to poison ivy and poison oak by giving them increasing dosing of the oil over a period of time. This has been less than successful and complicated with intolerable side effects such as outbreaks in the GI tract. They are usually reserved for those highly sensitive or people who cannot avoid contact such as forest rangers.

A better approach would be learning to recognize the plant and avoiding contact with it. Staying on a well marked trail wearing long pants and shoes have helped. If accidental contact occurs then wiping the oil with alcohol or alcohol based beverages can help. Using barrier creams such as Ivy Shield or Ivy Block may help prevent outbreaks of the rash. But old fashion vigilance in identifying the plants and avoiding it is the best approach to preventing contracting this annoying and intolerable skin rash.

Contact our office now and see what we can do to help you rid yourself of Poison Oak Dermatitis.

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There are approximately 12 million people with food allergies in the US. A food allergy is an over-response of the immune system to a food that the person eats. It usually manifests as a rash such as hives, stuffy or itchy nose and eyes, vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea. It can also cause more serious conditions such as angioedema or swelling, chest tightness, throat closure or even anaphylaxis!

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There have even been a number of deaths attributed to food allergies.

Most reactions occur within minutes after eating the food, but some can take hours to manifest.

The most common foods causing allergy include:

• Eggs
• Cow’s Milk
• Peanuts
• Soy
• Wheat
• Tree Nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish

Some people know exactly what foods cause their allergy. Others need the help of a doctor to narrow down and locate the cause. Typically the allergist will begin with a complete medical history to narrow down the causative food. This will include questions about your diet and the time relation of ingesting the food to the reactions. They may also recommend allergy skin tests to confirm the diagnosis. With skin tests, the skin is pricked with a plastic prong through the food extract on the skin. Within 20 minute a raised wheal may occur indicating a food allergen.

Once the offending food is determined, the allergist can help you avoid those foods to minimize ongoing reactions and will often give the patient inject able adrenaline to counteract any serious reactions occurring from the accidental ingestion of the offending food.

Allergies to certain foods such as cow’s milk and eggs may disappear overtime; however reactions to foods such as peanuts and tree nuts tend to be life-long and must be avoided indefinitely

Please contact our office if you feel you suffer from food allergies so we can help you determine the cause and better understand what foods to avoid and how to treat potential reactions.

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Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis is a common allergic reaction often affecting the face, neck, front of the elbows and back of the knees, the so called flexure surfaces. It is estimated to affect 15 million people in the US. About 10-20% of infants have eczema.

Although it can look different from person to person, it typically is dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin. It has been described as an “itch that rashes” because it first manifest as an itch, with appearance of the rash when the itch is scratched. Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a thickened texture and appear like leather.

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Many triggers have been identified with atopic eczema. It is most commonly associated with dry skin and will get worse with agents that dry out the skin, such as soap, detergents and disinfectants.

Foods allergies are a common trigger to atopic eczema. Approximately 30% of patients with eczema have one or more foods that can trigger their symptoms. That is why it is crucial to skin test patients with eczema with food allergens to identify potential triggers.
Then avoidance of that food can help improve the symptoms.

One of the most important components of eczema treatment is to prevent itching. This can be done with moisturizers on the skin, topical cortisone creams and antihistamine pills. If the itch can be stopped then scratching will stop and the rash should clear up.
Because eczema is characterized by dry skin, then moisturizers become crucial in relieving the symptoms. A good moisturizers needs to be applied daily, especially right after bathing .This combined with a good steroid cream as well as Elidel or Protopic ointment can clear up most cases of atopic dermatitis.

An allergist/immunologist is the best qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat eczema/atopic dermatitis. Please contact our office for an appointment to evaluate and treat your eczema.

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Brian S. Lipson, M.D. treats Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects over 20 million Americans. It is a condition characterized by narrowing of the airways, mucous production within the airways and inflammation of the airways.

These symptoms can be persistent, occurring on a daily basis or episodic occurring only with specific triggers.

The so called “allergic asthma” is triggered by specific allergens such as dust mites, molds, animal dander, airborne pollens and cockroaches. Patients with allergic asthma will experience symptoms after exposure to these allergic triggers.

Other triggers include infections such as colds, flu, or bronchitis, exercise or even pregnancy can worsen asthma.

The typical symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. But even a chronic cough, especially after a cold may be a sign of bronchial asthma.

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Although asthma typically begins in childhood, it can begin at any age and symptoms that begin after the age of 50 can sometimes be quite severe, though rarely triggered by allergens.

There is much that can be done to control asthma and minimize its symptoms. Medications such as bronchodilators can control the wheezing and chest tightness.
If symptoms persist, some patients need controller medication such as inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, or even steroid pills such as prednisone.
The controller medications are taken every day regardless of patient symptoms.

And of course avoidance of the allergic triggers such as dust, cats, dogs and molds can be extremely helpful to minimize asthma symptoms, often without needing ongoing medications.

If you cannot avoid asthma triggers and your symptoms are persistent despite using medications, you should consider Allergy immunotherapy or allergy shots. These treatments have been proven effective in controlling some forms of asthma.

See an Allergist and Asthma Specialist today!

An allergist is best qualified to diagnose and treat asthma in both children and adults. They can help you develop a treatment plan to deal with your asthma, minimize your symptoms and allow you to live a normal life free of debilitating asthma symptoms.

Contact our office now and see what we can do to help you.

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More than 50 million people have allergies in the United States. When people with allergies have persistent symptoms, it becomes imperative to find out what their allergies are to better treat their symptoms. It is the first step to an effective treatment for their allergies.

Once a thorough medical history and physical exam are conducted, it is imperative to proceed with allergy testing to identify the allergens triggering the patient’s symptoms.
Allergy testing can be done at any age and involve skin testing or blood testing (Allergy RAST Testing). Allergy testing should always be conducted under the supervision of a board certified allergist/immunologist to effectively interpret the results.

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Allergy tests can detect allergies to pollen, mold, dust mite, animal dander, insect stings, foods and some medicines.

Skin testing is done by scratching or pricking the skin with a plastic prong device containing the suspected allergen. The tests can be performed on the back or forearm. Multiple allergens can be tested at the same time. The site is observed for 20 minutes and then red. If there is redness, swelling and itching, it means the patient is allergic to that particular allergen. The size of the reaction will determine how sensitive the patient is to the allergen tested.

Sometimes, a second set of testing called intradermal allergy testing is performed if the first testing is negative. This is done just under the skin and picks up reactions missed by the first set of testing. These results are also read within 20 minutes after applying.

Skin testing causes little or no pain except for the itching and redness associated with positive skin test reactions. These usually go down in a couple of hours and can be treated with antihistamine medication if necessary. However it is crucial to stop all antihistamine medication 3-4 days before allergy skin testing.

Any medical test involves some risk. Allergy skin tests may in rare occasion cause generalized allergic reactions such as rashes, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis. Fortunately these reactions are easily treated in the allergist office.

Allergy blood tests, also called RAST testing can be an alternative to allergy skin testing. It is most often used if the patient is taking a medicine that will interfere with the skin testing and cannot stop this medicine, has a chronic skin condition that would prevent allergy skin testing or babies and very young children where a blood draw would be better than multiple skin tests.

However allergy blood tests are more expensive than skin testing, take several weeks to get the results, rather than 20 minutes, and are less sensitive than the allergy skin testing. For every 10 positive allergy skin tests, the blood test will pick up approximately only 8 positive tests

Each testing method has its pluses and minuses. The tests alone do not diagnose allergies. They must be interpreted by the allergist in context with the patient’s history and symptoms. So a complete allergy evaluation by a board certified allergist would be the best approach to diagnosing and treating one’s allergies.

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There are some symptoms that are commonly associated with allergies such as:

• Runny Nose
• Post Nasal Drip
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Watery eyes

Less common allergy symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Loss of taste and smell
• Low productivity/Poor concentration
• Fatigue
• Sleep Disturbances
• Snoring

Allergy symptoms can be more than bothersome or irritating. They can interfere with your day to day activities and sleep. Allergies can result in loss of productivity, missed work or school, and an overall poor quality of life.E

Seeking the help of an allergist is the key to treating your allergies.

WHAT should I expect when I see an allergist?

The allergist will conduct a patient history including an assessment of your symptoms, a relevant physical exam and a thorough environmental evaluation. The allergist will also perform allergy skin testing to determine exactly what you are allergic to. Substances such as dust mites, pollens, mold and pet dander are considered common allergens.

Skin testing determines your individual allergic reactions. This skin test is effective to evaluate both inhalant allergens and food allergens.

WHAT is involved in skin testing?

Skin testing is a simple procedure that is best described as tiny scratches that are applied to the surface of the skin. The scratches are performed with a small instrument similar to a toothpick.

The instrument contains small amounts of common allergens. The skin is lightly scratched on the surface with a tiny amount of the allergen. If you are allergic, a small mosquito bite like bump will appear. For those patients who do not react to this type of skin testing, an intradermal skin test may be performed (similar to a TB test).

The allergist can determine your specific allergy profile. Because everyone is unique in what their specific allergic triggers are, knowing what your allergies are is important to effectively treat allergies.

HOW are allergies treated?

Once the allergist knows the allergens that are causing your symptoms, an effective treatment plan can be recommended. These treatment plans include:

• Avoidance of offending allergens
• Medications
• Immunotherapy/Allergy shots

HOW can I avoid allergies?

Obviously you are expected to live your life in a bubble, but there are things that can be done to minimize your exposure to specific allergens. For example, if you are allergic to dust, you can dust-proof your bedroom by using allergy-proof mattress and pillow covers. If you are allergic to pollen, it is beneficial to keep your windows closed and to shower immediately following outdoor activities. There are many ways to cut down on the allergens in your environment. Talk to your allergist about any information that they can provide you on allergy avoidance.

WHAT types of medications are available?

There are wide ranges of medications on the market including antihistamines, decongestants, steroid nasal sprays, etc. Depending on your allergens and the degree to which you suffer, a specialized treatment plan will be recommended.

IS there a cure for allergies?

No, but there are effective treatments to minimize your allergy symptoms. Allergy injections, also referred to as immunotherapy, are highly effective in achieving this goal. As you re expose to small, injected amounts of a particular allergen, you gradually decrease your sensitivity and build up your immunity to the specific substances to which you are allergic. Immunotherapy offers allergy sufferers an alternative to a life of allergy medications.

WHAT is the time commitment involved with immunotherapy?

In the beginning, immunotherapy patients will typically have injections weekly during buildup to maintenance dose. Then every other week for three months and then every four weeks as tolerated, (most people experience improvement during the first six months of injections). Injections are then spaced out and completed within a 3-5 year period. By this time, most patients no longer have to continue their immunotherapy injections.

WHAT happens if my allergies go untreated?

Allergies can be the underlying cause of frequent sinus, ear and upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Untreated allergies can even exacerbate or cause asthma. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that “Approximately 80 percent of all asthma in children and half of all asthma in adults in caused by allergies.”

Allergies are responsible for symptoms that may make it difficult for you to concentrate, or they may cause sinus headaches- both of which can result in a loss of productivity. This loss of productivity can filter into your work, school and home life. Don’t let your allergies control you, take control of your allergies!

About Dr. Lipson:

Dr. Lipson opened his first clinic in Redwood City, which served the area for 10 years, before moving to San Carlos. After 7 years in San Carlos, Dr. Lipson felt it time to return to Redwood City, where he built the current, new facility for Allergy and Asthma Consultants.

CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490

Pet allergies are extremely common. People who suffer from them are subject to allergic reaction from animal dander, saliva or urine. Pets can also trap pollens and spores from the outdoors and bring them in on their fur. This introduces other allergens to the home. Despite their allergies, as many as 25% of people with pet allergies continue to keep pets at home and often indoors.

Pet Allergy Symptoms

Common symptoms those with pet allergies suffer from include:

• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Hives

These symptoms can be seen in both children and adults. The symptoms of those who live with furry, hairy pets such as cats or dogs are pronounced due to the constant exposure to allergens, compared to those who choose not to live with animals.

Pet Allergy Solutions

Some people think the solution is to keep their pets outdoors. While this sounds good in theory, pet dander and other pet allergens eventually make their way into a house, carried in on our clothing and shoes as we care for and interact with our outdoor pet.

For people who insist on keeping pets indoors and trying to live with them, despite allergies, one of the best policies to follow is to not allow the pet into your sleeping quarters at all. Try to maintain this room as a safe haven, not allowing the pet to enter the room at all. Since you occupy this room more than any other room of the house, sleeping here approximately eight hours a day, you can minimize contact with pet allergens this way.

If you have pet allergies, try not to hug or kiss your pet. Pet him, speak to him lovingly and provide for his needs to show him how much you care. After petting, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. If you have a cat, get someone without allergies to take responsibility for cleaning the litter box. If you have upholstered furniture, try to not allow your animals to sit, lay or climb on it. If you do, keep washable covers on the furniture and launder them regularly.

Be sure to bathe your pet often to keep dander at a minimum. Your pet should be washed weekly. Special shampoo products can help to neutralize or reduce skin allergens to help you cohabitate easier with your pet. Get someone who isn’t allergic to brush the pet regularly outside. If you have carpet or rugs, vacuum at least daily, if not multiple times daily, to remove pet hair and dander. It is best to pull up carpet and rugs to eliminate surfaces for allergens to get trapped in.

Pet Allergy Treatments

If you decide to live with a pet, despite your allergies, talk to your allergist about treatments to help you coexist peacefully. Allergy shots can help reduce or eliminate any symptoms of pet allergies, making it possible for you to live under the same roof alongside your furry best friend.

Allergy and Asthma Consultants

Dr. Brian Lipson is board certified in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine. His specialized training allows him to focus on allergic and asthmatic conditions such as hay fever, sinus problems, hives, drug allergies, food allergies, and insect sting reactions. Dr. Lipson and his staff are dedicated to working with patients to provide the best possible solution toward better health.

Lipson Allergy and Asthma Consultants is located in Redwood City, CA on Main Street, and also has an office in Fremont, CA on Mowry Ave.

CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490

Diagnosing Allergies and Colds Correctly

It is important we correctly diagnose what ails us in order to treat it properly. Colds and allergies share many of the same symptoms, so it can be hard to tell one from the other sometimes. Probably the biggest difference between the two is that with allergies, you always have itchiness. When you have seasonal allergies, your eyes, nose and throat will itch and cause irritation which may make you sneeze, cough or make your eyes water. With a cold, you may run a fever, but never with allergies.

Colds come on gradually, a step at a time. You will end up with multiple symptoms, but not altogether, all at once. One day you may notice you sneeze, while the next your throat feels sore and so on. With allergies, everything begins all at the same time. You experience all the symptoms all at once, full blown the first day. And while colds typically run their course in 5-10 days, allergies like to stick around longer, lingering on.

Some people also differentiate between the throat symptoms of allergies versus colds by stating that while their throats actually feel sore during a cold, they don’t while suffering from seasonal allergies. The throat really has more of an itch to it during allergies rather than soreness. Many people who suffer from allergies find their symptoms peak late at night or early in the morning and tend to subside as the day goes on, until the cycle starts over again the same night.

Beyond Colds and Allergies – Sinus Infection

Another thing to consider beyond just colds or allergies is the possibility of a sinus infection. The symptoms of a sinus infection include a week or more of headaches accompanied by cold symptoms and possibly paired with a fever. If you suspect a sinus infection, it is a good idea to see your physician for antibiotic treatment.

Allergies run in families. If your parents don’t have allergies, it is not likely you will either. But, if both parents have allergies, you have a 75% chance of developing them. Pollution is another contributing factor to seasonal allergies being on the rise. Spring is the peak season for allergies, due to pollen in the air.

If you do find yourself suffering from seasonal allergies, see your allergist to see what types of treatments may be available to you. And, if you have a cold, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Eventually the cold will run its course.

Allergy and Asthma Consultants

Dr. Brian Lipson is board certified in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine. His specialized training allows him to focus on allergic and asthmatic conditions such as hay fever, sinus problems, hives, drug allergies, food allergies, and insect sting reactions. Dr. Lipson and his staff are dedicated to working with patients to provide the best possible solution toward better health.

Lipson Allergy and Asthma Consultants is located in Redwood City, CA on Main Street, and also has an office in Fremont, CA on Mowry Ave.

CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490

Allergy shots, also referred to as allergy injections or immunotherapy, are in essence, a series of injections to control allergy symptoms. Allergy shots are not a medication. Allergy shots desensitize allergy patients to their specific allergens and are the only way to “turn off” the immune system’s reactions to allergies. Allergy patients frequently choose to get rid of their allergies and become medication “free.” During immunotherapy, the patient will gradually develop a stronger tolerance to their allergens. With allergy shots, your allergy symptoms should be significantly minimized or even eliminated.

WHO should consider receiving allergy shots?

You should consider allergy shots if complete avoidance of your allergens is impossible or if you:

• Have moderate to severe allergies
• Have frequent respiratory tract infections
• Do not respond to allergy medications
• Would prefer to avoid a lifetime of allergy medication use
• Are willing to commit to a regularly scheduled treatment plan
• Have chronic sinusitis or asthma due to allergies

HOW do allergy shots work?

Allergy shots contain traces of your specific allergens—the very things that trigger an allergic reaction from you immune system. By gradually increasing the dose of your allergen, your body develops a tolerance to that particular allergen. In essence, allergy shots turn off an inappropriate immune response, your allergic reaction to a plant, tree, pet or mold, while still allowing your immune system to respond normally to infectious agents, especially viruses and bacteria.

Allergy shots occur in two phases:

1. Build-up phase: involves a routine of injections with increasing amounts of allergens. The frequency of injections generally ranges from on to three times a week, with an average duration of four to eight months.

2. Maintenance phase: begins when the effective therapeutic dose is achieved. Once this maintenance does is reached, the time between treatments will increase, ranging from every one to four weeks.

You may begin to see the benefits of allergy shots during the build-up phase, but it may take as long as 12 months on the maintenance dose to see significant results. On average maintenance therapy is continued for 3-5 years.

WHAT is my treatment commitment?

You must be willing to commit to a regular schedule of allergy shot treatments, with the main commitment period occurring the first 18 months. Although some people may consider this an inconvenience, a three to five year commitment to allergy shots is minimal compared to a lifetime of taking over the counter drugs or prescription medications.

Also you must receive your allergy shots at a healthcare facility with proper staff and equipment to treat any potential adverse reactions. It is recommended that you remain in the office 20 to 30 minutes after receiving your allergy injections to ensure that you do not experience any adverse reactions.

WILL I experience any negative reactions to the allergy shots?

Two types of adverse reactions can occur with allergy shots: local and/or systemic.

1. Local reactions are more common and appear as redness and swelling at the injection site. They can occur immediately or several hours after treatment and are not serious. Future local reactions can be prevented by adjusting the dose of our allergy shot or taking antihistamines the day of the shot.

2. Systemic: Systemic reactions are uncommon and are usually mild. They require immediate treatment, but usually respond quickly to medications.

Rarely a serious systemic reaction called anaphylaxis can develop. Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include swelling in the throat, wheezing or a sensation of tightness in the chest, nausea or dizziness. The majority of adverse reactions develop within 20 minutes after the injection, which is why you should commit to remaining in the office, should such a reaction occur.

CAN children receive allergy shots?

Allergy shots can be started at any age. Recent studies suggest that allergy shots may prevent development of new allergies in children and also may prevent the development of childhood asthma.

About Dr. Lipson:

Dr. Lipson opened his first clinic in Redwood City, which served the area for 10 years, before moving to San Carlos. After 7 years in San Carlos, Dr. Lipson felt it time to return to Redwood City, where he built the current, new facility for Allergy and Asthma Consultants.

CALL US TODAY: 650-241-3490