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Is Primatene Mist Good for Asthma?

April 15, 2025 | Black & Kletz Allergy

There are a few over-the-counter (OTC) medications that some patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions occasionally use. One of them is an inhaler called Primatene Mist. Primatene Mist contains epinephrine (i.e., adrenaline) in an inhalable form. Though it is the same drug that is in an EpiPen, Auvi-Q, Adrenaclick, and other self-injectable epinephrine devices […]

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Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome Revisited

April 10, 2025 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Pollen food allergy syndrome (PFAS), also known as oral allergy syndrome, is a condition in which there is first a “sensitization” of the immune system to various pollens and subsequent “reactions” when exposed to these pollens.  Secondly, there is a similarity of the protein allergens in the pollen and the protein allergens of certain raw or […]

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Tree Pollen Allergies Update in the Washington, DC Area

March 25, 2025 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Spring is here!  This means that quite a few Washingtonians will be pretty miserable as they will be suffering from hay fever (i.e., allergic rhinitis).  In the early Spring, tree pollen is mostly to blame for the annoying symptoms that cause hay fever.  Other than tree pollen, molds are also a common environmental allergen that plays havoc with allergy […]

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Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)

March 20, 2025 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is a rare condition that causes gastrointestinal symptoms several hours after consumption of certain foods by an individual who has an intolerance to that food.  The prevalence rate in the United States is approximately 0.5%. The most common types of food allergy in children and adults are mediated by an […]

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Update on Angioedema (Swelling Episodes)

February 13, 2025 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Some individuals have episodes of swelling or “angioedema” of various tissues that may occur without any known rhyme or reason.  They may have 1 episode or they may have multiple or recurrent episodes.  Most people with this condition are very surprised and nervous when they notice an area of their body swelling up right in […]

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The Quademic

February 11, 2025 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Four viral infections are surging in the country this year.  Three of them are respiratory viruses and one is a gastrointestinal infection. Influenza (“flu”) usually tends to peak in the Winter.  The Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) statistics reveal that more than 30% of the lab tests were positive for the flu in January of […]

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Update on Hives

January 16, 2025 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Hives, also known as urticaria, is a very bothersome problem for those affected. They are usually quite itchy although they do not have to be. A hive is typically a raised welt, wheal, or bump on the skin that may have an accompanying red blotch surrounding the bump. Hives however can be flush with the […]

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Hypereosinophilic Syndrome

January 09, 2025 | Black & Kletz Allergy

An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell that has a role in fighting against parasitic infections and responding to allergens.  Eosinophils normally constitute about 5 to 8% of the white blood cells in one’s bloodstream.  Their absolute numbers range from 100 to 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood. In individuals who are atopic, (i.e., people […]

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Newer Medications for Atopic Dermatitis

December 13, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Atopic dermatitis (i.e., eczema) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin. The symptoms usually begin in infancy and early childhood, although less commonly, they may begin later in life.  Genetic predisposition is the underlying reason for most cases, however environmental factors and allergic sensitization to foods and aeroallergens may trigger and/or aggravate the condition. The face […]

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Winter Allergies Are Almost Here

December 06, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Winter is around the corner and so are the annoying allergy symptoms that some individuals experience during this time of the year.  Classically, in the Washington, DC, Northern VA, and Maryland metropolitan area, when people think of hay fever (i.e., allergic rhinitis), they think of allergy symptoms that occur in the Spring and/or Fall.  The allergens that […]

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Prevention of Peanut Allergy

November 22, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Much of the information from the past decade regarding when to introduce peanuts into the diet of infants has been reviewed recently and subsequently revised.  Research over the past 9 years shows that early introduction and regular consumption of peanuts decreases the risk of developing a peanut allergy.  It is no longer recommended that parents […]

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Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

November 19, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) has been a hot topic in recent years. It seems as though the prevalence is increasing over the last decade.  Mast cell activation syndrome is caused by episodes of the abnormal release of mast cell mediators which can affect any organ system, but tends to involve the skin, nervous system, […]

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Food Allergies and Halloween

October 18, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy

It is that time of the year again. Soon you will be seeing children (and some adults) trick or treating in your neighborhood searching for candy. For children, Halloween is a time to be with their friends, eat a lot of candy, and dress in scary costumes. For millions of parents however, Halloween can also […]

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Update on Adult Immunizations

October 15, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Immunizations are one of the most effective and safe ways of preventing or reducing the risk of serious illness from various infections.  Vaccinations also prevent infections from spreading from one individual to another, thus protecting the health and well-being of the general population.  One should always check with one’s primary care provider before getting a […]

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Milk Allergy

September 24, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Milk is one of the most common foods to cause allergic reactions.  Almost 3% of children younger than 3 years of age are allergic to milk.  Notwithstanding, a vast majority of children spontaneously outgrow their milk sensitivities. CAUSES: In children with milk allergy, the immune system falsely identifies the protein in the milk as potentially […]

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Update on Generalized Itching (Pruritus)

September 12, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Generalized itching (i.e., generalized pruritus) is a condition which can be quite annoying.  It is when an individual has diffuse itching of the body usually without an associated rash.  Approximately 20-25% of the general population experiences generalized pruritus at least one time in their life.  The itching may be intermittent or it may be chronic in nature.  “Acute” itching […]

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New Treatment for Anaphylaxis

August 21, 2024 | Black & Kletz Allergy

Anaphylaxis is an acute, severe, and life-threatening allergic reaction.  The most common triggers for anaphylaxis include allergenic foods, medications, and insect stings.  Symptoms usually begin within a few minutes of exposure of the triggering agents.  Initially, the symptoms characteristically involve the skin which typically causes itching and hives followed by swelling of the soft tissues.  […]

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McLean, VA Location

1420 SPRINGHILL ROAD, SUITE 350

MCLEAN, VA 22102

PHONE: (703) 790-9722

FAX: (703) 893-8666

Washington, D.C. Location

2021 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 524

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20006

PHONE: (202) 466-4100

FAX: (202) 296-6622

Manassas, VA Location

7818 DONEGAN DRIVE

MANASSAS, VA 20109

PHONE: (703) 361-6424

FAX: (703) 361-2472


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