Relationship of Reaction History to Positive Penicillin Skin Tests.

Background: Previous data suggest that up to one-third of patients classified as allergic based on positive penicillin skin tests have a vague reaction history. Direct oral challenge (DOC) has been recommended for patients with a low-risk reaction history. A variety of published models stratify reaction risk to guide the use of DOC.

Anaphylaxis in Pregnancy.

Anaphylaxis in pregnancy is a rare event, but has important implications for the pregnant patient and fetus. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment all carry important considerations unique to the pregnant patient. Common culprits of anaphylaxis are primarily medications, particularly antibiotics and anesthetic agents.

Anaphylaxis to Drugs, Biological Agents, and Vaccines.

Anaphylaxis is a multi-system syndrome resulting from the release of mediators from mast cells and basophils. Drugs are common causes. Anaphylaxis to certain drugs, vaccines, and biological agents present clinical challenges, and merit referral to a board-certified allergist/immunologist for further evaluation and management.

A Systematic Review of the Effect of Physical Activity on Asthma Outcomes.

Background: Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions worldwide. Medication management is the current mainstay of treatment; however, there is evidence to suggest additional benefit with lifestyle changes, particularly with increased physical activity.

Objective: To discover and evaluate the effects of physical activity on asthma outcomes.

Anaphylaxis to vaccinations: A review of the literature and evaluation of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations.

Recent reports of allergic reactions to the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have resulted in questions about how and to whom they can be safely administered. Although anaphylaxis was not observed in clinical trials for either vaccine, there have been 21 reported possible cases of anaphylaxis associated with the Pfizer vaccine (11.1 cases per million doses administered) and 10 possible cases associated with the Moderna vaccine (2.

Suspected food allergies in a septuagenarian with recurrent anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is an acute, life-threatening reaction that can occur due to a variety of triggers. It is often associated with allergen exposure, such as food, venom, or medications; however, there are other less-common causes, and many patients are ultimately classified as idiopathic. In this report, we described a patient with recurrent reactions attributed to food exposure.

Skin testing and oral amoxicillin challenge in the outpatient allergy and clinical immunology clinic in pregnant women with penicillin allergy.

Background: Penicillin allergy is frequently reported. In pregnant women, reported penicillin allergy is associated with negative health outcomes and suboptimal group B streptococcal prophylaxis. For individuals having penicillin allergy, skin testing followed by an observed oral challenge is recommended.

Optimizing lifestyle interventions in adult patients with comorbid asthma and obesity.

The prevalence of obesity and asthma are both increasing at alarming rates. The link between obesity and asthma suggests that obesity contributes to both risk of new onset asthma and increased asthma severity. The emerging evidence demonstrating the role of obesity and other lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, on asthma outcomes warrants lifestyle interventions that can address these components of asthma care.