Allergy Associates of Western Michigan P.C.

07/27/2025

Keeping with the back to school theme, school asthma and anaphylaxis action forms are starting to trickle in.
Please be aware that we are filling out many forms each week to help prepare students for school, so they will not be returned to you the same day. Please allow 48 hours for us to complete and return your forms.
If your school or organization does not provide forms, they can be found on the AAAAI site.

07/24/2025

Many stores and online ads are starting to highlight back to school sales and events.😳😳
We might not be ready for school to start just yet, but we should be ready for the pollen season that accompanies the return to school every year - our old friend ragweed.
Ragweed season traditionally starts August 15th in Michigan. Check your medications, and be sure your allergy injections are up to date. Let us know if you need assistance!

07/20/2025

It's National Ice Cream Day!!

Ice cream is a popular summer treat, but it is also a food that can expose us to many common food allergens. For those who are avoiding egg, nuts, gluten and/or dairy, FARE has a recipe for ice cream sandwiches that can be tailored to you food allergy needs!
Try it out, and let us know what you think!

A classic treat by Sarah and Brooke, that is simple and refreshing for even the hottest summer days.

07/17/2025

Urticaria, more commonly known as hives, is a condition involving an itchy rash that often has an unknown cause.
Controlling the itching for chronic urticaria patients is vital to the ability to successfully treat this condition, as demonstrated in a recent article published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI).
Patients who have suffered with chronic hives are aware of the impact this degree of itching can have on mental health and quality of life. The full article can be found by following the included link.
PC: AAAAI website

https://www.jaci-inpractice.org/article/S2213-2198(25)00498-2/fulltext

07/10/2025

Patients who suffer with allergic contact dermatitis to poison ivy can have truly miserable experiences when accidentally exposed. There are many important points in prevention and treatment for poison ivy, as well as a few commonly misunderstood aspects regarding this allergy.
Review this short article provided by Johns Hopkins Medicine for more information, and keep your eyes open for these offending plants!

These plants can cause an allergic reaction in nearly 85% of the population.

07/07/2025

Are you allergic to poison ivy? Do you know how to identify it?

Spring and summer are peak times for poison ivy exposure, although even dead plants can still contain the oil that causes skin rash and irritation.
Visit the University of Maryland Extension site for tips on identifying poison ivy, and distinguishing it from other plants.

Can you identify this as poison ivy? Read this and you will be!

07/03/2025

Our offices are CLOSED today, Thursday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
Bold stripes, bright stars, brave hearts.

We'll be back in the office on Monday!

06/29/2025

"When should I introduce {peanut, egg, dairy, etc.} into my child's diet?"

This is a very common question asked by patients and families in our office, particularly because the recommendations changed several years ago. The FARE site contains answers to this question, and many others.

If you have questions specific to your child or family, please contact our office.

The early introduction of allergens, particularly peanut, can help halt the rise of life-threatening food allergies. FARE is driving food allergy prevention forward.

06/26/2025

Please remember that our office will be CLOSED next Thursday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.
Regular office hours will resume Monday, July 7, 2025.

06/22/2025

Shifting weather patterns, high humidity and thunderstorms can all be significant triggers for asthma sufferers.
It can be very important this time of year for patients to be compliant with their allergy and asthma medications. Check the expiration dates on your inhalers, rinse mouth pieces, if applicable, and be sure prescription refills are available. If you are doing everything you know to do when your asthma is uncontrolled, and you are still struggling with control, contact our office for assistance.

Did you know the weather may trigger asthma attacks? Find out how cold or hot temperatures, thunderstorms and more can affect your health

06/19/2025

Tomorrow is officially the first day of summer! There is so much to enjoy about this time of year in Michigan, and we should all feel free to participate in summer days without worrying our allergies or asthma will get in the way.
Our health care providers and patient care team are ready and excited to help those in need of allergy care. Let us know how we can help you!

06/12/2025

For those patients experiencing increased asthma symptoms over the last few weeks, poor air quality may be to blame.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology provides a link to a site dedicated to monitoring airy quality based on zip code. The site is interactive and can help patients who are sensitive to air quality prioritize when it is safe to spend time outdoors.

AirNow is your one-stop source for air quality data. Our recently redesigned site highlights air quality in your local area first, while still providing air quality information at state, national, and world views.