Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute

10/07/2025

Stings happen – Bee prepared!

We see many patients who are unsure whether their reaction to a bee, wasp, or hornet sting is normal—or something more serious. Most people will have some swelling, redness, and pain where they were stung. But if you’ve ever felt dizzy, had trouble breathing, broken out in hives, or your throat started to close after a sting, that’s a sign of a more serious allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.

Stinging insect allergies can be dangerous, but the good news is—they’re treatable. At the allergy clinic, we can run simple tests to find out which insects you’re allergic to. If you are allergic, we’ll make a plan together to help keep you safe. This usually includes carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen or similar device), learning how to avoid stings, and possibly starting venom immunotherapy—a treatment that can actually train your body to stop reacting to strings over time.

You don’t have to live in fear of the next sting. If you’ve ever had a serious reaction—or aren’t sure what’s normal—please schedule a visit with an allergist. Knowing the facts and having a plan can be life-saving.

03/07/2025

17/06/2025

Is my child with eczema allergic to our chlorine pool?

Many patients or parents taking care of someone with eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) often ask if they should avoid swimming because of eczema. The truth is: chlorine in pools doesn’t always make eczema worse—and in some cases, it can actually help. However, the biggest problem with swimming pools and eczema patients is actually related to not keeping the skin properly moisturized before and after!

Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills bacteria on the skin, and for some people with eczema, that can reduce infection risk and calm inflammation—similar to a diluted bleach bath, which we sometimes recommend for more severe types of eczema. However, for others, chlorine can dry out the skin, especially with long exposure or if the pool water is heavily chlorinated.

So, what should you do?
✅ Let your child have fun and swim!

✅ Apply a thick moisturizer or barrier cream (like petroleum jelly or Aquaphor) before swimming to protect the skin.

✅ Rinse off with clean water after swimming.

✅ Moisturize again after rinsing off to help moisturize and protect the skin barrier

If you notice worsening eczema after swimming, talk to your allergist and your eczema care plan can be adjusted! But don’t assume you have to skip the pool. With the right skin care plan, swimming can be safe and even beneficial for people with eczema.

31/05/2025

May is Food Allergy Awareness Month!

An estimated 33 million Americans living with food allergies—including 1 in 13 children!

Food allergies occur when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies a certain food as harmful and reacts by triggering symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening.

The most common allergens—often referred to as the "Top 9" in the U.S.—include milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts (like almonds, walnuts & cashews), soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, stomach pain, vomiting, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

There are simple yet powerful ways to support those with food allergies. Learn more at

https://azsneeze.com/news

16/05/2025

Food Allergy Awareness Week raises awareness about food allergy and anaphylaxis. Below we share some quick facts about food allergy!

• Food allergy is NOT the same as a food intolerance. Food allergies involves the immune system responding to a food that the body mistakenly believes is harmful, and reactions can be life-threatening.

• 1 in 13 children and up to 1 in 10 adults in the US has a food allergy. This accounts for up to 30 million Americans! For children, this averages 2 children per classroom.

• Any food can cause a reaction. However, 90% of all food allergy are caused by 8 common foods: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish.

• Currently there is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance of the food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction.

• It’s important to read labels each and every time before eating a food product. Ingredients and manufacturing practices can change over time, or vary depending on the size of the food (jumbo vs. snack size).

• Trace amounts of an allergen can trigger reactions in some people. Reactions can be mild or severe, and past reactions to a food do not predict future reactions.

• Hand sanitizer gel is not sufficient to remove allergens. Using warm/hot soapy water or a commercial “tidy” wipe is best.

• Symptoms of a food reaction can develop rapidly, usually within 30 minutes but sometimes within just 1-2 minutes.

• Anaphylaxis is the most serious type of allergic reaction. It usually comes on quickly and can be life-threatening. Epinephrine is the most important and first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. Epinephrine auto-injectors can be life-saving. It’s important to not hesitate and use the epinephrine right away, then call 911 for observation in the emergency room after any use of epinephrine.

• Food allergy patients should always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors and meet with and review their food allergies and anaphylaxis plan with their allergist at least once per year.

For more resources, visit foodallergy.org or foodallergyawareness.org!

11/05/2025

Happy Mother's Day!

25/04/2025

Have you noticed food tasting bland or that you can’t smell your morning coffee? A reduced or lost sense of smell—known as hyposmia or anosmia—could be more than just a nuisance. It might signal underlying issues like chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or allergic rhinitis! These conditions can cause long-term inflammation in the nasal passages, blocking airflow and affecting your sense of smell. Left untreated, they may lead to more serious complications.

An allergist can help pinpoint the root cause, whether it's environmental allergens or immune-related inflammation, and tailor a treatment plan to restore your senses—and your quality of life. Don’t ignore the signs. Your nose might be telling you more than you think!

azsneeze.com

20/04/2025

Happy Easter!

30/03/2025

Happy Doctors Day to our dedicated doctors! Thank you so much for the difference you make in the lives of your patients!

26/03/2025

Could Your Rash Be an Allergy? How to Tell and What to Do

Rashes can be itchy, red, and annoying and can sometimes be caused by allergies! There are different types of allergic rashes, and knowing the cause can help you feel better faster.

What Causes an Allergic Rash?

• Contact dermatitis happens when your skin touches something irritating, like poison ivy, soap, or jewelry.

• Hives are raised, red, itchy bumps that can appear after eating certain foods, taking medicine, or being stung by an insect. Hives can also be spontaneous, also known as idiopathic, without a known cause.

• Eczema causes dry, itchy skin and can get worse with allergens like dust, pet dander, or certain fabrics.

How to Tell If It’s an Allergy
If your rash appears suddenly after eating, touching, or breathing something new, an allergy might be the cause. Allergic rashes often itch and may spread quickly.

What Should You Do?
Try to avoid what triggered the rash. Over-the-counter creams and antihistamines can help with itching. If your rash is severe, lasts a long time, or comes with trouble breathing or swelling, see a doctor right away.

An allergist can help find the cause of your rash and create a plan to keep your skin healthy and comfortable!

18/03/2025

Happy St Patrick's Day!

11/03/2025

Please help us wish Matthew Baylon, PA a very Happy Four-Year Anniversary! Did you know that Matthew completed all of his schooling, from elementary through high school, and undergrad/graduate school in Arizona? How lucky are we that he chose to stay in Arizona and join Arizona Asthma & Allergy Institute?!

Learn more about Matthew Baylon, PA.
https://azsneeze.com/matthew-baylon-pa-c