Allergic rhinitis
SABC Health Talk: Dr McDonald talks about nasal allergies
The Allergy Clinic’s Dr Marinda McDonald appeared on SABC Health Talk to discuss nasal allergies. Watch the recording here.
Medications
Allergic to penicillin? Read here
Patients with penicillin allergies are dealing with personal and public health challenges– not to mention significant financial implications. When needed, these patients receive more broadspectrum antibiotics, placing them at risk for developing resistant bacteria such as the superbug Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
In the media
Raak jou hooikoors al hoe erger? Dis nie jou verbeelding nie …
“Waar ‘n pasiënt in die verlede dalk ‘n paar weke lank ‘n vinnige seisoenale hooikoors gehad het, kan dit nou maande aanhou,” beaam dr. Marinda McDonald van die Allergy Clinic in Randburg, Johannesburg.
Covid-19
A doctor’s lessons learnt from the battle to #FlattenTheCurve
Amid the chaos surrounding the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to take stock of the people and things that carry us through this difficult time. In this more personal blog post, the Allergy Clinic’s Dr Marinda McDonald shares some of her learnings and experiences over the last couple of weeks.
asthma
COVID-19: Our recommended strategy for patients with asthma
People with asthma should always be vigilant and take precautions when respiratory illnesses spread in their communities. And while there is very little evidence of the COVID-19 Coronavirus causing asthma episodes, it’s important to to avoid contracting the virus by taking extra measures above the standard hygiene, hand-washing and social distancing protocol. If you’re suffering from asthma, the following plan of action you navigate this challenging time.
Eczema
How to choose an effective emollient for eczema
There are three factors to understand before choosing an emollient for your skin. Eczema is a chronic condition that requires pro-active management and treatment – it cannot be cured. If you’re suffering from this condition, your approach needs to be one of controlling it instead of looking for a miracle cream.
Eczema
An allergy doctor’s take on eczema
The word “eczema” is also used specifically to talk about atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. And what triggers these flare-ups? Let’s take a look.
Babies
Your questions answered: Introducing your baby to solids
In this blog post, I will answer the most common questions I get from new parents introducing their babies to solids and possible allergens.
desensitisation
Oral immunotherapy: The pros, cons and risks
The goal of immunotherapy is to help your immune system retains the memory of processing an allergen. In doing so, it will continue producing the blocking antibodies preventing an allergic reaction, long after we stop the immunotherapy.
Bee stings
How immunotherapy and desensitisation change lives for the better
Sarah was a care-free, happy six-year-old who enjoyed playing outdoors and swimming with her brother. One of these care-free moments were cut short when Sarah was stung by a bee at her brother’s school fete. Her hand was swollen and Read more…
Anaphylaxis
8 tips to prepare for travelling with food allergies
If you’re suffering from allergies, you might also be facing the possibility of your holiday turning into a nightmare. This is because food allergies pose a real risk when we are travelling and rely on others for our meals.
Allergic rhinitis
It’s sneezing season!
For many us, spring and early summer means sneezing and a runny nose. And while most people experiencing these symptoms tend to think they have hayfever or sinusitis, it’s very likely to be allergic rhinitis. But what is allergic rhinitis, Read more…
Medications
The ins and outs of antihistamines
One of the first treatment avenues for a runny and itchy nose, or any other light to mild allergic reaction is likely to be over the counter medicine. Most patients tend to consider taking antihistamines. However, it’s essential to be Read more…
Anaphylaxis
Is Gluten allergy a fad, or a scary reality in our daily lives?
It’s essential to draw a clear distinction between people who genuinely need gluten-free products to stay alive, and those who not.
Gluten
Carte Blanche: Fake gluten-free labels – innocent mistake or food fraud?
Allergy Clinic founder dr. Marinda McDonald recently appeared on Carte Blanche to share her thoughts and expertise about gluten intolerance and the dangers of gluten exposure for patients with coeliac disease.
In the media
Podcast: The ins and outs of allergies
If you’re struggling to navigate the world of allergies or would like to know more about allergies in general, the podcast of this interview is a must-listen.
Anaphylaxis
Understanding the emotional impact of a life with allergies
Finding out your child has an allergy can be an overwhelming experience. Not only do you have to manage them from a medical perspective, but there is that constant tug, that worry, that need to protect.
Anaphylaxis
How six, non-allergenic cupcakes burst my medical bubble (and renewed my respect for allergy moms)
The recipe I chose was published in the most reputable allergy journal by an expert in the field whom I greatly admire. I was confident that if she can bake six cupcakes, so can I. What could possibly go wrong? Were the cupcakes going to be as hard as rocks? Inedible? I was willing to bake, fail, repeat until I got it right.
Allergic rhinitis
How air pollution and climate change trigger allergies
Air pollution is a reality most of us face daily. And while we all know it’s harmful to the environment and contributes to global warming, it also is essential to take note of how it affects people with allergies.
Allergic rhinitis
How to seek treatment for your blocked nose
And there are many options at your disposal to treat a blocked nose – from your pharmacist to your GP; Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) and an allergist. But where should you seek treatment?
Anaphylaxis
Why there’s no need to chicken out of getting a flu shot
Many people tend to confuse allergies with some of the common side-effects associated with flu shots. That’s why, when it comes to how your body might respond to a flu shot, it’s essential to draw a distinction.
asthma
Podcast: Asthma and athletes – the symptoms, causes and treatment options
Athletes with asthma can continue to stay competitive despite their asthma – from a physical and regulatory point of view – provided they seek the appropriate treatment.
Anaphylaxis
Food bullying is no laughing matter – be aware of the dangers
Bullying is a universal phenomenon and must be dealt with a solid plan of action. But when a child is being food bullied, the response needs to be swift and decisive.
Food allergies
Food allergies: The culprits, symptoms, diagnosis, and misconceptions
Food allergies can’t be cured, and it’s essential to have a proper medical diagnosis to confirm your food allergy because you might not be allergic at all.
Bee stings
Here’s what you need to know about bee stings and allergies
For most of us, a bee sting is likely to lead to temporary pain and discomfort. But if you’re allergic to bee venom, a sting can be very dangerous – and you might not even know that you’re allergic.
Anaphylaxis
What is anaphylaxis?
Everything you need to know about the triggers, symptoms, misconceptions and diagnosis of anaphylaxis.
Allergic rhinitis
Everything you need to know about allergic rhinitis
Particular environmental allergies follow specific patterns and understanding what is causing your symptoms will enable you to manage your allergies better.
Allergic rhinitis
Your sinus problem might be an allergy
Your immune system fights bacteria and viruses, and foreign material such as pollen. During this “fight”, your body then has the choice to process this and become immune or to become allergic. This is where the problem of SINUS then starts.
Nut allergies
Why a nut-free school won’t protect your child
According to the latest research by the National Education Association in the US, 16% to 18% of kids with food allergies will experience an allergic reaction at school. And out of these kids, only 28% will require adrenalin
Food allergies
How food allergies affect our quality of life
Serious allergy sufferers live under the constant threat of severe allergic reaction (also referred to as anaphylaxis), and they always must be ready to respond to these reactions.
In the media
Oral allergy syndrome
This reaction occurs because the proteins found in some fruits and vegetables are very similar to those found in pollen.
In the media
Three crucial things to manage cow’s milk allergy in infants
Parents need to monitor infants who suffer from cow’s milk allergy constantly. The management of this allergy in infants needs to be a long-term strategy given the risk of poor nutrition and reduced quality of life.
In the media
How to diagnose and treat allergies
While allergies are most common in children, they can appear at any time and any age. Sometimes allergies disappear, only to return years later. Listen to the podcast of Relebogile Mabotja’s interview with dr McDonald to find out more about diagnosing and treating allergies.