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 resembled a tennis ball for two days straight, but the Read more…