Online Patient Education Materials

Documents for Med Facts

• 2009 H1N1 Flu Show Details

  Description

  Influenza, also known as the flu, is an infection of the respiratory system that is caused by the influenza virus. Influenza is spread by coughing and sneezing. Influenza season peaks between late December and March, although this can vary each year. The flu is responsible for an average of 226,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths every year in the United States.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  2/3/2011

• Allergic and Non-Allergic Rhinitis Show Details

  Description

  If you sneeze and have a runny or stuffy nose during the spring, summer or fall allergy seasons, you may have seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Hay fever is the most common type of allergy problem. It mainly affects the eyes and nose. Hay fever symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny or stuffy nose and red, watery eyes.

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  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  2/14/2011

• Allergies to Animals Show Details

  Description

  Animal dander (dead skin that is continually shed), urine and saliva can cause an allergic reaction. Exposure to these allergens, especially breathing in particles which include dander, cause the allergic reaction to animals.

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  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/29/2011

• Allergies to Dust Mites Show Details

  Description

  Dust mites are microscopic animals, too small to be seen with the naked eye. The droppings and decaying bodies of dust mites are important allergens. These dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, old clothing and soft stuffed toys. They feed on human skin scales. Dust mites are most common in humid climates. They don't survive when the humidity is below 40-50%. If droppings of dust mites are inhaled or come in contact with the skin, they may cause allergy, asthma and/or eczema symptoms.

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  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Allergies To Insect Venom Show Details

  Description

  Pollens aren't the only allergens in the air. There is another potential bunch of allergens being flown around inside a special injection device that, when encountered, may threaten the lives of those who are sensitive to it...insect venom! The primary offenders are most often insects that sting rather than those that bite. These insects are members of the order of Hymenoptera of the class Insecta. Stinging insects of concern are found in three families.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Allergies to Latex Show Details

  Description

  Latex a kind of natural rubber made from the sap of a tree - can be found in many items. It is found in bicycle and wheelchair tires, toys, some balloons, examining gloves, household gloves, surgical tubing, rubber bands and condoms. When someone is allergic to latex, that person is actually allergic to one or more proteins (allergens) found in the sap from the rubber tree. Interestingly, these proteins or ones very similar to them can be found in banana, kiwi, avocado, potato, strawberries, peaches and chestnuts, since people who are allergic to latex often have crossreactions to these foods.

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  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/23/2011

• Allergies to Medications / Drugs Show Details

  Description

  Allergies to drugs / medications are complicated because they can be caused by many different medications, resulting in a wide variety of signs and symptoms that may affect various organs or parts of the body. Furthermore, some drugs can cause adverse effects whose symptoms closely resemble those of an allergic reaction. The difference is that true drug allergy is caused by a hypersensitive immune system that creates IgE antibodies against an otherwise harmless substance in the medication. One characteristic of all drug allergies is that similar symptoms will occur every time soon after the offending medicine is taken.

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  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/23/2011

• Allergies to Mold Show Details

  Description

  Many types of molds live in our environment. Mold grows in indoor and outdoor areas that are warm, dark and/or moist. Molds reproduce and grow by sending tiny spores into the air. Inhaled spores cause allergy and asthma symptoms.

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  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  6/6/2011

• Allergies to Pollen Show Details

  Description

  The tendency to develop allergies may be inherited. If you have allergic tendencies and are exposed to certain things in your environment (allergens), you may develop allergies to some of those things. Examples of allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, eczema and rash. The timing of the allergic response may be immediate or delayed. Allergy testing may be recommended to help identify your allergies.

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  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/23/2011

• Allergy Testing Show Details

  Description

  Allergy tests can be done to help identify if you are allergic and what you are allergic to. Once allergies are identified specific avoidance and treatment measures can be recommended. There are several types of allergy testing.

  Owner

  Patient Education

  Last Updated

  9/23/2011