2021 Practice News
October
Get to Know Dr. Stanley Fineman
Stanley Fineman, MD started a private practice in Marietta after finishing his Allergy Fellowship training at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. He joined Atlanta Allergy & Asthma in 1997.
Dog Allergy: Allergic to a Family Member?
For many of us, our dogs are like a member of the family. So when someone in your home is allergic to the family dog — or if you desperately want to bring home a new furry friend – it can be a struggle. Properly diagnosing and managing a dog allergy is essential in making sure all members of the household are happy.
Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Welcomes Meera Patrawala, M.D.
Dr. Meera Patrawala’s connection to the field of allergy/immunology extends to her childhood. She remembers her brothers’ sleepless nights managing the incessant itching of his atopic dermatitis. Making sure his asthma inhaler was always within reach became a family responsibility.
Meera M. Patrawala, M.D. Joins Atlanta Allergy & Asthma’s Roster of Allergists
With the addition of Dr. Patrawala, Atlanta Allergy & Asthma now has 26 providers including 16 board-certified allergists throughout Atlanta and North Georgia.
September
Chinese Elm Pollen: An Unusual Trigger for Fall Allergy Symptoms
Fall allergy season in Atlanta and the Southeast has historically been characterized by weed pollen, particularly ragweed. But in a study conducted using data from the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Pollen Counting Station, an interesting trend was uncovered.
June
All Offices Closed Monday, July 5th
All Atlanta Allergy & Asthma offices will be closed Monday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day.
Eight Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Physicians Receive Top Doctors Honors in Atlanta
Eight physicians from Atlanta Allergy & Asthma — the largest allergy practice in Georgia — rank among metro Atlanta’s Top Doctors in Atlanta magazine’s July issue.
May
Starting 6/1/21 Buckhead Office Parking Deck Reopens
We are pleased to announce, that as of June 1st, 2021, the construction of the new parking deck for our Buckhead office will be complete!
Mold Allergy: How to Control Mold in Your Home
Mold allergy triggers allergic symptoms like other airborne allergens such as pollen, dust and animal dander. Although it is difficult to stay away from outdoor airborne mold spores, there are things you can do to control mold levels in your home or workplace.
April
Allergic to Ragweed Pollen? Now is the Time to Discuss Treatment Options
If you suffer from fall allergy symptoms, you are most likely reacting to ragweed pollen.
Spring 2021 – A ‘Bad’ Pollen Season?
Tree pollen became a significant contributor to the daily pollen count in the Atlanta area on February 23. Since that date, 90% of the recorded days have fallen in the high or extremely high range according to the National Allergy Bureau’s severity levels.
Interval Between COVID-19 Vaccine and Allergy Injections
AA&A physicians have reviewed the existing data and considered the recommendations of our national organizations in developing our policy
Office Hour Changes and COVID Protocol Updates
The health and safety of our patients and staff continues to be our number one priority. As a result of our safety protocols, we are pleased to have remained open throughout the pandemic providing care to our patients both in-office and via telehealth visits.
Peanut Allergy – How a Novel Therapy is Helping a Patient Find New Freedom
Palforzia is the only FDA approved treatment for peanut allergy and is approved for patients ages 4 through 17. It is a prescription medication derived from peanuts, and is used to minimize the risk of severe allergic reaction in the event of an accidental peanut exposure.
March
Spring Is Here and We Are Here for You!
We are trying to help as many allergy sufferers as possible this spring season! Because high demand makes our phone schedulers very busy this time of year, we provide additional options for your convenience.
Can High Pollen Levels Increase Your Coronavirus Infection Susceptibility?
A recent study suggests a link between high pollen levels and increased infection rates for COVID-19. The study utilized pollen data from 130 collection sites, including the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Pollen Count Station. Learn more…
Over The Counter Not Working? You Are Not Alone
Anyone suffering with seasonal allergies knows the local pharmacy carries shelves full of over-the-counter medications to help manage symptoms. Unfortunately, most seasonal allergy sufferers take over-the counter (OTC) products rather than the treatments they actually prefer — prescription medications and allergen immunotherapy.
Buckhead Valet Operation Temporary Relocation 3/22-3/28
Building management has informed us that during the week of March 22-26, a utility company will be performing work around the 2045 building. During this time, valet parking will temporarily relocate to the surface lot in front of the former Darlington (now The Lofts at Twenty25) as shown in the diagram.
Vaccine Eligibility Expanded to Include Asthma – Proof of Diagnosis Questions
Many Atlanta Allergy & Asthma patients have inquired about proof of diagnosis to receive the vaccine. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) registrants (online or via phone) must complete a brief questionnaire to determine eligibility. Obtaining a printout of your last office visit from your Patient Portal should provide the necessary information to complete DPH’s questionnaire. No physician letter is required.
February
Who Is at Risk for Allergic Reactions to the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines and How to Proceed
As the COVID-19 vaccines become more widely available, many people with a history of allergic reactions will need to determine their level of risk in receiving these two vaccines and any new ones that may become available.
January
National Asthma Guidelines Updated - First Update Since 2007
In December of 2020, The National Institutes of Health (NIH) released updated guidelines for diagnosis, management and treatment of asthma. This is the first update to federal asthma guidelines since 2007. As a “focused update,” it is limited to nineteen recommendations in six key areas.
Guidance on Risk of Allergic Reactions to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
Some of our patients have expressed concern over recent media reports about allergic reactions in patients considered “highly allergic” after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The physicians at Atlanta Allergy & Asthma are closely monitoring the literature for any new information but wanted to share the latest guidance from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology about the use of the vaccine in our allergic patients.
Get to Know Dr. Lily Hwang
Dr. Lily Hwang is a sister, daughter, wife, mother, and board-certified allergist. She understands firsthand the challenges faced when trying to meet the needs of all family members. She prides herself on developing personalized treatment plans with your family’s lifestyle in mind. Dr. Hwang sees patients in our Alpharetta and Lawrenceville offices. Learn more about her here!
New Food Allergy Guidance Included in 2020 Dietary Guidelines
The 2020-2025 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans includes more comprehensive dietary guidance around the early introduction of egg and peanut for infants and toddlers.
Guidelines for When and How to Introduce Peanut-Containing Foods to Infants
Guidelines from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) defined high-, moderate-, and low-risk infants for developing peanut allergy, and how to proceed with the introduction of peanut-containing foods based on risk.
Tools to Manage Your Health
Atlanta Allergy & Asthma offers a number of convenient features designed to help you manage your health.
Allergic to Grass Pollen? Now Is the Time to Discuss Treatment Options
If you are allergic to grass pollen, you might be a candidate for sublingual grass pollen tablets. January is the perfect time to start this therapy in advance of the spring/summer grass pollen season.
Penicillin Allergy — Who Should Be Tested and Why?
Unverified penicillin allergy is recognized as a significant public health problem. Up to 10 percent of the population report being allergic to penicillin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, most of those may actually be able to safely use penicillin, either because they never were truly allergic or because they have lost sensitivity over time.