Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute

10/12/2026

Egg Allergy and the Flu Shot: Yes, You Can Get Vaccinated!

Flu season is around the corner, and one of the most common questions we hear this time of year is: "My child has an egg allergy. Is the flu shot safe?" The answer is YES!

Many flu vaccines are made using eggs, so for years people with egg allergy were told to skip the flu shot, get it in an allergist's office, or wait for observation afterward. Research has since shown that the amount of egg protein in today's flu vaccines is extremely small and does not cause allergic reactions in people with egg allergy, even those who have had severe reactions to eating egg. Because of this, national guidelines now say that people with egg allergy can receive any flu vaccine that is appropriate for their age and health, with no extra precautions beyond those used for everyone.

Getting a flu shot is especially important for people with asthma. The flu can trigger serious asthma attacks, and fall is already a time when many of our patients see their asthma flare as kids head back to school and viruses start to spread.

A few things to keep in mind:

An egg allergy alone is not a reason to skip the flu shot.
If you or your child has had a serious reaction to a flu vaccine itself (not to egg), talk with your allergist before your next dose.
Fall is a great time to review your asthma action plan and make sure your inhalers are up to date.
If you have questions about vaccines and allergies, your allergist is here to help. Protect yourself and your family this flu season!

09/28/2026

Are you really allergic to penicillin?

Many people have carried a penicillin-allergy label since childhood—sometimes because of a rash that occurred decades ago. But research continues to show that most people who carry a penicillin-allergy label are not actually allergic today. In a newly reported study of low-risk college students, 101 of 102 patients safely passed a supervised oral penicillin or amoxicillin challenge, with no severe allergic reactions.

Why does removing an incorrect allergy matter? If penicillin is unnecessarily avoided, patients may receive broader-spectrum antibiotics that can have more side effects, cost more and contribute to antibiotic resistance. For people whose history suggests a low risk of true allergy, an allergist can determine whether testing or a supervised oral challenge is appropriate. Don’t try penicillin on your own—but don’t assume an allergy label from childhood has to follow you for life either.

09/14/2026

“Mild” Asthma Doesn’t Always Mean Low-Risk Asthma

One of the most important things I tell patients with asthma is that how often you feel symptoms does not always tell us your future risk. New medical literature continues to emphasize that people described as having “mild” asthma can still experience significant attacks. Someone may feel completely well for weeks or months and then have a serious exacerbation after a viral infection, allergen exposure, smoke or another trigger.

This doesn’t mean that everyone with mild asthma needs aggressive treatment. It means we should look at the whole person: previous attacks, need for oral steroids or emergency care, lung function, triggers and the medications being used. Modern asthma care increasingly emphasizes having an anti-inflammatory treatment strategy and an individualized action plan rather than relying solely on how mild the asthma seems on a good day.

Our goal is not simply to treat asthma when someone is wheezing. Our goal is to prevent the next attack and allow our patients to live normally and confidently.

08/31/2026

Ragweed Season in Arizona
Fall is a beautiful time of year as the weather may start to cool down in some parts of Arizona, but for people with allergies, it can also bring sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy or runny nose. Ragweed is one of the most common causes of fall allergies, and on windy days, its pollen can travel through the air and cause many allergy sufferers to be miserable.

Ragweed season often starts in late summer and continues into the fall. The good news is that there are simple ways to keep allergy symptoms under control. If you know you have fall allergies, start your allergy medicine (like nasal sprays and antihistamines) before symptoms become a problem. Taking your medicine consistently can help keep symptoms away during this time of year. You can also keep windows closed, use air conditioning, shower after spending time outdoors, and change clothes after being outside -- these things will all help reduce symptoms!

With a little planning, you do not have to let allergies slow you down. If symptoms are out of control, your allergist can help you find the right treatment plan to help keep your symptoms away!

08/18/2026

Please Join Us in Welcoming Our Newest Provider!
We are excited to welcome Courtney McConnell, PA-C, to the Arizona Asthma & Allergy Institute team! Courtney will begin caring for patients in our Avondale and Surprise offices late August. Courtney is a board-certified Physician Assistant who earned her Master of PA studies from Touro University Nevada. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience.
Before joining AAAI, Courtney practiced in both general Pediatrics and Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in Las Vegas. She is passionate about providing compassionate, patient-centered care and building strong relationships with her patients to help them achieve their best health.
Originally from southeastern Michigan, Courtney enjoys reading, working out, watching nature documentaries, spending time outdoors with her husband and their dog and cheering on the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Lions, Utah Mammoth and Michigan Wolverines.
We are thrilled to have Courtney join our team and look forward to the exceptional care she will provide for our patients. Help us by giving her a warm welcome when you see her in our Avondale and Surprise offices!

08/04/2026

August in Arizona: Extreme heat, monsoons, and allergies!

August in Arizona brings more than just extreme heat - it also marks the start of monsoon season. Wind, dust, mold spores, and pollen can trigger sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and even asthma flare-ups. The extreme heat in the summer can also worsen underlying chronic health conditions for patients, especially those with asthma or skin diseases.

Here are some tips to help reduce symptoms:
-Keep windows closed during windy days and dust storms
-Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
-Check local air quality and pollen forecasts before outdoor activities
-Stay on top of your allergy, asthma, and skin medications

If your allergies are interfering with sleep, work, or enjoying summer, it may be time to see an allergist. Allergy testing can help identify your triggers and create a personalized treatment plan so you can breathe easier all year long!

07/02/2026

Are allergies causing your headaches?

Many people with allergies experience headaches, especially during allergy season. When allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or pet dander trigger inflammation in the nose and sinuses, congestion and pressure can develop. This pressure may lead to facial pain, headaches, or a feeling of fullness around the eyes and forehead.

Researchers have also found a connection between allergies and migraines. People with allergic rhinitis (also known as "hay fever") are more likely to experience migraines than those without allergies. The exact reason is not fully understood, but allergy-related inflammation may activate nerves involved in migraine attacks.

It is important to know that not every headache in someone with allergies is caused by sinus problems. In fact, many headaches that patients believe are "sinus headaches" are actually migraines.

If you experience frequent headaches, facial pressure, or migraines along with allergy symptoms, talk with your allergy specialist. Proper diagnosis and treatment of allergies may help reduce your headaches!

06/09/2026

05/04/2026

What Is Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)?

Swelling can be scary, especially when it happens suddenly. Most of the time, swelling of the skin (like lips, eyes, or hands) is caused by something common, like allergies or a virus. But in rare cases, swelling may be due to a condition called hereditary angioedema, or HAE for short. HAE is a genetic condition, which means it can run in families. It happens when the body is missing or not using a protein that helps control swelling. Because of this, the body can swell suddenly without a clear reason. Thankfully, most swelling is not HAE. But if swelling keeps happening, lasts a long time, or does not respond to allergy medicines, it’s important to look deeper.

HAE causes episodes of swelling in different parts of the body. This can include the face, lips, eyelids, hands, feet, stomach, or throat. Unlike typical allergic or viral-induced swelling, HAE swelling usually does not itch, usually does not come with hives, and can last longer (usually 2-5 days). HAE is rare, but it can be serious. The good news is that there are plenty of safe and effective treatments for HAE. If you have recurrent swelling, a family history of swelling, or swelling that does not respond to allergy treatments - you should see an allergist!

03/16/2026

Food allergies can be frightening for families, especially with so much confusing or conflicting information online. Many common beliefs about food allergies are actually myths. An allergist can help sort through the misinformation, provide accurate testing and guidance, and create a clear plan to keep patients safe. This month, we'd like to share information on some common myths or misconceptions about food allergy:

Food allergies aren’t limited to peanuts. Many foods (like milk, eggs, and tree nuts) can cause serious reactions.

Reactions don’t always become worse with each exposure. Severity can vary from one reaction to another.

Simply smelling a food or being in the same room as a food rarely causes an allergic reaction. Most food allergens do not become airborne.

Antihistamines cannot treat anaphylaxis. The correct treatment for severe reactions is epinephrine.

Food allergy tests cannot predict reaction severity. They only help determine the likelihood of an allergy.

Food allergy and food intolerance are different. Intolerances do not involve the immune system and are usually less dangerous. Unfortunately, there is no accurate or reliable test for most food intolerances.

Precautionary labels like “may contain” are not standardized, so the risk varies between products. Some of these products can contain trace ingredients, and the others don't.

Early introduction of certain foods in infancy may help prevent allergies, and infants can be evaluated for food allergies at any age - there is no need to wait until they are 1 year old!