Dr. John Simpson, MD

Oral Food Challenge - Diagnosing Food Allergies
Challenge testing is when an allergen is given to a patient in small doses under medical supervision to see if there is an allergic reaction. This test is commonly done to diagnose food and drug allergies. This test is the most accurate way to tell if a patient is allergic to a certain food or drug. A challenge test may also be considered to see if a patient has outgrown an allergy. What is an Oral Food Challenge? An oral food challenge (OFC) is a type of challenge test where a patient is ...

Does my Epipen® really expire?
EpiPens do have an expiration date, and it is important to replace them before they expire. The expiration date can be found on the packaging and the device itself.An expired EpiPen® may not work ...

Eggplant makes my mouth itchy. Am I allergic to it?
If eating eggplant causes itching in your mouth, it is possible that you have an allergic reaction to it. Food allergies are caused by an abnormal response of the immune system to certain proteins fou...

How does bronchial thermoplasty work to treat asthma?
Thermoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to reduce the smooth muscle in the airways, which can help to open up the airways and make it easier to breathe. The procedure is typicall...

How long does it take to get allergy relief from allergy shots
Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, is a treatment that can help to reduce the severity of allergic reactions by gradually exposing the body to increasing amounts of the allergen over time. Th...

What types of pollen trigger allergies?
Pollen is a fine powder that is released by trees, grasses, and weeds during the spring, summer, and fall. When these pollens come into contact with the eyes, nose, and lungs of people who are sensiti...