Allergies with Dr. Ulrike Ziegner

Today on MD-VOD, Dr. John Kennedy is joined by board certified allergist, Dr. Ulrike Ziegner to learn about allergies. Together they examine the cause of allergic reactions, who is at risk, the symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and available medications, treatments and therapies. They further discuss the consequences and the realities of living with allergies, including insurance coverage and related costs.

Today over 50 million people in North America are living with allergies and they affect everyone from infants to the elderly. An allergy is an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to contact with certain substances known as “allergens.”

Some of the most common symptoms of allergies that you should look for are:

• Rash
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Mental confusion
• And dizziness

Dr. Ziegner points out that it is best to identify your allergens and avoid them if at all possible when addressing allergies. There are various medications to help address the effects of allergies as well.
Typically, antihistamine medications are the treatment of choice after the allergen has been removed.  These medications lessen the immune system’s exaggerated response.  Allergy shots, are also an incredibly effective and popular course of treatment.  If you have an extreme allergy to anything though, you should always keep an Epipen with you at all times, in case of an allergic reaction resulting in a swelled airway.

So join us as we simplify this common and treatable disease and arm you with the tools and information you need to combat allergies for yourself and those you love.

*****This video contains healthcare information only, not medical advice.*****

Host, Dr. John Kennedy, MD, FACC is the Director of Preventive Cardiology and Wellness, Marina Del Rey Hospital, Marina Del Rey, California. He is on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association and is the Co-Author of The 15 Minute Heart Cure: The Natural Way to Release Stress and Heal Your Heart in Just Minutes a Day.

Guest expert, Dr. Ziegner is the founder of Riviera Allergy Medical Center and former president of the Asian American Physicians’ Association. She is board-certified in immunology and pediatrics and sees patients with a variety of immunological issues. She graduated from the University of Cologne, Germany, earning a degree in Medicine. Dr. Ziegner is also a popular speaker and active in clinical research.