Posts by Thomas Lupoli, D.O.
Are Your OTC Allergy Meds Doing More Harm Than Good? An Allergist’s Guide
The Over-the-Counter (OTC) Trap If you’re like many people in Jacksonville, seasonal allergies are part of your daily life. When pollen counts spike or mold flares up after summer rain, your first stop may be the pharmacy. A box of pills or a quick nasal decongestant spray are an easy fix. At first, you may…
Read MoreSinusitis vs. Allergic Rhinitis: Why Your “Sinus Infection” Might Actually Be Allergies in Jacksonville
If you live in or near Jacksonville, chances are you’ve experienced those frustrating bouts of congestion, sneezing, and headaches every spring or fall. Perhaps you’ve labeled it a recurring “sinus infection,” reached for antibiotics, or headed straight to an ENT surgeon. But what if those symptoms aren’t a sinus infection after all? What if allergies—specifically…
Read MoreWhen to Contact an Allergist vs ENT
Updated: May 2025 It’s common for people with sinus or nasal symptoms to consider seeing either a board-certified Allergist/Immunologist or an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist. But which specialist should be seen first? As trained surgeons, ENTs play a crucial role in evaluating and correcting structural issues such as blocked sinus cavities, severely deviated…
Read MoreThe Complete Guide to Florida Fall Allergy Season 2024
updated: Sept 2024 Most people in America look forward to autumn with its pumpkin spice lattes, mild sun and cooler air. North Floridians though, know this time of year as “extended summer” and if you’re one of the estimated 40 million fall allergy sufferers in the U.S., this time of year can be very unpleasant.…
Read MoreBack-to-School Tips for Parents of Allergy Sensitive Kids
updated August 2024 It’s back-to-school time again, and if you’re the parent of a child in Jacksonville who suffers with allergies or asthma, it can also be a stressful time. Food allergies affect approximately one in 13 kids (or about 8%). And it appears its prevalence is rising. That means that in the average classroom,…
Read MoreCan Allergies Cause a Sore Throat?
When you experience a sore throat, you may immediately think of a cold or the flu as the culprits. However, allergies—a less suspected cause—can also be behind this uncomfortable condition. If you’re wondering whether your sore throat could be triggered by allergies, you’re not alone. Many patients face this issue, especially during peak allergy seasons.…
Read More10 Tips For Dealing With Pollen Allergies in Jacksonville
updated Feb 2024 One of the more common allergy and asthma problems we see in North Florida are our patients’ responses to pollen. Pollen is a potent allergen that consists of microscopic, grains that are released by plants, then are carried to other plants by wind as part of nature’s pollination process. When pollen is…
Read MoreAllergy Headache: What Patients Need to Know to Relieve Allergy Headaches
updated Sep 2023 It’s estimated that nearly 70-80% of Americans experience headaches. Those who suffer from allergies already have to deal with rashes, difficulty breathing, congestion, and a host of other unpleasant side effects. Yet, sinus headaches and even migraines can also be added to this list of allergy side effects. While headaches aren’t typically life-threatening,…
Read MoreAbout Oral Allergy Syndrome: Symptoms & Treatments
Updated Jan 2023 Do you experience allergic symptoms in the mouth when eating certain raw foods? If you do, you could be suffering from oral allergy syndrome. Oral allergy syndrome (a form of a food allergy) is actually fairly common for seasonal allergy sufferers. As people with seasonal allergies eat uncooked or raw fruits, vegetables, and…
Read MorePrimatene Mist OTC: Why We Believe Caution is Needed
Originally posted: Dec 2018 — UPDATED: June 2021 Disclaimer: As board-certified allergists we do not recommend Primatene Mist as a treatment for asthma symptoms. If you or someone you are responsible for is considering Primatene Mist, we recommend discussing asthma treatment with us (or your personal allergy and asthma specialist) before using this or other…
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