Dr. Martin Ostro
Allergy and Immunology
Brookline, MA
51 years experience
Locations
Office
Brookline, MA
About
Bio
Dr. Ostro recieved his medical degree and his internal medicine training at McGill University in Montreal He then completed his training in Allergy & Immunology at National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, CO. Dr. Ostro subsequently moved to Boston, MA and went on staff at Massachsetts General Hopsital and joined the faculty of Harvard Medical School where he has continued to work to the present, as well as maintaining a private practice in Allegy & Immunology in Brookline, MA.
Dr. Ostro's clincal interests are nasal and sinus disease, asthma, hives and adverse reactions to foods.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Allergy and Immunology
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
181 Answers
14 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
No connection: If you ask a doctor "is it possible" the answer will almost always be yes. A better question is "is it likely" so in this case: "because I have asthm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
8 foods 90% cases: Food allergies are due to allergic antibodies (ige) to food proteins. Up to 10% of the population have ige to a food but eat it without problem as th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Hives not curable: Hives can't be cured but are treatable. "natural" substances are not necessarily safe. Many "natural" chemicals are toxic, such as curare, strychnine,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
See allergist: Consult an allergy/immunology specialist who can test for underlying conditions which cause angioedema (ae). If any exist then treating the underlying... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Jitters with Allegra (fexofenadine): Make sure it isn't Allegra (fexofenadine)-D as the "d" part (pseudoephedrine causes jitters. Allegra (fexofenadine) and other 2nd generation antihista... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
No cure, just avoid: There are no cures for food allergy. Prevent reactions by reading labels and avoiding all foods which contain the food to which you're allergic.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Usual symptoms : Wheat allergy usually starts within 30 min. Of one bite; involves some or all of following: itchy/swollen lips/mouth/throat, nausea, vomitting, abdom... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
No: There is no medication in advair or singulair (montelukast) which should make "cold" symptoms worse. Actually the singulair (montelukast) should reduc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Side-effects rare: Nasonex (mometasone) is safe and effective. Most common side-effect is nose bleed from aiming the nozzle too close to the septum (structure dividing n... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Sure: When an individual is allergic to trees, grasses or weeds the reaction isn't to the leaves, bark, roots but to the pollen made by the male plant which... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Cetirizine (Zyrtec): Cetirizine (generic zyrtec), 2nd generation, minimally sedating type 1 antihistamine, one 10 mg tab at bedtime is most likely to be effective. If the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Not rabbit allergy: Food allergy usually starts within 30 min. And involves some or all of following: itchy/swollen lips/mouth/throat, nausea, vomitting, abdominal cramp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Maybe: Allergic reaction to horse typically involves eyes (itchy, red, teary), nose (itchy, stuffy, runny, sneezy) and can involve chest (cough, tightness, d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Four: Diphenhydramine (generic of benadryl) 25 mg, 1 tab, every 4 hours, is the usual starting dose. If you are not controlled and not sedated you can incre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
OTC antihstamines: Otc Cetirizine (generic of zyrtec) 1 tab, at bedtime should improve your symptoms with minimal if any sedation. If that doesn't work, then consult an ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Contact your MD: If you do have a contact allergy to the steri-strip then it has to come off but then the skin at your c-section wound will open increasing the risk of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Rhinitis: About 20% of people develop rhinitis.
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nose due to overactivity of t cells in the nose. Mild irritants will increase s... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Allergic rhinitis: Hay fever has nothing to do with hay and there is no fever. It is allergic rhinitis.
About 20% of people develop rhinitis.
Rhinitis is inflammation ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Probably not: If you and your child are appropriately dressed and not too cold at 65 degrees then there is no problem. Cold air doesn't predispose to "colds" and co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Probably : Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion can be seen with viral infections and non-allergic rhinitis but if your nose and/or eyes are itchy it makes it ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Probably not: Reactions to Codeine usually occur because it is a narcotic which can cause nausea and vomiting and directly activate cells in the body which contain ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Different causes: Ephysema is almost always caused by smoking except for a rare form of hereditary emphysema. If you never smoked then i can be almost 100% certain you ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Looks like hives: It is very rare to have just a hives from food allergy, usually also have itchy/swollen, lips/mouth/throat, nausea/vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Very likely.: Hay fever/allergic rhinitis/nasal allergies are usually due to pollen allergies and most plants pollenate in the early morning. Also, inflammatory pro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 64-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Not from Hyzaar (losartan and hydrocholorthiazide): Hyzaar (losartan and hydrocholorthiazide) is a combination of a diuretic/water pill and an angiotensin receptor blocker/arb which is used to lower blo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
No: It is not advisable to take 2 or more antihistamines together without md supervision. Taking multiple antihistamines together will not cause increased... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
No peanut in Eggo: According to the ingredients posted on the kellogg web site there is no peanut protein in french toast or buttermilk waffles and none in blueberry pan... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
70% improve in 2 wk: With strict gluten avoidance about 70% of patients will have noticeable improvement in 2 wk. At 4 to 6 wk patient should be evaluated to verify an ade... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Not at all likely: Parents who are allergic can pass on the tendency to make allergic antibodies (ige) but not allergies to specific substances, e, g. Foods, medications... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Try soy formula: Lactose intolerance not seen in toddlers. If lack of milk allergy based only on blood test then confirmation with skin testing required (blood test fo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
No affect: Most shampoos, cosmetics and soaps don't contain gluten and even if they do, these products are not typically eaten and even if a small amount accide... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Usually under 6 wk.: In about 80% of hive cases they resolve within 6 wk. If the hives last longer then about 80% of those cases resolve within 1 yr. Treatment with antihi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Add maintenance meds: If your daughter is only on a rescue inhaler (e.g. Albuterol) then add inhaled corticosteroid to treat inflammation; if on inhaled corticosteroid, add... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
History & exam fit: Allergic reaction to meds usually involves typical itchy rash (measles like or hives). From first exposure to onset of reaction usually 7-10 days and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Yes.: Food allergy can occur at any age. Cherry reactions can be due to allergic antibody (ige) directed at cherry protein resulting in itchy mouth/throat, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Typical symptoms: Food allergy usually starts within 30 min. And involves some or all of following: itchy/swollen lips/mouth/throat, nausea, vomitting, abdominal cramp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
I don't know: Allergic reactions to foods are all caused by the release of the same chemicals, mainly histamine, so have the same symptoms which consist of combinat... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Depends on reaction: If you have a systemic reaction involving multiple symptoms (itchy mouth, GI symptoms, itchy skin, wheeze, etc) then you probably have a true allergy ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Maybe: Most common side-effect is irritation of nasal lining. This can be minimized by orienting the nozzle toward the ear on the same side as the nostril, i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Bony fish allergy: Main familes of seafood: bony fish (cod), bivalves (clam), crustaceans (crab), cephalopods (squid), gastropods (snail), with cross-reactivity within a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Probably not: Lavender oil is from the species lavandula augustifolia (english or common lavender). Lavandin oil is from the hybrid species "lavandula hybrida" whic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Pernicious anemia: Patients with penicious anemia (pa) produce antibodies against the parietal cells of the stomach which produce intrinsic factor which is necessary for... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Yes.: Almost all infections are treatable with non-penicillin antibiotics but if you develop an infection requiring penicillin, then you can be admitted to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
It causes allergy: Allergen means to cause an allergic reaction, which means the substance, almost always a protein or a medication, stimulates the production of allergi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
DEET versus Picardin: Deet allergy can occur but is very rare. Concentrations of any repellant above 50% are not more effective than the 50% concentration and can be irrita... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Allergy unlikely: Pain is not a usual allergy symptom except with swelling (angioedema) in a confined space such as swelling that involves a joint. The tongue is very e... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Basically yes: Without treatment, which can sometimes eliminate the itch without changing the appearance of the skin, eczema, contact allergies, hives are all very i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Water non-allergic: Allergic reactions occur because allergic antibodies (ige) attached to the cell membrane of immune cells called mast cells bind to a foreign protein t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
Avoid gluten: Celiac disease is due to inflammation in the intestine caused by a reaction to gluten containing foods. Gluen is found in the grains wheat, barley, ry... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Martin Ostroanswered
Allergy and Immunology 51 years experience
It is not contagious: Acute bronchitis is a reaction to a viral respiratory infection (vri) by suseptible indiviuals, leading to frequent cough, increased mucus production,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
373
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Ostro is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Ostro is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
thank you! The pollen count has been very high the little while here. You mentchen cold temptures, I do not seem to have to much trouble with that but I have a horrable it in the shower if it is to ho...Read More
HealthTap member
I am trying to get my pedi to refer him to a ear nose and throat doctor! He has also had busted eardrums already I really think he needs to see him!
HealthTap member
I do appreciate the response. Unfortunately in my body I do get used medications and it does stop working.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
McGill University Faculty of Medicine, QC
Graduated 1972MD
Awards
Top Allergist and Immunologist , First Place, Massachusetts - Winter
2013
Top Allergist and Immunologist , First Place, Massachusetts - Summer
2013
HealthTap Scholar
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