Dr. Duane Gels
Allergy and Immunology
Annapolis, MD
39 years experience male
Locations
Annapolis Allergy & Asthma at Chester
Chester, MD
My office hours
Thursday: Closed
Show morePhone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
Aetna
Alliance Health
CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
CIGNA Health Care
Coventry Health Care
Golden Rule Insurance Company
Group Health Incorporated (GHI)
John Hancock Life Insurance Company
United HealthCare Insurance Company
Annapolis Allergy & Asthma at Centreville
Centreville, MD
Annapolis Allergy & Asthma, LLC
Annapolis, MD
About
Bio
Highly trained and experienced specialist in allergy, asthma, sinus and respiratory disease. Relates well to patients; down to earth, approachable, easy to understand, compassionate and caring. Teaching staff at Hopkins but prefers caring for patients over research and academics. At ease with all ages, young children (married, has 2 of his own) and seniors. Sees HealthTap as a way to be more available to many devoted patients an hour away.
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
Pediatric Allergy and Asthma
Licenses
United States: Maryland
Doctor Q&A
318 Answers
158 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Not usually: Hypothyroidism can be associated with goiter, an enlarged thyroid. Usually breathing is not affected, but in extreme cases, one could imagine pressure... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
It saps energy: Suspect you mean respiratory allergy attacks, but all allergies are our immune systems mounting a defensive response against what it believes is a ser... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Rash?: Do you mean rash? Dermatitis? At 49 think contact dermatitis to cosmetics, moisturizures (given this brutal Chicagoland winter) but other diagnoses as... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Can't predict: Antihistamines have a variety of effects. One man's benefit is another's side effect. Some are best for itching; others better at insomnia; others nau... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Post nasal drip...: Is a term for what is described as secretions from the back of the nasopharynx cascading down the throat. Cough, tickle in throat, phlegm, hoarseness ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
For comfort's sake: It's certainly not harmful to treat a fever; we do so mostly to make patients more comfortable. Any benefits to fever are mild and theoretical. I susp... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
That's one cause: Dermatitis is inflammation of skin. Healing often involves natural peeling of dead skin. Physical factors (irritation from friction, heat, sunlight, m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Working on it: Several research protocols look very promising, primarily through oral desensitization (OIT) - in other words, ingesting increasing amounts over time.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Worth a visit: First, figure out if from upper or lower airways. Upper airways: snoring/obstructive sleep apnea, stridor, septal deviation/perforation, polyp,VCD/lar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
See an allergist: Tricky question. Most people are allergic to bee venom, meaning they will have a large, local reaction to a sting. Tests show a good proportion are mo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Depends how: The route of exposure, among other factors (including genetics) determines whether an individual becomes allergic or tolerant of an allergen. Once all... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Hmmmmm.: Is the patient of concern at higher risk for food allergy? He (or the parent) could simply be reasonably cautious. Depends on the unique situation. F... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
It should: Arthropod (bug) bites respond over time to topical steroids. Locoid (hydrocortisone butyrate) is a brand of one such type of topical steroid. Usually ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
No test avail: Can't diagnose specifically in this forum, but, in general, I've prescribed benzonatate since it came out and haven't seen anyone experience rash from... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Clarify: Don't think you really mean allergic, in it the strict scientific sense. Many are intolerant to the caffeine component, which incidentally is reduced ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Sweat?: Probably misnamed. Consider heat hives, excercise hives, eczema worsened by sweat or others. When hives are triggered under conditions we sweat, watch... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
One in same, really: Bug bites are allergic reactions to the saliva of the insect; sometimes the anticoagulants that keep the blood flowing till they've had their fill. Lo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Probably: They are very closely related so there is a good chance. Not absolutely true, so it is worth testing. I'm afraid there are no commercial skin test rea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Why bother?: I can't see image well. Most ENT's I know don't remove maxillary "retention" cysts, unless the think it is cancerous, eroding into bone, or causing in... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Million $ question: Yup, the question I get asked most. All food allergies are up, and in particular the top 8 (egg, cow's milk, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nut, fish and sh... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Seek an allergist: Melissa, your question is not a simple one. Food allergy is different than just positive blood tests, which is different than someone having positive ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Check for VCD: LPR: laryngeal pharyngeal reflux - when gastric contents rise up into the throat, beyond just usual heartburn (GERD). Sometimes it triggers spasms of ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
My pts sure say so: Certainly the sound of sneezing in parking lots and shopping malls each spring reminds us that about 40% of folks have seasonal pollen allergies. But ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Butt hives: Typically hives will appear at areas of pressure and heat; therefore buttocks and upper posterior thighs are normal locations. Are they really hives? ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
No.: Though mildly elevated levels of IgA can be normal, very high levels need to be investigated. Please discuss with the provider who ordered the test - ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Can't say: Those treatments generally do general help self-limited rashes and itching. Afraid your description doesn't give enough detail to diagnose and make a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Likely. : If new hives, think food (within four hours, esp top 8 allergens), medication, insect stings. Top 8: egg, cow milk, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nut, fish... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Can you clarify?: Are you referring to autoimmune types of connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis? These conditions are caused by inflamm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 61-year-old male asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Consider not allergy: Non-allergic rhinitis is seen in the clinic all the time. Assuming no history of head trauma (can cause spinal fluid leak - I've seen this!), a 61yo w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Antihistamine: Typical traditional antihistamine side effects. Drowsiness, sleepiness (or paradoxical excitation, insomnia), slowed reaction times, dry mouth, retain... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
What is going on?: If you are having severe allergic reaction (food, bees, medication), call 911 now. Take your epinephrine as prescribed for allergic shock (anaphylaxis... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Several things: Intrinsic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, dry skin, viral rashes; extrinsic conditions such as allergic dermatitis (cosmetics, fragrances), foo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Absolutely: Singulair (montelukast) can cause restlessness, moodiness, irritability, even suicidal ideas. Read the package insert. Not common, but it is possible.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
See an ENT doctor: Tonsils are immune tissues in the back of the throat. Generally they shrink with age, but can become infected and require removal. Occasionally, they ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Makes it go nuts: A hapten is molecule that is too small on its own to be recognized by the immune system, but attaches to larger molecules, such as proteins, making th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Genetics: You're talking about blood group antigens; sugars on the outside of the red blood cells unique to those with certain blood types. Those who have sugar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 64-year-old male asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Used to be in US: Years ago triamcinolone was available via MDI with an attached spacer in the US and used as an asthma controller, but it was taken off the market, for... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Fowl food, feather?: To feathers, or food? For allergy to bird feathers, I don't think so. Not like the strong evidence for allergy shots (immunotherapy) to pollen, dust ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Await result: If a regular pulmonary function test (PFT) fails to detect signs of asthma, a methacholine challenge can be used to identify whether or not a cough is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
The story and tests: Allergy testing can be done via skin or blood testing. Both have their advantages, but either way, without a story suggesting food allergy one cannot ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
One causes the other: The two walk together. Asthma commonly is caused by allergies affecting the lower airways - the bronchial tubes tighten, become swollen and become con... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Good question: Hay is grass; grass is an airborne pollinator, and produces heavy amounts of it in late spring in the upper latitudes of the US. Fever is an urban myt... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Just prepare: If allergic to outdoor allergens (pollen, mold), when exposed you likely will have to deal with symptoms of allergy. A variety of over the counter med... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Consider other: Sparingly, towards the outside, and only a very weak preparation, say 1% cream. But I'd recommend a good examination (and culture) by your gyne to det... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Your choice....: Since you are young you may see a dentist more often, and therefore easier to get it when you have the sores. Treatment is not always too helpful, tho... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old male asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
As usual not obvious: I'm a little concerned about night sweats. The surgeon would be very concerned if associated with objective fever, and we know (rarely) hives can be a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 65-year-old male asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Not Claritin (loratadine) Clear?: Hi, Member837. Loratadine is safe, effective (versus placebo), and rated as "non-sedating" (though I've had some say they get sleepy). Used to be pres... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Keep it moving: And of those issues, only constipation would seem to be of concern. Barium itself can be constipating; it even can solidify stool. Yeah. So be consist... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Often xerosis: Dry sky (xerosis) is common on extensor surfaces (the "outside" of knees, elbows, arms, forearms, shins, etc) particularly during dry winters or frequ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Duane Gelsanswered
Allergy and Immunology 39 years experience
Hmm. Is it Fluffy? : If truly from allergies, respiratory sx lasting that long means continued or repeated exposure, usually, unless secondary issue like sinusitis/cough/G... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.2k viewsReviewed >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.
9
Recommendations
196
Thank you notes
Jan 24, 2015
A relative newcomer to HealthTap, but quite a find! He provides spot-on Answers with a tongue-in-cheek, practical, easy-to-understand style that makes you want more! And, he clearly knows his stuff....Read More
May 30, 2015
Highly recommend Dr.Gels for his dedication, commitment and excellence in the field of Allergy/Immunology and I greatly appreciate his insights and advice that he shares on Health Tap.
Jun 3, 2015
Great source of information about allergic disorders. Gladly refer to Dr. Gels if need allergy information
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! I did a lot of research and found this info. The real question given the risks is can I use topical around the eye and can I go off oral after shot.
HealthTap member
This made me feel good. Thanks! The neurologist put me on the medicine. and Yes the Mri was of my head and entire spine!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your quick reply made me feel good! My orthopedic surgeon told me never have cortezone shot w/my reaction
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, IL
Graduated 1984MD
Residency
RHODE ISLAND HOSPITAL
Completed 1987
Awards
Fellow, American Academy of Allergy and Immunology
Fellow, American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Top Doc, What's Up Annapolis
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