English Transcript

Allergist Syed Shahzad Mustafa, MD: A biologic is a medication that helps control asthma and other allergic conditions if individuals don’t respond to typical therapies, like inhalers or for eczema, topical steroids, things like that.

Biologics are what we call monoclonal antibodies. They’re targeted against certain things that cause inflammation in the system. And they are not steroids and they’re not immunosuppressive. I think those are important points. They are injectable medications. People inject them. It can be any anywhere from every week to every two weeks to every four weeks, even every eight weeks. So these are very effective, safe, well-tolerated medications as add-on to the treatment of allergic conditions.

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English Transcript

Allergist David R. Stukus, MD: We always get questions about gluten allergy and other food allergies, and I always start with some basic definitions. If you’re worried about having a food allergy, whether it’s gluten or something else, you really should have reproducible symptoms every single time you eat the food.

Now gluten is present in wheat products, and people really react to the wheat protein and not gluten, so if you have concerns you have a gluten allergy, you should look for things like big red itchy hives, swelling, maybe upset stomach, vomiting, or what we call anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. This should happen every time you eat the food, generally within an hour or two. So if you’re eating foods that have gluten not having those symptoms, it’s very unlikely that you’re allergic.

Other questions we get are in regards to things like intolerances or sensitivities. That’s very different than having an allergy. That means you have difficulty digesting these foods, and you can have symptoms like bloating, cramping, diarrhea, upset stomach.

Bottom line, if you have concerns about a gluten allergy, a food allergy or intolerance, please see a board-certified allergist so they can discuss your history and any testing that may be helpful and come up a good plan.

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Allergist Theresa A. Bingemann, MD: As an allergist, I often get asked about epinephrine delivery devices and this exact question: “Are they the same or not?” The medicine in all of them is the same – it’s epinephrine. They may differ in dose, but they come in all different shapes and sizes.

So here I have four different delivery devices, and you can see the different sizes. And some of them you don’t see a needle when you start, but others, like this one, has an exposed needle. So this one is not an auto injector, it’s just a syringe with a nice grip on it to make it easier for patients, where the others are auto injectors.

Now, a few things you’ll notice is there may be different activation steps for each of the devices, and the instructions may say that you have to hold them for different lengths of time. The needle size or length may be different in the different devices as well.

So the most important thing is that you know how to use the device you have.

We know different formularies cover different injectors, and we also know the costs may vary substantially, so the most important thing is for you to have a device that you can carry with you, that you can afford, that you know how to use and you know when to use it.

If you have any questions or any of this isn’t clear, make sure you discuss it with your allergist. You could also ask the pharmacist. If you still need a reminder, many of the companies have videos online that you can review periodically to make sure you can safely and accurately use use your epinephrine in an allergic emergency.

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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (April 11, 2023) – If you suffer from asthma or nasal allergies, you’ve probably noticed pollen season getting worse, and negatively affecting your symptoms. Experts from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) caution that pollen season is starting earlier and lasting longer than in past decades. Changes in the climate during that time period contribute to this phenomenon, with warmer temperatures, longer growing seasons and decreased air quality. As a result, people with allergies and asthma, and their healthcare providers, need to adjust their management plans accordingly.

New research from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture shows that “pollen seasons start 20 days earlier, are 10 days longer, and feature 21% more pollen than in 1990.”

“It’s a pretty simple equation,” says allergist Kathleen May, ACAAI president. “More pollen means more days of suffering with asthma and allergy symptoms. People across the country are aware they need to start allergy and asthma medications sooner, because symptoms arrive earlier and stay longer. As allergists, we’re watching our patients sneezing, wheezing and dripping more. But we have the tools to help.”

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on asthma and allergies, along with the latest news and important developments. Many people don’t know that allergists are experts in treating asthma, and that nasal allergies and asthma are closely linked. Allergists are specialists who can help get asthma symptoms under control.

If you have a pollen allergy and breathe in pollen-heavy air, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Itchy throat and eyes
• Wheezing

Pollen can also aggravate asthma symptoms, including increased coughing and wheezing. Allergists recommend avoiding pollen if you have allergic reactions.

Two immunotherapy options are available for those with severe pollen allergies:

• Allergy shots can help your body become less sensitive to pollens.
• Tablets that dissolve under the tongue are now available by prescription for people suffering from grass and ragweed allergies. These medications must be started 12 weeks before symptoms are expected to begin.

Nasal allergies and asthma are connected, and many people suffer from both. Allergic asthma – where allergies are triggers for asthma symptoms – is the most common type of asthma. Research shows the frequency of children with nasal allergies who also have asthma can be as high as 80 percent. Recent research has also shown that about 75 percent of adults aged 20-40 with asthma have at least one allergy.

“What many people don’t realize is that the same things that trigger your seasonal “hay fever” symptoms – things like pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander – can also cause asthma symptoms,” says Dr. May. “If you have allergies, and you are wheezing or coughing, an allergist can determine if you also have asthma. Allergists are specialists at treating asthma and can put together a treatment plan to help you deal with both conditions.”

For more information about treatment of asthma and allergies, and to locate an allergist in your area, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

About ACAAI
ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

The post For Allergy and Asthma Sufferers, Climate Change Means Worse Symptoms and Harsher Season appeared first on ACAAI Public Website.

English Transcript

Allergist Kelly Maples, MD: Allergists are the perfect type of doctor to treat eczema or atopic dermatitis. Eczema is not just a skin disease it’s a systemic disease that affects our whole body, and it causes allergic inflammation.

Allergists can not only treat eczema with topical therapies, we can also help identify triggers of your eczema and help you know what to avoid, help you pick the right personal care products to help your skin get clear and less itchy, help you avoid things like dust mites and pets that you might be allergic to that might trigger your eczema.

So I see us as one-stop shopping. We can take care of your skin and identify the triggers all in one. We’re trained to do that.

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English Transcript

Allergist Angela Hogan, MD: So the first thing that I think would be most important for moms to remember that we still think breastfeeding is best and that as we begin food introduction, we want to continue breastfeeding if that’s an option. And we also know that as we introduce foods, we don’t necessarily have a need to decrease the amount of breast milk that we have.

I think it’s also important to remind moms that they don’t need to alter their diet in any way while they’re breastfeeding in terms of what foods they avoid in order to prevent food allergies. It’s been clearly shown that that does not prevent food allergies and in fact may increase the risk for food allergies if they take foods out of their diet.

So continue to breastfeed with their normal diet.

When a child is around four months or so, they may be ready to have solid foods introduced. You’re going to know your child is ready for solid foods if they can be propped up or sit up by themselves that they are able to swallow independently. You might use a spoon and poke a bite into their mouth and make sure that they don’t tongue it back out, and those are signs that they’re ready to have foods introduced.

What your first food is pretty much totally up to you. As a general pediatrician, I oftentimes like to introduce yellow or orange vegetables first or maybe an infant cereal that you feel comfortable with. We are looking for things that don’t have a lot of texture to them, so that they can learn to swallow effectively.

It’s really important that we think about introducing those foods between four and six months because now currently based on the guidelines from both the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, we know that egg and peanut need to be introduced somewhere between four and six months of life. We know that all infants should have those foods introduced into their diet so that we can help reduce the risk for development of egg and peanut allergy.

So it’s important that we get a first food into their diet so that those foods can then be added to whatever their first food is and once we’ve introduced egg and peanut into their diet early on, we want to keep it consistently in the diet so that they continue to develop oral tolerance to those foods.

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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (March 7, 2023) – It’s spring, which means parents all over the country are thinking about summer plans for their kids. Parents of children with allergies and asthma often face an added layer of concern as they wonder how they will keep their kids safe from allergy and asthma flares, while allowing them to have great summer fun.

“Most kids heading off to summer camp for the first time wonder how they’ll cope sleeping in a cabin with 10 other kids, if they’ll make friends, and what exactly is in the bug juice,” says allergist Kathleen May, president of American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Meanwhile, parents of kids with allergies and asthma are wondering if the camp is prepared to handle an emergency situation should one arise.”

If you’re considering camp for your child with allergies or asthma, start planning now to make sure all details are locked down before camp begins. Below are five tips from ACAAI to help you and your child enjoy their summer camp experience.

1. Is the camp set up for your child’s allergies? – While many camps are alert to medical issues like food allergies, some are more equipped than others. If you are concerned that a regular sleepaway camp isn’t fully prepared to handle your child’s allergies or asthma, consider a specialty camp. Increasingly, there are camps focused solely on kids with asthma, and camps that deal specifically with food allergies. These camps provide specialized medical staff who are trained in how to treat allergic diseases. An internet search should turn up a camp in your area that can provide the special focus your camper might need.
2. Work with your allergist – Before hitting the trail, make sure your camper is well stocked with more than extra socks and the right sleeping bag. Visit your allergist to check whether prescriptions are up to date, symptoms are under control and your child’s dosages of medications haven’t changed. If your child has a severe allergy and has been prescribed an epinephrine auto injector, make sure they have the appropriate supply before they embark. Also talk with your child’s doctor about updating his or her COVID vaccination before camp.
3. Communicate with camp personnel – Letters home from your camper aren’t the only needed exchange of information. Communicate your child’s health needs to camp staff well in advance. If asthma makes some activities difficult for your child, let their counselor know. Send details on what the medical staff needs to know about your child’s medications and ask how they handle emergencies. Find out where the nearest hospital is and how easy it is for staff to get there.
4. Go ahead and mess with the mess hall – Food is a big part of any camp experience, particularly sleepaway camp. If your child has a food allergy, communicate with the kitchen staff to make sure no areas exist where cross contamination can occur. Find out how the camp communicates and monitors food allergy information, and determine whether that works for you and your child. If your child is attending day camp, send a bag lunch so you can guarantee he or she will be eating safe foods. Remind them that eating other kids’ food isn’t ok. Your camper should tell friends about their food allergy so that if a reaction happens, their friends will be prepared to help.
5. No one wants to scratch around the campfire – Getting up close and personal with poison ivy should be avoided at all costs, but it can be particularly bad for those allergic to the plant. The rash that results from plants like poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac is a form of allergic contact dermatitis and is very uncomfortable. You can send along calamine lotion with your camper, but they’ll probably need a trip to the camp nurse or doctor if they have an allergic reaction. Remind your camper: “Leaves of three, let them be.”

If allergies or asthma are a concern for your summer camper, it’s time to take control. See an allergist for expert care and relief. To find an allergist in your area, use the ACAAI allergist locator.

About ACAAI
ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

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January 26, 2023 – Flowers, food, fragrances and more — Valentine’s Day is a special time to show your sweetheart you care with gifts and gestures both grand and small. The goal is to make your valentine blush and take their breath away. But you want it to be from the love they feel, not an allergic reaction.

“Some traditional Valentine’s gifts can cause an allergic response, which can halt any romantic moment fast,” said allergist Dr. Kathleen May, M.D., president of American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Hives, coughing, sneezing and difficulty breathing are a few reactions that can occur if you don’t think ahead about your loved one’s needs.”

May and the team of experts at ACAAI share some common romantic gifts that can cause an allergic response, along with safer alternatives to consider:

Foods
Thinking of gifting a sweet for your sweetie? That heart-shaped box of chocolates could contain traces of ingredients that may make your loved one ill. If you’re buying a treat, make sure to read all packaging carefully. Likewise, if you have a romantic meal at a restaurant in mind, ensure there are safe options and the kitchen can prepare dishes appropriately. Keep in mind, the most common food allergens are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame.

Alternatives: Call ahead to the restaurant to make sure food allergies can be accommodated by the kitchen. When in doubt, cook and bake at home, and make sure your beloved approves the menu.

Perfumes
Whether it’s given as a gift or worn on a special night to impress another, certain scents can cause a reaction. While not technically an allergy, strong fragrances can be irritants and cause headaches, sneezing, watery eyes, and runny noses. In addition to their irritant effects on the upper airway, be aware that fragrances in perfumes and other scented products are a common trigger for allergic contact dermatitis. If your loved one doesn’t wear perfume, it’s probably for a reason, and perhaps it’s a gift you should avoid this year. You should also be thoughtful and limit what you wear yourself.

Alternative: Look for fragrance-free soaps and lotions and place them in a self-care basket that includes other items like loofahs, slippers, a robe and an LED candle.

Flowers
A beautiful bouquet of flowers is a quintessential gesture of love, but it might send the wrong message if it causes your sweetheart to sneeze or break out in a rash. Some people experience nasal symptoms with scented flowers like lilies. There are flowers that are especially high-risk for people with skin allergies, so try to avoid daisies, goldenrod, sunflowers and chamomile.

Alternative: Skip flowers if you know allergies are an issue and go for an experience. Treat your sweetie to a show they’ve been wanting to see or concert they’d love to attend.

Jewelry
Rings, necklaces, earrings and more — jewelry can be an impressive gift for a loved one. However, if the metal irritates their skin, this gift will go unused. Make sure your sweetheart isn’t allergic to the metals contained in some jewelry, particularly nickel. Keep in mind, chrome-plated objects and 14K and 18K gold contain nickel that may irritate the skin if the gold gets moist.

Alternatives: Consider beaded jewelry. For example, pearls and glass beads are stunning and unlikely to trigger allergies. And if you’re unsure of which materials are safe, just ask. This way you’ll give a gift that will be cherished for years to come.

If your favorite valentine is having trouble finding relief for their allergy or asthma symptoms, a board-certified allergist can help. For more information about allergies — including the diagnosis and treatment of them — and to locate an allergist in your area, visit ACAAI.org.

About ACAAI
ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

The post Keep your sweetheart safe from allergy and asthma triggers on Valentine’s Day appeared first on ACAAI Public Website.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (January 24, 2023) – If you suffer from spring allergies, you may have had an allergist suggest you start taking your allergy medications two weeks before your symptoms normally appear. But more and more allergists are advising their patients to set a reminder for Valentine’s Day to start taking allergy medications.

“It’s not the most romantic idea in the world, but it is an effective way to remember when to start taking your spring allergy medications,” says allergist Kathleen May, MD, president of American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACCAI). “And although spring allergies aren’t necessarily top of mind in February, climate change means that temperatures are rising, and allergy symptoms occur earlier in the year. In southern regions of the United States, allergies often start at the end of January.”

Following are six additional suggestions from ACAAI to bring spring allergy and asthma symptoms under control:

1. Do you know your allergy triggers? – Although allergy symptoms can look a lot alike – sneezing, sniffling, coughing, and red, itchy eyes – not everyone is allergic to the same things. The bottom line is that seasonal allergies can look different for different people. A visit to the allergist can help you identify which things are making you sneeze and cough. Depending on where you live, spring allergies can start as early as January. If over-the-counter medicines aren’t helping, talk to your allergist. They can prescribe effective medications for symptom control.
2. What not to test for when testing for nasal allergies – Sometimes, patients who are being tested for allergic rhinitis (hay fever) get tested for food allergies. ACAAI recommends that food allergy testing should not be performed in the routine evaluation of allergic rhinitis because food allergies do not cause nasal symptoms. Occasionally patients have food-pollen cross reactivity. So, what should you be tested for? Hay fever testing should include sensitivity to pets, dust mites, trees, grasses, weeds, and mold as they are the most likely triggers for nasal allergies.
3. Intranasal corticosteroids are effective – Intranasal corticosteroids (fluticasone, mometasone, budesonide, triamcinolone) are the most effective treatment if you suffer from persistent allergy symptoms, especially if they are interfering with your quality of life. They are also safe, and may even help control the symptoms that accompany eye allergies.
4. Some medications have side effects – If you’ve used pseudoephedrine for your allergies in the past and found it to be effective, you may know it has side effects. Pseudoephedrine is effective at clearing up congestion, particularly stuffy noses, but is the main ingredient is methamphetamine, or “meth.” Pseudoephedrine has side effects including insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, and heart palpitations, and should not be taken if you are pregnant. It is only available by prescription or by specially requesting it from a pharmacist, depending on what state you are in.
5. Steer clear of first-generation antihistamines – If you plan to take an oral medication to treat your hay fever, think twice before using first generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (ChlorTrimeton). They can cause drowsiness and symptoms like dry mouth, dry eyes, and constipation. Look for non-sedating treatments like cetirizine, levocetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine or desloratadine instead.
6. Consider an old (effective) standby – One of the oldest — and still best — methods to target your allergens is immunotherapy. Allergists are trained to identify your allergies and provide a personal treatment plan. Immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or tablets is designed to target your exact triggers. It can greatly reduce the severity of your symptoms and can also prevent the development of asthma in some children with seasonal allergies. Talk to your allergist about which form of immunotherapy is right for you.

If you are suffering with nasal allergy symptoms and your regular treatments aren’t working, it’s time to see a board-certified allergist. They are specially trained to help you take control of your allergies and asthma, so you can live the life you want. Find an allergist in your area with ACAAI’s allergist locator.

About ACAAI
ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (January 11, 2023) – In February 2022, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) convened experts in atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy to examine the issue of racial disparities affecting people with these conditions. A special article entitled, “Proceedings of a Roundtable by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology on Racial Disparities in Atopic and Food Allergy,” in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports on the experts’ discussion and recommendations. The roundtable focused on challenges that people with skin of color who have these conditions often experience based on their skin type, their comfort level with health care providers, where they live, and many other sociodemographic factors.

To better understand these overall disparity issues, ACAAI surveyed its members, conducted interviews with physicians and advocacy leaders, and hosted a roundtable discussion to further explore the challenges and discuss potential solutions.

The experts were selected for their focus on helping patients with these conditions as well as their knowledge of racial disparities in healthcare. During the roundtable discussion, the experts outlined the challenges and identified 10 possible approaches to help people of color achieve optimal access to care. Proposed solutions include identifying ways to recruit more people of color into clinical trials and medical school, educating healthcare providers about diagnosing and treating AD and food allergy in people with skin of color, improving access to safe foods, creating and disseminating culturally appropriate materials for patients, and working toward longer appointment times for patients who need them.

In addition to the special article, the group produced a white paper providing an overview of the roundtable. The roundtable was supported by Novartis.

About ACAAI
ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

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