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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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 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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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (Dec. 13, 2022) – Don’t make it the “same old, same old” when it comes to New Year’s resolutions this year. Resolutions don’t have to be something you avoid. Think of them as gentle suggestions to keep in mind as you head into 2023 and want to do a good job of keeping your allergy and asthma symptoms under control.

“More than 50 million people in the U.S. suffer from allergic conditions,” says allergist Kathleen May, MD, president of American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “That’s a lot of Americans who need to be mindful of staying healthy to keep symptoms under control. Taking a few moments before the new year begins to consider how you’ll keep yourself on top of sneezing and wheezing in 2023 is well worth your investment of time. It’s a valuable way to get your year off to a great start.”

Following are four New Year’s resolutions from ACAAI that those who suffer from allergies or asthma may want to consider.

1. Eat right to avoid food allergens – Anyone with a food allergy knows they need to steer clear of foods that cause an allergic reaction. The best way to do that is to do your research – whether it’s for your child or for yourself. Make sure you always carry two epinephrine auto injectors with you, and that they are up to date. Teens and college kids sometimes avoid mentioning food allergies so they won’t stick out among their peers. Encourage them to educate their friends and make them allies in keeping them safe from anaphylaxis.
2. Get organized about your health – Has it been a while since you or your child had a visit with your allergist? Covid knocked things off track, but it’s probably time to make an appointment again. Make sure all medications are current, and that your prescriptions are working. A board-certified allergist can develop a plan tailored to your allergies and asthma to help you lead the life you want. The new year is the perfect time to check in with your allergist if you haven’t seen them recently. ACAAI has an allergist locator to help you find an allergist near you.
3. No smoking! – You know you need to quit, for your health and your child’s, especially if either of you has asthma. Secondhand smoke is particularly harmful to kids’ lungs, and studies have shown children with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home have nearly double the risk of being hospitalized than children with asthma who aren’t exposed. And even though the idea of a roaring fire is tempting this time of year, if you or your kids have asthma, you should steer clear of fireplace fires and campfires.
4. Huff and puff for the right reasons – Although the idea of exercising with asthma can make you nervous about flares, exercise is vital to maintaining good health. Always use your pre-exercise asthma medicine (generally, your inhaled bronchodilator) before beginning exercise, if recommended by your allergist. Perform warm-up exercises and have a good cool-down period after exercise. If it’s cold and windy outside, work out indoors or wear a mask or loose scarf over your nose and mouth. If asthma limits your ability to exercise, see your allergist to discuss a possible adjustment to your asthma medication routine.

If you think you or your child might have allergies or asthma, make an appointment with an allergist for proper testing. An allergist can help you take control and live your best life. 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.

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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – For many years, people with an egg allergy were told to avoid or take special precautions when getting a flu shot because most influenza vaccines are grown in eggs and contain a tiny amount of egg protein. A practice parameter from the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters stresses that people with egg allergy should receive their yearly flu shot, and that no special precautions are required.

Health care providers often ask those getting flu shots if they are allergic to eggs. Health care providers and people with egg allergy should know there is no need to ask this question anymore, and no need to take any special precautions. Overwhelming evidence has shown that a flu shot poses no greater risk to those with egg allergy than those without.

There have been dozens of studies involving thousands of patients with egg allergy who have received a flu shot without allergic reactions – including hundreds with life-threatening egg allergy. This is because the influenza vaccine does not contain enough egg protein to cause an allergic reaction, even in patients with severe egg allergy.

The practice parameter stresses that no special precautions are needed or recommended for those with egg allergy. There is no longer a need to:

• see an allergy specialist for the flu shot;
• give special flu shots that don’t contain traces of egg;
• require longer-than-normal observation periods after the shot; or
• even ask about egg allergy before giving the vaccine.

If the vaccine is age-appropriate, it can be used for anyone with or without egg allergy.

These recommendations from the allergy community are consistent with those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, all emphasizing the safety and importance of egg-allergic patients receiving their annual influenza vaccine.

There are hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States every year because of the flu, most of which could be prevented with a flu shot. Egg allergy primarily affects young children, who are also particularly vulnerable to the flu. It’s very important that everyone, including children with egg allergy, is encouraged to get a flu shot.

One of the main concerns with any vaccine is a severe allergic reaction – known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can happen with any vaccine at a rate of about one per million, no matter the type or whether the person has an allergy. That is why it is always recommended that all personnel and facilities providing vaccines have procedures in place for responding to this rare event.

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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