Allergy Partners

Food Allergy

What Happens When You Move to Another Part of the Country? Coping with New Regional Allergies.

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Feeling worn out, congested, and sickly after a recent move? It might be allergies you didn’t know you had! Here’s what you need to know about managing your allergy symptoms in a new location.

The Allergy Adventure

The following is a story of a young woman. Her name is Emily.

When Emily got accepted to her dream college thousands of miles from her hometown, she could barely contain her excitement. She was leaving her sunny, sparsely populated community for the bustling city of Mugwort!

Emily was drawn to Mugwort University because of its fantastic STEM program and because the city offered urban sophistication punctuated by vibrant wild green spaces. Having lived her entire life in an arid town with more gravel than greenery, Emily was thrilled at the opportunity to go hiking, camping, and exploring the lovely verdant parks.

She didn’t anticipate how her body would react to the change in environment.

During Emily’s first week in Mugwort, she felt off. Her eyes itched, her nose ran constantly, and she felt an unusual fatigue. At first, she brushed it off. It was probably the stress of moving and adjusting to a new routine, and maybe the cold weather.

One bright and crisp afternoon while exploring the beautiful Mugwort Park, Emily found herself sneezing uncontrollably. She sat down on a bench, feeling frustrated, headachy, and horrible.   “Why do I feel so different here?” she wondered.

A friendly local, noticing her discomfort, sat down next to her. “You must be new here,” the local said with a smile. “The allergies in Mugwort can be pretty intense, especially this time of year.”

Emily’s eyes widened. “Allergies? I never had allergies back home!”

The local nodded. “Different regions have different allergens. Mugwort is known for its high Mugwort pollen count. It’s how we got our name.”

Managing New Allergies

If you’re moving to a new part of the country for work or school, you’re probably making dozens of necessary preparations. However, there’s one area you probably haven’t considered, particularly if you’re in good health: How will your body react to your new environment?

Approximately one-quarter of people in the United States experience seasonal allergies, with one-quarter of allergy sufferers first experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms in adulthood.

In Emily’s case, exposure to a specific pollen in an unfamiliar climate triggered her first symptoms. How does this happen?

New Location, New Allergens

Transitioning from a warm, dry climate to a cool, humid environment can trigger allergy symptoms in individuals who have never previously experienced seasonal allergies.

For Emily, who was used to a desert climate, being in a cooler, more humid environment caused an aggressive immune overreaction. She was exposed to a variety of previously unfamiliar allergens, including mold spores, pollen from different plants (like the ubiquitous mugwort weed), and dust mites, which thrive in humid conditions.

So, what can someone in Emily’s situation do?

Embracing New Allergy Treatment

Determined to enjoy her college experience despite this unexpected challenge, Emily decided to take action. She visited a local allergist who confirmed that she was indeed reacting to the new allergens.

Armed with a new allergy medication and some helpful tips, Emily started to feel better.

She learned to check the local pollen forecasts and planned her outdoor activities accordingly. Emily also invested in an air purifier for her dorm room and made it a habit to shower and change clothes after spending time outside. Slowly but surely, her symptoms began to improve.

Visiting an allergist was key to discovering the likely allergens and developing an effective management plan. While significant symptoms might require medications to resolve effectively, there are nonetheless numerous strategies that can help reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

Allergy Medications

A combination of nasal corticosteroids and antihistamines can provide the most comprehensive relief.

Nasal corticosteroids address the inflammatory component of allergies, while antihistamines target the histamine-mediated symptoms. This dual approach can be particularly effective for individuals with multiple or severe allergy symptoms.

Manage Allergy Symptoms at Home

The following home and lifestyle modifications are very effective allergy symptom management strategies:

  • Use Air Purifiers: Invest in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to reduce airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
  • Keep Windows Closed: During high pollen seasons, keep windows and doors closed to prevent allergens from entering your home.
  • Regular Cleaning: Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Dust surfaces regularly and wash bedding in hot water weekly.
  • Control Humidity: Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor humidity levels below 50%, which helps prevent mold growth and dust mites.
  • Pet Care: Bathe pets regularly and keep them out of bedrooms to reduce pet dander. Learn more about Pet Allergies here: Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Allergies

Manage Allergy Symptoms When Outdoors

Making the following adjustments will help reduce your vulnerability to outdoor allergens:

  1. Check Pollen Counts: Monitor local pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors on high pollen days, especially during the early morning when pollen levels are highest.
  2. Wear Protective Gear: When outdoors, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen and a mask if you are particularly sensitive.
  3. Shower After Being Outdoors: Change clothes and shower to remove pollen from your skin and hair after spending time outside.
  4. Avoid Drying Clothes Outdoors: Use a dryer instead of hanging clothes outside to prevent pollen from sticking to your laundry.
  5. Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely: Schedule outdoor activities for later in the day when pollen counts are typically lower.

The above lifestyle adjustments can be highly effective for mild-to-moderate allergy symptom management. However, they do require some vigilance in terms of pre-planning and ensuring a consistently allergen-free environment. For those who’d like a more relaxed, long-term solution, immunotherapy might be a great option.

Some even say that experimenting with local honey may help. Here’s what you need to know about this debated topic: Allergies and Local Honey.

Long-Term Allergy Relief

Emily loved the great outdoors and wanted a more flexible solution for managing symptoms. She wanted to be able to go on a spur-of-the-moment camping trip without sneezing and wheezing.

After researching various options, she chose to undergo immunotherapy, a long-term treatment designed to reduce her sensitivity to allergens. The process involved regular injections of small amounts of allergens, gradually building up her tolerance over time.

The journey wasn’t easy. Nevertheless, she kept her eyes on the goal: a life where she could hike, camp, and explore without the constant burden of allergies.

Slowly but surely, Emily’s symptoms began to diminish. By the time she entered her sophomore year, her worst allergy symptoms were a distant memory, and she was able to enjoy her new home in comfort.

Immunotherapy: Allergy Shots

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) is highly effective, with studies showing that it successfully reduces or eliminates symptoms in approximately 80 percent of people treated. Patients often begin to notice a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms after about six months of treatment.

Beyond immediate symptom relief, allergy shots can lead to long-lasting benefits. Many patients experience a sustained reduction in allergy symptoms even after completing the treatment, as the immune system retains its tolerance to the allergens.

Allergy Partners: Your Partner in Long-Term Allergy Relief in 130 Locations

If you’re moving to a new city, there are countless details to consider. If you don’t have seasonal allergy symptoms, it probably won’t occur to you to research environmental factors and pollen counts in anticipation of allergies you have never previously suffered.

That’s where Allergy Partners comes in.

With 130 locations throughout the United States, we ensure people experiencing allergy symptoms for the first time have access to experienced allergists and immunologists. These specialists possess in-depth knowledge of the different regional allergens and their presentations, providing personalized care to help new residents manage their symptoms effectively.

Whether you’re moving across the country or just across town, Allergy Partners is here to support you with expert care and guidance, making your transition smoother and more comfortable.

Are Allergies Genetic? Exploring Allergies During Pregnancy, Childhood, and Adulthood

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Many new parents are concerned about their child’s risk of developing allergies and asthma. If you struggle with allergies, there is a strong likelihood your children will experience allergic responses, too.

When parents welcome a new child into the world, they often find themselves worrying about their child’s health and well-being. One of the most prevalent concerns that many new parents have is their child’s risk of developing allergies.

Allergies can be a debilitating condition, causing a wide range of symptoms such as sneezing, itching, skin inflammation and infection, wheezing, watery eyes, and a host of other symptoms.

While environmental and behavioral factors can make us more vulnerable to the onset of allergies, heredity plays a significant role in the development of allergic disease.

Allergies During Pregnancy

It is estimated that approximately 20% of pregnant women in the United States experience allergies, most commonly allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Pregnancy can affect hormonal balance, which can influence the immune response to allergens. Some women experience worsening allergy symptoms, though others might notice a decline in allergies.

Experiencing allergy symptoms while pregnant does not affect whether the child will develop allergies.

Will my child inherit my allergies?

Not necessarily, but if both you and your partner experience allergies, there is a significant – some studies point to a 95% heritability estimate – risk that your child will develop an allergic disease. These conditions include hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and other environmental allergies, atopic dermatitis (eczema), food allergies, and allergic asthma.

Will my diet cause allergies in my child?

Diet may play a small role in the development of allergic disease in offspring during pregnancy.

A diet rich in certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, has been found to reduce the risk of developing allergic disease, while some studies found that intake of folic acid supplements during pregnancy was found to correspond with an elevated risk of childhood asthma.

However, consuming nuts, gluten, milk, or any other foods that may trigger allergic responses during pregnancy does not put a child at risk of developing allergies. These substances are commonly found in our diet and are generally safe for consumption during pregnancy.

Should I be screened for allergies during pregnancy?

If you are experiencing symptoms of allergic disease during your pregnancy, you should undergo a screening by a qualified allergist.

The diagnosis of allergy in pregnant women requires a comprehensive medical history and symptom analysis. It is essential to gather information about your personal and family medical history, as well as any previous allergic reactions.

Additionally, your doctor should assess the presence of symptoms that may indicate an allergy, such as sneezing, itching, hives, or gastrointestinal disturbances.

It is important to emphasize that a rigid elimination diet should be avoided for the diagnosis of food allergy in pregnant women. While an elimination diet can be helpful in confirming a suspected allergy, it carries the risk of compromising the nutritional status of both the mother and the growing infant.

Should I get allergy shots while pregnant?

Patients undergoing immunotherapy (allergy shots) before pregnancy may continue maintenance treatment safely during pregnancy. However, the risk of systemic reactions might outweigh the benefits of starting allergen immunotherapy after pregnancy.

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) involves receiving injections of tiny quantities of an allergen. This treatment is administered either subcutaneously (SCIT) or sublingually (SLIT).

However, the situation becomes more complex when immunotherapy is begun during pregnancy. The immune system undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, which may affect how the body responds to immunotherapy.

Overall, initiating immunotherapy during pregnancy should be individualized and carefully considered. For those considering starting immunotherapy during pregnancy, the risks might outweigh the benefits, and alternative treatment options should be explored with a qualified immunologist.

Allergies During Childhood

For children with allergies, symptom management is an essential part of assuring optimal development. Unaddressed childhood allergies can impede school performance and hinder academic achievement.

While more than one-quarter of children in the United States have some form of allergic disease, certain types of allergies can be outgrown, sometimes well before adolescence.

Can food allergies be outgrown?

An estimated 80% of people who experienced milk, egg, soy, sesame, and wheat allergies in infancy outgrow them by their mid-to-late teens. Allergies to shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and fish tend to be lifelong in approximately 90% of instances.

However, whether or not a food allergy will be outgrown cannot be definitively determined. The best way to manage any type of food allergy is to develop a personalized strategy in consultation with an allergist.

Should my children be tested for allergies even though they show no symptoms?

If you have a family history of allergies, it’s a good idea to have your child tested by an allergist. Although allergy testing can be performed at any age, skin tests aren’t recommended for children under six months.

Allergies in Adulthood

Adult-onset allergies can develop at any time; it’s not uncommon to experience seasonal hay fever in adulthood and middle age, even if you’ve never had symptoms in your youth. An estimated 5% of people in the United States with a diagnosed food allergy were first diagnosed as adults.

What causes allergies to develop in adulthood?

Genetics are thought to play a role in whether allergies develop in adulthood, though identifying the reason behind a sudden onset of allergies can be challenging.

While there may be medical explanations at play, the specific reasons can vary from person to person. In some cases, allergies can develop without any known cause. In other cases, there may be underlying medical conditions or environmental factors that contribute to the development of an allergy.

Which allergies develop in adulthood?

A common type of adult-onset allergy is oral allergy syndrome.

Oral allergy syndrome is a condition where the body develops an allergic response to proteins in fruits and vegetables that resemble certain pollen proteins. So, if a person has a lifelong allergy to grass pollen, that person might develop an allergic response to a fruit or vegetable with a similar protein.

Food allergies can also develop in adults. The most common include the following:

  • Shellfish
  • Fish
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts

While childhood allergies can disappear, adult-onset allergies generally persist throughout the person’s lifetime.

While allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed effectively. If you are struggling with allergy symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek diagnosis and treatment from a board-certified allergist.

How Do I Know If I Have Food Sensitivity or An Allergy?

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If you have painful or unpleasant physical reactions to certain foods, you might be experiencing a food allergy, food intolerance, or food sensitivity. While all three issues can cause significant health challenges, they can be managed with careful prevention and treatment strategies.

It’s quite common to experience irritating, unpleasant, or painful physical symptoms after consuming certain foods. Maybe you develop heartburn after eating spicy foods or citrus, or you feel sluggish after a rich meal. However, if you have serious physical reactions after eating a particular food, you might believe you have a food allergy.

What are the Differences Between Food Allergies and Food Intolerances?

Although it is entirely possible that you’re experiencing an allergic response to an ingredient in your food, it is also highly likely that you could have a food intolerance, an autoimmune disorder, or food sensitivity. These conditions can trigger a variety of symptoms, and it’s important to recognize how the different conditions affect the body.

Food Allergies

A food allergy occurs when the immune system misidentifies a specific food as harmful, leading to an Immunoglobulin E (IgE) overresponse that can trigger potentially dangerous symptoms.

Food allergies can cause multiple symptoms that can vary from person to person. Common food allergy symptoms may include the following:

  • Abdominal cramps or diarrhea
  • Anaphylaxis (a potentially deadly allergic reaction)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Hives
  • Itching or tingling sensation in the mouth
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Wheezing

Food allergies can be very dangerous. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical intervention in the form of an epinephrine injection.

Food Intolerance

There are a lot of people who have uncomfortable physical responses to certain foods, but while some might be caused by allergies, most are the result of a food intolerance.

Because an intolerance to certain ingredients in food can trigger similar symptoms to food allergies, confusing the two conditions is quite common.

Food intolerance does not involve the immune response and is caused by a problem with the digestive system. The most commonly experienced form of food intolerance is lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which processes dairy lactose.

Unlike food allergies, food intolerance symptoms are typically limited to the digestive system. Common intolerance symptoms may include:

  • Bloating or gas
  • Abdominal pain or cramps
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Nausea or vomiting

While food intolerance can be extremely uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening.

Autoimmune Disorder/Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes a severe inflammatory response when gluten protein from barley flour, rye flour, or wheat flour is consumed. This response causes the small intestine to fail to absorb nutrients, a condition called malabsorption.

Celiac disease symptoms include the following:

  • Nausea
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Abdominal distension
  • Gas
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation

Celiac disease is categorized into two subgroups, according to the World Gastroenterology Organization:

  • Classical Celiac Disease: Classical celiac disease leads to malabsorption symptoms, which include diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia.
  • Non-Classical Celiac Disease: Non-classical celiac disease causes abdominal pain, discomfort, and constipation without indications of malabsorption.

Celiac disease is not considered an allergy – people with celiac disease are not in immediate danger if they eat gluten once. Over time, however, consistent gluten exposure can cause significant digestive distress, potentially leading to malnutrition.

Food Sensitivity

Some people develop issues that are not common to food allergies, autoimmune disorders, or food intolerance. Such issues are thought to be related to food sensitivity.

Food sensitivities are often considered synonymous with food intolerances, but the related symptoms aren’t necessarily similar. Reported food sensitivity symptoms can include the following:

  • Joint pain
  • Fatigue
  • Neurological symptoms (brain fog)

How are Food Allergies, Food Intolerances, and Food Sensitivities Diagnosed?

Determining if a person has a food allergy or food intolerance involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. The diagnosis may include the following steps:

  • Medical History: The healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms, when the symptoms occur, and any family history of allergies or intolerances.
  • Physical Exam: The provider will examine the skin for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or swelling.
  • Food Allergy Testing: Allergy blood tests, such as skin-prick tests or IgE blood tests, may be conducted to measure the presence of allergy antibodies to specific foods.
  • Elimination Diet: In cases where the specific trigger food is not clear, an elimination diet may be recommended. An elimination diet involves avoiding certain foods and slowly reintroducing them to identify the culprit.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for food allergies involves strict avoidance of the trigger food and, in some cases, medication or epinephrine injections for severe allergic reactions. Food intolerances can be managed by avoiding the trigger food and following the recommended diet.

Preventing debilitating reactions to foods involves taking the following precautions:

  • Read food labels carefully to avoid accidental ingestion of allergens.
  • Learn safe food handling practices to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Carry emergency medications, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, in case of a severe allergic reaction.

If you are struggling with uncomfortable reactions to foods, please don’t hesitate to contact the helpful representatives at Allergy Partners to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.

What Is Oral Immunotherapy to Foods and Why Should We Be Excited About Its Future?

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Food Oral Immunotherapy is a breakthrough for those living with food allergies. Children and adults with food allergies make up a large portion of my patients, and the number continues to grow. A recent study showed that 2% of children, or 1.6 million kids, have this life-threatening condition in the United States. As a parent with a child who is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, this especially hits close to home. It is scary to always wonder if she will eat something while not under my watchful eye that leads to “the big one”. This is true especially now as she enters her teenage years where she is experiencing more freedom and independence.

Currently, there is no Food and Drug Association-approved treatment for food allergies. The American College of Asthma and Immunology recommends strict avoidance and always carrying an Epinephrine auto-injector. This is easier said than done. The list gets longer and longer as I holler to her when she runs out the door: Did you brush your teeth? Do you have your phone, your keys, and your epinephrine auto-injector?

However, there is hope on the horizon. Board-certified Allergists, including myself, have begun to offer Oral Immunotherapy to foods. This involves taking a daily food product. Patients start off with very small quantities, less than one-hundredth of the food. The amount is slowly increased over weeks to months in an allergist’s office. Eventually the patient will reach a maintenance that can vary based on the clinical scenario. Once this dose is reached, the patient will remain on a daily dose of the food product indefinitely. This process desensitizes the patient to the food. Therefore, if the food is accidentally ingested, the patient will be less sensitive to the food and less likely to have a severe reaction. Patients still need to carry their epinephrine auto-injectors and continue to eat the previous offending food on a regular basis.

There is not a cure–yet. But, this offers peace of mind to the child and their parents if and when an accidental ingestion occurs. This significantly improves the quality of life for the patient and their family members.

If you would like to know more about Oral Immunotherapy, please visit our website or call our office to set up an appointment.

By Dr. Elizabeth Majeski
Allergy Partners of Charleston

Flu Vaccine & Egg Allergy

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It can be frightening and scary news when you or your loved one is diagnosed with an egg allergy. You educate yourself about ingredient lists, make sure you know safe versus unsafe foods, and always have your epinephrine injector close by. You become an expert on all things “egg.” You are finally feeling comfortable with handling things, when all of a sudden, IT’S FLU SEASON!

You’ve read that most influenza vaccines are produced by growing influenza virus in embryonated chicken eggs, and therefore contain trace amounts of egg protein. It stands to reason then, that if you have an egg allergy you could have an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine. You ask your friends, your pharmacist, and even your primary care doctor, but nobody seems to give you a straight answer to the burning question: is the flu vaccine safe in people with egg allergies?

Well fear not, there is a correct answer: YES! The influenza vaccine is considered safe for those with any type of egg allergy. But, don’t take my word for it, take it from the CDC:

“People with egg allergies can receive any licensed, recommended age-appropriate influenza (flu) vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) that is otherwise appropriate. People who have a history of severe egg allergy (those who have had any symptom other than hives after exposure to egg) should be vaccinated in a medical setting, supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic reactions.” (www.cdc.gov)

Now this recommendation is not just based on guess work. It is heavily rooted in data from the millions who have previously received the flu vaccine. In a review of published data from 2012, including 4,172 egg-allergic patients (513 of whom reported a history of severe allergic reaction after eating egg), there were no noted occurrences of anaphylaxis following administration of the flu vaccine, though some milder reactions did occur (www.cdc.gov).

Despite the evidence suggesting that egg allergic people can safely receive the flu vaccine, it is not safe for everyone. Those people with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a previous dose are recommended to avoid it.

When you are not sure if you’ve had an allergic reaction to the vaccine, or you are extremely nervous about receiving the vaccine safely (egg allergy or not), Allergy Partners can help. Our board-certified Allergists can counsel you on whether it is safe for you to receive the flu vaccine. When necessary, we can also offer testing to components of the vaccine and in office administration under the direct supervision of the physician to make sure you receive the vaccine safely.

Remember, the flu can be deadly or cause serious harm to you or your loved ones. The CDC recommends that all people 6 months or older receive the influenza vaccine annually. Don’t let fear or misinformation stand in your way. Talk to your local Allergy Partners to make sure you are protected this season!

By Dr. Jonathan Romeo

Allergy Partners of the Triangle

Xolair Receives FDA Approval for the Management of Food Allergies

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We are excited to share groundbreaking news in the realm of food allergy treatment: the recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Xolair (Omalizumab) for the management of food allergies. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the field, offering hope and new possibilities for those living with food allergies.

Xolair, initially approved for allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria (commonly called hives), has now been granted expanded approval to include the treatment of moderate to severe persistent allergic reactions to foods. This decision comes after rigorous clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy and safety of Xolair in reducing the frequency and severity of allergic reactions to specific foods.

This approval heralds a promising shift in treatment options for individuals navigating the daily challenges of food allergies. Traditionally, the primary approach to managing food allergies has been strict avoidance and the use of emergency medications such as epinephrine to counteract severe reactions. While these measures remain crucial, they do not provide a definitive solution for preventing allergic reactions.

Emerging Treatments for Food Allergies

In addition to Xolair, other emerging treatments for food allergies show promise in desensitizing the immune system and reducing allergic reactions. Two notable approaches are food oral immunotherapy (OIT) and food sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

  • Food oral immunotherapy (OIT) involves gradually exposing patients to small, controlled amounts of their allergen, starting with tiny doses and increasing over time. This process helps the body build up tolerance to the allergen, potentially reducing the severity of allergic reactions.
  • Food sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) works by administering small doses of the allergen under the tongue, training the immune system to become less reactive to the allergen over time.

While these treatments have shown encouraging results in clinical trials, they also come with their own set of considerations and potential risks. Patients considering OIT or SLIT should discuss the pros and cons with their healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment approach for their individual needs.

Renewed Hope and Expanded Possibilities for Treating Food Allergies

Xolair, food OIT, and food SLIT represent promising options for individuals with food allergies, offering renewed hope and expanded possibilities for managing this challenging condition. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Xolair, OIT, SLIT, or any other aspect of food allergy management, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Allergy Partners. Together, we can empower you to make informed decisions and thrive despite food allergies.

As always, we are here to support you in exploring these allergy treatment options and navigating your journey toward better health and well-being. Find an allergist near you.

Trick or Treating with Food Allergies

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Halloween Is Supposed to Be Fun and Just a Bit Scary. But for Children With Food Allergies and Their Families It Can Be Just Plain Scary.

Food allergy affects an estimated 32 million Americans, including 5.6 million children under the age of 18. That’s 1 in 13 children! The most common food allergens are milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. As you can imagine, outside of fish and shellfish, any of these triggers may be found in Halloween candy treats. Symptoms of a food allergy reaction may include a rash or red, itchy skin, vomiting, a stuffy, itchy nose, or diarrhea or stomach cramps. For children who are severely allergic, a single bite of these foods may cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that affects several parts of the body that starts very quickly and can be life-threatening. Signs of anaphylaxis include:

• Throat tightness, hoarseness or trouble swallowing.
• Trouble breathing, cough, wheezing of chest tightness.
• Feeling lightheaded, faint, or confusion.

Anaphylaxis can lead to shock and even death. If any symptoms of anaphylaxis develop, injectable Epinephrine should be given immediately and 911 called to activate EMS.

So How Can Food Allergic Kids Have a Safe Halloween? Here Are a Few Ideas:

• Plan food-free Halloween activities like costume contests, games and pumpkin carving.
• Make sure allergic children don’t trick or treat alone and always have access to auto-injectable epinephrine.
• Make sure friends and family know about a child’s food allergy and how to respond to an emergency.
• Have a ‘candy check’ where parents check all trick or treat candies before your child eats any of the night’s spoils.
• Be cautious of ‘fun size’ candy as the ingredients may be different than the standard sized ones.
• Teach kids to politely decline homemade foods like cookies or know food triggers.
• Look for homes with a Teal Pumpkin out front. This means the home is part of the Teal Pumpkin Project and have safe, non-food treats available for Halloween.

Being careful and being prepared are the keys to making Halloween fun and not so scary for kids with food allergy.

By Dr. William McCann

Allergy Partners of Western North Carolina

Early Food Introduction For Infants

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Food allergies have been a hot topic in the news over recent years. With the increasing rates of food allergies, it seems that all of us know someone whose life is impacted. While most of the recent news has focused on kids, a recent article by Dr Ruchi Gupta from Northwestern University suggests that rates of food allergies are likely increasing among adults as well.

Fortunately, there has also been a great deal of good news regarding food allergies. Over the last few years, several studies have suggested that early introduction of highly allergenic foods such as peanut and eggs may lead to a lower rate of food allergies later in life. In the past, allergists and pediatricians recommended delaying the introduction of these foods until at least 1 year of age to reduce the risk of developing food allergies. However, the tide has shifted and based on research studies such as the Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP) trial these recommendations have changed. The LEAP trial demonstrated that for infants at high risk of developing a peanut allergy, introducing regular peanut consumption during infancy lead to a dramatic reduction of peanut allergy at age 5. Based on this and other promising studies, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently published an updated report on the role of early infant diet on the prevention of allergic disease.

According to this report “there is no evidence that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods, including peanuts, eggs and fish, beyond 4 to 6 months prevents atopic disease.” The report goes on to state that “there is now evidence that early introduction of peanut may prevent peanut allergy.” In other words, allergists and pediatricians now believe that adding these foods once an infant reaches 4 to 6 months of age may actually reduce the rate of food allergy. These exciting findings offer hope that we will be able to reverse the trend and actually see lower rates of food allergies in the future.

Changing recommendations and guidelines can be confusing for patients and families. Your local Allergy Partners providers can help you with up to date recommendations about food introduction for your children and discuss any concerns you have about current food allergies.

By Dr. Chris Copenhaver
Allergy Partners of Western North Carolina