Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Finding Relief for Eye Allergies


Allergies can affect the eyes, causing red, itchy, burning, and watery eyes and swollen eyelids. Many of the same treatments and self-help strategies that help reduce nasal allergy symptoms work for eye allergies, too.Eye allergies, also called "allergic conjunctivitis", affect one in five Americans. While allergies affecting the eyes usually do not threaten eyesight, they can be very uncomfortable and red, puffy eyes may be unbecoming.  But since these symptoms can sometimes be caused also by infections and other conditions that do threaten eyesight, it is a good idea to see your doctor if eye symptoms persist.
Triggers of eye allergies can be pollens, cat or dog danders, dust mites, or other airborne allergens.  On contact, thousands of cells in the surface of the eyes release histamine that leads to itchiness and other annoying allergy symptoms.  Rubbing the eyes makes it worse, while cool compresses and eyedrops that counteract the histamine effect can be very helpful.  Finding the cause and avoiding or immunizing against it (as with "allergy shots" or immunotherapy) can give more permanent relief. 
For more information, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.


Thursday, November 1, 2012

A Stylish Solution for Kids with EpiPens

The Olli Pocket Cargo Pant from Olli Lolli is a stylish solution for kids who need to carry and EpiPen or asthma medication on them at all times.  Made of 100% organic cotton twill, these comfy cargos have a side pocket that's designed to carry those essential meds.  They also have sweaters, jackets and shirts that anounce to everyone what food your child is allergic to.  Visit www.ollilolli.com.

For more information on allergies and asthma, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Can peanut allergic people eat peanut oil safely?






For a peanut allergic person, it is not safe to eat cold-pressed, expressed, or extruded peanut oil, which are sometimes represented as "gourmet oils" -- these tend to contain the highly allergenic peanut protein. On the other hand, it has been shown that peanut allergic individuals can safely eat high-temperature, heat-processed, fully refined peanut oil (refined, bleached and deodorized), which means the proteins in the oil are stripped out during the processing.  
Certain restaurants such as Chick Fil-A do offer detailed information regarding their use of only this highly refined peanut oil, which is generally safe for peanut allergic patients.  However, in the absence of such detailed information, we would advise avoidance of peanut oils if you are severely allergic to peanuts.   
A list of foods that may be hidden sources of peanut protein is available at http://www.foodallergy.org/page/peanut-allergy.
For more on testing for peanut and other allergies, go to SouthBayAllergy.com
Source: FAAN
 

Friday, October 26, 2012

Awesome new site for food allergy patients - The Allergy Menu

This is a new searchable database of recipes where food allergic individuals can enter the foods they need to avoid (among the most common food allergens such as milk, egg, wheat, peanut, sesame, tree nuts), click a button and voila! A series of recipes that would be safe and allergen-free for them.  It costs $297 per year for a subscription -- which seems pricey at first, but in fact that is less than a dollar a day to get rid of the hassle of trying to navigate through recipe books and hundreds of labels to figure out what would be safe to eat.  Very nice idea, something we have needed for a long time!

Click here for the link.

Visit our website at: www.southbayallergy.com

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Halloween Haunts Parents of Students with Life-Threatening Food Allergies


As ghosts and goblins race through neighborhoods chanting, "Trick or Treat", parents of children with life-threatening food allergies, called anaphylaxis, feel shivers of fright and real terror according to Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA), the leading patient education, advocacy and outreach organization. For good reason. They've seen that one bite of the wrong treat can turn a fun-filled evening into a nightmare at the hospital.
 
Even so, AANMA president and founder Nancy Sander says it is possible for parents and their food allergic children to be smart and have fun on the wackiest dress-up night of the year. "It's a great time for parents to remind children what their food allergens look like and not to eat any unapproved candy or treats until they get home—as well as to reinforce the need to keep two epinephrine auto-injectors everywhere, every day even if that means tucking them in your costume or goodie bag (or asking Mom and Dad to carry them)."
Anaphylaxis Community Expert (ACE) Teams nationwide are helping young people develop independent thinking skills necessary to prevent and respond to food allergy accidents. Volunteer teams are formed by local allergists, school nurses, registered nurses, PAs, and parents through a program developed by AANMA and the American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. This school year, ACE Teams have trained daycare providers, EMTs, school faculty and staff--as well as at-risk students and patients--how to identify and respond to an anaphylactic emergency.
"Fun begins by eliminating the fear of the unknown. We start with a qualified diagnosis, a written plan, parent and student education to prevent future episodes and training to know when and how to self-administer epinephrine auto-injectors." says Katie Marks, MD. "Our goal is to teach school children the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and when to ask for help."

This Halloween, ACE Teams are helping parents and students learn age-appropriate food allergy anaphylaxis prevention and emergency self-management skills.  At-risk students who complete free one-on-one or small group ACE training programs at schools, community and worship centers receive free Epi Everywhere! Every Day!TM bag tags and stickers.  To learn more, please contact local ACE Team member Anna at anna@southbayallergy.com or 310-371-1388 ext 15.

About ACEs
The Anaphylaxis Community Experts (ACEs) program is developed by Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), sponsored by Mylan Specialty, LP. The ACEs program goal is to save lives through showing parents, teachers, school nurses, emergency responders, and others how to recognize and respond immediately to anaphylaxis symptoms.

Friday, October 19, 2012

 
Rain can temporarily decrease pollen counts in the air, but only if its a heavy enough downfall, light rain may not change pollen counts by very much. Following the rain, the humidity and warmer weather can actually increase pollen counts. Other aero-allergens like mold can increase and cause more symptoms too. So, it can be good and bad.
And then there are thunderstorms. Certain wind patterns called updrafts can occur and can these can worsen allergies and asthma due to increases in mold spore counts and a decrease in the size of grass pollen particles which can affect the respiratory tract more easily.

If you have allergies or asthma, talk to your allergist about tips you can follow to prevent your allergies or asthma from flaring!

Check out www.southbayallergy.com for allergen avoidance tips!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

"Why are my allergy symptoms worse than ever before?"

Many people are experiencing severe allergy symptoms right now and many of them are asking "why are my symptoms more severe than ever before?"

The answer may be due to the "priming effect".

The "priming effect" is an increased sensitivity of the lining of the nose that occurs with repeated exposure to allergens like pollen.

With the hot weather occurring earlier in the year this year and sticking around longer than usual, there has been more pollen in the air (plants produce more pollen in hotter weather).

This has meant a longer allergy season and a therefore a more vigorous "priming effect" that has become stronger and stronger as the different seasons have progressed.
 
So a person doesn't need to be exposed to as much pollen to have symptoms of hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis). These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, scratchy throat, watery/itchy eyes and even fatigue. All of these can greatly affect quality of life and can lead to complications like sinus infections and asthma flares.
 
People who've never had seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms before may experience them for the first time. Others who could control these symptoms with over the counter medications like antihistamines now need additional medication to help symptoms.

We are currently in the fall allergy season where weeds and molds are the main culprits that cause symptoms. Elm tree pollen is also important here in So Cal this time of year. The "priming effect" can also cause patients to be more sensitive to other allergens like dust mites and animal dander.

The most important thing for patients to know is: don't ignore your symptoms! If allergen avoidance and over the counter medications are not enough, go see an allergist to discuss other options and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you!

For more information, please visit: www.southbayallergy.com

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Is There A Natural Cure for Asthma?

With all the new findings on alternative medicine and natural remedies, you may wonder if there’s a natural cure for asthma. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma at this point. In fact, it’s highly advisable to avoid any asthma treatment or product -- natural or otherwise -- that claims to be a "cure" for asthma.


Can Natural Therapies Help to Manage Asthma?

Some natural therapies may help to manage symptoms of asthma. For instance, a negative response to emotional stress can cause an asthma attack. Some natural relaxation remedies like deep abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback can help relieve stress.
Other findings suggest that diet plays a role in alleviating asthma symptoms. For example, it’s thought that omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in high-fat fish such as salmon, mackerel, or cod enable the body to make more products that tend to decrease inflammation. Whether or not this may be of benefit to those with asthma is still unproven.

Pros and Cons of Natural Asthma Remedies

As you consider the different types of natural asthma remedies available, it’s of utmost importance to cautiously balance your desire to breathe easier with the possible dangers of the treatment, which may be unknown. Never use any natural dietary supplement without checking first with your allergist.
If you are uncertain about the claims on a natural dietary supplement product label, see your allergist before taking it so that they can assess the product to let you know what it contains.

Goals of Managing Asthma

Your goal in managing asthma is to:
  • Get an accurate asthma diagnosis.
  • Work with your allergist to develop an asthma action plan.
  • Monitor your peak flow rate daily and take appropriate measures when it drops.
  • Keep an asthma diary so you can track all your symptoms and medication use.
  • Avoid asthma triggers or causes of asthma, including outdoor irritants such as smog.
  • Seek medical advice and treatment for coexisting problems that can worsen asthma symptoms, such as GERD, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.
  • Exercise daily to maximize your aerobic fitness.
  • Prevent exercise-induced asthma by medicating before exercise.
  • Eat nutritous foods to maximize your immune defenses against viral and bacterial infections.
  • Maintain a normal weight.
  • Check in with your allergist regularly for breathing tests to make sure your asthma is managed and your medications are working optimally.
  • You hold the key to living well with asthma. Trust your allergist to give you guidance, and then take daily responsibility for your breathing with proven self-care measures.
For more information, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.
Source: WebMD

Monday, October 8, 2012

Who should get a flu shot?



Who Should Get Vaccinated This Season?


Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. It’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated. Those people include the following:

  • People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. This includes:
    • People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
    • Pregnant women.
    • People 65 years and older
  • People who live with or care for others who are high risk of developing serious complications. This includes:
    • household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
A detailed list is available at Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Influenza. A complete list of health and age factors that are known to increase a person’s risk of developing serious complications from flu is available at People Who Are at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications.
 Source: CDC

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Monday, October 1, 2012

Cold or Allergy?

During the fall, many patients suffer from congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal itching. They might think they have a common cold, but some patients may actually be suffering from nasal allergy symptoms (also called allergic rhinitis or "hay fever").

Take this quiz to learn more!

For more information, please visit us at www.southbayallergy.com

Source: WebMD

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Oral Allergy Syndrome

Sometimes my mouth tingles when I eat melons - is this a food allergy?

If you also happen to be allergic to ragweed pollen, you may be experiencing a type of allergy called "oral allergy syndrome".  This occurs when eating fruits or vegetables containing proteins that are cousins of pollen proteins, especially during that specific pollen season.  So eating melons during the early fall, when ragweed pollens are high, can result in itching or tingling of the lips or mouth.  People with birch pollen allergy may react in this way when eating apples.  

Are these symptoms dangerous?

Unlike peanut or shellfish proteins, which often cause serious allergic reactions, these fruit proteins are rapidly broken down by enzymes in your mouth or stomach, making it very unlikely that they will make it into your bloodstream to cause a severe reaction.

As with all allergy symptoms, however, it is advisable to have any adverse reactions to a food checked out by an allergist for specific recommendations.

For more information, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Are allergies inherited?

Though having allergies tends to run in families, the exact type of allergic disorder may vary from one generation to the next.  For example, if Grandma had asthma, and Dad had hives from food allergies, you and your siblings may have "hay fever" (nasal allergies) or eczema, but not necessarily asthma or hives.

Also, while you may be allergic to shellfish, your child could develop an allergy to anything from foods to airborne inhaled allergens such as pollens or dust mites.  Just because a parent is allergic to cats doesn't mean a child will also be allergic to cats.  If there is a rabbit in the playroom, it is much more likely that the child will develop an allergy to rabbits.

For more information, please visit us at www.southbayallergy.com

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Hay Fever?



"Hay fever", a term from a bygone era, actually has nothing to do with hay!

Instead, it’s a general term used to describe the symptoms of nasal allergies to a variety of triggers. It is also known as allergic rhinitis.  Most commonly, hay fever symptoms include itchy, watery eyes and nose, a stuffy nose, and sneezing.



See one of our allergists for help discovering your specific allergy triggers.  We can advise you on practical ways to avoid these triggers, the use of appropriate medications to control your symptoms, and whether "allergy shots" may be your best option.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Fall Allergy Tips!


Look out for ragweed and mold! They are 2 of the main culprits that can cause allergy symptoms in the Fall.

Ragweed and other weeds are the biggest allergy triggers in the Fall. They begin pollinating in August and can travel hundreds of miles in the wind.


Mold thrives in damp areas such as in the piles of damp leaves lining yards and streets, bathrooms, and damp basements.
 
Here are some tips to manage your Fall allergies:
  • Limit your time outdoors when pollen counts are high and close your windows during windy days to keep pollen from blowing in. (check daily pollen counts in your zip code on our website: www.southbayallergy.com)
  • Use your HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, which removes at least 99% of pollen, as well as animal dander, dust and other particles.
  • Wear a mask when raking leaves to avoid inhaling mold spores.
  • Before turning on the heater for the first time, clean the heating ducts and change the filters because mold and dust particles can become trapped in the vents over summer.
If you have symptoms like sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, or itchy eyes or throat, you should see an allergist to discuss treatment options like prescription medications or allergy shots.

For more information, please visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com

Source: ACAAI








Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Is Elm Blooming on Your Street?

Sudden worsening of your nasal or eye allergy symptoms this week?  Elm trees (see photo) are in full bloom along with several weed pollens.  Be sure to wash your hair and change your clothes before sitting on or lying in bed, turn on the air conditioner if you have one and close the windows when it is windy.

Monday, July 16, 2012

All About Air Filters





Confused about all the choices out there?  Here are some great tips for choosing the right air filter, http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/do-you-need-an-air-filter?ecd=wnl_aaa_071612.

Visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com for more information.

Friday, July 13, 2012

FREE Internet training program, School-based Anaphylaxis Preparedness: Policies in Practice

Attend the free internet training program, School-based Anaphylaxis Preparedness: Policies in Practice on July 31, 2012 at 9AM.  To register, visit: http://www.cvent.com/d/1cqzln/1Q.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Dr. Marks on TV!

Dr. Katie Marks, our board certified allergist, expert and community resource, will be featured on an upcoming news segment about gluten allergies. Stay tuned for the link! Or visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/southbayallergy

Monday, July 2, 2012

Asthma Action Plan




Having an asthma action plan is the best way to prepare for asthma attacks – and to be able to act quickly when an attack happens.

The breathlessness of an asthma attack is scary to witness, especially when the person having trouble breathing is your child or another loved one. But you have to act quickly and make smart decisions even if you are frightened – and having a solid asthma action plan in place could even save a life.
Your asthma action plan should include knowledge of your loved one’s triggers, symptoms, and prescription medications, and will help you answer questions like these in an emergency:
  • What type of asthma treatment should you administer?
  • When should you call the doctor?
  • When should you call 911?
Asthma Treatment: Who Makes the Asthma Attack Action Plan?
Your Allergist can help develop a plan for treatment of your asthma.  We like to use an asthma action plan to help customize each patients treatment.
Asthma Attack: How to Respond to Asthma Symptoms
Learning which symptoms require which action is an important starting point for any caregiver of someone who has asthma attacks. Symptoms that need a response include:
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightening
  • Shortness of breath
  • Waking up at night with symptoms
  • Difficulty completing usual activities (in a child, this may be a lack of interest in playing)
Your loved one's action plan for asthma treatment should detail:
  • The daily dose of medication needed for long-term asthma control
  • The triggers or allergens that can set off asthma symptoms
  • The dosage of the medication you can give and whether it’s appropriate to administer an additional or increased dose when symptoms flare
  • The symptoms that warrant a call the doctor or dictate a trip to the emergency room (and it should include contact information for those locations).
Most people who have only occasional asthma symptoms in response to allergens or strenuous exercise can get by with an albuterol rescue inhaler. But the exact medication and dose needed when symptoms intensify depends on such individual factors as age, overall health, and other medical issues.
People with persistent or severe asthma may have one or two medications they take daily to control their asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks, in addition to rescue inhalers to help control immediate symptoms. It’s also important in asthma treatment to try to remove allergens or triggers from your loved one’s environment.
Asthma Action Steps: When to Call the Doctor
If your loved one has an asthma attack and doesn’t experience relief within 10 minutes of administering a short-acting beta-2 inhaler, such as an albuterol inhaler, it’s time to call the doctor. It’s important to note that these inhalers are not intended for daily use in asthma treatment. If the asthmatic uses the inhaler two or more times a week to control asthma symptoms, the asthma is poorly controlled and the doctor should be notified.
Asthma Action Steps: When to Go to the Emergency Room
Go to the ER if:
  • You gave the prescribed medications and symptoms were not relieved in the time you expected (usually about an hour)
  • Your loved one cannot walk or talk and breathe
Giving additional or stronger doses of medications beyond what has been prescribed can be dangerous (sometimes even leading to death). You will need a professional medical checkup because there may be another underlying illness causing the asthma symptoms.
Bottom line: An asthma action plan will make you and your loved one feel more secure. Talk to your loved one's doctor and get your specific plan of action in place before an asthma attack occurs.
Source: EverydayHealth.com

Thursday, June 28, 2012

What are allergy shots?


Allergen immunotherapy ("allergy shots") treats the root cause of allergies such as reactivity to grass, tree, or weed pollens, cats or dogs, or dust mites, by gradually building tolerance -- instead of just temporarily symptoms as medications do.

With a course of immunotherapy, an allergic person can build lifelong tolerance to many of these allergy triggers, avoiding the need for chronic allergy medicines.


For more about what allergy shots can do for you, click here.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Meat allergy might really be due to tick bites

An unusual connection has been found between tick bites and the development of allergy to sugars found in meat.  See the full article here.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Peanuts and Airlines



Which airlines do not serve individual packages or bags of peanuts?
Many airlines post a written peanut allergy policy on their website. After reviewing these policies and corresponding with airline representatives, FAAN has concluded that the following domestic airlines do not serve individual packages of peanuts in coach class:
Air Canada, Air Tran, American, Continental, Frontier, Jet Blue, Midwest, United, US Airways
Please note! This list includes only airlines that do not serve packaged peanuts (i.e., PEANUTS ARE THE ONLY INGREDIENT) in coach class. Some airlines may serve peanuts in first class or business class. Some airlines, such as Frontier, sell snack items (e.g., trail mix, candy bars) in coach class that contain peanuts as an ingredient and/or snack items that include a “may contain” advisory warning on the label.
As long as a passenger with peanut allergy does not eat these products or come into very close contact with them, the risk of reaction from skin contact or inhalation will be minimized.
Again, the most important strategy for avoiding reactions while flying is: DO NOT EAT AIRLINE MEALS OR SNACKS!

What about tree nuts?

Most airlines continue to offer, generally for sale, snack items that contain tree nuts. Other airlines, such as American, serve a warmed tree nut mix in first and/or business class, where the tree nuts are warmed in an oven during the flight prior to being served.
Source: FAAN