Epinephrine Even if Doubt

8/6/2015:  ACAAI States Importance of Epinephrine Even if Doubt

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) states that even if in doubt as to whether a patient is indeed suffering from an anaphylactic reaction, it is best to treat with epinephrine.  Allergist Paul Dowling, MD, ACAAI member and panelist, states, "Antihistamines and corticosteroids should not be given instead of epinephrine because they don't work fast enough."  Allergist Stanley Fineman, MD, ACAAI past president, and chair of the pane, further explains, "Because epinephrine is the first line of defense in treating anaphylaxis, the panel agreed it should be used-even if a patient's reaction may not meet all the established criteria." [1]

8/20/2015:  Nickel Allergy and Nickel in Foods

According to the American Academy of Dermatology and Stanford Hospital's Jennifer Chen, MD, FAAD, those with nickel allergies (normally found in some jewely, phones or glasses) may also have a rash from eating foods that contain nickel.  The food that cntain nickel include seeds, nuts, chocolat, wheat and rye.  Normally the amount is low enough not to cause a reaction, but can contribute to an existing condition. [2]

[1]  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150806091200.htm

[2]  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150820082134.htm

Food Allergy Treatments

7/9/2015:  University of Chicago Medicine Suports Food Allergy Treatments

Christina Ciaccio, MD, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Chicago Medicine and medical director of the new center of excellence, states, "We believe that in the near future we'll be able to offer patients new treatments that will decrease their likelihood of experiencing a severe allergic reaction and for some, may even offer a cure."  In addition to conducting trials for promising therapies, UChicago Medicine will collaborate with FARE and other centers to establish best practices for the care of patients with food allergies. [1]

7/15/2015:  Food Allergy Research & Education Funds Awareness

The popular associated known as FARE donated $143K to fund community initiatives to increase awareness about food allergies. Awareness is supported through group walks, reading materials for families and schools and family based conferences.  [2]

[1]  http://www.uchospitals.edu/news/2015/20150709-fare.html

[2]  http://www.foodallergy.org/2015/071515

Spain Presented on Peanut Patch

6/8/2015:  EAACI Congress in Spain Presented on Peanut Patch

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress held in Barcelona in June 2015 presented positive results in the treatment of peanut allergy via the patch called Viaskin Peanut.  It appears the patch is more beneficial than the oral or sublingual therapies.  More studies are underway thoughout 2015.  [1]   According to CNN Money in London, the patch was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for special fast track testing. [2]  If all goes well it may be released by 2018.

[1] http://www.dbv-technologies.com/en/investor-relations/regulated-information/2043,EAACI-presentation

[2] http://money.cnn.com/2015/06/23/news/companies/peanut-allergy-drug-patch/

Asthma and Peanut Allergy Symptoms

5/11/2015:  President Obama Raises Awareness

As May is the month of Food Allegy Awareness Week, President Obama prepared a written letter to encourage education and awareness of food allergies. 

5/11/2015:  Stanford Treatment Research for Food Allergies

Stanford's Dr. Nadeau is leading the way with desentsitization research using a drug to modify an allergic person's DNA cell to be like that of a non-allergic person.  Silicon Valley's Sean Parker donated $24 million to Stanford in support of this research.  See this 8 minute PBS video for more information about the study or this 1 minute video on the DNA.

5/18/2015:  Asthma and Peanut Allergy Have Same Symptoms

Children with asthma may not realize they are allergic to peanuts because the respiratory symptoms of peanut allergy reaction can look the same as an asthma attack. [1]

[1] http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11450424

Asthma is Linked to Allergies

4/1/2015:  April is Allergies and Asthma Awareness Month

People who have food allergies can develop seasonal allergies to pollen.  This is called oral allergy syndrome.  The protein make up in the pollen and food can be almost identical and the human body becomes confused and reacts to the food that is similar to the pollen or vice versa. 

4/15/2015:  Asthma is Linked to Allergies

Asthma can be an abnormal response to a food that is eaten.  Inflammation is a food allergy symptom.  Asthma is a condition of inflammation of the lungs.  By eliminating specific foods, asthmatic reactions have been found to be reduced.[1]

[1] https://www.patrickholford.com/advice/seven-ways-to-stop-asthma