Spring Allergies Are Near, Here's What Works to Fight Them

• February 27, 2021
• Full Page

For millions of Americans, sneezing, coughing, runny noses, itchy eyes and congestion are sure signs that spring is on the way.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) has advice for coping with these classic hay fever symptoms. It recently publish...

Approved U.S. COVID Vaccines Are Safe, New Review Confirms

• Dennis Thompson
• February 19, 2021
• Full Page

Only a tiny fraction of the nearly 14 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the first month of vaccinations produced any sort of adverse event, U.S. health officials report.

There were 6,994 reports of adverse events following a shot of the COVID vaccine between...

Not Just Kids: Peanut Allergy Affects Many Adults

• Robert Preidt
• February 9, 2021
• Full Page

Peanut allergy is often thought of as a children's problem, but three out of four Americans with the condition are older than 17, researchers say.

Despite this, treatment remains focused on kids, says Dr. Ruchi Gupta, co-author of a new study and a professor of pediatric...

Are Your Allergies Worse? Blame Climate Change

• February 8, 2021
• Full Page

In a grim development for allergy sufferers in North America, a new investigation warns that pollen seasons are getting longer and worse.

Over the last three decades, the annual pollen season has expanded by nearly three weeks, accompanied by a 21% jump in pollen concent...

Race Plays Role in Kids' Food Allergies: Study

• Robert Preidt
• February 1, 2021
• Full Page

Black American children have higher rates of shellfish and fish allergies than white children, a new study finds.

The research confirms the important role that race plays in children's food allergies, the study authors said.

"Food allergy is a common condition in t...

Severe Allergic Reaction Extremely Rare With Pfizer COVID Vaccine: Study

• Ernie Mundell HealthDay Reporter
• January 21, 2021
• Full Page

Despite scattered media reports of severe allergic reactions to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, a detailed analysis shows that such incidents are very rare, striking just 11 people for every million doses given.

The study, compiled by researchers at the U.S. Centers for Dis...

Allergists' Group Offers Guidelines on COVID-19 Vaccines

• January 9, 2021
• Full Page

A task force of allergists and immunologists recommends those administering the COVID-19 vaccine ask patients some key questions beforehand.

While reactions to vaccines are extremely rare, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) said anyone being v...

Could High Pollen Levels Trigger Pelvic Pain?

• Steven Reinberg
• January 8, 2021
• Full Page

Most folks are familiar with the havoc that high pollen levels can wreak on their lungs, but new research suggests they can also exacerbate a painful pelvic condition in some people.

"Our study provides evidence to suggest increased pollen counts may trigger symptom flar...

Allergic Reactions to COVID Vaccines Are Rare, Resolved on Site: CDC

• Dennis Thompson
• January 6, 2021
• Full Page

Cases of anaphylactic shock caused by COVID-19 vaccines are very rare, based on numbers from the first week and a half of vaccinations in the United States, federal public health officials said Wednesday.

There have been 21 cases of anaphylaxis out of nearly 1.9 million ...

Allergists Offer Reassurance on COVID Vaccines' Safety

• Steven Reinberg
• January 5, 2021
• Full Page

The two COVID-19 vaccinations approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are safe and effective even for people with food or medication allergies, allergists say.

Some allergic reactions in Britain raised concerns, which led Dr. Aleena Banerji, head of the allergy...

Fewer Food Allergies in Kids If Mom Drinks Milk While Breastfeeding: Study

• Denise Mann
• January 4, 2021
• Full Page

Mothers who drink cow's milk while breastfeeding may reduce their child's risk of developing food allergies, a new Swedish study suggests.

"This is a compelling first step in defining a potential relationship between maternal diet and allergy risk," said Dr. Peter Lio, a...

Giving Back: Once a Lung Transplant Recipient, Now a Surgical Nurse

• Denise Mann
• December 30, 2020
• Full Page

Nurses are known for being kind, caring and sympathetic, but Brianna Fogelman brings an uncommon empathy to her nursing job at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore.

Fogelman, 27, underwent a double lung transplant last year to treat a rare lung disease and returned this f...

Resolve to Keep Your Asthma, Allergies Under Control in 2021

• December 26, 2020
• Full Page

If you have allergies or asthma, keeping them under control might be a good New Year's resolution, experts suggest.

"In 2021, along with your allergy and asthma symptoms, you'll still need to keep COVID prevention top of mind," said Dr. Luz Fonacier, president of the Ame...

Allergists' Group Updates Guidelines on COVID-19 Vaccines

• Robert Preidt
• December 22, 2020
• Full Page

In very rare cases, some people have had severe allergic reactions after receiving the new COVID-19 vaccines, leading the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) to issue updated guidance for Americans with allergies.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administra...

Allergists' Group Offers Advice on Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine

• Robert Preidt
• December 15, 2020
• Full Page

Americans may have questions about possible allergic reactions as immunization with the first COVID-19 vaccine begins, and allergy experts can provide some answers.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administratio...

Avoid Allergy Flare-Ups This Holiday Season

• December 13, 2020
• Full Page

Doctors are warning about the threat of COVID-19 transmission as cold weather forces people indoors. But indoor allergies could also take the joy out of your holiday season, an expert says.

Dust, mold, pets, furniture and houseplants can cause indoor allergies, said Dr. ...

Americans With Asthma Get First Updated Guidelines in Over a Decade

• Steven Reinberg
• December 3, 2020
• Full Page

The U.S. National Institutes of Health has updated guidelines for treating asthma.

The update is the first in 13 years and takes into account new medications and other advances in asthma care. It focuses on treatment tailored for different age groups and severity of dise...

Could the Pill Reduce Asthma Attacks?

• Amy Norton
• November 24, 2020
• Full Page

Women with asthma may suffer fewer severe symptom attacks if they are on birth control pills, a large new study suggests.

The study of more than 83,000 women with asthma found that those who used birth control pills for at least three years tended to have fewer severe fl...

Allergies Won't Up Your Odds for Severe COVID

• Cara Murez
• November 16, 2020
• Full Page

In a study of hospitalized patients who had COVID-19, outcomes for those who had allergies were similar to those of other patients, a new study reports.

The findings were scheduled to be presented to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), which w...

Eczema More Common Among Black, Hispanic Kids

• Robert Preidt
• November 13, 2020
• Full Page

Black and Hispanic children in the United States have much higher rates of the skin condition eczema than white children, experts say.

These disparities in eczema -- also called atopic dermatitis (AD) -- will be presented at a virtual meeting of the American College of A...

Pre-Op 'Brain Games' Might Prevent Post-Op Delirium

• Robert Preidt
• November 13, 2020
• Full Page

Playing brain games before surgery may reduce your risk of delirium after your operation, a new study says.

Just as you can prepare your body for surgery, you can do the same for your brain by keeping it active and challenged through something called "neurobics," accordi...

Study Probes Links in Asthma, Food Sensitivity and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

• Robert Preidt
• October 12, 2020
• Full Page

Teens who had asthma and food hypersensitivity when they were younger are at increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), researchers report.

For the study, the investigators examined the health of 2,770 children from birth to age 16. Kids with IBS at age 16 wer...

Plan Ahead to Keep Halloween Safe for Kids With Asthma, Allergies

• Robert Preidt
• October 6, 2020
• Full Page

This Halloween may be especially challenging for parents of children with asthma and allergies, as they also have to guard against COVID-19.

"Every year we send out tips on how to keep your kids with allergies and asthma symptom-free as they celebrate one of their fa...

Fall in the Southeast Means Guarding Against Fire Ant Stings

• Robert Preidt
• October 6, 2020
• Full Page

The sting of fire ants can be painful and even deadly -- and the threat rises during fall across the southeastern United States.

At this time of year, fire ants move to warm surfaces such as concrete slabs or asphalt roads, according to the American College of Allerg...

A Bit of Mom's Poop Might Boost Health of C-Section Babies: Study

• Amy Norton
• October 1, 2020
• Full Page

Delivering by cesarean section deprives babies from receiving mom's beneficial bacteria during the journey through the birth canal. Now researchers are studying an innovative way to counter that: Feeding newborns breast milk fortified with their mother's poop.

There ...

Fending Off Asthma Attacks During a Pandemic

• Robert Preidt
• October 1, 2020
• Full Page

Falling leaves, pumpkins and apples are signs of fall. And so is asthma.

Asthma attacks tend to increase in early autumn. During the coronavirus pandemic, it's especially important for people with the disease to know how to prevent flare-ups, a lung expert says.

Bee Healthy: Honey May Beat Cold Meds Against Cough

• Amy Norton
• August 24, 2020
• Full Page

There may be no cure for the common cold, but a spoonful of honey might make it less miserable, a new research review concludes.

Parents have long used honey to soothe kids' sore throats and cough -- probably because their parents did. But the review of 14 clinical t...

Study Questions Need to Wait Days to Give Baby New Foods

• Robert Preidt
• August 21, 2020
• Full Page

Current guidelines on introducing solid foods to babies may hamper efforts to prevent food allergies, researchers say.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend introducing one, single-ingredient food at a time, ...

Play It Safe With Allergies, Asthma During Pandemic School Year

• Serena McNiff
• August 21, 2020
• Full Page

As parents deal with the uncertainty surrounding school this year, allergies and asthma may not be top of their minds.

But even during a pandemic, parents of children with allergies and asthma need to consider the added risks their children may face, one allergist sa...

Many Cases of 'Penicillin Allergy' Might Be Mistaken

• Robert Preidt
• July 8, 2020
• Full Page

Penicillin allergy is often unconfirmed in hospital patients, meaning many unnecessarily receive other antibiotics that may be less effective and even harmful, a new study finds.

The researchers analyzed records of nearly 11,000 patients at 106 U.S. hospitals and fou...

Asthma, Allergies Plus Pandemic May Pose 4th of July Challenges

• Robert Preidt
• July 2, 2020
• Full Page

The coronavirus pandemic makes planning for July 4th a challenge this year, especially if someone in the family has allergies or asthma, an allergy expert says.

"This summer will see modifications in how people celebrate Independence Day," said Dr. J. Allen Meadows, ...

How the Saharan Dust Plume Could Make Your Allergies Worse

• Steven Reinberg
• June 25, 2020
• Full Page

As the giant Saharan dust plume continues its 5,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean, experts warn that people in its path can expect to have flare-ups of allergies and asthma.

The massive dust cloud is expected to hit the U.S. Gulf Coast this week.

Pill Might Prevent Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions

• Amy Norton
• June 10, 2020
• Full Page

Pills used to treat blood cancers may potentially prevent life-threatening allergic reactions, early research hints.

That could spell good news for people with severe food and drug allergies.

In lab experiments, researchers found that a group of medicatio...

Are Your Symptoms From COVID-19 or Seasonal Allergies?

• Robert Preidt
• June 4, 2020
• Full Page

In the thick of the coronavirus pandemic, it might be hard to tell if you've come down with COVID-19, spring allergies or a cold, which all have some similar symptoms.

Fever and dry cough are common symptoms of COVID-19, along with shortness of breath and difficulty ...

Are Food Allergies Under-Diagnosed in Poor Families?

• Robert Preidt
• June 2, 2020
• Full Page

Food allergies may be under-diagnosed among children covered by Medicaid, a new study suggests.

"We were surprised to find such a large discrepancy in estimates of food allergy prevalence in children on Medicaid compared to the general population," said senior study ...

Pollen Fragments Linger After Rains, Leaving Allergy Sufferers Miserable

• Robert Preidt
• May 27, 2020
• Full Page

Spring showers bring … pollen.

That's the surprising discovery made by researchers when they measured tree pollen fragment concentrations during and after spring rains of varying intensity in Iowa City between April 17 and May 31, 2019.

Rain fell on ...

Don't Cut Back on Asthma Meds During Pandemic, Expert Advises

• Robert Preidt
• April 19, 2020
• Full Page

Despite increased demand for inhalers in some parts of the United States, Americans with asthma shouldn't ration their medications during the coronavirus pandemic, the American Lung Association says.

Rescue inhalers are in short supply in some areas because hospitals...

Is It Allergies or COVID-19? An Expert Helps You Tell the Difference

• Robert Preidt
• April 17, 2020
• Full Page

With allergy season and the coronavirus pandemic overlapping this spring, one allergist offers some advice on how to tell which one may be making you miserable.

"This spring allergy season has been especially challenging because of the pandemic of COVID-19, and a lo...

Another Coronavirus Health Threat: Too Few Asthma Inhalers

• Serena Gordon
• March 31, 2020
• Full Page

As hospitals give more and more COVID-19 patients albuterol to help them breathe, people with asthma may have a hard time getting an inhaler.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) said some areas of the United Sta...

FDA Warns of Defective EpiPen Dangers

• Robert Preidt
• March 25, 2020
• Full Page

Certain types of EpiPens and their generic counterparts may fail or delay injection of lifesaving epinephrine for severe allergic reactions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.

Problems may occur in EpiPen 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg auto-injectors and aut...

What You Need to Know About Coronavirus If You Have Asthma

• Robert Preidt
• March 19, 2020
• Full Page

If you have asthma, you are among those at greatest risk in the coronavirus pandemic and must take precautions, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says.

It's important to keep your asthma well-controlled, so continue your medications. No a...

AHA News: A Look at Allergies and Heart Health, With Tips to Endure Pollen Season Amid Coronavirus Fears

• March 18, 2020
• Full Page

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers and, for millions of Americans, the arrival of allergy season. It also coincides this year with the arrival of COVID-19, which could make allergy sufferers hyperaware of every sneeze and sniffle.

But there are key dif...

An Allergist Offers His Expert Advice for a Sneeze-Free Spring

• Robert Preidt
• March 7, 2020
• Full Page

While many Americans are ready to celebrate the end of winter, those with seasonal allergies are already dreading the sneezing, wheezing, itchy eyes and runny nose that spring brings.

"Spring allergies can be tricky to treat because not everyone is allergic to the sa...

Allergy Med Singulair to Get 'Black Box' Warning Over Psych Side Effects: FDA

• E.J. Mundell
• March 4, 2020
• Full Page

Asthma and allergy drug montelukast -- sold as a generic and under the brand name Singulair -- will get a "boxed warning" over potential ties to neuropsychiatric effects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on Wednesday.

The drug has long carried a warnin...

Pick Summer Camps Carefully When Your Kid Has Allergies, Asthma

• Robert Preidt
• February 29, 2020
• Full Page

If you child has allergies or asthma, you need to take that into consideration when selecting a summer camp.

"Parents and kids alike who are dealing with asthma or severe allergies need to know there's a good fit and that the child's medical needs are being met," sai...

Babies' Exposure to Household Cleaning Products Tied to Later Asthma Risk

• Robert Preidt
• February 18, 2020
• Full Page

A key to your baby's asthma risk may be as close as your laundry room.

Canadian research shows that an infant's exposure to household cleaning products in the first few months of life is tied to heightened odds for asthma by age 3.

Babies may be especially ...

5 Secrets to an Allergy-Free Valentine's Day

• Kayla McKiski
• February 14, 2020
• Full Page

Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to shower your loved one with gifts, but some may do more harm than good.

"If you want to impress your beloved this year, take a pass on gifts that cause sneezing and wheezing," said allergist Dr. J. Allen Meadows, president of...

Could You Be Allergic to Additives?

• Len Canter
• December 25, 2019
• Full Page

You suddenly break out in a rash or your throat gets scratchy. You assume you're allergic to something … maybe pollen or a detergent. But could you be allergic to something in your food or medicine, and how could you tell?

The medical community disagrees as to...

Indoor Pollutants May Raise Allergy Risk in Toddlers

• Robert Preidt
• December 13, 2019
• Full Page

Toddlers have an increased risk of allergies if they are exposed to multiple indoor pollutants in their first years of life, a new study finds.

It included 108 mother-child pairs. Researchers assessed exposures to various household pollutants such as pet dander and t...

Don't Let Allergies Spoil Your Holidays

• Robert Preidt
• November 28, 2019
• Full Page

Asthma or allergies can put a damper on holiday gatherings. But there are ways you can stay healthy, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says.

"Everyone wants this time of year to be picture-perfect. But when there are runny noses, itchy eyes and s...