Allergies Guide

Early-Life Factors That Raise Risk of Food Allergies

Judy Tidwell — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:36:00 +0000

A new study from McMaster University involving 2.8 million children around the world has revealed the most important early-life factors that influence whether a child becomes allergic to food.

The study, one of the largest of its kind to examine food allergies, furthers our understanding of how allergies develop, concluding that a combination of genetic, environmental, microbial and social factors influence allergies, rather than a single cause.

A Perfect Storm of Interactions

To come to their findings, researchers carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of 190 studies on childhood food allergy, including those that confirmed allergy using gold-standard food challenge testing. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics on Feb. 9, 2026, found that about five per cent of children develop a food allergy by age six.

"Our study highlights that genetics alone cannot fully explain food allergy trends, pointing to interactions – or a 'perfect storm' – between genes, skin health, the microbiome, and environmental exposures," says Derek Chu, senior author of the study, assistant professor with McMaster's Departments of Medicine and Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact.

Early-Life Factors

The study systematically examined over 340 different factors that may influence allergy. Some of the identified early-life factors that raised the risk of food allergies included:

Infants who experience eczema in the first year of life are three to four times more likely to develop a food allergy – wheezing or nasal allergies also increases risk.

Children with allergic parents or siblings were more likely to develop a food allergy, especially when both parents had allergies.

Waiting too long to introduce allergenic foods such as peanut, nuts, eggs, or other common allergens can increase the chance of developing a food allergy. Researchers found babies who try peanuts after 12 months are more than twice as likely to become allergic to the legume.

Another significant factor involves the use of antibiotics. The study highlights how antibiotic use in the first month of life can lead to a higher risk of food allergy. Antibiotics taken later in infancy and during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk, but to a lesser degree.

Broader Understanding

The findings help identify which infants are most at risk and could benefit most from early prevention strategies. The study also revealed early-life factors that were not associated a higher risk of allergies to food for children, including low birthweight, post-term birth, partial breastfeeding, material diet and stress during pregnancy.

"This study has broadened our understanding of food allergies. Future studies should measure and adjust for the same key factors, include more diverse populations, and use food challenge testing more often. New randomized clinical trials and updated guidelines are urgently needed to move our findings into action," Chu says. "Designed studies that measure and adjust for the same key factors, include more diverse populations, and use food-challenge testing more often."

The research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the AAAAI/ACAAI Joint Task Force on Allergy Practice Parameters.

^{Source: Islam, N, et al. "Risk Factors for the Development of Food Allergy in Infants and Children." JAMA Pediatrics 9 February 2026}

What Is an Anaphylactic Reaction?

Judy Tidwell — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:05:00 +0000

An extreme, life-threatening allergic reaction -- usually to food, medications or insect bites -- anaphylactic reaction can result in breathing problems, dizziness, hives, a sudden drop in blood pressure, an asthma attack, or unconsciousness. It can be fatal. It must be treated promptly. An emergency kit containing epinephrine should be carried at all times by patients prone to these attacks.

Action Plan Can Help Parents Prevent Peanut Allergy in Children

Judy Tidwell — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 17:47:00 +0000

Feeding babies peanut-containing foods as early as possible can help prevent peanut allergy, but a children's hospital study found that parents need more support to get it right. Interviews with parents revealed widespread confusion about the purpose, risks, and timing of early peanut introduction guidelines.

"While some parents we talked to understood correctly that starting their baby on peanut foods trains the immune system in order to prevent the development of peanut allergy, other parents mistakenly believed that the purpose is to test if their baby is allergic – a misconception that fueled fears of severe allergic reaction, leading to hesitation and delays in peanut introduction," said lead author Waheeda Samady, MD, a hospital-based pediatrician at Ann percent Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Timing and Consistency Are Essential

"For prevention of peanut allergy, timing and consistency are of the essence," she said. "We encourage peanut introduction as soon as the baby starts eating solids, before or around 6 months of age. It's also important to continue peanut exposure twice a week through the first year and into toddler years. Feeding babies peanut foods just once or twice is not enough."

Early peanut introduction guidelines were issued in 2017 following groundbreaking research showing over 80% reduction in peanut allergy development. Peanut allergy affects approximately 2% of U.S. children and is the least likely food allergy to be outgrown, making prevention through early introduction an important public health strategy.

Dr. Samady and colleagues analyzed 49 interviews with Chicago parents of infants aged 8-13 months from diverse backgrounds. Participants were recruited from primary care academic clinics, federally qualified health centers and private clinics.

Eczema and Food Allergies

Researchers also found that parents mostly did not understand that eczema places their baby at high risk for developing food allergy, making early peanut introduction even more critical.

"If a baby has eczema, peanut introduction should start early, around 4 months of age, if possible, to maximize peanut allergy prevention coupled with good skincare," said Dr. Samady. "Pediatricians need to reinforce this message, given that most parents we interviewed were not aware that eczema increases the baby's chances of developing food allergies."

In the study, parents reported that pediatricians were their primary source of information about early peanut introduction.

Parents Need an Action Plan

"Pediatricians are key to successful guideline implementation, but they need better resources for families to provide comprehensive information during busy well-child visits," Dr. Samady noted. "Overall, we found that parents are accepting of early peanut introduction, but they need clearer guidance and more support."

Dr. Samady emphasized that improved messaging and resources for families should clarify that early peanut introduction prevents peanut allergy through regular dietary exposure, address the connection between eczema and food allergy risk, provide specific guidance on timing and frequency, and reassure parents about the low risk of severe allergic reactions in infants.

"Parents need to be reassured that if their baby is allergic to peanut, they may see hives, some swelling, or vomiting, but allergic reactions in infancy are usually mild," she explained. "We should empower parents with information and action plans so this does not stop them from participating in early peanut introduction."

^{Source: Samady, W, et al. "Parental Understanding and Implementation of Early Peanut Introduction." JAMA Network Open 18 December 2025}

Early Cat Exposure May Increase Children's Risk of Eczema

Judy Tidwell — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 08:37:00 +0000

Children who are exposed to cats soon after birth may have an increased risk of developing eczema, according to a study presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference. Being exposed to two or more dogs at home suggested a slightly protective, but not significant, effect on children's risk of developing eczema, said lead researcher Esmeralda Morales, M.D., Pediatric Pulmonary Fellow at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

The study included 486 children who had been followed since birth. The researchers asked their parents how many cats and dogs they had in the house at the time the child was born, and then followed up one year later to see which children had been diagnosed with eczema.

Of the 134 children with cats in the household, 27.6 percent had eczema by one year of age, compared with 17.8 percent of 286 children without cats. While exposure to cats increased a child's risk of eczema whether or not their mother had asthma, the effect was more pronounced in children whose mothers did not have asthma.

Contradictory Data

Previous studies have found that people with eczema have a higher chance of also having allergic conditions including hay fever and asthma.

"Other studies have found that having cats or dogs at home seems to be protective against allergic diseases, so we expected to have similar findings," said Dr. Morales. "Pets are a source of a compound called endotoxin, and if a child is exposed to endotoxin early in life, the immune system may be skewed away from developing an allergic profile."

It's possible that the children in the study who developed eczema at age 1 might end up having a reduced risk of asthma or other allergic diseases later in life, Dr. Morales noted. "The findings do seem to add more questions about pets and asthma and allergies," she said. "Since there are a lot of contradictory data out there already, clearly it's a topic that needs further research."

Food Safety Strategies Can Save Lives

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:32:00 +0000

By adhering to food safety strategies, people with food allergy and those cooking for food-allergic individuals can achieve a safe, enjoyable dining experience.

Food Safety Tips

Designating a group of pots, pans and utensils specifically for the preparation of allergy-free meals. Even a trace of a food allergen, such as peanut or milk, can cause a reaction.

Preparing several allergy-free meals at a time and freezing them until they are ready to be consumed. This method will reduce the risk of cross-contamination that can happen when allergy-free and allergenic meals are prepared at the same time.

Thoroughly cleansing hands, utensils and kitchen surface areas prior to cooking allergy-free meals.

Taking Precautions

The majority of reactions to food allergy occur when a person has eaten a food they thought was safe. In addition to heeding the strategies listed above, anyone with a food allergy must:

Learn the scientific and technical terms of allergens (i.e. casein = milk, albumin = egg).

Read every label on each product purchased. Manufacturers change ingredients often without warning.

Avoid purchasing a product if the ingredient listing is not available.

When dining out, inform the wait staff about the food allergy and clarify the ingredients used to prepare the meal selected.

Stress to family and friends that food allergy is serious and that a reaction to it can be fatal.

Food allergy affects more than 6 million Americans. An estimated 2.5 million children have been diagnosed with food allergy in this country. The foods that account for 90 percent of the reactions to food allergy include peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy and wheat. To date, severe reactions to food allergy have resulted in an estimated 30,000 emergency room visits and between 100-200 deaths per year.

Air Pollution Exposure Linked to Increased Severity of Rhinitis

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:28:00 +0000

Rhinitis is a very frequent disease affecting between 20 percent and 50 percent of the global population depending on the countries and definitions used. Often considered as a trivial disease, rhinitis does actually have an important impact on quality of life; however, very little is known about air pollution as risk factor for rhinitis and its severity in adults.

In an original article published in The Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (JACI), Burte and colleagues hypothesized that air pollution exposure may be associated with an increase in severity of rhinitis.

They used data collected on more than 1400 adults from two European multicenter studies, with extensive information on respiratory diseases. The researchers used annual averaged exposure at participant's home addresses to several air pollutants related to traffic (nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM) of different diameters: from =2.5 µm (PM2.5) to =10 µm (PM10)) to assess long-term exposure to air pollution.

More Severe Nasal Symptoms

Self-reported disturbance due to symptoms of rhinitis (sneezing, blocked nose, itchy nose, runny nose) was used to define rhinitis severity.

The researchers analyzed the association between exposure to each air pollutant and severity of rhinitis. They found that an increase in PM10 and PM2.5 exposure was associated with an increased severity of rhinitis.

To a lesser extent, NO2 exposure was also associated with severity of rhinitis. This study showed that people with rhinitis who live in areas with higher levels of air pollution are more likely to report more severe nasal symptoms - further work is required to elucidate the mechanisms of this association.

These results bring new insights into the management of rhinitis, a hidden major public health challenge, associated with substantial daily impairment and high cost to society.

Mold Allergy

Judy Tidwell — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 17:33:00 +0000

Along with pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds, molds are an important cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis. People allergic to molds may have symptoms from spring to late fall. The mold season often peaks from July to late summer. Unlike pollens, molds may persist after the first killing frost. Some can grow at subfreezing temperatures, but most become dormant. Snow cover lowers the outdoor mold count dramatically but does not kill molds. After the spring thaw, molds thrive on the vegetation that has been killed by the winter cold.

In the warmest areas of the United States, however, molds thrive all year and can cause year-round (perennial) allergic problems. In addition, molds growing indoors can cause perennial allergic rhinitis even in the coldest climates.

What Is Mold?

There are thousands of types of molds and yeast, the two groups of plants in the fungus family. Yeasts are single cells that divide to form clusters. Molds consist of many cells that grow as branching threads called hyphae. Although both groups can probably cause allergic reactions, only a small number of molds are widely recognized offenders.

The seeds or reproductive particles of fungi are called spores. They differ in size, shape, and color among species. Each spore that germinates can give rise to new mold growth, which in turn can produce millions of spores.

What Is Mold Allergy?

When inhaled, microscopic fungal spores or, sometimes, fragments of fungi may cause allergic rhinitis. Because they are so small, mold spores may evade the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract to reach the lungs.

In a small number of people, symptoms of mold allergy may be brought on or worsened by eating certain foods, such as cheeses, processed with fungi. Occasionally, mushrooms, dried fruits, and foods containing yeast, soy sauce, or vinegar will produce allergic symptoms. There is no known relationship, however, between a respiratory allergy to the mold Penicillium and an allergy to the drug penicillin, made from the mold.

Where Do Molds Grow?

Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and a source of the few other chemicals they need. In the fall they grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, especially in moist, shady areas. In gardens, they can be found in compost piles and on certain grasses and weeds. Some molds attach to grains such as wheat, oats, barley, and corn, making farms, grain bins, and silos likely places to find mold.

Hot spots of mold growth in the home include damp basements and closets, bathrooms (especially shower stalls), places where fresh food is stored, refrigerator drip trays, house plants, air conditioners, humidifiers, garbage pails, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and old foam rubber pillows.

Bakeries, breweries, barns, dairies, and greenhouses are favorite places for molds to grow. Loggers, mill workers, carpenters, furniture repairers, and upholsterers often work in moldy environments.

Which Molds Are Allergenic?

Like pollens, mold spores are important airborne allergens only if they are abundant, easily carried by air currents, and allergenic in their chemical makeup. Found almost everywhere, mold spores in some areas are so numerous they often outnumber the pollens in the air. Fortunately, however, only a few dozen different types are significant allergens.

In general, Alternaria and Cladosporium (Hormodendrum) are the molds most commonly found both indoors and outdoors throughout the United States. Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Aureobasidium (Pullularia) are also common.

Are Mold Counts Helpful?

Similar to pollen counts, mold counts may suggest the types and relative quantities of fungi present at a certain time and place. For several reasons, however, these counts probably cannot be used as a constant guide for daily activities. One reason is that the number and types of spores actually present in the mold count may have changed considerably in 24 hours because weather and spore dispersal are directly related. Many of the common allergenic molds are of the dry spore type--they release their spores during dry, windy weather. Other fungi need high humidity, fog, or dew to release their spores. Although rain washes many larger spores out of the air, it also causes some smaller spores to be shot into the air.

In addition to the effect of day-to-day weather changes on mold counts, spore populations may also differ between day and night. Day favors dispersal by dry spore types and night favors wet spore types.

Are There Other Mold-Related Disorders?

Fungi or microorganisms related to them may cause other health problems similar to allergic diseases. Some kinds of Aspergillus may cause several different illnesses, including both infections and allergy. These fungi may lodge in the airways or a distant part of the lung and grow until they form a compact sphere known as a "fungus ball." In people with lung damage or serious underlying illnesses, Aspergillus may grasp the opportunity to invade the lungs or the whole body.

In some individuals, exposure to these fungi also can lead to asthma or to a lung disease resembling severe inflammatory asthma called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This latter condition, which occurs only in a minority of people with asthma, is characterized by wheezing, low-grade fever, and coughing up of brown-flecked masses or mucus plugs. Skin testing, blood tests, X-rays, and examination of the sputum for fungi can help establish the diagnosis. Corticosteroid drugs are usually effective in treating this reaction; immunotherapy (allergy shots) is not helpful.

Early Peanut Introduction Can Prevent Childhood Peanut Allergy

Judy Tidwell — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:00:00 +0100

Results from a randomized clinical trial published in Pediatrics show that pediatricians who received targeted educational and clinical decision-support tools were significantly more likely to advise parents to introduce peanut-containing foods early – an approach recommended by national prevention guidelines but often underused in practice. About 8 percent of U.S. children have food allergies. Peanut allergy, the most common pediatric food allergy, affects more than 2 percent of children nationwide.

"We found that supporting pediatricians with training, electronic health record prompts, and educational materials for parents significantly improved their ability to counsel families on early peanut introduction," said lead author Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, pediatrician and researcher at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Reversing the Trend

"Because pediatric visits at four and six months are so busy, this support is critical to ensure families receive clear guidance," Dr. Gupta added. "Our hope is that these conversations will help parents feel confident introducing peanut products early. We want to reverse the trend of increasing food allergies in the U.S. through prevention."

The randomized trial included 30 pediatric practices in the Chicago and Peoria regions, spanning federally qualified health centers, private clinics, and academic practices. Intervention practices received a clinician training video, an electronic health record (HER)-embedded decision-support tool, and visual aids for parents; control practices did not.

The primary outcome was clinician adherence to guidelines, documented in EHR data at the four- or six-month well-child visit. In total, 18,480 infants were seen by 290 clinicians.

More Work Is Needed

Lucy Bilaver, PhD, lead statistician for the study and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, noted the importance of leveraging EHR data for this pragmatic trial. "We were able to measure the primary outcome by making use of the clinical notes and structured data that pediatric clinicians generate during these well-child visits."

Among low-risk infants, guideline adherence was 84 percent in the intervention group versus 35 percent in controls. For high-risk infants, adherence was 27 percent in the intervention group versus 10 percent in controls.

"While more work is needed, the success of this intervention supports wider dissemination to prevent peanut allergy in children," said Dr. Gupta.

Dr. Gupta holds the Mary Ann and J. Milburn Smith Research Professorship for a Sr. Scientist in Child Health Research at Lurie Children's Hospital. The study was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

^{Source: Gupta, RS, et al. "Encouraging Trends in Peanut Allergy Prevention: Real-World Impact of Prevention Guidelines." Pediatrics 20 August 2025}

October Is Eczema Awareness Month

Judy Tidwell — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:43:00 +0100

October is Eczema Awareness Month. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic, noncontagious skin disorder that causes itchy, scaly patches of skin. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,10 percent to 30 percent of children and 2 percent to 10 percent of adults have the condition, which is associated with the development of allergies and asthma.

Eczema can run in families, and it may also be driven by environmental triggers. Individuals with the condition are more susceptible to skin infections and sleep disturbances. Common symptoms include dry, scaly patches of skin and small bumps that open and weep when scratched.

No Cure Is Available

While a cure for eczema does not exist, treatments can improve patients’ quality of life by reducing skin itching and inflammation. Treatments available to children include steroid and nonsteroid creams, phototherapy, and oral or injectable (i.e., biologic) medications.

In 2025, the American Academy of Dermatology updated its adult eczema treatment guidelines to include systemic immunomodulatory therapies, which change how the immune system functions, and newer topical therapies. Many of these therapies are also available for children or adolescents.

Fight Off Indoor Allergies With a Good Fall Cleaning

Judy Tidwell — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 01:48:00 +0100

If you are someone in your family has allergies, fall cleaning your house can help reduce the risk of suffering from indoor allergies. As the temperatures of fall begin to drop and we spend more time indoors, it can be just as important to thoroughly clean your home in this season as it is in the Spring.

"I ask families to focus on their kitchens, bathrooms and basements – anywhere there can be standing water because those areas can harbor mold," explained Sandra Hong, MD, an allergist for Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Hong said cleaning up mold in the home can go a long way when it comes to easing allergy symptoms.

Extra Layer of Protection

Dr. Hong also recommended dusting and vacuuming regularly, especially in the bedroom.

Remember to frequently wash your bedding as well and consider using dust mite covers as an extra layer of protection.

Changing those air filters before you turn on the heat can also be helpful.

If your allergies are still flaring up after a deep clean, certain medications can offer relief.

Antihistamines Can Help

"Antihistamines can be helpful for both indoor and outdoor allergies, especially for symptoms like itching or sneezing," Dr. Hong said. "For people dealing with nasal congestion or postnasal drip, I typically recommend nasal sprays – either nasal steroids or nasal antihistamines."

Dr. Hong added that seeing an allergist can help you identify exactly what you're allergic to and explore more treatment options.

Fall Allergies Can Be Just as Severe as Spring's

Judy Tidwell — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 14:57:00 +0100

Fall allergy symptoms can be just as severe as those in the Spring, but there are ways to lessen the discomfort. The key to reducing the symptoms is identifying, managing and treating your allergies.

Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall and usually starts releasing pollen with cool nights and warm days in August, and can last into September and October. The majority of people who are allergic to spring plants are also allergic to ragweed.

Below are four tips from American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) to help you manage your fall allergies as they start to emerge:

Start Medications Now

One of the most effective strategies for controlling symptoms is starting allergy medications two weeks before symptoms usually begin. If you’ve suffered with fall allergies in the past, you know approximately when to expect the sneezing and congestion to launch. Start medications in advance to lessen the severity of symptoms. Continue medications for two weeks after the first frost, as both nasal and eye symptoms with ragweed allergies can linger after pollen is no longer in the air.

Identify Triggers, Then Avoid Them

If you don’t know what your allergy triggers are, see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are specially trained to identify which triggers are causing your symptoms, and then to create a tailored plan just for you to manage them. Once you find out what your triggers are, steer clear. After spending time outdoors, shower, change and wash your clothes. Better yet, leave your clothes, shoes, hats, sunglasses and anything else that can gather pollen by the front door. Showering before bed helps you wash the pollen out of your hair, so you aren’t sleeping on a pillow full of ragweed particles.

Consider Allergy Immunotherapy

If over-the-counter and prescription medications aren’t getting the job done, consider allergen immunotherapy in the form of shots or tablets. Both shots and tablets are highly effective in relieving allergy symptoms and in some cases can actually cure your allergy. The total treatment, which can take several years, builds up immunity and can potentially “turn off’ allergy symptoms to your offending allergens (pollens, dust mite, pets, mold). It works by introducing small amounts of the allergen in gradually increasing amounts over time.

Prepare to battle with mold

Many people aren’t aware that mold allergy can be especially bad in the fall. Mold can grow anywhere there is water – basement, bathroom, a leaky cabinet under your sink or in a pile of dead leaves in the backyard. To reduce mold, it’s necessary to clean standing water as soon as it appears. Scrub mold from surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely. Cleaning gutters regularly and keeping home humidity below 60% can also help.

If allergy and asthma symptoms are getting in the way of living your life and doing the things you want to do, see a board-certified allergist. An allergist that can help treat your symptoms and help you get your life on track. Use ACAAI’s allergist locator to find an allergist in your area.

Tips to Ease Sore Throat Pain

Judy Tidwell — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 20:20:00 +0100

Most sore throats are caused by viral infections which do not normally respond to antibiotics. If you come down with a sore throat, what can you do to relieve the symptoms? "While you may want the doctor to write a prescription for an antibiotic, these drugs are useless against viruses. However, viral sore throats are painful and can impact eating, swallowing and talking," states Lisa Chavis, R.Ph., author of Ask Your Pharmacist in an email correspondence. "Only about 10 percent of sore throats can be relieved via a prescription, so once the doctor has ruled out a bacterial infection, I often recommend that patients let the virus run its course and do some simple things to ease the suffering and make themselves more comfortable."

Dealing With a Sore Throat

Dr. Chavis offers her sore throat-soothing tips:

Take decongestants to make breathing easier by shrinking swollen mucus membranes in the nose, allowing air to pass through.

Antihistamines help dry up a runny nose and postnasal drip, which can cause or further irritate a sore throat.

Non-aspirin pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can offer additional pain relief and make the patient more comfortable overall.

Gargle at least once per hour with warm salt water to reduce swelling and discomfort.

While it may be uncomfortable to swallow, make sure to drink additional fluids to soothe a sore throat. Hot fluids, such as soup or tea with honey, will help relieve and hydrate a sore throat. Extra fluids also help thin sinus mucus, allowing for better drainage and decreased stuffiness, which can contribute to throat irritation.

Suck on flavored frozen desserts, such as popsicles, to ease the irritation.

Ease sore throat pain with an over-the-counter medicine, such sore throat lozenges or sprays, to reduce pain and keep throat moist.

Use a vaporizer to keep throat tissues moist, particularly while sleeping.

Stop smoking and/or avoid secondhand smoke.

While the tendency may be to make the house warmer, dry, indoor heat can irritate a sore throat.

Keep talking or shouting to a minimum to rest the throat.

Preventing Sore Throat

While there is no surefire way to prevent getting a sore throat, Dr. Chavis offers the following advice to help reduce the risk:

Wash your hands regularly, especially around people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes or mouth.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Increase fluid intake to as much as 8-12 glasses of water a day.
Avoid throat irritants, such as smoke, fumes or yelling.
Avoid biting your nails.
Replace your toothbrush monthly to prevent being reinfected by bacteria.

"Because so many different things can cause a sore throat, it's a good idea to get your throat checked by the doctor if you are concerned," said Dr. Chavis. "Even if you're not a fan of the doctor's office, definitely go in with a fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit."

What Is Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis?

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:46:00 +0100

Usually called "hay fever," seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergy to the pollen of trees, grasses, weeds or mold spores. Seasonal allergic rhinitis may occur in the spring, summer or fall and may last until the first frost. The "season" depends on which allergen causes the reaction, the region of the country and pollination periods. Symptoms include sneezing, itching and watery eyes, runny nose, burning palate and throat. These seasonal allergies have been known to trigger asthma.

Airborne Mold Spores Increase Kids' Risk for Multiple Allergies

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 15:13:00 +0100

University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers say exposure to a certain group of fungal spores -- abundant in the air that we breathe every day -- can make young children more susceptible to developing multiple allergies later in life. The team found that infants who were exposed to basidiospores and other airborne fungal spores -- specifically penicillium/aspergillus and alternaria -- early in life were more likely to develop allergies to mold, pollen, dust mites, pet dander and certain foods as they grew older.

This is the first study to show a relationship between specific airborne fungal spores and an increased risk for multiple allergies in children, the UC team reported in an edition of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Mold Is a Fungus

A fungus is a plantlike organism that grows by releasing tiny reproductive cells (spores) into the air. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on any moist surface -- including wood, drywall and cement.

Previous allergy studies focused on visible mold or total mold concentrations, not the identification of specific airborne fungal spores. The UC-led study showed that exposure to specific airborne fungal spores may increase allergic reactions and others could help reduce them.

These findings reinforce the idea that not all fungi are created equal, says Tiina Reponen, PhD, professor of environmental health at UC and corresponding author on the study.

Molds and Respiratory Health

"It turns out that the health effects of airborne fungal spores are more complicated than we thought," she says. "It's not enough to look just at total mold in our homes and offices. We need to understand how specific types of mold interact with each other in the environment to affect our respiratory health. Some fungi can have harmful effects on the body, but others may be beneficial."

"There are literally thousands of different types of mold in the air we breathe," adds Melissa Osborne, a graduate of UC's environmental and occupational hygiene program and study lead author. "But because mold exists naturally in the outdoors, it's very difficult to completely remove mold spores from the air."

Osborne conducted this research while pursuing her master's at UC and is currently employed as an environmental consultant at Quantus Analytical, a mold and allergen laboratory and consulting group in Cincinnati.

Fungal Spores

Using a small air sampling device, the UC research team collected fungal spores from the homes of 144 infants enrolled in the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study (CCAAPS).

The CCAAPS, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, is a five-year study examining the effects of environmental particulates on childhood respiratory health and allergy development.

Air samples were collected for a total of 48 hours in the child's primary activity room and in the child's bedroom during sleep. Samples were analyzed for both total and individual spore counts.

Fungi Can Cause Sensitization

"We found that, at least in children, some fungi may cause allergic sensitization while other fungal types may actually inhibit the development of allergies," explains Osborne.

"But very little is known about how infant allergies to environmental allergens develop," she adds, "and more research is needed before we will fully understand the impact of fungi as an allergen in infants."

If mold is found in the home, the UC team recommends following the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-accepted guidelines for removing it. They also say any moisture issues, such as roof or plumbing leaks, should be resolved immediately to avoid mold development.

How to Eliminate Mold From Your Home

Judy Tidwell — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:23:00 +0100

Molds are an important trigger of allergic rhinitis, affecting nearly 40 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). "Mold spores contain allergens, substances that some immune systems recognize as dangerous," said Robert K Bush, MD, Fellow of the AAAAI and member of the AAAAI's Indoor Allergen Committee. "Exposure to mold can trigger an allergic reaction such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, coughing and hay fever-like symptoms."

Molds are microscopic organisms that are pervasive in any outdoor environment. However, they may be brought inside via clothing, shoes and soils. Mold needs only a food source, warm environment and moisture to grow. Mold may be invisible to the eye or may look like furry growth, black stains or specks of black, white, orange, green and brown on surfaces. Large infestations of mold can usually be seen or smelled.

Where Can Mold Be Found?

Inside

Basements or crawl spaces
Near windows
Under sinks
Near leaky pipes

Outside

Near heavy vegetation
Near hay or straw
In piles of leaves
In grass

Eliminating Mold?

The AAAAI recommends that you take the following steps to rid your home of mold:

Repair leaking roof and pipes
Maintain a low level of humidity in your home (between 35-40 percent), if necessary, use a de-humidifier to remove moisture
Use a solution of warm water, liquid detergent and 5% bleach to clean the mold on washable surfaces
Use exhaust fans in the bathroom and wipe down the shower after use
If mold is visible on soft spaces, such as carpeting or wallpaper, these things should be removed

Food-Allergy Fears Drive Overly Restrictive Diets

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 14:38:00 +0100

Many children, especially those with eczema, are unnecessarily avoiding foods based on incomplete information about potential food-allergies, according to researchers at National Jewish Health. The food avoidance poses a nutritional risk for these children, and is often based primarily on data from blood tests known as serum immunoassays.

Many factors, including patient and family history, physical examination, and blood and skin tests, should be used when evaluating potential food allergies. The oral food challenge, in which patients consume the suspected allergenic food, is the gold standard test.

Food Avoidance

The researchers conducted a retrospective chart review of 125 children evaluated at National Jewish Health for suspected food allergies. Depending on the reason for food avoidance, 84 percent to 93 percent of foods being avoided were restored to their diets after an oral food challenge. The researchers published their study online in The Journal of Pediatrics on Oct. 29. It will appear in a later print version of the journal. "People with known food allergies, especially those with a history of anaphylactic reactions, should by all means avoid those foods," said David Fleischer, MD, lead author of the study and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at National Jewish Health. "However, a growing number of patients referred to our practice are being placed on strict, unproven food-elimination diets that have led to poor weight gain and malnutrition. These overly restrictive diets have been chosen for a variety of reasons, but overreliance on immunoassay tests appears to be the most common cause."

Immunoassays detect antibodies in the blood to specific foods, which can potentially cause allergic reactions. Interpretation of the results, however, can be tricky. The tests' ability to predict true food allergy has been validated for only five foods - cow's milk, hen egg, fish, peanut and tree nuts.

Predicting Food Allergy

For all other foods, the numbers derived from lab testing are suggestive but not definitive. Low test values suggest that a child's immune system is sensitized to the food, but not necessarily to the extent that it will cause an allergic reaction. Higher values suggest an increasingly likelihood of true food allergy. None of the tests are 100 percent accurate, however, in predicting clinical food allergy on their own.

National Jewish Health physicians use blood tests as one piece of evidence in their comprehensive evaluation of food allergy. They also carefully evaluate a patient's history, including any previous reactions to food, the type of reaction, the patient's age, and the result of skin testing for food allergy. They generally perform an oral food challenge when the evidence is mixed and they want a definitive answer to the food allergy question.

Children in the study were avoiding 177 different foods based primarily on previous blood test results. In many cases, especially those with high test results for egg, milk, shellfish, peanut and tree nut, National Jewish Health elected not to perform oral food challenges.

Restoring Food to Diets

They did perform oral food challenges for 71 foods or about 40 percent of the cases where the clinical allergy was equivocal and it was important to determine whether or not the patient had food allergy. In 86 percent of those cases, the child passed the food challenge and the food was restored to the child's diet. Overall, 66 of the 177 foods avoided because of blood tests were restored to children's diets. For the entire study, 325 foods were restored to the diets of 125 children.

"When you are able to restore foods such as dairy products, egg, peanut, wheat, and vegetables to a child's diet, it improves their nutrition, reduces the need for expensive substitute foods and makes meal time easier for families," said Donald Leung, MD, PhD, senior author and Edelstein Chair of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology at National Jewish Health.

The problem can be especially acute among patients with eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. Research suggests that specific foods can cause flare-ups in about one third of eczema patients. They commonly have high immunoassay tests to a variety of foods, many of which are not truly allergenic. As a result, many mistakenly avoid foods they believe are causing flare-ups, but neglect basic skin care that is vital to improving the eczema. One hundred and twenty of the 125 children in the study had eczema.

When to Suspect Your Child Has an Allergy

Judy Tidwell — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:24:00 +0100

Some allergies are easy to identify by the pattern of symptoms that invariably follows exposure to a particular substance. But others are more subtle, and may masquerade as other conditions.

Here are some common clues that could lead you to suspect your child may have an allergy.

Recurrent red, itchy, dry, sometime scaly rashes in the creases of the skin, wrists, and ankles.

Repeated or chronic coldlike symptoms - that last more than a week or two, or develop at about the same time every year. These could include a runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing and throat clearing.

Nose rubbing, sniffling, snorting, sneezing and itchy, runny eyes.

Itching or tingling sensations in the mouth and throat. Itchiness is not usually a complaint with a cold, but it is the hallmark of an allergy problem.

Coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory symptoms. Coughing may be an isolated symptom; increases at night or with exercise are suspicious for asthma.

Symptoms of Allergies to Airborne Substances

Judy Tidwell — Sun, 25 May 2025 15:19:00 +0100

The signs and symptoms of a reaction airborne allergens are familiar to many.

Allergy Symptoms

Sneezing often accompanied by a runny or clogged nose
Coughing and postnasal drip
Itching eyes, nose, and throat
Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow near the sinuses)
The "allergic salute" (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose)
Watering eyes
Conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed, swollen eyes, and crusting of the eyelids).

In people who are not allergic, the mucus in the nasal passages simply moves foreign particles to the throat, where they are swallowed or coughed out. But something different happens to a person who is sensitive to airborne allergens.

As soon as the allergen lands on the mucous membranes lining the inside of the nose, a chain reaction occurs that leads the mast cells in these tissues to release histamine and other chemicals. These powerful chemicals contract certain cells that line some small blood vessels in the nose. This allows fluids to escape, which causes the nasal passages to swell, resulting in nasal congestion.

Histamine also can cause sneezing, itching, irritation, and excess mucus production, which can result in allergic rhinitis (runny nose). Other chemicals made and released by mast cells, including cytokines and leukotrienes, also contribute to allergic symptoms.

Blood Test for Newborns to Detect Allergy Risk

Judy Tidwell — Wed, 21 May 2025 14:39:00 +0100

A simple blood test can now predict whether newborn babies are at high risk of developing allergies as they grow older, thanks to research involving the University of Adelaide. Professor Tony Ferrante, an immunologist from SA Pathology and the Children 's Research Centre at the University of Adelaide, says the new marker may be the most significant breakthrough in allergy testing for some decades.

"A protein in the immune cells of newborns appears to hold the answer as to whether a baby will either be protected, or susceptible to the development of allergies later on," Professor Ferrante says.

Cell-Signalling Protein

Amounts of the cell signalling protein, called protein kinase C zeta, are much lower in children at risk of allergies.

Professor Ferrante says the blood test is far more effective than previous indicators, such as a family 's clinical history, or measuring the allergy-inducing antibody IgE.

In collaboration with Professor Susan Prescott from the University of Western Australia and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Professor Ferrante 's research team has refined the new marker for allergy risk, originally discovered in 2007, but now modified to a simple and manageable blood test at birth.

Does Fish Oil Help?

The researchers are also looking at whether fish oil supplements given to both pregnant women and those who have just given birth can reduce the risks of the children developing allergies.

"There is evidence that the levels of this important protein increase with fish oil supplementation to protect against allergy development," Professor Ferrante says.

Australia has one of the highest allergy rates in the world, with 40% of children now suffering from allergic diseases, including food allergies, eczema, asthma and hay fever. These conditions frequently persist into adulthood, placing a heavy burden on the healthcare system.

According to the World Allergy Organization, there is a worldwide epidemic of allergic diseases, which is likely to be a consequence of the changing environment and improved general health, superimposed on a range of genetic susceptibilities.

The Prevalence of Celiac Disease

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 05 May 2025 15:12:00 +0100

Although serious conditions ranging from diabetes, anemia, short stature, infertility, Down Syndrome and diarrhea can all be associated with celiac disease, few people in the U.S. have heard of it. A multi-center study led by the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research in Baltimore finds that celiac disease is much more common in this country than previously thought.

For the study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers screened more than 13,000 people in 32 states.

Autoimmune Reaction to Gluten

"We now believe that more than 1.5 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, making it twice as common as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and cystic fibrosis combined," says Alessio Fasano, M.D., the study's principal investigator and professor of pediatrics, medicine and physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that is triggered by the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and other grains. People who have the disease should not eat foods that contain gluten. Those foods can set off an autoimmune reaction in the intestines that cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and prevent the proper absorption of food and nutrients, leading to serious health consequences.

More Common Than Thought

"Symptoms of celiac disease vary among individuals," says Dr. Fasano. "It can be a difficult disease to diagnose because symptoms can include anemia, osteoporosis, diarrhea, and constipation. Alternatively, there may not even be any symptoms." Dr. Fasano's preliminary studies found celiac disease in about 1 out of every 150 people. "This new study demonstrates that celiac disease is just as common in the U. S. as in Europe, which makes sense since there is a genetic link to the disease and many Americans are descended from Europeans," says Dr. Fasano, who also heads the division of pediatric gastroenterology at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children.

He adds, "We hope this study will change the perspective of the health care community and that physicians will be more likely to test their patients for celiac disease."

Largest Study Ever

The new study, which is the largest multi-center, epidemiological study ever on the prevalence of celiac disease in the U.S., took place over five years and included blood samples from 13,145 people, including adults and children. The purpose of the study was to look at the disease's prevalence in both "at-risk" and "not at-risk" populations.

Nearly 9,000 people were considered "at-risk" because they either had relatives with celiac disease, symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain, or other disorders associated with celiac disease, including diabetes, Down syndrome or anemia. More than 4,000 study participants were considered "not at-risk."

No Cure for Celiac Disease

The study found that among "at-risk" participants, celiac disease was present in one out of 22 people who had first-degree relatives with the disorder. It was also present in one out of every 68 adults with CD-associated symptoms and one out of every 25 children with symptoms. Among those study participants who were considered "not at-risk," celiac disease was found in one out of every 133 people.

There is no cure for celiac disease and there are no medications to treat it. People with celiac disease can lead normal, healthy lives by following a gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all products derived from wheat, rye, barley, oats, and a few other lesser-known grains.

Major Lifestyle Changes

"Gluten is poison to celiac patients. Avoiding gluten requires major lifestyle changes, and it impacts entire families," says Dr. Fasano.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease, just like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. "There are two elements that play together for someone to develop an autoimmune disease. You must have a genetic predisposition and there must be some environmental factor to trigger the disease," explains Dr. Fasano. "Celiac disease is the only autoimmune disease where that trigger is known. That trigger is gluten." Dr. Fasano adds, "This study is also very important to the scientific community because researchers will now be able to use this data on celiac disease to help uncover what causes other autoimmune diseases."