Allergies Guide

Aggressive Treatment of Childhood Eczema Could Help Prevent Asthma

Judy Tidwell — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 20:40:00 +0100

A study, published online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, calls for trials of aggressive therapies against childhood eczema in attempt to reduce the incidence of asthma in later life. The study, conducted by the University of Melbourne, Monash University and Menzies Research Institute in Tasmania, has followed more than 8500 people who are part of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study from the ages of seven to 44.

Leader author John Burgess, from the University of Melbourne's Melbourne School of Population Health, says the study is the first to demonstrate an association between childhood eczema and asthma into middle age.

Eczema Linked to Asthma

The study found people who had childhood eczema were more likely to develop childhood asthma, new-onset asthma later in life or to have asthma which persisted from childhood into middle age.

Dr Burgess said childhood eczema increased the risk of someone developing asthma well into adulthood.

"The incidence of asthma in people from the ages of 8 to 44 who had childhood eczema, was nearly double that of people who had never had eczema," Dr. Burgess said.

The 'Atopic March'

Dr Burgess said the study's findings also supported the concept of the "atopic march", in which eczema is often the first step in an allergic process that leads on to asthma or hayfever in later life.

"The results of our study showed childhood eczema clearly preceded asthma in each later stage of life â€“ later childhood, adolescence, and adulthood," he said. "This makes a strong argument for trialing aggressive therapies against childhood eczema to help reduce the burden of asthma later in life."

Smoking Makes Asthma Worse

Judy Tidwell — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:58:00 +0100

Tobacco smoke is an exceptionally aggravating trigger that can worsen asthma symptoms for the nearly 20.3 million people in the United States who suffer from asthma. Quitting smoking should be a priority for people who have asthma, or have family members with asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

For people suffering with asthma, smoking is the worst thing you can do. Below, Linda Ford, MD, FAAAAI, AE-C, of the AAAAI's Quality of Care for Asthma Committee, answers common questions about smoking and its effects on asthma. Dr. Linda Ford is an allergist/immunologist in Papillion, Nebraska and a former president of the American Lung Association.

Q: What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that blocks air flow of the tubes (airways) that leads air to the lungs. By squeezing the muscles around the airways and causing swelling, inflammation of the inside of the air tubes, and producing excess mucus, the airways become narrower and therefore more difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs.

Q: How Does Smoking Affect a Person's Asthma?

Smoking can harm your body in many ways, but it is very harmful to the lungs. The airways in a person with asthma are very sensitive and "twitchy" and therefore can easily be squeezed down by the smooth muscle that surrounds these tubes. Many things can trigger symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, experiencing chest tightness and shortness of breath. When a person inhales tobacco smoke whether for personal smoking or passive smoke, these irritating substances can set off an asthma attack.

Q: How Does Smoking Affect Pregnancy?

Children born to mothers who smoke when pregnant have an increased risk for reduced lung function and asthma. Other risks include decreased birth weight and size as well as an increased risk for eczema and hay fever. Once you quit smoking, your baby will be healthier, get more oxygen and have fewer infections and colds. It is also important to stay away from places that allow smoking when you are pregnant, since secondhand smoke can contribute to these risks.

Q: What Is the Danger of Secondhand Smoke Exposure?

Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of secondhand smoke because their lungs are still developing. After infancy, exposure to tobacco smoke may continue to cause abnormal breathing. Smoking leads to decreased lung function, making the lungs more susceptible to asthma triggers. Fifteen million children are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke and up to one million children with asthma become more severe after exposure to secondhand smoke. Children who inhale environmental tobacco smoke are also at increased risk for a variety of problems including cough, wheeze, ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, allergic diseases, and hospital admissions for asthma.

Q: What Changes Will I See If I Quit Smoking?

Quitting smoking decreases the chance of triggering asthma attacks and improves your lung function whether you have asthma or not. Everyone should be smoke free. While you are stopping, at least you can stop smoking in the house and the car to decrease exposure to secondhand smoke for your family members. Within minutes of quitting smoking, you will begin a series of changes in your body such as having more energy, breathing easier, smelling, tasting food better, and decreasing your body's carbon monoxide level. Some long-term benefits of quitting smoking are the decreasing chance of heart attack, improving your circulation, decreasing sinus congestion and cough, and reducing the risk of a stroke.
The AAAAI and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have worked together to increase awareness about the dangers of secondhand smoke through the Smoke Free Home Campaign. Visit the Patient and Consumer resource page on the AAAAI Web site to learn more about the campaign and to take the pledge for a smoke free home.

Q: How Can My Allergist/Immunologist Help Me Manage My Asthma?

An allergist/immunologist is a physician specially trained to manage and treat allergies and asthma. To help prevent symptoms, he or she will work with you to figure out your asthma triggers and develop an appropriate management plan, including developing environmental controls and prescribing medication if needed.

Common Eye Symptoms Could Signal an Allergy

Judy Tidwell — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:53:00 +0100

Eye allergies occur when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. This is the mucous membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner side of the eyelid.

Physicians use the terms "ocular allergy" or "allergic conjunctivitis" to describe this allergic reaction.

Like all allergies, allergic conjunctivitis starts when the immune system identifies an otherwise harmless substance as an allergen. When the immune system senses this allergen, it overreacts. Chemicals are produced which cause an allergic reaction. In this case, allergic reactions include eyes that water, itch, hurt or become red or swollen.

Symptoms Appear Quickly

Typical allergens affecting the eyes include pollen and mold spores, animal dander and dust mites. So if you have been diagnosed with any of these allergies, then symptoms may develop in your eyes.

Most people suffering from eye allergies have problems in both eyes. Symptoms usually appear quickly, soon after the eyes come in contact with the allergen.

The most common symptom occurs when the small blood vessels widen and the eyes become pink or red. Some people experience pain in one or both eyes. Other symptoms include swollen eyelids, a burning sensation, and sore or tender eyes.

Short-Term Relief

The first approach to managing your eye allergy symptoms is to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. However, this isn't always possible. That is when medications might be helpful.

Over-the-counter eye drops or oral antihistamines are commonly used for short-term relief. If these are not effective, your allergist may prescribe long-term, targeted medications. Also, immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a proven treatment approach to managing many allergies, including ocular.

Did you know?

Unlike the condition pink eye, symptoms caused by an eye allergy are not contagious.

If your symptoms are related to an eye allergy, chances are you will have problems in both eyes.

Eye allergies are annoying and uncomfortable, but they usually do not harm your eyes.

To the Point

Eye allergies are caused by seasonal or year-long allergies and may be treated with eye drops, oral medications, or allergy shots.

^{Source: "A Back-to-Campus Warning: Energy Drinks Can Hide the Dangerous Effects of Alcohol." Rutgers University 5 August 2026}

Allergies Can Develop in Adulthood, Too

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 23:34:00 +0100

While many allergies tend to present during childhood, it is not uncommon to develop allergies as an adult. In fact, no individual is born with allergies. Allergies can develop at any time and can affect individuals of all ages.

Approximately 30-90 million individuals in the U.S. are affected by hay fever (allergic rhinitis), with 20% of those developing symptoms after the age of 20. Interestingly, even if symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose started in childhood, they often peak in early adulthood in the third or fourth decade of life.

Another common allergy that develops in adulthood is associated with medication exposure. These allergies can be acquired to medications such as antibiotics and may occur to multiple exposures even over years.

Even if an individual was originally able to tolerate the medication, a new allergy can develop with subsequent exposures later in life.

Genetics Play a Role

The most common age of developing a new medication allergy is between 20-49 years of age, but as patients get older, medication allergies should always be evaluated by a board-certified allergist / immunologist as patients often lose these allergies with time.

Genetics certainly plays a role in determining whether a person is likely to develop allergies. For example, if a parent has allergies, the child has an increased risk of developing allergies but not necessarily to the exact same pollen or medication.

However, other factors such as stress, infection and changes in the environment can alter an individual’s immune system over time and increase their risk of developing allergies later in life.

Back to School With Food Allergies

Judy Tidwell — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 04:50:00 +0100

Heading back to school is an exciting time for most students and parents. But for families of children with food allergies, it can also be a time of anxiety and fear.

For students with food allergies, potential dangers lurk throughout the school environment. Risks in the cafeteria are often obvious to parents, but students must also be careful when art projects, field trips and class parties involve food.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that approximately 3 million school-age children suffer from food allergies. Yet school districts have differing policies on how to provide a safe environment for these children.

Cooperation Is Key

Parents, school officials and teachers need to work together to create a safe environment for students with food allergies.

Make sure that school staff knows what foods are unsafe for your child. If necessary, give cafeteria workers a picture of your child and request they prepare allergy-free lunches for him or her.

Your doctor can provide you with information on preventing, recognizing and treating an allergic reaction. Pass these tips on to all school staff that interact with your child.

Tips For Parents:

Meet with your child’s teacher and school nurse before the start of the school year to explain your child’s food allergies.

Get a doctor’s note to allow your child to take emergency medication to school.

Send safe snacks with your child for classroom parties. Or, ask the teacher to limit goodies to stickers, pencils and other non-food treats.

Did You Know?

Peanuts, eggs, milk, wheat, tree nuts and soy account for 90 percent of allergic reactions in children.

Reactions to food allergies include hives, swelling, upset stomach or a severe, life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

Approximately 3 million school-age children suffer from food allergies, yet each individual school district sets its own policies for dealing with food allergies.

To the Point

Children frequently outgrow allergies to egg, milk and soy. However, peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies are most often life-long.

^{Source: American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. "Food Allergies 101: Back-to-School Safety." 12 May 2026.}

Prenatal Vitamin D Sufficiency Reduces Childhood Asthma Risk

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:59:00 +0100

Childhood asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood in the United States and globally. Maternal asthma is a major risk factor in the development of childhood asthma and wheezing. The vitamin D (VD) status in pregnancy has emerged as a modifiable factor influencing these outcomes. The combined effects of maternal asthma status and prenatal VD status across pregnancy have not been assessed to date.

Lu and colleagues examined the combined effects of prenatal vitamin D sufficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D = 30 ng/mL) and maternal asthma status on the development of childhood asthma or recurrent wheeze by age 3 years.

High Risk of Asthma

The study included 806 mother-offspring pairs from the Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (vitamin DAART), a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women at high risk of offspring asthma due to a maternal or paternal history of asthma or atopy.

Vitamin D sufficiency status was examined in early (10-18 weeks of gestation) and late pregnancy (32-38 weeks of gestation).

Among mothers with asthma, vitamin D sufficiency in either early or late pregnancy was associated with an almost halved risk of childhood asthma or recurrent wheeze by age 3 years compared to vitamin D insufficiency in both early and late pregnancy.

Advantages of Vitamin D

Vitamin D sufficiency in both early and late pregnancy was associated with a further reduction of the risk to two-thirds. This protective trend was reiterated in the progression of childhood asthma or recurrent wheeze from age 3 years to active asthma at age 6 years, regardless of maternal asthma status.

Based on these findings, the authors suggest a protective role for prenatal vitamin D sufficiency throughout pregnancy on the subsequent development of childhood asthma and recurrent wheeze outcomes, particularly in women with asthma, who are at a higher baseline risk of offspring asthma.

Further studies may shed light on the underlying mechanisms of the effects of prenatal vitamin D and its optimal levels in the prevention of offspring asthma.

Source: Lu M, et al. "Effect of early and late prenatal vitamin D and maternal asthma status on offspring asthma or recurrent wheeze." The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 18 August 2020.

Common Childhood Allergies

Judy Tidwell — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0100

The causes of allergies are not fully understood. Your child can get allergies from coming into contact with allergens. Allergens can be inhaled, eaten, injected (from stings or medicine), or they can come into contact with the skin.

Some of the more common allergens are:

Pollens
Molds
House dust mites
Animal dander and saliva (cat, dog, horse, rabbit)
Chemicals used in industry
Some foods and medicines
Venom from insect stings

The tendency to have allergies is often passed on in families. For example, if you as a parent have an allergy problem, there is a higher than normal chance that your child also will have allergies. This risk increases if both parents are allergic.

Here are common childhood allergies, their triggers and symptoms:

Asthma

A wide range of things can trigger an asthma attack. These include cigarette smoke, viral infections, pollen, dust mites, furry animals, cold air, changing weather conditions, exercise, and even stress.

Coughing, wheezing, difficult breathing; coughing with activity or exertion; chest tightness.

Hay Fever

Triggers: Pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds.

Symptoms: Stuffy nose, sneezing, and a runny nose; breathing through the mouth because of stuffy nose; rubbing or wrinkling the nose and facial grimacing to relieve nasal itch; watery, itchy eyes; redness or swelling in and under the eyes.

Food Allergies

Triggers: Any foods, but the most common are eggs, peanuts, milk (see information on milk allergies), nuts, soy, fish, wheat, peas, and shellfish.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, hives, eczema, difficult breathing, and possibly a drop in blood pressure (shock).

Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Triggers: Sometimes made worse by food allergies, contact with allergens (pollen, dust mites, furry animals), irritants, sweating.

Symptoms: A patchy, dry, red, itchy rash that often occurs in the creases of the arms, legs, and neck; however, in infants it often starts on the cheeks, behind the ears, and on the thighs.

Hives

Triggers: Viral infections, food allergies, and drugs (such as aspirin, penicillin, or sulfa) but cause is often unknown.

Symptoms: Itchy, mosquito-bite-like skin patches that are more red or pale than the surrounding skin. Hives may be found on different parts of the body and do not stay at the same spot for more than a few hours.

Contact Dermatitis

Triggers: Contact with a plant substance such as poison ivy or oak, household detergents and cleansers, and chemicals in some cosmetics and perfumes.

Symptoms: Itchy, red, raised patches that may blister if severe. Most of these patches are confined to the areas of direct contact with the allergen.

The Barriers of Severe Asthma Management

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:28:00 +0100

Though the majority of asthmatic patients experience mild to moderate symptoms, those with severe asthma face increased challenges when it comes to asthma management. A new but small study from The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice highlights the support gaps that still need to be filled for patients living with severe asthma.

"There's a wide range of challenges patients face to effectively manage severe asthma," said corresponding author Rachael A. Evans, FRCP, PhD. "Many of the psychological and social factors that influence patients' decisions when it comes to treatment are poorly understood. In this study we aimed to better define those factors so clinicians could better meet their patients' individual needs."

The qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews by researchers independent of the patient's care. Patients were recruited from an adult Difficult Asthma Service, and were eligible if they'd been under the care of the service for a minimum of six months and if they met the severe asthma qualifications as defined by the British Thoracic Society/Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network's Asthma Management Guideline 2014. Twenty-nine patients participated in the study. Data was analyzed using inductive Thematic Analysis, which identifies patterns in data.

Following analysis, four major themes emerged regarding patient perceptions about severe asthma. To represent consistency, 'many' was used to describe more than 65% of participants, 'some' to describe up to 65%, and 'few' to describe less than 20%.

Understanding of Severe Asthma

According to the study, many participants felt ill-informed about asthma and its severity, leading to a lack of confidence about how to manage this chronic condition. While acute care for asthma exacerbations receives a lot of focus, few participants spoke to the wider practices they used to manage their asthma day-to-day. Uncertainty about asthma and asthma management can lead to questionable treatment decisions and poor self-monitoring.

Additionally, some participants felt self-monitoring their asthma wasn't sufficient, citing that severe asthma can be unpredictable.

Emotional Impact of Living with Severe Asthma

Many participants described making personal adaptations and a restriction of activities due to their asthma, either due to individualized choices or under the recommendation of a healthcare professional. While these changes were perceived as necessary, restrictions often had a negative emotional impact. Fear and anxiety affected the decisions participants made about activities they engaged in on a daily basis, and participants expressed dissatisfaction with the restrictions they faced while managing severe asthma.

Concerns about hospitalization was another prominent emotional theme of severe asthma management. Some participants described reluctance to be admitted to the hospital, either due to a dislike of hospitals or fear of their likelihood of hospitalization. In the latter, fear that asthma symptoms would eliminate control over hospitalization became a source of stress. For some participants, the discussion around hospitalization gave rise to thoughts and feelings about the severity of asthma and their future death.

Additionally, two female participants described concerns about the impact their hospital admittance would have on family and work responsibilities, including childcare. Sometimes this led to participants postponing care even as asthma symptoms worsened.

Public Perceptions of Asthma

The study highlighted concerns about the perception of asthma by the general public and its implications for participants' quality of life. Many participants felt that asthma was perceived as a mild condition by the general public, which made them feel their suffering was not well-understood.

For some participants, these perceptions presented challenges in the workplace. Participants described hiding symptoms or feeling concern that their regular cough was irritating to co-workers. While practical support was available in the workplace, such as flexible working hours or time off for medical appointments, some participants found these accommodations created conflicts with their managers or colleagues.

Concerns About Medications

Concerns and discussion surrounding medications centered largely on oral corticosteroids (OCS). Many participants expressed concern regarding the long-term use of OCS, including side-effects related to liver health, mood changes, diabetes and more. Concerns about potential unknown long-term effects were also expressed.

Despite these concerns, only one patient described initial non-adherence to their prescribed medication and some participants viewed OCS medication as necessary for staying healthy. Even so, many participants described aspirations to eventually stop taking these medications without compromising their asthma control. Two participants described how occasionally these concerns led to reduced adherence without guidance from a medical professional, prompting acute asthma symptoms.

The Takeaways

Common across all of the major themes the study identified was a need for further education about asthma for both the patients and the general public. This study helps to demonstrate a need for additional patient education about the day-to-day management of their disease and when emergency care should be sought. Greater education for the general public, especially in relation to places of employment, should also be a priority.

Psychological and social support for patients suffering from asthma is lacking. Distrust and anxiety can lead to a lack of adherence, delays in seeking medical care and an overall higher rate of other mental health concerns. Healthcare professionals need to consider and discuss the perceptions each individual patient has about their asthma. By directly addressing each patients' unique challenges and referring them to additional healthcare resources as necessary, better self-management behaviors could potentially be attained.

"The decisions patients make about their asthma treatment is dependent on us providing the right support," said Dr. Evans. "By identifying the challenges our patients are facing, clinicians will be more able to provided individualized care to ensure patients practice better asthma self-management techniques. The latter will hopefully lead to improved asthma control and most importantly feeling better."

How to Reduce or Avoid Summertime Skin Rashes

Judy Tidwell — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:39:00 +0100

If you have skin allergies, summer is a common time for skin rash flare-ups, including atopic dermatitis (eczema) and urticaria (hives).

These steps may help to reduce your symptoms or even avoid them altogether:

1. Beware of the sun. Hives can be triggered by heat or sweat. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid becoming too hot and wear sunscreen.

2. Be prepared. Eczema can worsen in the summer, especially with excess sweating. Have a skin care treatment plan. This may include having mild bathing products on hand.

3. Beware of certain plants. Poison oak, sumac or ivy can all lead to skin rashes. There is a simple reminder to stay safe: "Leaves of three, let them be." Some people are sensitive to the point that their conditions can flare-up when in contact with grass or other plants. For protection, wear long pants and long sleeves if outdoor plants cause a reaction.

4. Insect bites can cause a severe local reaction in some people. Insect repellent can help. Ticks can also be a cause. If a tick is discovered, remove the whole body and save it to show to your doctor.

5. It is normal for bee and wasp stings to cause a minor rash. However, for people with actual stinging insect allergy, these stings can cause a severe reaction – in some cases anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) – and require emergency treatment.

6. Summertime often brings high mold and pollen counts as well as poor air quality with smog. Worsening nasal allergies or asthma can cause skin flare ups. Keep outdoor activities to a minimum during these times.

7. Not all rashes are allergic. Infections are common in the summer and can cause non-allergic skin rashes. When in doubt, consult with an allergist / immunologist. An allergist has specialized training and experience to diagnose and help you manage your condition.

^{Source: Summertime Skin Rashes, American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology}

How to Deal With Summer Allergy Triggers

Judy Tidwell — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:16:00 +0100

It's summertime so it's natural that you and your family will be spending more time enjoying the warm weather and sunshine. But for those who suffer from summer allergies, the season can bring multiple triggers. Here are some tips to help you better manage those allergy triggers.

"When the sun comes out, unfortunately so do summer allergies," says allergist Cherie Zachary, MD president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) "As the weather heats up, it can bring extra challenges for those with allergies and asthma. However, with a few simple steps – symptoms can be managed and summer festivities can go on as planned!"

Here are five tips from ACAAI to help you better manage summertime allergies and asthma.

Fresh Fruit Causing an Itch: Understanding Oral Allergy Syndrome

If your lips tingle or your throat feels scratchy after biting into a fresh peach or a handful of raw carrots, it might be Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS), also known as Oral Allergy Syndrome. PFAS can occur when fruits, vegetables or tree nuts are eaten raw. The immune system sometimes misidentifies certain proteins in the foods and causes a localized allergic reaction – like an itchy throat, itchy eyes, or ears.

People with hay fever, particularly those with allergies to birch, ragweed, or grass pollen are most affected. The good news? Cooking the food typically combats the reaction the proteins are causing. So, the same foods are often safe to eat once cooked. A board-certified allergist can help you identify your specific triggers and create a management plan.

Sneezing Indoors and Out? Mold Could Be the Culprit

Mold does not just lurk in dark, damp basements — it grows on logs, fallen leaves, in bathrooms, under sinks, and even in fields of uncut grass. If you have a mold allergy, summer's heat and humidity can create a year-round battle that peaks outdoors. Symptoms can mirror other allergic conditions, including nasal congestion, sneezing, irritated eyes, and coughing — and mold can also trigger or worsen asthma.

The good news is that there are steps you can take: wearing a mask (like an N95) or taking allergy medications before yardwork, rinsing nasal passages with saline afterward, and controlling indoor moisture with dehumidifiers or exhaust fans can all make a difference. If symptoms persist, an allergist can test for mold allergies and build a management plan tailored to you.

From the Grill to the Beach: Staying Safe with Food Allergies

Summer means cookouts, food festivals, vacation dining, and backyard parties — all situations where food allergies can be harder to manage. Shared grills, potluck dishes, and unfamiliar restaurant menus make it easy for hidden allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, or sesame to slip in undetected.

When heading out this summer, always communicate your allergy needs to host and restaurant staff, read labels carefully on packaged foods, and never leave home without your epinephrine. If you are hosting, be mindful of your guest's food allergies and provide them with allergy safe food if they are not bringing their own. Labels can help to identify ingredients in the dishes you are serving.

Bonfires and Wildfires – Managing Asthma Symptoms

From outdoor bonfires to fireworks to wildfires, summertime activities are often accompanied by an increase in smoke. For those with asthma, it is important to avoid events where smoke is present. If you are unable to completely avoid smoke, there are precautions that can ease symptoms.

Wearing a NIOSH N95 mask can filter out smoke and help you breathe easier. A standard surgical mask can also be beneficial in preventing smoke inhalation. Make sure to keep your asthma reliever with you in the event of an asthma attack.

How to Combat Seasonal Allergies

If it feels like your seasonal allergies are starting earlier, lasting longer, and hitting harder than they used to, you are not imagining it. Tree, grass, and weed pollination periods have increased in recent years. The good news is that with a few simple habits you can combat seasonal allergy symptoms for yourself or your family.

Keep windows closed and air conditioning running to limit pollen entering your home. When heading outside, schedule activities early or late in the day to minimize pollen exposure. When you arrive home from an outdoor activity, always shower and wash your clothes thoroughly to rid any pollen from getting into the house. Additionally, see a board-certified allergist to help you determine your specific allergies and assist you in better managing your allergy symptoms.

^{Source: "Don’t Let Summer Allergies Cloud a Sunny Forecast." American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 30 June 2026.}

Air Pollution May Significantly Worsen Respiratory Allergies

Judy Tidwell — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 15:10:00 +0100

As if the sneezing and watery eyes were not bad enough, researchers have found that airborne components of diesel engine exhaust significantly worsen allergy symptoms in people with a certain genetic makeup. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA have found that genetic characteristics seen in about half the population leave allergy-sufferers particularly susceptible to the effects of diesel particles.

Triggering Allergies and Asthma

"We've known that diesel exhaust particles worsen symptoms in individuals who respond to allergens, such as pollen, but this study suggests a direct way that pollution could be triggering allergies and asthma in a large number of susceptible individuals, and perhaps a new route of intervention," says Frank D. Gilliland, M.D., Ph.D., professor of preventive medicine at the Keck School and the study's lead author.

Exposure to air pollution is related to numerous health effects, including respiratory allergies. In this study, researchers sought to understand how pollutants from diesel exhaust might cause inflammation in the lungs.

Diesel exhaust particles are thought to act by causing the production of molecules called reactive oxygen radicals (hydrogen peroxide, for example) in the lungs' airways. In response, the immune system pumps out substances that cause allergy symptoms.

Antioxidants Defend the Body

But compounds called antioxidants can detoxify these particles and temper the body's allergic inflammatory response. Researchers suspect that the better the body can use antioxidants to defend itself, the better it can protect itself from airborne pollutants.

With that in mind, researchers investigated a family of antioxidant-related enzymes found in the lungs. Two of these enzymes are called glutathione S-transferase M1, or GSTM1, and glutathione S-transferase P1, or GSTP1. The GSTM1 and GSTP1 genes are responsible for creating each of the enzymes, which help the lungs detoxify pollutant products and defuse oxidants before they can cause damage.

GSTM1 occurs in two common forms in the population-either "present" or "null." Differences between present and null forms are small, but they may mean a lot. People born with two of the null form of the gene cannot produce the GSTM1 protective enzyme at all. About 50 percent of the population falls into this category.

Ragweed and Diesel Exhaust

Meanwhile, the GSTP1 gene can occur with a common variation called ile105. People born with two of the ile105 form of the gene produce a less-effective form of the GSTP1 enzyme. This less-effective form occurs in about 40 percent of the population.

In this clinical trial, the research team enrolled 19 people with known allergies to ragweed. They sampled participants' DNA to discern which forms of the GSTM1, GSTP1 and other similar genes they had.

Over the next few months, researchers twice gave each participant two treatments: nose spray containing either a dose of ragweed allergen and diesel exhaust particles or spray containing ragweed allergen and a placebo. The amount of diesel particles given was about what someone would experience during 40 hours spent in Southern California.

Larger Allergic Responses

After administering the spray, researchers measured participants' nasal allergic episodes. They found that participants who lacked the GSTM1 enzyme had a larger allergic response than others. Also, those participants who lacked GSTM1 and had at least one GSTP1 ile105 genetic variant had an even larger allergic response to diesel exhaust particles than did the participants with the other versions of the genes. Researchers estimate that 15 to 20 percent of the population has both genetic variations. This represents a large group especially susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution.

Further studies are needed to find other genetic variations that may put some at risk for pollution-related lung health problems, and possibly even to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks. Such research may suggest targets for drug interventions.

Nasal Allergies Affect Quality of Life, Job Performance

Judy Tidwell — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:56:00 +0100

Most nasal-allergy patients suffer with symptoms year-around that significantly affect their quality of life and performance on the job, consequences that are mostly ignored in the management of allergy patients, according to a survey of patients and healthcare providers.

One of the largest surveys of its kind, "Allergies in America: A Landmark Survey of Nasal Allergy Sufferers," shows an overwhelming trend linking allergic rhinitis symptoms to quality of life and occupational consequences, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Year-Around Symptoms

Most nasal allergy sufferers -- 56 percent -- have symptoms all year-around and it affects not only how they feel, but their job performance.

According to the survey, at their peak, symptoms leave allergic rhinitis patients feeling tired (80 percent), miserable (65 percent) and irritable (62 percent). Most patients (52 percent) say symptoms hurt them on the job -- decreasing their job performance, interfering with work, and causing them to miss work.

The survey of more than 2,500 nasal-allergy patients and 400 health care providers, also revealed a lack of communication between doctors and patients.

Behavioral and Psychosocial Impact

"Allergic rhinitis is a serious problem in the United States. The results are eye-opening and should encourage doctors and patients to change the way they think about and treat allergic rhinitis," Michael Blaiss, M.D., past-president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), said in a news release issued by the ACAAI.

"This data reveals the need for further investigation into the behavioral and psychosocial impact of allergy symptoms on public health," said Jeremy J. Nobel, M.D., M.P.H. in the news release.

According to the allergists surveyed, 59 percent of their patients have missed work due to their allergic rhinitis symptoms and they believe that their patients work productivity is at 60 percent when symptoms are at their worst.

Not Following Doctors' Advice

According to an American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology news release, other survey highlights include:

Only 41 percent of patients who have seen a doctor follow their health care providers' instructions on the management and treatment of allergic rhinitis all of the time, while 45 percent say they follow advice most of the time.

70 percent of allergists, 67 percent of otolaryngologists, 57 percent of primary care physicians and 39 percent of nurse practitioners/physician assistants believe their patients follow their advice all or most of the time.

100 percent of allergists, 94 percent of ENTs, 92 percent of nurse practitioners/physician assistants and 88 percent of primary care physicians believe that medical treatment does affect patient's quality of life.

Health care providers overestimate the percentage of patients very satisfied with their management of allergic rhinitis.

An overwhelming majority of patients (89 percent) and health care providers (95-100 percent) agree there is a need for better education of people with allergic rhinitis about their conditions and treatments.

Troubling Signals

"The disparity between patients and physicians in perception of successful disease management is just one of the troubling signals that lack of communication that could be dangerous -- especially when it comes to addressing how allergies affect patients' everyday lives," according to Dr. Blaiss.

Medications That Relieve Allergy Symptoms in Children

Judy Tidwell — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:21:00 +0100

Your child's allergy treatment should start with your pediatrician, who may refer you to a pediatric allergy specialist for additional evaluations and treatments.

These are the medications that are available to treat allergy symptoms in children:

Antihistamines - Help with itchy watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing, as well as itchy skin and hives. They may cause drowsiness.

Decongestants - Help with stuffy nose.

Nasal Corticosteroids - Highly effective for allergy treatment and are widely used to stop chronic symptoms. Safe to use in children over long periods of time.

Allergy Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be recommended to reduce your child's sensitivity to airborne allergens. Not every allergy problem can or needs to be treated with allergy shots, but treatment of respiratory allergies to pollen, dust mites, and outdoor molds is often successful.

Is Your Cough Allergy-Related?

Judy Tidwell — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:03:00 +0100

Allergies may be the cause of your lingering, nagging cough. A cough is the body's way of ridding mucus and foreign particles, such as allergens or postnasal drip, from the throat and respiratory tract. Coughing is a common symptom of seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hayfever, and it is the most common respiratory symptom for which patients seek medical attention, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Cough Tips

Although a cough does not necessarily indicate a health problem, the AAAAI offers these cough tips:

A daytime cough following a viral respiratory infection requires no specific treatment. It should resolve itself in one or two weeks.
A nighttime cough that occurs after falling asleep indicates something is amiss and should be investigated by a medical professional.
After initial treatment, if the cough does not get better or if it changes character, such as coughing up blood or it interferes with sleep or daily activities, then a medical professional should be consulted.

"Cough is a symptom with a variety of causes," said Pramod S. Kelkar, MD, and chair of the AAAAI's Cough Committee in a AAAAI news release. "The best treatment for cough is to identify the cause or causes and treat them. This generally requires a thorough history, physical examination and in some cases selected testing. The good news is that the relief is possible in almost all patients."

When to Seek an Allergist

The AAAAI suggests patients should see an allergist/immunologist if the cough:

Lasts 3 - 8 weeks or more
Coexists with asthma
Is chronic and nasal symptoms exist
Is chronic and tobacco use or exposure exist

Causes of Cough

A cough is not always caused by allergies. Other causes of cough may include:

Upper repiratory tract viral infections
Nasal and sinus disease
Stomach and esophageal problems such as GERD
An inhaled foreign body
"Habit"
Environmental irritants

Treatment for Allergy Symptoms

Judy Tidwell — Wed, 13 May 2026 15:08:00 +0100

Doctors use three general approaches to helping people with allergies: advise them on ways to avoid the allergen as much as possible, prescribe medication to relieve symptoms, and give a series of allergy shots. Although there is no cure for allergies, one of these strategies or a combination of them can provide varying degrees of relief from allergy symptoms.

Avoidance

Complete avoidance of allergenic pollen or mold means moving to a place where the offending substance does not grow and where it is not present in the air. But even this extreme solution may offer only temporary relief since a person who is sensitive to a specific pollen or mold may subsequently develop allergies to new allergens after repeated exposure. For example, people allergic to ragweed may leave their ragweed-ridden communities and relocate to areas where ragweed does not grow, only to develop allergies to other weeds or even to grasses or trees in their new surroundings. Because relocating is not a reliable solution, allergy specialists do not encourage this approach.

There are other ways to evade the offending pollen: remaining indoors in the morning, for example, when the outdoor pollen levels are highest. Sunny, windy days can be especially troublesome. If individuals with pollen allergy must work outdoors, they can wear face masks designed to filter pollen out of the air and keep it from reaching their nasal passages. As another approach, some people take their vacations at the height of the expected pollinating period and choose a location where such exposure would be minimal. The seashore, for example, may be an effective retreat for many with pollen allergies.

Mold Allergens

Mold allergens can be difficult to avoid, but some steps can be taken to at least reduce exposure to them. First, the allergy sufferer should avoid those hot spots mentioned earlier where molds tend to be concentrated. The lawn should be mowed and leaves should be raked up, but someone other than the allergic person should do these chores. If such work cannot be delegated, wearing a tightly fitting dust mask can greatly reduce exposure and resulting symptoms. Travel in the country, especially on dry, windy days or while crops are being harvested, should be avoided as should walks through tall vegetation. A summer cabin closed up all winter is probably full of molds and should be aired out and cleaned before a mold-sensitive person stays there.

Around the home, a dehumidifier will help dry out the basement, but the water extracted from the air must be removed frequently to prevent mold growth in the machine.

Dust Mite Allergens

Those with dust mite allergy should pay careful attention to dust-proofing their bedrooms. The worst things to have in the bedroom are wall-to-wall carpets, venetian blinds, down-filled blankets, feather pillows, heating vents with forced hot air, dogs, cats, and closets full of clothing. Shades are preferred over venetian blinds because they do not trap dust. Curtains can be used if they are washed periodically in hot water to kill the dust mites. Most important, bedding should be encased in a zippered, plastic, airtight, and dust-proof cover.

Although shag carpets are the worst type for the dust mite-sensitive person, all carpets trap dust and make dust control impossible. In addition, vacuuming can contribute to the amount of dust, unless the vacuum is equipped with a special high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Wall-to-wall carpets should be replaced with washable throw rugs over hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors. Rugs on concrete floors encourage dust mite growth and should be avoided.

Reducing the amount of dust mites in a home may require new cleaning techniques as well as some changes in furnishings to eliminate dust collectors. Water is often the secret to effective dust removal. Washable items should be washed often using water hotter then 130 (degrees) Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures will not kill dust mites. If the water temperature must be set at a lower value, items can be washed at a commercial establishment that uses high wash temperatures. Dusting with a damp cloth or oiled mop should be done frequently.

Pet Allergies

The best way for a person allergic to pets, especially cats, to avoid allergic reactions is to find another home for the animal. There are, however, some suggestions that help lower the levels of cat allergens in the air: bathe the cat weekly and brush it more frequently (ideally, this should be done by someone other than the allergic person), remove carpets and soft furnishings, and use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency filter and a room air cleaner (see section below). Wearing a face mask while house and cat cleaning and keeping the cat out of the bedroom are other methods that allow many people to live more happily with their pets.

Irritants such as chemicals can worsen airborne allergy symptoms and should be avoided as much as possible. For example, during periods of high pollen levels, people with pollen allergy should try to avoid unnecessary exposure to irritants such as insect sprays, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and fresh tar or paint.

Air Conditioners and Filters

When possible, an allergic person should use air conditioners inside the home or in a car to help prevent pollen and mold allergens from entering. Various types of air-filtering devices made with fiberglass or electrically charged plates may help reduce allergens produced in the home. These can be added to the heating and cooling systems. In addition, portable devices that can be used in individual rooms are especially helpful in reducing animal allergens.

An allergy specialist can suggest which kind of filter is best for the home of a particular patient. Before buying a filtering device, the patient should rent one and use it in a closed room (the bedroom, for instance) for a month or two to see whether allergy symptoms diminish. The airflow should be sufficient to exchange the air in the room five or six times per hour; therefore, the size and efficiency of the filtering device should be determined in part by the size of the room.

Persons with allergies should be wary of exaggerated claims for appliances that cannot really clean the air. Very small air cleaners cannot remove dust and pollen--and no air purifier can prevent viral or bacterial diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, or tuberculosis. Buyers of electrostatic precipitators should compare the machine's ozone output with Federal standards. Ozone can irritate the nose and airways of persons with allergies, especially those with asthma, and can increase the allergy symptoms. Other kinds of air filters such as HEPA filters do not release ozone into the air. HEPA filters, however, require adequate air flow to force air through them.

Allergy Medications

For people who find they cannot adequately avoid airborne allergens, the symptoms often can be controlled with medications. Effective medications that can be prescribed by a physician include antihistamines and topical nasal steroids--either of which can be used alone or in combination. Many effective antihistamines and decongestants also are available without a prescription.

Antihistamines. As the name indicates, an antihistamine counters the effects of histamine, which is released by the mast cells in the body's tissues and contributes to allergy symptoms. For many years, antihistamines have proven useful in relieving sneezing and itching in the nose, throat, and eyes, and in reducing nasal swelling and drainage.

Many people who take antihistamines experience some distressing side effects: drowsiness and loss of alertness and coordination. In children, such reactions can be misinterpreted as behavior problems. During the last few years, however, antihistamines that cause fewer of these side effects have become available by prescription. These non-sedating antihistamines are as effective as other antihistamines in preventing histamine-induced symptoms, but do so without causing sleepiness. Some of these non-sedating antihistamines, however, can have serious side effects, particularly if they are taken with certain other drugs. A patient should always let the doctor know what other medications he/she is taking.

Topical nasal steroids. This medication should not be confused with anabolic steroids, which are sometimes used by athletes to enlarge muscle mass and can have serious side effects. Topical nasal steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that stop the allergic reaction. In addition to other beneficial actions, they reduce the number of mast cells in the nose and reduce mucus secretion and nasal swelling. The combination of antihistamines and nasal steroids is a very effective way to treat allergic rhinitis, especially in people with moderate or severe allergic rhinitis. Although topical nasal steroids can have side effects, they are safe when used at recommended doses. Some of the newer agents are even safer than older ones.

Cromolyn sodium. Cromolyn sodium for allergic rhinitis is a nasal spray that in some people helps to prevent allergic reactions from starting. When administered as a nasal spray, it can safely inhibit the release of chemicals like histamine from the mast cell. It has few side effects when used as directed, and significantly helps some patients with allergies.

Decongestants. Sometimes re-establishing drainage of the nasal passages will help to relieve symptoms such as congestion, swelling, excess secretions, and discomfort in the sinus areas that can be caused by nasal allergies. (These sinus areas are hollow air spaces located within the bones of the skull surrounding the nose.) The doctor may recommend using oral or nasal decongestants to reduce congestion along with an antihistamine to control allerigic symptoms. Over-the-counter and prescription decongestant nose drops and sprays, however, should not be used for more than a few days. When used for longer periods, these drugs can lead to even more congestion and swelling of the nasal passages.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, or a series of allergy shots, is the only available treatment that has a chance of reducing the allergy symptoms over a longer period of time. Patients receive subcutaneous (under the skin) injections of increasing concentrations of the allergen(s) to which they are sensitive. These injections reduce the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood and cause the body to make a protective antibody called IgG. Many patients with allergic rhinitis will have a significant reduction in their hay fever symptoms and in their need for medication within 12 months of starting immunotherapy. Patients who benefit from immunotherapy may continue it for three years and then consider stopping. Although many patients are able to stop the injections with good, long-term results, some do get worse after immunotherapy is stopped. As better allergens for immunotherapy are produced, this technique will become an even more effective treatment.

Why Eczema So Often Begins in Childhood

Judy Tidwell — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:51:00 +0100

A team of researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, and other institutions have uncovered a key biological explanation for why eczema so often starts in childhood. The study, in young mice, found that some types of immune cells in early-life skin are more reactive than those in adults, a difference that may help explain why children are more vulnerable to inflammation and allergic skin disease.

The findings suggest that early childhood represents a critical window for immune-driven skin disease and may shed light on why eczema is often the first condition in a broader pattern of allergic disease.

Eczema affects nearly one in four children and often appears early in life. It can also precede other allergic conditions, including asthma and food allergies. Until now, scientists have not fully understood why the disease is so strongly linked to early childhood.

Programmed to Overract

"We found that allergy risk is shaped very early in life, when the skin's immune system is biologically programmed to overreact to allergens, with important consequences for understanding how immune-mediated diseases emerge and should be treated," says senior study author Shruti Naik, PhD, Associate Professor of Immunology and Immunotherapy, and Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine.

"By pinpointing the cells and hormonal signals that control this window of vulnerability, we open the door to strategies that could prevent allergic disease before it spreads from the skin to the lungs, gut, and beyond."

The researchers discovered that a specific immune cell type, the dendritic cell, in young skin behaves differently than in adults. These cells do not overreact to everything—but when it comes to allergens, they respond faster and more strongly, setting the stage for inflammation and eczema early in life. In adult skin, the same cells are far less reactive.

Blocking the Pathway

To understand why allergies often start in early childhood, researchers exposed infant mice to everyday allergens such as dust mites and mold. Unlike adult mice, the infants developed strong skin inflammation, revealing a brief early-life period when the skin's immune system is especially sensitive.

The scientists traced this response to dendritic cells, which are unusually active shortly after birth and triggers allergic inflammation. When this pathway was blocked, the young mice did not develop skin allergies.

The team also found that infants lack normal levels of stress hormones that later help keep immune reactions in check, allowing these allergic responses to take hold. Importantly, signs of the same immune activity were found in skin samples from children with early-onset eczema, but not in adults, suggesting this early-life window may also be important in humans.

Begins in Childhood

"This work was only possible through a true clinic-to-lab collaboration—where insights from pediatric patients shaped the questions we asked in the lab," says study co-author Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, the Waldman Professor of Dermatology and Immunology and Health System Chair of the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine.

"By studying allergic disease where it actually begins, in early life, and by modeling clinically relevant allergens and disease features, lead author Yue Xing, PhD, uncovered immune biology that simply doesn't appear in adult models. By revealing what's unique about the early-life immune system, this work explains why eczema so often begins in infancy."

Next, the investigators plan to explore ways to block this early-life immune pathway to stop allergic disease before it spreads from the skin to other organs.

"Beyond eczema, this study reinforces a critical point for medicine," says Dr. Naik. "Children are not simply small adults when it comes to immunity. Their immune system follows a unique set of rules, and recognizing that difference is essential for understanding—and ultimately preventing—allergic, immune-driven diseases that begin in childhood."

^{Source: Xing, Y, et al. "Peripheral immune-inducer dendritic cells drive early-life allergic inflammation." Nature 25 February 2026.}

How Does Pollen Provoke Allergic Reactions?

Judy Tidwell — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:28:00 +0100

How do pollen particles provoke allergic reactions? A study in The Journal of Experimental Medicine puts some of the blame on bioactive molecules that are released from pollen. These molecules bind to immune cells and cause them to launch a typical allergy-promoting immune response. Pollen from plants exposed to air pollutants produce more of these allergy-provoking compounds than do pollen from unpolluted areas, possibly explaining why allergies are more prevalent in places with high levels of car exhaust emissions.

Pro-Infammatory Molecules

Traidl-Hoffmann and colleagues showed that extracts from birch pollen and other common allergens block the production of a soluble protein by immune cells that normally inhibits allergic reactions.

They went on to identify the compound in the pollen extracts that caused the inhibitory response and showed that it was similar to certain pro-inflammatory molecules produced in the body in response to injury or infection.

The authors now plan to assess whether cells from allergy-prone people are more sensitive to the effects of the pollen-derived compound than those from non-allergic individuals. A better understanding of these molecules and how they work may eventually lead to new approaches to treating allergies.

Choosing Less Allergenic Plants for Your Yard

Judy Tidwell — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:09:00 +0100

When people with seasonal allergies are looking for relief, they usually think about what's in their medicine cabinet — not their backyard. A new workgroup report published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice called, "Landscape plant selection criteria for the allergic patient," guides both patients and doctors on how to reduce allergen exposures around their home and, in turn, reduce their symptoms.

The report lists criteria for plants that are less likely to cause allergic reactions, gives tips for people working in the landscaping industry with allergies, and contains a brief sample of trees, shrubs and perennials that may be more appropriate for allergy sufferers.

Plants to Avoid

What to Avoid When Renovating Your Outdoor Space: Trees and shrubs are a great way to add privacy and shade to a landscape, but also can release massive amounts of pollen. When making properties more allergy-friendly, they are as important to keep in mind as weeds and grasses. Maple, ash, birch, elm, oak, cottonwood, cedar, pine, willow, sycamore, walnut and box elder trees, along with juniper, hawthorn and mulberry bushes are all listed as species to avoid.

What to Plant Instead: When looking for alternatives, consider planting flowering dogwood, saucer magnolia, persimmon, common sassafras and Japanese pagoda trees. Smooth hydrangeas, bumald spirea, burkwood viburnum, blue false indigo, Lenten rose, coral bells, black-eyed Susan, New England aster or beardtongue also make good backyard additions.

While there's no such thing as an allergen-free environment, there are steps people can take to improve their environment and, in turn, experience a few less symptoms according to Warren V. Filley, MD, FAAAAI, one of the authors of the report and former chair of the AAAAI's Aerobiology Committee.

"Unless they live in a plastic bubble with filtered air, the best a person can hope for is to have a low-allergen landscape," said Filley. He went on to say that patients can use a short checklist to determine if a plant is a good fit for their home. All they have to do is determine:

1. Does the plant have insect or wind pollinated flowers?

If the plant you're considering growing in your backyard is wind pollinated, you may want to reconsider.
"As a general rule, many of the plants that give us allergenic trouble are wind pollinated plants," said Filley. "For example, an elm tree can put out a billion pollen grains when it pollinates and an oak tree can put out 500 billion. Almost all of that pollen stays local, with around 90% of it being deposited between 300 feet and two miles from the tree."

Insect pollinated, also known as entomophilous plants, release far less pollen into the air and are considered a better choice.

2. Is it invasive to your environment or does it cause any adverse reactions?

Do a little research to ensure that the plant is not invasive to your area, is not poisonous to people or pets and does not cause stinging or itching when touched.

3. Will it grow well in your area?

Lastly, make sure the plant is well suited for the average temperature, altitude, rain levels and sun in your backyard.

Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Landscape plant selection criteria for the allergic patient" Work Group Report. Aug. 7, 2018.

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.