Allergies Guide

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.

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.