Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies worldwide and the third most common in US children. A recent study (published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology November 2019) was done to assess the prevalence of it in the United States. Overall the estimated of shellfish allergy was 2.9% and where the […]
Pineapple Allergy comes in many flavors
Pineapple allergy is not commonly reported, but it can cause adverse reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions to other fruits are commonly reported, particularly apples, stone fruits and bananas. Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is known for its sweet and tangy taste, but its anti-inflammatory properties and enzymatic activity have been used for centuries. Pineapple has been implicated in an […]
Etokimab, anti IL-33 for Food Allergy
Etokimab is an antibody that inhibits IL-33. IL-33 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is a central mediator of allergy diseases (i.e. food allergies). By blocking IL-33, etokimab prevents the downstream inflammation that occurs with allergy diseases. Etokimab is currently being studied for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and asthma by the pharmaceutical company AnaptysBio. The […]
Hemp seed allergy
Cannabis is a flowering plant and its most widespread species is Cannabis sativa. Hemp seed is a variety of the Cannabis sativa species that is grown for the industrial uses of its derived products. Cannabis as a drug and hemp are both derived from the same species and contain the psychoactive component THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), but they are […]
Gelatin Allergy
Gelatin is an animal derived proteinaceous substance found in food, cosmetics and medical supplies. It is derived from collagen that is partially hydrolyzed from either pig or cattle. This leads to a gel forming property that gives texture to foods such as marshmallow and jelly. It is also used to make pill capsules, agents that […]
Cockroach allergy and asthma implications
Cockroach allergy is an important health problem that can lead to asthma, rhinitis or both. In the United States the main species of cockroach that causes allergy is the German cockroach, Blatella germanica. Exposure and sensitization to cockroach allergens are 2 factors that causes high morbidity among inner-city children with asthma. There seems to be […]
Which is easier to use, Epipen or Auvi-Q?
Anaphylaxis is a serious and potentially life-threatening systemic allergic reaction that can be induced by allergens such as food, medication and insect stings. Current guidelines recommend epinephrine as first-line treatment of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine auto-injectors are recommend for patients to carry to those who are at risk. Studies have shown that patients and caregivers sometimes incorrectly […]
Adult Eczema a common problem
Adult eczema rates are greater than previously thought, but the frequency and characteristics of adult onset disease remain controversial. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is the leading cause of skin related disability, but most studies focus only on children. Eczema is common in adults, but it is not known whether the higher rates are from new […]
Beer Allergy, what are the culprits?
Beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the world and beer allergy is rare. According to Bavarian Purity Law, beer includes barley, malt, hops, yeast and water, but each individual beer may differ in content and brewing procedures. True food allergies can result in reactions of hives, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. At […]
Palforzia (formerly AR101) and peanut allergy
Aimmune is seeking approval of its peanut allergy immunotherapy product, Palforzia. We have extensively discussed AR101 a Potential Peanut Allergy Cure nearly a year ago, and the FDA is set to make a decision on it very soon. Traditionally peanut allergies are managed by avoidance but the threat of accidental exposure cannot be nullified. In the US, […]