There is no current cure for peanut allergy. Accidental exposures are common and can be severe. To assess children who had severe reactions during oral peanut challenges, scientists identified certain biomarkers that would help them see who would be at higher risk with accidental ingestion of 0.1 gram of peanut protein (about half a peanut […]
Can you outgrow tree nut allergies?
A question asked by many patients is, can you outgrow tree nut allergies? Tree nuts are common causes of food related allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Resolution of tree nut allergy is thought to be now, yet studies are limited. In a previous blog post, we explored the rates of outgrowing peanut allergy. Can you outgrow […]
Can you eat tree nuts if you are allergic to peanuts?
Individuals with peanut allergy often avoid tree nuts, yet the rate of tree nut allergy in peanut allergic patients is often cited as low as 7%. Peanut allergy affects 1-2% of individuals in the U.S. and its increasing. The current management is strict avoidance and prompt use of epinephrine for systemic reactions which can occur […]
Andre Drummond’s Avocado Allergy
Andre Drummond made national news this week because of a reported allergic reaction to avocado. The Detroit Pistons were in Mexico City to play the Dallas Mavericks. He reportedly was in a restaurant and told the waiter he was allergic to avocados, despite the warning, avocado was present in his food and he had a […]
Adult Shellfish Allergy; a review
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]