Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a rare condition defined by a severe systemic reaction to mast cell derived mediators. Mast cells are effector cells of the immune system. These cells produce a variety of proinflammatory mediators and participate in a number of different pathological conditions. In patients the risk of developing severe anaphylactic (hypersensitivity) events […]
Gut microbiome in food allergy
The gut microbiome (bacteria) can play a strong role in food allergies. Food allergy is a clinical and public health problem that affects up to 10% of the US population. It is defined as an adverse health effect arising from a specific immune response that occurs on exposure to a food. IgE food mediated allergy […]
Bethenny Frankel Suffers Allergic Reaction
Bethenny Frankel from the hit reality show, Real Housewives of New York, suffered what was reported an anaphylactic episode. In a previous season of her show, she had a reaction after eating fish, she has stated that she has a rare fish allergy. This most recent episode occurred after eating soup which contained fish in […]
NBA Rookie Zhaire Smith’s Allergic Reaction
In reported news today, Zhaire Smith of the Philadelphia 76’ers will be out possibly the whole NBA 2018-2019 season due to complications from an allergic reaction. It was known that the rookie had a peanut allergy and food was individually prepared for him at the teams facility so he was not exposed to peanut. Apparently […]
Are Two EpiPens Really Necessary?
Having two epipens has become more difficult for patients due to recent shortages, rising prices and manufacturing difficulties. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction characterized by skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal allergy symptoms with a rapid onset. Anaphylaxis affects both adults and children and it can occur up to 2% of the population. Among pediatrics, the […]
Accidental Food Allergy Reactions
Accidental food allergy reactions to food are frequent and can be severe and even fatal. Food allergy is a serious health problem affecting 1-3% of the population. For many patients with food allergy, these allergies are best managed by avoidance of the allergenic food. Legislation on food labeling is implemented in most regions of the […]
Xolair for Food Allergies granted Breakthrough Therapy
Xolair for food allergies may become a treatment in the future as the FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Xolair. Xolair (omalizumab) would be used for the prevention of severe allergic reactions following accidental exposure to 1 or more foods in patients with allergies. From the FDA; Breakthrough Therapy designation is a process designed to […]
The Environment and Food Allergy, what is the relationship?
The prevalence of food allergy has increased significantly over the years. In the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada and Australia, food allergies affect up to 8% of children and up to 5% of adults. Peanut allergy alone affects up to 5% of infants and young children. What is driving this epidemic is unclear, but there is […]
New Allergy Emoji being considered
A campaign is underway to get an allergy emoji approved by the Unico Consortium. Unico approves all texts and emoji’s for use. A petition has been submitted on change.org and it is currently gathering signatures. Change.org The makers of Reactine Canada (generic name ceterizine) are behind the campaign for the allergy emoji. Antihistamines are commonly […]
Allergy to Marijuana
Allergy to marijuana has been on the rise with the legalization of medical marijuana and recreational marijuana in certain states. Here in California, recreational marijuana has become legalized on January 1st, 2018. Medical marijuana has been legal for more than 20 years but now with the full legalization in California, there will be more reactions […]