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 […]
Cat vaccine to prevent allergies in owners
A cat vaccine is being developed to decrease the amount of allergy that cats produce. Cats are found in about 25% of households in the United States and allergy to cats is found in approximately 10% of the population. The major cat allergen found in saliva and dander is called Fel d 1, and this […]
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): Fact & Fiction
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 […]