October
Newsletter
Issue: 10
October 2013
In This Issue
Top Fall Allergy Cities
Taking Allergies and Asthma Seriously
Woman and Asthma
Allergy & Asthma News
Like us on Facebook
Contact Information
Allergy & Asthma Solutions
8000 Warren Parkway
Suite 200
Frisco, TX 75034
 
469-633-1818

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8am -6pm
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Carrollton Office
2008 E. Hebron Parkway
Suite 100
Carrollton, TX 75007
Thursday only by appointment

 

 

 

 



 

Economic Impact of Childhood Food Allergies Estimated

 

The overall cost of childhood food allergies was estimated at nearly $25 billion annually in a study of caregivers that quantified medical, out-of-pocket, lost work productivity and other expenses, according to a report published by JAMA Pediatrics, a JAMA Network publication.

 

 

 

 

 As the year comes to an end, be sure to take advantage of your flexible spending account balances.  These are "use it or lose it" benefits.  You can use your benefits to pay any patient statement balances or co-pays at our office.  Wishing you a great start to the Fall Season!

 

 

  

 

 

 




Halloween Activity Precautions   

 

An unwanted cavity in your child's sweet tooth isn't the only health concern that haunts the Halloween season. Hidden health hazards can be lurking not only in candy, but also in costumes, haunted houses and jack-o-lanterns, especially when little ghosts and goblins have allergies and asthma.

 

"Parents that have a child with a food allergy know to carefully inspect Halloween candy, but they may overlook other common holiday items that can cause allergy and asthma symptoms," said allergist Stanley Fineman, MD, president of the American College of allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "There are several steps parents should take to ensure their child remains healthy and symptom-free no matter the season."

 

The allergists at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) compiled the following list of the common Halloween allergens with tips on how to avoid them.

 

* Bloodcurdling Scream to Frightening Wheeze - Haunted houses may be scary fun, but they can cause real-life fright if your child can't breathe easily. Excitement and anxiety provoked by zombies, ghouls and goblins can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms if your child's asthma isn't properly controlled. Running from house to house in search of treats can also trigger symptoms. If your child has asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) be sure they carry emergency medicine, such as a quick-relief inhaler, and use it regularly as prescribed to prevent symptoms.

 

* The Land of Milk and Stuffy - Halloween is a tricky time if your child has food allergies, especially to peanuts. But dairy, wheat and eggs are also common allergens found in different candies and other Halloween treats. Read product labels carefully before letting you child indulge in their sweets. Also, if you suspect your little one has a food allergy, make sure to see an allergist for testing to identify all of your child's triggers far in advance of Halloween festivities.

 

* Petrifying Pumpkins - Jack-o-lanterns might be more than just a scary face if you have an allergy to pumpkin. Although a pumpkin allergy is rare, it can develop at any time, suggests research from the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Anything from carving a pumpkin or munching on seeds can cause an allergic reaction with symptoms that can include chest tightness, hives and vomiting. If you experience symptoms, tell your allergist.

 

* Horrifying Wardrobe Malfunctions - From the dusty clown costume that was retrieved from the attic to the mask made of latex to the nickel in jewelry, swords and other accessories, Halloween dress up can be a landmine of allergy and asthma triggers. Dress your allergic child wisely. Some kids also have contact dermatitis which can be caused from the preservatives in makeup. If you're not sure what triggers your child's allergies, see an allergist who can help pinpoint the problem.

 

* Menacing Mold - While jumping through piles of leaves can be tempting for your little one as they are trick-or-treating, it can also be harmful. Molds, such as Alternaria, are commonly found on leaves this time of year and can cause severe asthma attacks. Running through leaves can cause mold to stir into the air, resulting in high exposure. Plan ahead and talk with your allergist about seasonal allergy and asthma triggers, and how they can be avoided. 

 Be Safe!


Taking Allergies and Asthma Seriously 

 

Allergies and asthma are serious diseases, that when left untreated, can be dangerous. If parents suspect their child has any signs or conditions of Allergies or Asthma, they should make an appointment with a board-certified allergist to develop a treatment plan that may go beyond over-the-counter medications.

 

 


Egg Allergic Children Now Have no Barriers to Flu Shot

 

All children should have flu shots, even if they have an egg allergy, and it's now safe to get them without special precautions. This finding is from the latest updashot_preparation.jpgte on the safety of the flu vaccine for allergic patients, published in the October issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the official journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

 

The current recommendation from the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is to observe children allergic to eggs for 30 minutes after a flu shot. Also to have the shot under the care of a primary care provider, if the reaction to eating eggs is only hives, or an allergist, if the reaction to eating eggs is more serious.

News from the Allergy World
 

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Non-celiac gluten Sensitivity-similar symptoms to Celiac Disease

 

Doctors at Sheffield University now explain that gluten sensitivity can also occur in people without celiac disease. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), with similar symptoms as in celiac disease like abdominal bloating and discomfort after eating regular wheat, oats barley or rye. Removing gluten from the diet helps resolve these symptoms. As yet there is no test for this syndrome and the diagnosis is based solely only clinical symptoms.

 

Increased Asthma Severity in Children Exposed to Diesel Exhaust from Traffic

 

A new study shows that exposure to diesel exhaust particles from traffic pollution leads to increased asthma severity in children. Moreover, the study finds that this is due to increased blood levels of IL-17A, a protein associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases, in children with high diesel exposure. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

  

Allergy and Asthma Solutions is accepting new patients.  If you or a family member or friend need to make an appointment please call our office and we will schedule you immediately.


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A Message from Dr. Chinoy 
Dr. Chinoy

 

October is nearly over and it is not too late to get your flu shot to minimize the risk of getting or spreading the flu to others.  We have the flu vaccine on hand at the office but please be sure to call before you make the drive to our office simply to make sure we have not run out.  I look forward to seeing you and as always have a safe and happy month end.

 

Dr. Birjis Chinoy