November
Newsletter
Issue: 11
November 2013
In This Issue
Thanksgiving A&A Triggers
Common Myths
Test you Knowledge
Allergy & Asthma News
Like us on Facebook
Contact Information
Allergy & Asthma Solutions
8000 Warren Parkway
Suite 200
Frisco, TX 75034
 
469-633-1818

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Carrollton Office
2008 E. Hebron Parkway
Suite 100
Carrollton, TX 75007
Thursday only by appointment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 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.  

 

  

 

 

 




Thanksgiving Holiday Stuffed with Allergy and Asthma Triggers   

 

Tips For A Misery-Free Turkey Day

 

It's all in the planning: planning ahead gives everybody time....Time to get rooms cleaned, get a list of foods to be avoided for food allergic individuals and reducing the risk for allergic and asthma triggers.  cornucopia-flowers.jpg

 

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommend the following:

  

Advice for the party planner: For guests with food allergies, the holiday feast often includes common food allergens such as wheat, soy, dairy and nuts:

 

Talking turkey - The centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal may seem safe, but self-basting turkeys can include soy, wheat and dairy. A natural turkey is your best bet since by law it must contain nothing but turkey and water. Also, be sure the stuffing is made from wheat-free bread.


On the side
 - For allergen-free mashed potatoes, swap the milk and butter for chicken broth and margarine. Use corn starch to thicken the gravy instead of wheat flour. And forget about topping the green bean casserole with slivered almonds.


Now for dessert
 - Even though pumpkin allergies are rare, America's favorite Thanksgiving pie can cause problems. Be sure to offer alternative desserts. To be on the safe side, suggest guests with serious food allergies bring their own sweet treats. 

 

 

For those with outdoor allergies...Watch out for environmental triggers too...

   

Wash-up woes - Aunt Sophie's fancy guest soap may contain fragrance that can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Use the regular soap or bring your own.

 

Problem pets - If you're allergic to furry animals, asking grandma to lock her cat in the basement during your visit will do little if anything to ease your misery.  That's because pet dander gets everywhere and is difficult to eradicate.  However, you can help yourself by taking symptom-easing medications prior to your visit. An allergist can recommend treatments for your pet allergy, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants or appropriate asthma medications.

 

No rest for the allergic - Dust mites are one of the most common allergy and asthma triggers. To prevent your allergic guests from dust mite  sneezing all night long, thoroughly dust the extra bedroom and wash bedding in hot water.  If you have allergies and are doing the visiting, pack your own pillow or allergen-proof pillow cover.

 

The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 5,700 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes.   

 
 Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday.  Plan Well.  Be Safe

 


Debunking a Few Common Myths:
 
1.  I Cannot Have Vaccines Due to an Egg Allergy - Egg embryos are used to grow viruses for vaccines such as the flu, yellow fever and rabies shots. However, it's now safe to get the flu shot, which can help prevent serious illness.

 

2.  I'm Allergic to Cats and Dogs, but Can Have a Hypoallergenic Breed- Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog or cat. Allergens are released in saliva, sebaceous glands and perianal glands. It's not the fur people are allergic to. It is true that some breeds are more bothersome for allergy sufferers than others.

 

3.  I'm Allergic to Shellfish and Cannot Have Iodine Imaging -Radiologists and cardiologists often use iodinated contrast during CT scans and other procedures for better imaging. Since shellfish contain iodine, many physicians have linked a contrast reaction to a shellfish allergy. However, this is false, and a shellfish allergy has nothing to do with the reaction. In fact, iodine is not and cannot be an allergen as it found in the human body.

 

 


Test You Knowledge

 

Is a peanut a?

a. tree nut

b. a legume 

c. a grain    

 

Which of these is not a shell fish?

a. Crawfish 

b. shrimp 

c.  squid 

d.  catfish     

 

Click Here for answers

News from the Allergy World
 

thanksgiving-tree-header.jpg

 

 

People with asthma traveling to pet friendly homes for the holidays may want to pack allergy medication along with their inhaler. A study being presented this week at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting reveals the number of people with asthma that are also allergic to cats has more than doubled over an 18 year period.

 

"From 1976 to 1994, positive allergy skin tests in people with asthma have increased significantly," said Leonard Bielory, MD, ACAAI fellow and study author. "Not only have we found the number of asthma sufferers allergic to cats has more than doubled, but those with asthma are also 32 percent more likely to be allergic to cats than those without asthma."

The study also found those with asthma are more likely to be allergic to several environmental triggers common in the fall, including ragweed, ryegrass and alternaria fungus.

 

An estimated 60 to 85 percent of people with asthma have at least one allergy, according to ACAAI. However, the allergens in which most are allergic to has not been well researched.

"This study helps us better understand common trends in allergy and asthma, which can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment," said allergist James Sublett, M.D., chair of the ACAAI Indoor Environment Committee. "While it is unknown exactly why there has been an increase in asthma and allergy sufferers, it is thought a number of environmental factors can be responsible."

 

The holidays can suddenly spur allergy symptoms in people with asthma and those that have never before had allergies. For example, while visiting a relative with cats, arunny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes can occur. Then there is the Thanksgiving Effect, where college students return home to a pet they didn't have symptoms to before and are now allergic.

"Allergies can strike at any age in life, with symptoms disappearing and resurfacing years later" said Dr. Bielory. "Allergies and asthma are serious diseases. Misdiagnoses and inappropriate treatment can be dangerous."

 

Provided by American College of Allergy, Asthma, and 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

 

November has been very mild with only a few cold days.  Allergies and Asthma triggers are in the air. We are here to help you with your allergy and asthma needs.  Visit our website at www.simplybreathe.com to schedule an appointment.  I wish all a Happy Thanksgiving.  Enjoy time to reflect what you value most... My wish for all is a safe and enjoyable holiday!

 

Dr. Birjis Chinoy

 

 

AnswersAnswers to the Test Your Knowledge Section:

 
b. Legume                     d. Catfish

 

 

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