In this months newsletter I have decided to debunk some common misconceptions related to allergic conditions.
Does Milk really cause mucus or cough?
Parents are frequently concerned that their child produces more mucus after drinking milk or eating dairy foods. Some people complain that their throat feels coated, and this makes them cough. Recent research shows that milk coating the throat is due to the texture of the fluid and that the same sensation occurs with other liquids of similar thickness. Milk does not specifically trigger mucus production.
Does milk cause ear infections?
Although this is not as common a question it still springs up. Middle ear infections (otitis media) are very common in young children. Allergies causing allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can exacerbate middle ear infections, as the swelling and inflammation in the nose reduces the flow of air and mucus from the ears and sinuses. These passages in young children are very narrow and tend to fill up with mucus and secretions easily. Drinking milk doesn't cause or exacerbate this condition which is typically triggered by various outdoor and indoor allergens. Contrary, drinking milk actually provided necessary essentials like Vitamin D, calcium and other mineral which may actually improve nourishment and enhance the child's immune system. Unless there is a true food allergy to cow milk, cutting out this source of vital nutrition in a child will eventually affect their nutrition.
Inhaled or nasal steroids should be avoided as it affects the body or is too strong for a child?
There are several studies that have conclusively shown that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for asthma and intranasal steroids (INS) are safe, effective and very effective in controlling conditions like Hay Fever or Asthma with very little downside. Infract, these medications have revolutionized how we treat allergic diseases. These are some of the few medications (ICS and INS-not combination meds like Advair, Symbicort or Dulera which should be taken in the recommended doses only where the side effects are from the long acting albuterol) that will rarely if ever cause harm even if taken above the recommended doses. Unnecessary fearfulness and a phobia of these medications due to the word "steroid" can cause life threatening asthma attacks which are easily preventable. Unmanaged asthma results in 3,300 deaths annually.
Once my asthma is controlled and I do not have symptoms I can stop my medications?
This scenario is not uncommon where parents think that once asthma is controlled, the condition is "cured". As asthma is a complex disease there is yet NO CURE. The only treatment available is inhaled corticosteroids in various forms. Stopping these medications will ultimately result in a flare of asthma, resulting in their reintroduction. DO NOT stop asthma medications without consulting with your allergist or physician.
Showers are preferred or alternate day bathing/showers to daily 20-30 minute baths in children with eczema?
The problem here is that these children lack barriers that prevent the skin moisture from evaporating, resulting in the skin being dry and scaly. The more the skin is immersed in water there is more absorption of water and the healthier the skin gets. The more severe the eczema the longer the child should be immersed in warm water (20-30 minutes daily) and moisturize as often as possible throughout the day.
If you are allergic to tree nut you should also avoid peanuts?
Although there is some truth here that there is a 40% chance if you are allergic to tree nuts you can develop an allergy to peanuts (epidemiological data where there was an association but was not causal), current research shows no increased risk as peanuts belong to the legume family and have little in common with the tree nuts family. Infact, we now encourage people to eat peanuts if they have had no history of reactions but are allergic to tree nuts and vice versa, the idea being that the immune system develops a "tolerance" to these foods making them less harmful
Allergy to one type of tree nut should be followed by complete avoidance of tree nuts?
This question needs to be answered with certain caveats. In general, the individual who has only reacted to either one of these 3 groups- walnut/pecan, almond/hazelnut, pistachio/cashew nut may continue to eat the other two groups of nuts. There is 33% chance that there would be a reaction