Top in allergy/asthma: Understanding oral allergy syndrome; impact of lockdown on infants

As spring begins, patients with tree, grass and weed allergies may have to cope with oral allergy syndrome, which arises from an allergic reaction to certain fresh or raw foods, including vegetables, fruits and nuts, a specialist said.

In his latest column, Douglas H. Jones, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, director of Rocky Mountain Allergy at Tanner Clinic in Utah, explained that the proteins in these raw foods mimic those found in specific pollens, inducing cross-reactivity and causing symptoms such as itchy mouth or tongue and rash or hives.

Avoiding trigger foods, taking oral antihistamines, and signing up for allergen immunotherapy can help patients to manage oral allergy syndrome symptoms.

It was the top story in allergy/asthma last week.

In another top story, a study showed that babies born during the March through May 2020 lockdown had significant differences in their microbiomes and less atopic dermatitis compared with babies born before the lockdown.

Researchers suggest that increased breastfeeding and reduced antibiotic use, which resulted from staying at-home, may protect infants from allergic diseases.

Read these and more top stories in allergy and asthma below:

As spring arrives, watch out for oral allergy syndrome

Spring is upon us in the Northern Hemisphere, and many patients are experiencing classic “hay fever” symptoms, including itch, stuffy nose, sneezing and rash as well as eye symptoms, Douglas H. Jones, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, wrote in his latest Food Allergy: Fact vs. Fiction column. Read more.

Babies born during lockdown had different microbiomes, impacting allergic disease

Babies born during the lockdown of March through May 2020 developed significant differences in their microbiome and less atopic dermatitis compared with babies born prior to this period, according to a study published in Allergy. Read more.

Epicutaneous immunotherapy for peanut allergy found safe, tolerable through 5 years

Treatment-emergent adverse events with epicutaneous immunotherapy for peanut allergy grew less frequent and severe over 5 years, according to a poster at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting. Read more.

Quality of life improves with dupilumab for patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria experienced better quality of life with dupilumab compared with placebo, according to two posters presented at the AAAAI Annual Meeting. Read more.

Partnership to provide early allergen introduction kits to families on Medicaid

Missouri families on Medicaid will be able to introduce their infants to common food allergens such as peanut, egg and milk for free through Access for All, a partnership between Centene and Ready. Set. Food! Read more.