Top in allergy/asthma: Alpha-gal syndrome; Dupixent superior biologic for asthma therapy

Alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to sugar in red meat and animal products, is on the rise in the United States, and the culprit is lone star ticks, an expert said.

In his latest “Food Allergy: Fact vs. Fiction,” column, Douglas H. Jones, MD, explains what makes alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) unique and how to diagnose and treat it.

“AGS is different from most food allergies because the person becomes allergic to a sugar, galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, not a protein, which is the most common issue,” Jones wrote.

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

In another top story, a study found that Dupixent (dupilumab, Regeneron) was more effective in reducing asthma exacerbations, with 0.5 fewer asthma exacerbations per person per 1.5 years compared with other biologics.

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

Tick bites drive allergies to sugar in alpha-gal syndrome

Usually when people are allergic to something, the protein causes the allergy. Contrary to myth, sugars typically do not cause allergic reactions. Rather, they can contribute to different issues such as food intolerances and sensitivities. Read more.

Dupilumab leads biologics in reducing asthma exacerbations

Biologics designed to counter type 2 inflammation reduced asthma exacerbations in real world settings, with dupilumab having the most impact, according to a study. Read more.

Lung, skin barrier function during infancy associated with asthma at age 3 years

Young infants with lower lung function and impaired skin barrier function experienced greater risks for developing asthma by age 3 years, according to a study. Read more.

Conference trio to spotlight food allergy prevention, treatment

Since there is so much going on in food allergy studies and care — and so much more that needs to be done — the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research is having three simultaneous conferences this summer, and everyone is invited. Read more.

Families living in U.S.-Mexico borderlands see limited access to asthma health care

Rural unincorporated colonias in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands have limited access to health care, showing that geography is a determinant of health in low-income communities, according to a study. Read more.