Top in allergy/asthma: Nasal spray for anaphylaxis; common household health hazards

In early August, the FDA approved neffy epinephrine nasal spray to treat emergent type 1 allergic reactions in patients who weigh at least 66 pounds.

The approval was based on four studies of 175 healthy adults, in which data showed that the nasal spray provided concentrations of epinephrine that are comparable to alternatives on the market.

“We commend the FDA's decision to approve neffy, which offers the food allergy community a nasal-spray epinephrine delivery device,” Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of Food Allergy Research and Education, told Healio in an email. “This needle-free breakthrough should make it easier for food allergy patients and those around them to administer epinephrine in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.”

It was the top story in allergy/asthma this year.

In another top story, researchers found that cooking may impact respiratory health. Fumes from propane and gas stoves — specifically, exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from the stoves — may be responsible for thousands of cases of asthma across the U.S. Women may be disproportionally affected by this, as they, on average, cook more than men.

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

FDA approves epinephrine nasal spray for anaphylaxis

The FDA has approved neffy epinephrine nasal spray for emergency treatment of Type 1 allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in pediatric and adult individuals weighing at least 66 pounds. Read more.

Cooking, stove use among potential household health hazards for women

The respiratory and health impacts of cooking — a ubiquitous household chore often assumed by women — may be underappreciated, with fumes from gas and propane stoves a leading source of asthma, data show. Read more.

As difficult patient interactions continue to rise, here is how to handle them

At least once a week, Emily L. Weis, MD, MS, says she has a challenging consult or patient interaction in her allergy practice, and she has noticed these situations have been occurring more frequently since the pandemic. Read more.

Q&A: Joint task force updates anaphylaxis practice parameter

A joint task force has published an updated, evidence-based practice parameter for diagnosing and treating anaphylaxis in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Read more.

Cell phone screen protector triggers allergic contact dermatitis

A woman who used an acrylate screen protector on her cell phone developed a rash on her face and fingers, according to a poster presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. Read more.