by Dr. Stephen Wangen
The terms food allergy and food intolerance are frequently misunderstood and misused. They cause confusion even among doctors and other members of the medical community. Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, they really refer to two different types of physiological events.
The new school year means new clothes, new classes, new teachers – and the same old misery due to sneezing and wheezing for children who have allergies or asthma. From the class hamster to dust mites residing in carpet to germs from cold and flu viruses, asthma and allergy triggers lurk throughout the classroom.
Feel like there’s no end in sight when it comes to fall allergy misery? Blame global warming. Research suggests that with global warming, nasal allergy during the ragweed pollen season – also called hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis – lasts up to three weeks longer than it used to, and the further north you live, the longer you have to wait for relief.
A layperson’s summary of clinical food allergy guidelines for healthcare professionals has made the highly scientific and sometimes confusing subject of food allergy accessible to families and caregivers, who can use this document to improve dialogue with their physician.
Introducing increasing amounts of foods that contain baked milk into the diets of children who have milk allergies helped a majority of them outgrow their allergies, according to a study conducted at Mount Sinai School of Medicine’s Jaffe Food Allergy Institute.
Contrary to popular belief, so-called hypoallergenic dogs do not have lower household allergen levels than other dogs.
Allergies to pets with fur or feathers are common, especially among people who have other allergies or asthma. People with dog allergies may be allergic to all dogs or to only some breeds. Cat allergies are about twice as common as dog allergies.
Since 2006, it has been much easier for people allergic to certain foods to avoid packaged products that contain them, says Rhonda Kane, a registered dietitian and consumer safety officer at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.