Tis the season for Christmas trees, poinsettias, mistletoe and scented candles.  But if your nose looks like Rudolph’s, it’s a little hard to feel jolly. Although allergies typically peak in the spring and fall, the holidays may surprise sensitive sufferers with a gift of unexpected triggers. Here are five holiday allergens and allergy triggers, along with some advice to help you stay merry and healthy during the holiday season—not sneezing, coughing or scratching.

Holiday Allergy Trigger #1: Christmas Trees

Mold is the biggest problem with live Christmas trees. Often, they are cut in advance and kept in humid environments, promoting mold spore growth. Within just two weeks of bringing a tree into your home, indoor mold counts can increase significantly, according to one study.

The sap contains terpene and other substances that can irritate skin and mucous membranes; and pollen stuck to the tree may be released inside and lead to reactions, so you make think an artificial version is better, BUT they could harbor dust and mold from their time in storage, also triggering allergies.

Precautions: Slip on gloves and wear long sleeves when handling your fresh tree to avoid the sap coming into contact with your skin. Before schlepping your tree inside, give it a good shake (or a blast with a leaf blower) and spray it down with a garden hose (especially the trunk) to help remove some of the pollen and mold. Then sit the stump in a bucket of water and let the tree dry for few days on a covered porch or in a garage. For an artifical tree, give it a good wipe-down before decorating with lights and ornaments.  Follow directions carefully when spraying artificial snow or flocking. Inhaling these sprays can irritate your lungs and trigger asthma symptom s (better to avoid altogether in my opinion).

Holiday Allergy Trigger #2: Festive Foods

The most common food allergens are milk, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat. Of those, peanuts and tree nuts will most often make it into holiday dishes without people knowing, and have the potential to cause severe reactions.

Precautions: : It’s a good idea to let your holiday host know about your food allergies; it’s important to ask about the ingredients in each dish; and it’s very nice to volunteer to bring something that’s safe for you, and shareable with others. But what’s crucial is to be prepared with an epinephrine auto-injector (Epi Pen), an emergency dose of antihistamine, and an inhaler if you have asthm. Learn which foods and recipes are unexpected sources of allergens at FoodAllergy.org and AAAAI.org.

Holiday Allergy Trigger #3: Cocktails 

You raise a glass to your loved ones, your boss and colleagues, friends and neighbors, and even the strangers sitting next to you at a bar. There’s lots of celebrating at this time of year, but be mindful of what you’re using to toast. Some people may experience mild wheezing or other symptoms from the sulfites in wine, for example, and certain alcoholic beverages contain major food allergens.

Precautions: There aren’t good tests for sulfite sensitivity, but your reaction to dried fruit—high in this sulfur-based preservative—could be an indicator. Pay attention if you have asthma, as sulfites can trigger symptoms. Maraschino cherries contain small amounts of sulfites, as well. Stick with organic wine for a sulfite-free sip. Other triggers to be aware of: Tree nuts may be found specialty beers, particularly seasonal ales; milk is in Irish crème and white chocolate liqueurs; and egg whites may be used to add froth to specialty drinks.

Holiday Allergy Trigger #4: Travel

Staying in a hotel for the holidays may be wonderful, but not if you have allergies.  Pillows and bedding can harbor a lot of dust mites.  You may have difficulties with some of the detergents they use as well.  If you will be staying with family, they’re pets may trigger your symptoms.

Precautions: Consider bringing her own pillow, or at least a dust mite cover for the pillow. Also make sure you get a nonsmoking room.  If you’re allergic to your family’s pet, taking medicines with you.  If possible, avoid petting the animal, and wash hands after direct contact.

Holiday Allergy Trigger #5: Stress

Be aware that stress can lead to asthma attacks. Chemicals released by the body during stressful times can cause the muscles around your airways to tighten, making it difficult to breathe.

Holiday Allergy Trigger, Bonus Round! Poinsettias

This festive plant is a member of the rubber tree family and contains compounds similar to those found in latex, so stay away if you have a latex allergy. Certain groups of people—such as healthcare workers and people with spina bifida who have had numerous surgeries—are more likely to be allergic to latex.  One study Showed that 40% of latex-allergic individuals were also allergic to poinsettias.

The key is to be prepared and plan ahead. Consult with your doctor in advance.

Dr. Patel is an allergist in Pasadena California. She is board-certified in Allergy-Clinical Immunology and Pediatrics. She is the co-author of The Mommy MD guides to Twins Triplets and More! She understands that parenting is the hardest and most fulfilling job you can have. You can find her @TMommyMD.

It’s tough to plan a flawless date for that special valentine when allergies and asthma can get in the way. Allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual cost in excess of $18 billion. More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year, and about 26 million suffer from asthma. That means cupid’s bow is bound to hit someone who suffers from allergies or asthma.

Got Valentine’s Day covered this year? Remember to steer clear of anything that might cause your sweetheart to break out in hives, or worse yet, have a severe allergic reaction. Here are some tips from ACAAI to consider as you plan your romance.

Yum! But wait. 

Most people know that those with peanut allergies can have severe allergic reactions to anything that nuts touch. But the most common food allergens also include eggs, milk, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. If you’re baking or cooking for February 14th, make sure your sweetheart is okay with the ingredients. Remember to check all labels to ensure foods are safe for your child. Be aware that holiday candy may be manufactured in a different facility than their regular-sized versions or may use different ingredients.

If you’ll be dining out at a special restaurant—especially one you’ve never been to before—call ahead to make sure food allergies can be accommodated by the kitchen. You’ll be a romantic hero for the night.

Pass on the perfume.

Some people have a response to strong fragrances—think grandma’s perfume and your old uncle’s cologne. It is generally a reaction to odors created by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause headaches, sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses. If your loved one doesn’t wear perfume, it’s probably for a reason, and maybe that’s a gift you should avoid this year.

A Red Rose.

How romantic! Nothing says Valentine’s Day like red roses. And for those allergic to plant pollen, it turns out that roses and some other plants produce very little or no pollen. Other “allergy-friendly” plants include begonia, cactus, clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil and geraniums.

You shouldn’t have! Really.

Make sure your sweetheart isn’t allergic to the metals contained in some jewelry, particularly nickel. Nickel is found in many metal products, such as jewelry, zippers and buttons. Even chrome-plated objects and 14K and 18K gold contain nickel that can irritate the skin if the gold gets moist.

Pucker up with care. 

Believe it or not, there’s something called a “kissing allergy,” most commonly found in people who have food or medication allergies. Symptoms include swelling of the lips or throat, rash, hives, itching and wheezing. So what’s a lovebird to do? Allergists recommend that the non-allergic partner brush his or her teeth, rinse his or her mouth and avoid the offending food for 16 to 24 hours before smooching.

Whatever your choices for wooing your loved one this Valentine’s Day, make sure it’s a gift that’s safe and allergy-free.

Dr. Patel is an allergist in Pasadena California. She is board-certified in Allergy-Clinical Immunology and Pediatrics. She is the co-author of The Mommy MD guides to Twins Triplets and More! She understands that parenting is the hardest and most fulfilling job you can have. You can find her @TMommyMD.

Ah, Valentine’s Day: is there any other holiday besides Halloween more closely linked with candy, dessert, flowers and jewelry? Read on for some tips to make this holiday a safe one for those you love the most, both at home and at school.

How to Have a Valentine’s Day at School

Exchanging Valentines has been a fun tradition in schools for many years. Because Valentine’s Day is also associated with chocolate and sweets, it is important to have a plan to ensure that children with food allergies can safely take part in the holiday festivities. If your child’s school celebrates Valentine’s Day, here are some tips for ensuring that it is safe and fun for everyone.

Parents, talk with the teacher in advance about having a safe and inclusive celebration. Start this conversation early and with a written plan. Talk with your child and remind them of what they cannot eat. Helpful rules include having your child check with you or her teacher  before eating any food and not sharing foods.

Teachers, please do not allow children with food allergies to share food. Foods from others may be a source of unintended allergen exposure. The CDC recommends the use of non-food rewards when possible. The easiest way to ensure all children are safely included at school is to keep Valentine celebrations food-free. This promotes inclusiveness in the classroom while also descreasing the risk that a student could be exposed to an allergen.

Celebrating without sugary, high-fat food and sweets is also healthier and consistent with the wellness policies in place in many schools.

Other Valentine rewards, crafts and activities:

  • Exchange Valentine-themed pencils, stickers, pencil sharpeners and other trinkets.
  • Allow children to design and create handmade Valentines for classmates, teachers and family using construction paper, glitter, glue, stickers, lace and other craft materials.
  • Make paper flowers from tissue paper and pipe cleaners.
  • Cut out paper hearts and attach to string to make garland for the classroom.
  • Allow children to decorate a mailbox or paper bag to use to collect their Valentines.
  • Have the class work together to decorate a bulletin board or the room door for Valentine’s Day.
  • Make friendship bracelets for classmates to share.
  • Create thumb or hand print Valentines. 

How to Have a Safe Valentine’s Day at Home

Valentine’s Day is the perfect reason to make time to be together and to show your loved ones how much you care for them.  

Yum! But wait. Most people know that those with peanut allergies can have severe allergic reactions to anything that nuts touch. But the most common food allergens also include eggs, milk, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. If you’re baking or cooking for February 14th, make sure your sweetheart is okay with the ingredients. Remember to check all labels to ensure foods are safe for your child. Be aware that holiday candy may be manufactured in a different facility than their regular-sized versions or may use different ingredients.

If you’ll be dining out at a special restaurant—especially one you’ve never been to before—call ahead to make sure food allergies can be accommodated by the kitchen. You’ll be a romantic hero for the night.

Pass on the perfume. Some people have a response to strong fragrances—think grandma’s perfume and your old uncle’s cologne. It is generally a reaction to odors created by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause headaches, sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses. If your loved one doesn’t wear perfume, it’s probably for a reason, and maybe that’s a gift you should avoid this year.

A Red Rose. How romantic! Nothing says Valentine’s Day like red roses. And for those allergic to plant pollen, it turns out that roses and some other plants produce very little or no pollen. Other “allergy-friendly” plants include begonia, cactus, clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil and geraniums.

You shouldn’t have! Really. Make sure your sweetheart isn’t allergic to the metals contained in some jewelry, particularly nickel. Nickel is found in many metal products, such as jewelry, zippers and buttons. Even chrome-plated objects and 14K and 18K gold contain nickel that can irritate the skin if the gold gets moist.

Pucker up with care. Believe it or not, there’s something called a “kissing allergy,” most commonly found in people who have food or medication allergies. Symptoms include swelling of the lips or throat, rash, hives, itching and wheezing. So what’s a lovebird to do? Allergists recommend that the non-allergic partner brush his or her teeth, rinse his or her mouth and avoid the offending food for 16 to 24 hours before smooching.

Whatever your choices for wooing your loved one or celebrating your little one this Valentine’s Day, make sure it’s a gift that’s safe and allergy-free.

Dr. Patel is an allergist in Pasadena California. She is board-certified in Allergy-Clinical Immunology and Pediatrics. She is the co-author of The Mommy MD guides to Twins Triplets and More! She understands that parenting is the hardest and most fulfilling job you can have. You can find her @TMommyMD.

Harvard student Alexa Jordan could teach the class on world travel and food allergy advocacy. A mid-flight anaphylactic reaction spurred this inspirational political science and government major to resurrect legislation requiring epi-pens on airplanes. Not only has she gotten back on a plane—she’s studying abroad this summer while using her passion for the law to fight for human rights at 30,000 feet.

Tell us about your journey with food allergies. 

“I’m allergic to tree nuts and I have sensitivities to several fruits. I was allergic to peanuts and outgrew that recently. While I’ve always carried my epi-pen and checked for allergens in restaurants, in the absence of reactions, food allergies really faded to the background of my life. When I was in elementary school I was anxious and worried about what I called ‘nut germs.'”

A Turbulent Journey

“Everything changed after a recent flight home to Chicago after my freshman year at Harvard. I had a mid-flight anaphylactic reaction to a salad I had brought on the plane. I had purchased it in the airport, alerted them to my allergy, and confirmed that it didn’t contain nuts. The experience has brought food allergies to the forefront of my life.

Within the first bite or two after takeoff, my tongue was itching. Because it was a mild reaction, I wanted to take Benadryl but didn’t have any with me. I asked the flight attendant for it, and they said they didn’t have any on-board. Then my throat began to itch and tighten, so I decided to use my epi-pen in the bathroom because I wasn’t sure I could inject through my clothes.

It was bad enough that I was having a reaction mid-flight, but how the airline handled it was awful. I stayed in the bathroom alone for the remainder of the two-hour flight. The flight attendants only checked on me once and that was to ask me to lock the door so other passengers knew the bathroom was in use! They never made an announcement or asked if a medical professional was on the flight. As I exited, they mentioned they did have epinephrine, which had I known, I would have considered giving myself a second shot. I also later learned airplanes are required to carry Benadryl (or an equivalent), which means the flight attendants on my flight didn’t even know what was on their plane.”

As I sat alone on the bathroom floor of the plane, I thought, ‘This is never going to happen to anyone ever again. I don’t know how, but this can’t happen again.’ My interest in the law led me to research what medicines and training the FAA already requires. I discovered that there was an effort to require epi-pens on flights which sadly failed to pass. I was determined to start a petition to revive this act—S. 1972 Airline Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act of 2015.”

How did your petition take off?

“I shared my story on my Facebook and it immediately was shared. I was on news outlets including NBC Investigates, which helped spread the word. I started reaching out to legislators and it caught the attention of my senator, Tammy Duckworth. Virginia Hayes from her office has helped me be a part of the legislative process. Since my incident, in-flight allergic reactions like when Dr. Mike saved a passenger continue to happen. My story and others are helping to raise awareness and I’ve seen people coming together, with and without allergies, offering their help to get the bill passed.

My goal is to get 200,000 signatures and we need more. The response has been great, we have 177,000 so far. Anyone can sign it nationwide, food allergic or not! It’s imperative we share stories like mine to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Share this petition and call your senators, state representatives, and congresspeople to let them know this is an important issue. We are so much stronger together.”

What grade does Harvard get for food allergies?

“When I was looking for schools my focus was to find a college where I’d be academically challenged and around like-minded students. Luckily my two top choices, Harvard and Yale, are phenomenal about food allergies. I ate at both during the admitted students weekend, and you can meet with the chefs. My dining hall can make allergy plates separately in a designated area, wrap them up and put them in a special allergy fridge. I wish I had found the Spokin app before I was looking at colleges—it’s a perspective on the college hunt that just doesn’t exist anywhere else. The app lets you look up colleges and even contact other students with any questions you have. It’s really unique and helpful!”

This isn’t your first international trip, what’s your best advice?

“I had plans to study abroad in Spain this summer prior to the plane incident. While my doctor advised me not to go on this trip because of my anxiety, I felt prepared, safe, and in control. My program, The Summer Institute of Hispanic Studies, and the directors have been amazing. While I was on excursions, they’ve gone hours in advance to talk to chefs to ensure there would be no allergens in my food or risks of cross-contamination.”

I have translations of the names of different nuts and I made chef cards. Airbnb has been the hidden tool for traveling abroad—if I don’t feel safe, I can buy my own ingredients and cook my own food. It hasn’t been a burden, it’s actually been something I’ve enjoyed.”

A Community Safety Net

“I never felt connected to other people with allergies in a strong way. After my reaction in the air, I’ve been awakened to the food allergy community on a whole new level. I started to see all the advocacy of these people going through the same challenges.”

This post originally appeared on Spokin, Inc..

Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

If your baby has allergies or food sensitivities finding the right alternatives may prove difficult. Else’s Plant-Based Toddler Nutrition is the first clean-label minimally-processed, plant-based toddler nutrition drink made with 92% whole-plant ingredients derived from almonds, buckwheat and tapioca. This Israel-based company is providing a real substitute for toddlers with lactose intolerance, sensitivities or other dietary restrictions. 

Else Plant Based Nutrition
41% of toddlers that have food allergies are allergic to cow’s milk. This plant based nutritional formula fills a definite need. Else has been approved by nutritionists and pediatricians. It has also received multiple key certifications including The Clean Label Project, Beyond Soy and Certified Plant-Based. 

Else Plant Based Nutrition
Else also has babies on the brain. The brand is on track to launch the first-ever plant-based infant formula that is free of dairy and soy. Currently going through testing and clinical trials, this formula will mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Else Nutrition

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Can staying up too late affect your teen’s health? Some say yes. According to a study published in ERJ Open Research, teenagers who stay up late and wake later in the morning are more likely to suffer with asthma and allergies compared to those who sleep and wake earlier. 

teen smartphone in bed

Asthma symptoms are known to be strongly linked to the body’s internal clock, but this is the first study to look at how individual sleep preferences influence asthma risk in t eenagers.Researchers say the study reinforces the importance of sleep timing for teenagers and opens up a new channel of research in to how sleep affects teenagers’ respiratory health.

The study was led by Dr Subhabrata Moitra from the division of pulmonary medicine at the University of Alberta, Canada, who carried out the research while at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Spain. He said: “Asthma and allergic diseases are common in children and adolescents across the world and the prevalence is increasing. We know some of the reasons for this increase, such as exposure to pollution and tobacco smoke, but we still need to find out more. Sleep and the ‘sleep hormone’ melatonin are known to influence asthma, so we wanted to see if adolescents’ preference for staying up late or going to bed early could be involved in their asthma risk.”

The study involved 1,684 adolescents living in West Bengal, India, age 13 or 14 years old, who were taking part in the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma and Allergy-Related Diseases among Adolescents study.

Each participant was asked if they experienced wheezing, asthma or symptoms of allergic rhinitis. They were also asked questions regarding their sleep habits and levels of tiredness at certain points in the day. 

Researchers compared the teenagers’ symptoms with their sleep preferences, taking into account other factors that are known to affect asthma and allergies, such as where the participants live and whether or not their family members smoke.

They found that the chance of having asthma was around three times higher in teens who prefer to sleep later compared to those who preferred to sleep earlier. They also found the risk of suffering allergic rhinitis was twice as high in late-sleepers compared to early-sleepers.

Dr Moitra adds, “Our results suggest there’s a link between preferred sleep time, and asthma and allergies in teenagers. We can’t be certain that staying up late is causing asthma, but we know that the sleep hormone melatonin is often out of sync in late-sleepers and that could, in turn, be influencing the teens’ allergic response.

“We also know that children and young people are increasingly exposed to the light from mobile phone, tablets, and other devices, and staying up later at night. It could be that encouraging teenagers to put down their devices and get to bed a little earlier would help decrease the risk of asthma and allergies. That’s something that we need to study more.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Retha Ferguson from Pexels

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As you know, parents everywhere are trying to just figure things out, a lot of this is trial and error. While parents are feeling the shift, so are the kids and teens. Parents with teenagers, hang in there! As a parenting expert, guidance counselor, a licensed educational psychologist AND raising two teens myself, I completely understand the struggles we are all facing. I’m constantly implementing positive parenting techniques more now than ever. Here are a few tips that you can also do yourself!

Positive Parenting Tools

1. Parent by example. (AKA: Model what you expect) Think of your teens like a copy machine who will mimic everything you do. If you make poor choices in behavior, you are giving them permission to act in the same ways. Check-in with yourself, and don’t lose it in front of them.

2. Children need positive attention. If they do not receive positive attention from family, they may choose to seek out negative attention. This is because negative attention is still attention, and any attention is better than being ignored. Remember to communicate with your child. Love and care are the greatest healers.

3. Set clear limits on your child’s behavior. Sit down and have a family discussion on the family rules in your home. Let your child know what the consequences will be if they break the rules. Rules should be few, fair, easy to follow, enforceable, and positively stated

Communication

1. If you feel like you’re getting the cold shoulder while at home around your teen—make family time for meals. Even though you might feel disconnected at times from your teen, you are creating a space for when she is ready to have a dialogue

2. Are your teens allergic to questions? Teenagers want questions driven by genuine interests. Ex: try not to ask, “SO, how was your day?” Instead, ask, “How’s it going in algebra, I know you were not loving your unit last week.” Honest questions get honest answers.

3. Validate and emphasize what they are going through. It’s not easy being a teen and missing social events, seeing friends in person, and doing activities such as going to the mall.

Social Media 

1. Just because your teens are at home more, doesn’t mean they should stay on their phones more.

2. Create digital rules and include the use of their phones.

3. Be open. Don’t check your teen’s phone in secret. If they find out, which they will, you will have a hard time gaining trust back.

4. Be clear from the onset you will be doing random checks. This allows for speed bumps. Teens are impulsive and the reminders help with decision making. For example, remind them about the negative effects of posting something based on peer pressure or ganging up on a chain of negative comments.

5. Digital technology gives teens a way to build and maintain friendships when they are not together but talk to your teens about the permanent mark they are leaving online. They might think they can erase a comment or picture, but it doesn’t fully disappear.

6. Unplug where there are opportunities for social skills an in-person connections

Dealing with Disappointment with Grades and Remote Learning

1. When boys fail a test, they have a tendency to cope by balancing external factors like, “The teacher doesn’t like me” or “The test was dumb.”

2. In that same scenario, girls tend to explain failures internally and permanently. For example, “I will never be good at..” or “I’m dumb, I’m not smart at math.” Even though they may have gotten A’s on four starlight quizzes and one B!

3. Focus on what is called a growth mindset verse a fixed mindset. In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great.

Reena B. Patel (LEP, BCBA) is a renowned parenting expert, guidance counselor, licensed educational psychologist, and board-certified behavior analyst. Patel has had the privilege of working with families and children, supporting all aspects of education and positive wellness; recently nominated for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year

 

LEGO is known for helping to bring children’s ideas to life. Now the popular brand has delved into the minds of some of their biggest fans to create a video from a child’s point of view. LEGO’s newest ad is a blockbuster movie trailer made up entirely of ideas thought up by kids while playing with a LEGO City Police set.

Boy playing with LEGOs

There’s been a bank robbery in LEGO City, and the thief is armed with a titanium fish, too bad the hero is allergic. There’s action, helicopters and a musical number.

The ad debuted on Instagram on February 6.

LEGO captioned their post, “Fighting crime is a tough game – but a fun one when you have LEGO City Police and the brilliant mind of a kid.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

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While it’s not a cure, parents of children with peanut allergies may be able to gain a little piece of mind thanks to a new drug aimed to help reduce severity of allergic reactions. 

On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Palforzia, which can be used by children ages 4 through 17 to help increase their tolerance to small quantities of peanuts and decrease the risk of a reaction in case of accidental exposure. 

Peanuts

Allergy sufferers will still need to avoid all peanut products, but this new drug marks a positive step towards preventing severe and even fatal symptoms. 

“Peanut allergy affects approximately 1 million children in the U.S. and only 1 out of 5 of these children will outgrow their allergy. Because there is no cure, allergic individuals must strictly avoid exposure to prevent severe and potentially life-threatening reactions,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in a press release.

The drug comes in powder form which can be mixed into foods such as applesauce or pudding for easier dosing.

“Even with strict avoidance, inadvertent exposures can and do occur. When used in conjunction with peanut avoidance, Palforzia provides an FDA-approved treatment option to help reduce the risk of these allergic reactions in children with peanut allergy,” said Marks.

Even trace amounts of peanuts can cause allergic reactions including hives, digestive problems, and constricted airways. 

The FDA noted that Palforzia is not to be used for emergency treatment in cases of anaphylaxis.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo courtesy of Vladislav Nikonav via Unsplash. 

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The littles are allergic to dogs—or so you thought. If you have dreams of adopting a new furry friend for your allergy-prone fam, you may be in luck—that is, if you prefer Fifi to Fido.

Dr. Lakiea Wright, an allergist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, told CNN, “Up to 30% of people who are allergic to dogs are actually allergic to one specific protein that’s made in the prostate of a dog.” With the FDA approval of a blood test for the allergen last May, doctors can now identify whether you (or your child) can live with male dogs or not.

photo: Lum3n.com via Pexels

Wright went on to add, “If you’re allergic to only that specific protein in the male dog, you may be able to tolerate a female or a neutered dog.”

If you’re all in for a hairless pup to avoid allergies, think again. According to Wright there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Instead, it’s the proteins (such as the one male dogs make) that influence allergies. Wright noted, “When we suspect a dog allergy, we’re testing for that whole allergen. But then we’re also looking at specific proteins, the parts that make up the whole, to refine that diagnoses.”

When it comes to male dogs, the docs look for the Can f 5 protein, which is made in the prostate. Not only can these proteins spread to the dog’s skin and hair, but they can also end up in the air, on furniture or on clothing.

Keep in mind, it’s possible for you (or your child) to have a reaction to more than one dog protein. There are five already-identified allergy-causing proteins dogs make. Even if you’re cleared for the Can f 5 protein,  you may still have an allergy to any of the other four.

—Erica Loop

 

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