1. Avoid the “priming” effect. You should start drugs, which were previously effective, early in the season before pollen peaks. This should be before we start seeing pollen in trees throughout the country in February, and possibly January for southern states like Florida. We are mainly referring to antihistamines, ideally not the ones that make you drowsy. We also recommend the frequent use of saline nasal sprays to avoid the accumulation of pollen in the nasal passages.

2. Use goggles or glasses for those suffering from allergic eye symptoms. Similarly, a mask is recommended if you plan to pick up the fallen leaves, mow the lawn, or do any kind of yard work under the trees at the start and during the season.

3. Close the windows, change the air conditioner filter frequently, and it is also recommended to use a high efficiency filter. Drive with your car windows closed and use the ac to recirculate the air you breathe while driving.

4. Consider seeing an allergist for a proper evaluation of your symptoms because not all symptoms are triggered by the spring season. Early treatment helps prevent suffering during this time of year.

5. If you are allergic try to avoid activities or sports outdoors in the spring. If you can’t avoid outdoor activities then try to avoid peak times when the pollen count is higher. This happens between 5am and 10am usually, so try to play sports in the afternoon to avoid discomfort.

6. Hot, dry days will have a greater amount of pollen in the environment than cold, rainy days. Consider this when making outdoor plans.

7. Once you know what you are allergic to, stay informed of the daily pollen report in your area. Pollen and mold reports are often provided by weather centers as well as certain specialists in your area. FCAAC provides this report daily on our website for the convenience of our patients. Note that the type of pollen varies depending on the vegetation in each geographic region.

8. Change clothes once you get home from an outing because pollen sticks to fabric. You can spread pollen spores all throughout your home without even knowing it.

9. Do not dry your clothes outside on the patio because pollen can get stuck to it. Ideally, always use a dryer or let the clothes dry indoors.

*Bonus:  Take daily night baths if you spend time outdoors (even if you have already bathed that same morning), as this removes the pollen that has saturated your face or body.

Remember to seek help from an allergist (doctors who specialize in all types of allergies and immune system disorders) if you suspect to be suffering from allergic symptoms.

Controlling Animal Dander

Contrary to popular belief, people are not allergic to an animal’s hair, but rather, to a protein found in the saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) or urine of an animal with fur. These proteins are carried in the air on very small, invisible particles, which can land on the lining of the eyes or nose, or be inhaled directly into the lungs.

A cat or dog produces a certain amount of allergen per week, and this amount can vary from animal to animal. All breeds are capable of triggering symptoms—there are no “hypoallergenic” breeds of cats or dogs.  However, it is now known that non-neutered male cats and dogs may be more allergenic than females.

If you cannot avoid exposure to the animal that causes your allergy symptoms, try to minimize contact. Most importantly, keep the pet out of the bedroom and other rooms in which those with allergies spend a great deal of time. Some studies have demonstrated that bathing dogs or cats on a weekly basis may reduce the amount of allergens that are shed in the home. This issue remains controversial. If you plan to wash your pet regularly, consult with your veterinarian regarding care of the animal’s skin to prevent excessive dryness. Also, have a non-allergic family member brush the pet outside to remove loose hair and allergens. While dander and saliva are the source of cat and dog allergens, urine is the source of allergens from rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs; ask a non-allergic family member to clean the animal’s cage.

Animal allergens can accumulate on all horizontal and even vertical surfaces in the home. Mattresses and cushions should be covered in zippered, plastic casings to prevent the release of allergens. Vacuuming is not effective in decreasing animal allergens, because it does not clean the lower levels of the rug. In fact, it can stir up small allergen particles, which can also move right through the vacuum. Using a HEPA vacuum filter or double bags may help. As with dust mites, the best solution is to have a hardwood floor, tile or linoleum. Replace bedding and carpeting that has animal dander in it. It can take weeks or months for fabrics to come clean of allergens, and animal allergens may persist for a year or more after the animal has been removed. The most recent research shows that making just one or two changes may not be enough. Multiple environmental changes are required before one can see significant improvement.

When the Pet “Says” and Environmental Changes are Not Enough

Allergen immunotherapy (subcutaneous allergy immunotherapy which may be referred to as SCIT), also known as “allergy shots,” are recommended for persons who don’t respond well to treatment with medications, experience side effects from medications, who have allergen exposure that is unavoidable, or desire a more permanent solution to their allergic problem. Immunotherapy can be very effective in controlling allergic symptoms. Allergen immunotherapy may help prevent the development of sensitivity to new allergens and decrease the risk for developing asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis Immunotherapy is not indicated for patients with pure non-allergic rhinitis. Allergy injections can be very effective in helping to control symptoms caused by exposure to cat and dog dander.

Kim Kardashian is allergic to cats: by now we all know why she chose to visit Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care. Dr. Dana Wallace will explain below what happens when you are allergic to a furry pet and why allergy shots work.  She will guide you through a few tips, misconceptions and reasons why it is always best to follow the advice of an allergist.

Prevalence of Animal Dander Allergy

Animal dander may now be the most common year-round allergen. In the US, 62% of households now have an indoor pet, with 40% having at least one dog and 33% having at least one cat. Furthermore small, suspended, animal allergens may be found in 90% of all homes and in most public indoor areas, e.g., schools and work environments. Patients with severe allergies to animal dander can even experience reactions in public places if dander has been transported on pet owners’ clothing.

Contact with Animals During Infancy

The effects of early life domestic pet exposure and subsequent clinical allergy remain controversial. While some studies suggest that having pets in the home when the child is born reduces the future development of pet allergy, many studies show exactly the opposite. It seems that many factors (e.g. allergies in the parents, number of pets in the community, urban vs. rural setting, number of pets, number of siblings, etc.) may affect this tendency to become allergic. The bottom line is that we just don’t know what will happen, but given an allergic family history we would not recommend getting a pet in hopes that this would prevent future allergies from developing.

Symptoms

Typical signs of animal allergy can include sneezing, an itchy, runny nose, and itchy, swollen eyes and throat. Itching of the skin or a raised, red rash (hives) can also result from touching an animal to which you are allergic. Usually, symptoms will occur quickly, sometimes within minutes after exposure to the animal. For some people, symptoms may build and become most severe 8 to 12 hours after they have had contact with the animal.

How to Fight the Symptoms

The most effective way to combat symptoms of animal allergy is to remove the pet from the home and avoid any contact. Keeping an animal outdoors is only a partial solution, since homes with pets in the yard still have higher concentrations of animal allergens. Before you get a pet, spend time with someone else’s dog or cat to determine if you’re allergic. If you already have an animal to which you or a family member is allergic, try to place it with a caring, non-allergic friend or relative. Although this separation can be difficult, it is best for the health of you or your allergic family member. You may also consider getting a pet such as a turtle, hermit crab, fish, snake, or other animals without fur or feathers.

What if you can’t part ways with your furry friend? Stay tuned for next post and read what Dr. Dana Wallace is suggesting …

During this visit she finds out she is in fact allergic to cats which saddens her since Mercy, her teacup Persian kitten, was a gift from boyfriend Kanye West. Kim’s friend Jonathan Cheban comes along for her FCAAC visit…watch how he keeps Kim calm through humor.

Top Triggers of Winter Allergies

Pets: Most people are not allergic to animal fur, but rather to a protein found in the pet dander, saliva and urine.

Mold and mildew: Mold thrives in damp, humid areas in your home, such as the bathroom. Outside, decaying leaves and other yard waste gives mold and mildew an ideal breeding ground. When mold spores get into the air, they can trigger allergy symptoms.

Dust and dust mites: House dust settles on fabrics, rugs and carpet and on and under furniture. Pesky microscopic dust mites can flourish in mattresses and bedding. When dust and dust mite remains and droppings become airborne, they can cause allergy symptoms.

Holiday décor: Your festive holiday decorations can exacerbate your winter allergies. Live trees, wreathes and garlands can harbor chemicals and mold. Decorations brought out of storage may be dusty and full of allergy-triggering dust mites.

To avoid having these seasonal traditions irritate your allergy symptoms, experts recommend spraying live trees and greenery with water before they are brought inside to remove potential allergens. You should also remove the dust from holiday decorations before hanging them.

For some people with allergies, the best option is to switch to an artificial Christmas tree. During the holidays, poinsettias can also be problematic for people who have latex allergies since this plant is part of the rubber tree family, said Adriana Bonansea-Frances, M.D., PhD.

Common allergy symptoms (not to be confused with common colds)

The symptoms of colds and allergies are similar, so how can you tell if your runny nose and sneezing are signs of a cold or flu or allergies? ‘If your symptoms last longer than a week, it’s probably not a cold’, says Dr. Bonansea Frances. Allergies can linger for weeks or even months. In addition, colds and flu sometimes come with fever and aches and pains — symptoms not usually associated with allergies.

The most common allergy symptoms include:

• Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
• Stuffy, runny or itchy nose
• Congestion or sinus pressure
• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Itchy, prickly skin or hives

Tips to Reduce Allergens

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology advises taking the following steps to allergy-proof your home:

• Remove carpets, if possible.
• Mop, sweep, vacuum and dust often. Wash showers and sinks to remove mold and mildew.
• Discard shower curtains, wallpaper or carpeting that have mold.
• Turn on exhaust fans when taking a shower or cooking to reduce humidity and odors.
• Use dehumidifiers to keep humidity levels at 30-40 % to help control dust mites and mold.
• Install high-efficiency furnace filters, which eliminate 30 times more allergens.
• Use a HEPA air filter to clean dust from the air and a HEPA vacuum on carpets to reduce pet allergens and remove dust mites.
• Wash bedding and pajamas in hot water twice a month. Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, pillows and comforters.
• Bathe pets and wash pet bedding each week. Keep pets out of the bedrooms.
• Call a professional when combating mouse and insect infestations.

When allergies flare-up, take care of yourself to keep your allergy symptoms in check:

• Wash your hands often, especially after playing with pets.
• Take a shower or change clothes to remove allergens that may be clinging to you.
• Avoid touching your face.

Get Relief

Dr. Bonansea Frances advises patients to consult their doctor about medication options and dosages.

Treatments for winter allergies include:

• Antihistamines to reduce sneezing, sniffling and itching.
• Decongestants to clear mucus and relieve congestion and swelling.
• Saline solution to irrigate nasal passages and clear congestion.
• Allergy shots to expose the body to gradually increasing doses of the allergen.

Living in South Florida exposes you to allergy triggers all year round. If you suspect having any allergy symptoms, you need to consult an allergist. We’ll be happy to help you.

Happy Holidays: a look back at 2012 with our social media eyes.  ‘Tis the season to THANK. Because the real power of social media lies in its ability to engage and interact, not just tally. Because without all of you we couldn’t have created this place to share our missions, to provide each other support and exchange ideas and news.

We have loved talking, starting a conversation, sharing our “stuff”  (mostly educating people with what our doctors do at the highest standards), taking you behind the scenes and having fun. However, we have been able to build this online community thanks to everybody who pitched in and helped us walk towards our goal: make you “Breathe Easy Once Again”. There’s no greater accomplishment in the virtual world than seeing other businesses recognizing your efforts.  It is an invitation to give more, and our humble way is to thank you and acknowledging you.

Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics for noticing our “Halloween: Allergy Safe” post: you made us feel a million bucks

FAAN (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) for promoting the Food Allergy Awareness Week and letting us tag along and help bringing support. On another note: congratulations for merging with FAI (Food Allergy Initiative) and becoming FARE

No Nuts Moms Group for your ongoing and relentless dedication

Kids with Food Allergies Foundation for the most amazing webinars and educational videos that make living with allergies easy and easier

Allergy Eats! for keeping us on the loop and being one of the most accurate online guides for allergy-friendly restaurants

The Mayo Clinic and Ragan Communications for making the Health Care Social Media Summit an exceptionally educational one (mostly for helping us demonstrate how paramount is the use of social media in a modern business).

Elizabeth Goldenberg of Onespot Allergy for being at the forefront of all things allergy

Kristen of A Gift of Miles and Danielle of Smart Allergy-Friendly Education for helping us reinforce our advocacy for allergy and asthma awareness for back to school

Of all the books for kids, we thank two authors for having captured our attention

The Girl Who Cannot Eat Peanut Butter

The Princess and the Peanut: a Royally Allergic Fairytale

As for cooking allergy-friendly we love them all (truth is we love eating) and because we don’t want to be partial, we want to dedicate a round of applause to all the allergy-friendly foodies for their strenuous activity in giving the best advice when it comes to reading labels and finding substitutes.

A look back at all this brings us to the conclusion that 2012 has been a terrific year bearer of a lot of challenges as well as conquers.

We wish you all the most prosperous and successful 2013 looking forward to collaborating with you a little bit more.

P.S. We are human and we are absolutely sure we are forgetting some of you: please forgive us and let us know. We’ll make edits and amends.

You are told by your allergist to:

A.(void)

C.(ommunicate)

T.(each)

And                       

R.(ecognize)

 E.(pinephrine)

Act.(ivate preparedness)

However, there are so many factors when it comes to delivering the message to friends and family members who only see you once a year. Where’s the limit between communicating with good intentions and looking like a control freak?

It may seem redundant, but 2 key steps to communicate one’s allergies properly are: avoid and teach.

Learning how to avoid the all too common cross-contamination reaction is very important, especially so, during festivities where “food” is the main attraction. Serving tools, dishware, napkins, trays, essentially anything that comes and goes from/to the kitchen can accidentally come in contact with an allergen if not previously inspected and communicated. The goal of a host is to entertain their guest(s) as best as possible so with strict guidelines and accurate communication set in place, your allergy-safe lunch/dinner party can go on without a glitch.

Teaching your child(ren) with food-allergies and friends/family how to properly read food labels can be a life saver. Nowadays many allergens (eggs, soy, milk, nuts, etc.) are mixed with other seemingly “safe” foods, so carefully examining every food label can avoid everyone an unwanted allergic reaction.

Bottom line is, despite your food allergies, the holidays can still be a happy and a healthy time of the year. Nonetheless, some planning ahead of time, education and a few tweaks on common traditions will be necessary for a merry old time!

www.allergistmom.com              www.allergyhome.org

MYTH or TRUTH?

In my house we don’t wash hands, we do better, we hand sanitize.

MYTH. Choose to say yes to washing your hands for the entire length of the Happy Birthday tune (after all that’s what surgeons do before putting on their gloves). Say yes to disposable hand wipes when it comes to wiping surfaces; No to hand sanitizers and sponges which spread bacteria instead of getting rid of them.

What’s a party without a bowl of nuts? And, I have removed all the peanuts from the nut mix.

MYTH. Cross contamination can be as dangerous as direct contact. It is always advisable to “preview the crime scene” and make sure that there are no allergic traps anywhere. Pulling the peanuts out of the store-bought nut mix or taking the eggs out of the Cobb Salad is not a safe option EVER. Once the culprit ingredient has touched a surface or any other food… and faster than you can say “oh no they can’t eat that!”, cross-contamination has already taken place. The safest best is to alert the food-allergy sufferer not to eat from that particular dish.

Shall I try to make “safe” versions of the holiday traditions?

TRUTH. Having food allergies doesn’t mean not being able to enjoy the delicious array of once-a-year foods. Simply, take your time to find allergy-safe alternative recipes to those loved traditional dishes, so everyone can enjoy the holidays.

Some recurring questions our doctors are asked (they were also addressed at the “Navigating the Holidays” webinar conducted by Kids with Food Allergies Foundation), and are mentioned here too!

How do I communicate graciously and with clarity what my child(ren) restrictions are?

Explain the restrictions with time, make the host comfortable, allow an open conversation, offer to bring your food if it would make things easy without compromising the hostess’ pride in her best turkey or mashed potatoes.

How do I address cross-contamination and skin contact with parents of small non-allergic children who will eventually play with my child without offending anyone?

Kids running and playing with “PB&J hands”, grandparents kissing and holding their grandchildren after having had a bunch of nuts from the adult’s room: skin contact can trigger not only reactions, but  also those unpleasant family reunion discussions and misunderstandings if not diplomatically addressed.  Food allergies come with you wherever you go, facing them and having to live with them can be stressful and scary at times, often at the very beginning when you realize that your kid’s life will always be different. To let festivities unfold in the most pleasant and memorable manner, the other parents will have to be informed with clarity what contact to an allergen can cause to your kid and the consequences that the whole party of guests will have to go through.

One last tip: do not forget to bring emergency medicines, whether it’s the inhaler or the epinephrine….oh yeah and don’t forget the kids either, we have enough “Home Alone” sequels to last us a lifetime!

Now lets imagine the picture: airplane tickets, video camera, the book you always wanted to read, hotel reservation, tickets to that long-awaited theater show, booking for a hike in the canyon, passports and visas, suitcases packed with bathing suits or winter gear, etc…  Then questions start to arise: Will I be able to bring the asthma inhalers in cabin? Is the airline still offering peanuts as snacks? Where’s the gluten-free choice in the restaurant menu on the cruise? Is the hotel room hypo-allergenic or will I not be able to sleep?  Where is the nearest hospital or emergency facility?

When traveling with {kids with} allergies and asthma there are a series of precautions  that need  to be addressed besides the logistics, to assure the family a load of fun. We have tried to compile a list of what we think can help achieve a smooth and exhilarating holiday season or stay-cation.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INFORMATION SHARED IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE YOUR PHYSICIAN’S MEDICAL  ADVICE.

For a sniff-free holiday season do you want to know why coming to Miami would be one of the top choices?  We live in one of the top 15 travel destinations in the United States for allergy sufferers with the following parameters: dust mite control, pet free places, mold control (that’s not to say we don’t have any, just keep it under strict control down in South Florida), and pollen control.

Disney has a Guest Services Department with Special Dietary Request page that gives specifications as to how to make reservations. Also on December 15 a special event called -  Private Illumination Dessert Party (read more on this here)

There’s an online guide to allergy friendly restaurants that also offers a free downloadable APP : it comes handy when deciding on where the entire family will be able to enjoy a festive meal.

Still in doubt on whether or not you are well prepared to avoid seasonal allergies? Take the quiz which will clear-up some misconceptions …. and if you scored really bad then don’t hesitate to come by and consult one of our physicians.

Stay tuned for next post about ideas on how to handle your child(ren) food allergies when hosting the holiday dinner parties/celebrations.

survive HALLOWEEN with food allergies!

 9 Trick-Or-Treating tips to celebrate an allergy-free Halloween:

1. The “At Least One” Tip:  1 parent (or guardian), 1 cell phone and  1 packet of hand wipes.
2.  The “Must” Tip:  carry Epinephrine at all times if you suffer  from severe allergies.
3.  The “No Thank You” Tip: never be ashamed or feel silly for saying “no thank you” when offered an item you know is not safe.

  (…look for free bonus further down this post…)

4.  The “Substitute” Tip: here’s a list of items to give out other than candies: coloring pencils, stickers, plastic jewelry or mini toys, art supplies.
5.  The “Stomach Full” Tip: eat dinner before trick-or-treating so that your child(ren) will not be tempted to eat every candy in sight.
6.  The “Trick-Or-Trade” Tip: have your child trade the candy collected for a wrapped gift and donate the candy instead. Trade safe for unsafe candies when back home.
7.  The “Be Prepared” Tip:   consider buying some allergy-free treats to give out to your neighbors.
8.  The “No Way Jose” Tip: never have your child eat any treats before having read all the labels.
9.  The “Think Outside the Box” Tip: instead of heading out door-to-door looking for candy, plan a different and fun activity for your kids (like a scavenger hunt where they can find allergy-safe treats)

(….and now the FREE BONUS we promised you!)

Click here to download the FREE STICKERS we have created for you. Use them profusely on your costume, lunch box, school bag, etc….  We know you are well aware of your kids’ allergies and how to keep them safe,  but we want everyone your kid might come in contact with to also be mindful . These stickers will come in very handy in alerting people what items are NOT SAFE for your child(ren).

Now, What To Do With All That Candy?

Because we’ve all been there…you come home after a full day of candy-infused activities and now your home looks like a giant piñata just broke open. Well here are 4 GAMES  to manage all those treats:

• SHOPPING. Buy the candies from your child, set a price list for different types of sweets and have your child practice sorting, adding, saving, budgeting, cashing in. Give real money or increments of points for Ipod tunes  or TV time. Great life lessons can come out of a game like this!
• BARTER. Let your child use the candies for trade. If your children really don’t want to let the treats go, let them keep them and make a “trading pact”. They can trade them at any time for skipped chores, special allowances or any desirable item. You can even make a poster listing exchange rates. This can help teach you kids the art of barter, patience and self-control.
• SWEET FOR THOUGHTS. Rather than taking snacks away for bad behavior, consider using sweet points instead of money for chores accomplished, work done and goals met.
• HIDE AND GO EAT. Play a treasure hunt or hide-and-seek  with your child: implement  20 questions that involve a new language or movement skills to motivate your child to reach the candy prize.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY & SAFE HALLOWEEN !!!

Trick or Treating can be fun, yet spooky for parents of children with allergies and asthma. Triggers hide like ghosts everywhere, and not only in treats.

Deviled Make-Up

Like all the invisible ingredients in a deviled egg, inexpensive makeup can contain ghostly allergens. Test the products in a small area of skin days before to avoid unpleasant surprises or unwanted reactions.

Creepy Costumes

Storing last year’s costumes in the attic can be a smart recycling and money-saving tip, but when reusing them be careful of mold, moths and dust mites. Make sure you clean them properly in order to rid them of any haunting allergens.

The Pumpkin Patch

Ever heard of allergy to pumpkin? Although very rare, this can also prompt a serious allergic reaction in a child with a pumpkin allergy. Be very careful of accidentally unveiling this allergy while choosing your Jack-O-Lantern this Halloween. Be aware of mold, dust and spiders while at your local pumpkin patch or store.  CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR FUN PUMPKIN MASK !

The Sweet & Sour Side of Sugary Goodies

READ THE LABELS for the most common allergy-inducing enemies: peanuts, tree-nuts, cow milk, soy milk, egg, sesame seeds, corn, wheat. And keep in mind it’s not only allergies children must be mindful of, excessive amounts of their favorite candy corn, cotton candy, candied apples, chocolate bars and other tasty treats can send children straight to the dentist or worst, the ER.

Have a:

Stay in a group when trick-or-treating through neighborhood streets.

Avoid eating candy you’re not familiar with and carry hand wipes in case of accidental exposure.

Feel free to say “no thank you” to treats you are allergic to.

Epinephrine, cell phone and emergency contact should always be carried in case of an allergic reaction.

Halloween !!!