The Atopic Eczema Community joins together on September 14, 2023 to raise awareness. Atopic eczema is one of the most prevalent skin diseases in the world. World Atopic Eczema Day was launched in 2018 to raise awareness about the disease globally and across Europe through an initiative coordinated by the European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) and the International Alliance of Dermatology Patient Organizations (GlobalSkin). Read more at the EFA website. Our allergists are specially trained to help improve and relieve your eczema symptoms. First, we’ll complete an allergy evaluation to determine the potential causes of your condition. Then, we’ll create a treatment plan specific for you that will relieve the itchiness and pain caused by eczema so that you can manage your eczema and not let it manage you. Learn more. Our board-certified allergists, experienced PAs and friendly office staff are here to answer your questions and help find relief. Get started today!

With a strong commitment to a gluten-free diet, education, and support, individuals with celiac disease can lead healthy, symptom-free lives. Let's explore what celiac disease is, the importance of a gluten-free diet, and practical tips for managing this condition effectively. Celiac disease is a an immune-mediated digestive condition. Individuals with Celiac disease experience an immune reaction when eating gluten containing products such as wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats. Gluten can also be found in medicines, vitamins and lip balms. (AAAAI.org) When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system responds by attacking the lining of the small intestine. This immune response damages the villi, tiny finger-like structures in the small intestine responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. Common symptoms of celiac disease include digestive issues (diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas), fatigue and anemia. There is no cure for Celiac disease however you can manage your symptoms by incorporating a gluten-free diet into your lifestyle. The Celiac Disease Foundation suggests the following naturally gluten-free food groups for creating a gluten-free diet: Fruits Vegetables Meat and poultry Fish and seafood Dairy Beans, legumes, and nuts Read more at their website.  Transitioning to a gluten-free lifestyle can be challenging, but with time and effort, it becomes second nature. We offer these practical tips for managing celiac disease with a gluten-free diet: Educate Yourself: Learn about sources of gluten and how to read food labels carefully. Look for gluten-free certification when available. Stock Your Kitchen: Replace gluten-containing items with gluten-free alternatives. Stock up on gluten-free flours, pasta, bread, and other staples. Cook at Home: Preparing your meals at home gives you better control over your diet. Explore gluten-free recipes and cooking techniques. Communicate Clearly: When dining out, communicate your dietary restrictions to restaurant staff. Ask about gluten-free menu options and how they prevent cross-contamination. Be Prepared: Carry gluten-free snacks and emergency supplies when you're on the go to avoid accidental gluten exposure. Support Groups: Join local or online celiac support groups to connect with others who share similar experiences and gain valuable insights. Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups with a...

POLLEN COUNT UPDATE: There are MODERATE concentration of Trees (Elm) and Weeds (Ragweed, Goosefoot, Lamb's Quarters, Pigweed, Amaranth, Saltbush, Russian Thistle). LOW concentrations of Grass and Mold.

Attention athletes and sports fans! Fall school sports are returning. We have tips to help you make the most of this season while keeping allergy and asthma symptoms at bay. 1️⃣ Plan Ahead: Before hitting the court or field, check your local pollen counts. Time your activities to avoid high pollen counts, typically early morning or late afternoon. Get the latest pollen counts at our website. 2️⃣ Medication Matters: Make sure your inhaler or allergy medication is always within reach. Having a game plan for emergencies lets you focus on the game, not your symptoms. 3️⃣ Stay Hydrated: Heat can trigger asthma symptoms. Keep sipping water throughout your games to keep your airways hydrated. 4️⃣ Warm-Up Wisely: A good warm-up routine not only enhances your performance but can also help prevent asthma symptoms during physical activities. 5️⃣ Breathing Techniques: Practice deep breathing techniques to strengthen your lungs and enhance your lung capacity. This can be a game-changer in managing asthma symptoms. 6️⃣ Team Communication: If you're playing with friends, let them know about your allergies or asthma. They can be your allies in case of emergencies. 7️⃣ Cool-Down Comfort: After the game, take time to cool down and let your body gradually adjust. This can help prevent sudden asthma flare-ups. With proper planning and awareness, returning to school sports can be an exciting and enriching journey for everyone, regardless of their allergies and asthma. Our board-certified allergists, experienced PAs and friendly office staff are here to answer questions and help be prepared. Contact us today!

As the new school year draws closer, it's a time of excitement and anticipation for many students. Being moms and caring for our own families has given us a deeper understanding of how to care for you and your family. We understand your concerns returning to school with allergies. Whether they're triggered by pollen, dust, or other factors, allergies can make the school environment challenging to navigate. Fear not! We offer tips and precautions so that going back to school with allergies can be a safe and enriching experience. 1. Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists or friendly physician assistants to discuss your allergies. We can provide accurate diagnoses, allergy testing, and guidance on managing your allergies effectively. 2. Create an Allergy Action Plan: We will help you develop an allergy action plan. This document outlines specific steps to take in case of an allergic reaction and should be shared with teachers, school nurses, and other relevant school staff. 3. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about your allergies, their triggers, and the symptoms of a reaction. Share this information with your teachers, classmates, friends, and school personnel to foster a supportive and informed community. 4. Communicate with the School: Notify the school about your allergies and provide them with any necessary medical documentation. This enables the school to take appropriate precautions and make accommodations. 5. Collaborate with the School Nurse: Establish a relationship with the school nurse, who can provide immediate medical assistance if needed. Ensure they are aware of your allergies and emergency procedures. 6. Allergy-Friendly Lunches and Snacks: If you have food allergies, consider bringing your own lunches and snacks to avoid accidental exposure to allergens. Make sure to label your food clearly and inform your lunchtime supervisors about your dietary restrictions. Read more at our blog post Navigating Back To School With Food Allergies. Returning to school with allergies shouldn't prevent anyone from enjoying a fulfilling educational experience. With proper planning and awareness, going back to school can be an exciting and enriching journey for everyone, regardless of...

As the back-to-school season approaches, it brings with it a mix of excitement and challenges for students, parents, and educators alike. For students with asthma, this time of year can be particularly daunting. However, with proper planning, education, and support, going back to school with asthma can be a smooth and successful experience. Here are some tips and strategies to help students with asthma and their families prepare for a safe and enjoyable school year. 1. Consultation with Healthcare Professionals Before the school year begins, it's crucial to schedule a comprehensive asthma management review with your healthcare provider. Discuss your child's current asthma action plan, medications, and any potential modifications needed for the school routine. Make sure that all necessary prescriptions are up to date and filled. CONTACT US today to schedule an appointment. 2. Informing School Staff Effective communication is key to ensuring your child's safety at school. Notify the school's administration, teachers, and school nurse about your child's asthma condition. Provide them with a copy of the asthma action plan and emergency contact information. Educate them about your child's triggers, symptoms, and proper use of inhalers or other medications. 3. Develop an Asthma Action Plan An asthma action plan is a personalized document that outlines steps to manage your child's asthma symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to create a detailed plan that includes information on daily medications, symptoms recognition, peak flow monitoring, and what to do in case of an asthma attack. Share a copy of this plan with the school and ensure that everyone involved understands its contents. CONTACT US today to get started. 4. Medication Management Discuss with the school nurse or designated personnel the procedures for administering medication during school hours. Ensure that your child's quick-relief inhaler is easily accessible and that they are allowed to carry it with them if age-appropriate and permitted by the school policy. 5. Allergen and Trigger Awareness Work together with the school to minimize exposure to potential asthma triggers. Discuss any special accommodations needed for physical education or outdoor activities. 6. Physical Education and Extracurricular Activities Physical...

Navigating Back to School with Food Allergies The excitement of going back to school is a feeling shared by many students and parents alike. However, for families dealing with food allergies, this time of year can also bring about unique challenges and concerns. With proper planning, open communication, and education, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable school experience for your child with food allergies. 1. Understanding Food Allergies Before delving into the specifics of going back to school, it's essential to have a solid understanding of food allergies. Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts negatively to a particular protein in a specific food. Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Reactions can range from mild to severe, with anaphylaxis being the most severe and life-threatening reaction. 2. Communication is Key Open and effective communication is the cornerstone of managing food allergies at school. Start by notifying the school administration, teachers, school nurse, and cafeteria staff about your child's food allergies. Provide them with detailed information about the allergens to avoid, potential symptoms of a reaction, and the steps to take in case of an emergency. Regular check-ins throughout the school year can help ensure that everyone remains vigilant and informed. 3. Develop a Food Allergy Action Plan A food allergy action plan is a written document that outlines the steps to be taken in case of an allergic reaction. Work closely with your child's allergist to create a personalized plan that includes clear instructions on how to recognize symptoms, administer medication (such as epinephrine), and seek medical assistance. Share copies of this plan with the school and ensure that all relevant staff members are familiar with its contents. Get started today! 4. Educate Your Child Empower your child by educating them about their food allergies. Teach them how to read food labels, identify allergens, and make safe food choices. Encourage them to speak up when offered food by others and to never trade or share meals. Role-playing different scenarios can help them feel more confident in managing their allergies independently....

🚫 Beware of Insect Sting Allergies! 🚫 Hey friends! With summer in full swing, let's talk about something essential—Insect Sting Allergy! For some of us, those buzzing bees and pesky wasps might be more than just annoying—they can pose a serious health risk. If you or someone you know has ever experienced a severe reaction to an insect sting, it's crucial to take extra precautions. Symptoms to Watch Out For: Swelling: If the sting area swells significantly or spreads to other body parts, it could be a sign of an allergic reaction. Hives or Rash: Red, itchy bumps or welts appearing on the skin may indicate an allergy. Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest requires immediate attention. Dizziness or Fainting: Feeling lightheaded or fainting after a sting could be a severe reaction. Nausea and Vomiting: Upset stomach or vomiting may be symptoms of an allergic response. What to Do in Case of Severe Reaction: Seek Medical Help ASAP: If you or someone else experiences severe symptoms after an insect sting, call emergency services immediately. Use an Epinephrine Auto-Injector: People known to have severe allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and know how to use it. Preventive Measures: Keep Windows and Doors Closed: Minimize the chance of insects entering your home by keeping doors and windows shut, or install screens. Avoid Sweet Scents: Insects are attracted to sweet scents, so be cautious with perfumes, scented lotions, and sweet beverages when spending time outdoors. Cover Food and Drinks: Keep food and drinks covered during picnics and outdoor events to avoid attracting insects. Stay Calm and Still: If an insect approaches you, try not to panic. Stay calm and move away slowly to reduce the risk of being stung. Remember, knowledge is power! Share this info with your friends and family to raise awareness about Insect Sting Allergies and help keep everyone safe this summer. Our board-certified allergists, experienced PAs and friendly office staff are here to answer questions and help find relief. Contact us today!

Always read labels- While it’s always important to read labels, ensure you are reading labels for activity boxes. Often, gingerbread boxes and premade holiday kits have easily missed allergens. Looking at labels online and pre-ordering can help you get an “allergy-safe” activity kit. Plan ahead- let the hosts know about the food allergies present. This can be an excellent opportunity to educate family members about food allergies. As there is often great misunderstanding about food allergies, it is important to let loved ones know that food allergies are serious and can even be life-threatening in small quantities. Keep “safe dishes” separate and labeled from those which have the ingredients. Educate about cross-contact- this is a newer term describing when food proteins from other foods mix, even in small amounts and can cause reactions. Cross-contact is the preferred term for preventing allergens. Hands and utensils should always be cleaned in hot, soapy water to prevent cross-contact. Schools, restaurants, and families should all be familiar with preventing this! Get creative! Substitute! If you are hosting, there are many ways to substitute the major allergens. A great resource and list of substitutions can be found at: https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-allergies/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens/substitution  ALWAYS carry emergency medications, including two doses of Epipen/Auvi-Q and an antihistamine. Accidents can happen, and it’s important to be prepared. Holidays are also a great time for a family vacation! If eating out at restaurants, providing chef cards that list allergies can provide clear communication to the restaurant about “safe foods.” These have also been translated into many languages for those traveling abroad! Find chef cards here: https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/food-allergy-chef-cards.   Holidays can be challenging to navigate for those with food allergies! Talk to your pediatric allergist to help give you dialogue on how to communicate with others about your child’s food allergies. In addition, oral immunotherapy is a procedure that may be an option for your child to desensitize them to certain foods and prevent reactions with accidental exposures. Talk to a pediatric allergist to determine if your child would benefit from this.                         Many holiday activity kits contain...

Hidden Halloween Allergy Scaries! Halloween is a fun time for kids, but often children with asthma or allergies fall activities can trigger their symptoms! We want your children with allergies or asthma to be able to enjoy Halloween, and we're here to help make those pesky allergens a little less spooky! Jumping in fall leaves, riding hay rides, and haunted barns- all of these activities can trigger asthma and allergies. Hay and barns can have hidden mold, ragweed, dust, and storage dust mites which can be a  trigger. Although fall leaves are beautiful, leaves sitting out for a while or decomposing can also lead to mold growth; playing in the leaves can spread the particles in the air making symptoms worse. One of the most common molds during this time of year is Alternaria, which grows in decaying plants, logs, and hay. As it can get windy this time of year, these particles can spread easily. Unfortunately, in our part of the country, mold season can last longer than in other areas due to longer, warmer temperatures. These allergens can go down into the lung and nose, leading to symptoms such as watery, itchy eyes, runny nose, and asthma flares. In addition to the allergens, cold air or smoke/fog used in haunted houses can trigger asthma by irritating the airway. Tips to stay prepared for this fall: If your child has asthma, make sure they have an unexpired rescue inhaler on hand in case their symptoms get triggered If your child has asthma, be prepared with their asthma action plan Avoid going out on lower temperature days if cold weather is a trigger for your child's asthma Stay away from playing in damp leaves, which are prone to containing mold Make sure your child takes a shower and changes clothes after coming home to help get the allergens off Remove shoes and jackets at the doorway, so the pollen doesn't track through the house Be prepared with their allergy medications and make sure they have taken their allergy medications for that day A mask could prevent exposure to some...