The beginning of spring puts everybody into a happy mood. The flowers bloom and Mother Nature opens her arms, sharing the brightest colors and balmiest temperatures.
The days last longer. We can enjoy the resplendent sunset after a full day of work. And our children can spend more time outdoors running and playing after a full day at school. It’s all about connecting with our surroundings after a long, indoor winter season.
All of the above feels like an idyllic scenario, until you discover you’re allergic to pollen.
We take this opportunity to THANK every single one of you who participated in this contest and contributed to its success.
For all of you who didn’t win this time, remember our logo has 4 icons and we still have 2 more to go.
Just stick around.
* Rules & Regulations: Winner will be announced on or before February 17, 2014 via blog post and/or Social Media announcement. Participants may request a copy of official contest rules at media@florida-allergy.com. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO WIN. Void where prohibited. Contest promoted by Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care, 11880 SW 40 Street., Suite 304-B, Miami, FL 33175. To enter, you must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (green card). Company employees and their immediate family members are not eligible. Immediate family includes only spouses, parents and children. One entry per participant allowed. No duplicates will be considered. By entering the contest, entrants agree to have their submitted name displayed on our website or social media channels and used by us for any purpose, at any time, without any fee or other form of compensation.
In continuation of our “get to know the icons of our logo” series that we began back in our November post where we explained that our bee icon stands for allergy to insect bites and venom, this month we are talking about the strawberry. Read on to learn what this red icon stands for, and make sure to enter our Strawberry Challenge below for a chance to win an iPad Mini !
There are eight foods that account for 90% of all food allergy reactions in the U.S.
While 3.3 million Americans are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, 6.9 million are allergic to seafood.
Combined, food allergies cause 30,000 annual cases of anaphylaxis, 2,000 hospitalizations, and approximately 150 deaths.
Children with multiple food allergies have a three-fold increased risk of a severe reaction.
Children with food allergies and asthma tend to have more severe reactions.
For some, the reaction might be a mild case of stomach cramps, itchy mouth or hives.
For others it might go from shortness of breath, wheezing, swollen lips to as severe as going into anaphylactic shock – which can result in death if not treated in time.
After being tested by an allergist, avoid the food allergen that is the protein that triggers your reaction.
Know the S.A.F.E. Action Guide
S.eek immediate medical assistance = Call 911
Identify the A.llergen
F.ollow up with the allergist
Carry E.pinephrine autoinjectors for emergencies at all times
For a chance to win an iPad Mini
Thank you for stopping by. The contest has officially ended.
Yes. If you are already on shots you will have to keep on the same dose once you find out to not build up to higher doses, which will involve higher risks for possible shot reactions. This way we prevent the risk of an allergic reaction to shots which can in turn affect the baby. If you know you are already pregnant before starting shots then it is much better to wait until the baby is born to start immunotherapy.
In general, allergy shots can be started after 2 years of age and continued until 75 years old. However, as with any medical treatment, there are sometimes exceptions which vary on the individual needs of the patient; there are cases when patients younger than 2 or patients older than 75 can be on allergy shots.
Continue reading “20 Allergy & Asthma Questions You Always Wanted to Know” »
Do you suspect you may have food allergies? Avril of New York suspected she may have had food allergies:
“There were certain days when I would have digestive issues and be incredibly tired, even if I had a good 8 hours of rest the night before”.
Avril started a journal and it didn’t take long for her to recognize patterns.
“The diary allowed me to pay closer attention to the foods I was eating and I noticed certain foods would give me the exact same symptoms every time I ate them, I knew I had to see a doctor after that”.
She had a consultation with her local allergist and showed the logs to her doctor.
“He was so impressed that all my foods and symptoms were easily accessible. I ended up being allergic to gluten; it was great to finally figure out what was wrong and discover the solution to feeling better”.
Have you ever had any symptoms that lead you to suspect you may have food allergies? They may be so random, that the first thing you will be required to do is to keep a detailed food journal. With technology ruling our life there’s only one thing available day and night more than a journal and a pen, and it’s our phone.
What better than an app? ALLERGY JOURNAL is the new one.
The ALLERGY JOURNAL app is the perfect tool for anyone who suspects they may have allergies and wants to log their food intake for their doctor, anyone who knows they have allergies and wants to pay closer attention to their diet, or for someone who simply wants to utilize a diet-tracker. The ALLERGY JOURNAL app was created by IBKR and is available on both iTunes and Google Play.
Tip #1: Food Allergies In School Food allergies affect approximately 8% of children. The 4 major food allergies in children less than 18 years of age are peanut, milk, shellfish, and tree nuts. Most fatal food reactions occur with peanut and tree nuts. Severe food allergies are highest in the 14-17 year age group. Most food allergic reactions occur in the classroom, not the lunchroom!
Children with multiple food allergies have a three-fold increased risk of a severe reaction. Children with food allergies and asthma tend to have more severe reactions. Administration of an antihistamine (e.g. Benadryl), and delay of administration of epinephrine is the #1 error in treatment of severe food allergic reactions at school. In the event of a serious allergic reaction, follow three simple steps:
When in doubt, administer epinephrine! There is NO absolute contraindication for epinephrine when treating anaphylaxis. Administering epinephrine in time will save someone’s life.
If you are a parent of a child with food allergies you know how important and how tough it is to properly educate family, friends and teachers on this subject. Children who suffer from food allergies need to feel they are protected by their families, but also they must fully understand themselves the seriousness of their condition to properly navigate their food surroundings: birthday parties, school cafeteria, sleepovers, movie theaters, vacations, etc.
At Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care we are committed to our patients’ well-being and thorough education in order to avert dangerous circumstances for allergy and asthma sufferers. We proudly announce we are now the exclusive host of Support Group for Parents of Kids with Food Allergy, in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties, in collaboration with Baptist Health Outpatient Services. These support groups will be held the 1st Saturday of every month beginning on March 3rd, 2012 in the Baptist Children’s Diagnostic Center @ Country Walk (Miami-Dade); and beginning April 7th in the Baptist Medical Plaza @ Pembroke Pines (Broward). ** NOTE: please be advised these support groups are no longer available as of December 31,2012.
This is a free service to the community so come and spend an hour with our own Dr. Ileana Rodicio and Dr. Sharlene Llanes to receive vital information, tips, suggestions and exchange ideas with other food allergy families. Everyone is invited, so spread the word!
Contact us for any additional information at
How are they different?
What is it? According to FAAN, a food allergy is when the immune system mistakes a certain food as harmful and creates antibodies to said food. Next time the food is eaten the immune system releases histamines and other chemicals that cause the “allergic” reaction. How it manifests: Common symptoms can be related to the gastrointestinal system (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), respiratory system (sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy throat or nose, shortness of breath) or skin (swelling, itching or hives). Just being in the presence of the allergen can be life threatening and trigger anaphylaxis. This is the most dangerous combination of symptoms that in severe cases could cause swelling of the throat or tongue, shortness of breath that can be fatal without immediate attention and epinephrine. Time-lapse: In most cases food allergies “disappear” with adulthood. Except for some resistant ones like allergy to nuts.
What is it? a food intolerance is a negative reaction, often delayed, to a food, beverage, food additive, or compound found in foods that produces symptoms in one or more body organs and systems, but it is not a true food allergy. A true food allergy requires the presence of antibodies against the food, and food intolerance does not. How it manifests: The most common reactions to food intolerances involve the digestive system (diarrhea, bloating or nausea) and headaches. However, many times the known symptoms for food allergies may also be present (on a different scale) in food intolerances, which contributes to the confusion and misdiagnosis between these two conditions. Time-lapse: they usually manifest with age.
Consult an expert, like Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care, who specializes in allergy, asthma & immunology and will be able to perform the most up-to-date testing in order to pinpoint your condition. Once the proper diagnosis has been made, our board certified doctors will give you an action plan to properly manage or get rid of your condition. Understanding and correctly treating these conditions will make your life much more enjoyable. If you suspect your child or yourself to be suffering from food allergies or food intolerances, do not hesitate to reach out to any of our 16 locations throughout the South Florida area. Let Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care help you… Breathe Easy Once Again !
P.S. Have you ever heard of the word Eatocracy? Recent studies show that 35% of school aged kids diagnosed with food allergies are bullied or teased, according to the journal of the ACAAI. More on this later…