South Bay Allergy and Asthma; tips, advice, news and updates

Sunscreen Allergy or Heat Rash?

2014-08-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Can't tell the difference between a sunscreen allergy or heat rash? Check out Dr. Marks-Cogan's segment on ABC-7 News to find out!

Up in Smoke: How E-Cigarettes Can Aggravate Asthma and Allergies

2014-07-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

Electronic cigarettes (also called "e-cigs" or "vapes") have become alarmingly popular among young adults on college campuses, and because of their candy-like flavors available, may be appealing to children and teens as well. Because they are being marketed as a safer alternative to tobacco-containing cigarettes, some smokers are turning to "vapes" thinking they are just inhaling water vapors and need not worry about damaging the lungs. However, there are chemicals such as propylene glycol in the vapors, which has been linked to increased risk of developing asthma and allergies, according to a 2010 study from Harvard School of Public Health.

Other concerns include the possible inhalation of aerosolized chemicals from the battery once the cartridge is empty, with unknown possible carcinogenic effects. Several lung societies are advocating restriction or bans on e-cigarettes until more is known about their safety.

Bottom line: if you have asthma, don't inhale anything other than clean air and your prescribed medications!

Is Air Quality Affecting Your Quality of Life?

2014-07-07T10:54:00.001-07:00

The Air Quality Index (AQI) provides a daily score for air quality, based on the amount of pollution in the air. The Air Quality Index range runs from 0 to 500: the higher the score, the higher the air pollution, posing an increased risk to public health -- especially to sensitive populations like asthmatics.

Watch Dr. Marks-Cogan on ABC-7 News explain how air quality affects those with asthma and what to do to prevent any asthma flare-ups.

If you would like to find out the Air Quality Index in your area, click here.

Gillian's Success Story

2014-06-23T15:10:00.001-07:00

(Photos and story provided by Gillian's family):

Since Gillian was roughly 3 years old, her mother noticed she had developed a slight cough, itchy nose and sneezing after actively playing outdoors or even after a family outing to Disneyland. Over time, her symptoms progressed into a harsh sounding cough as well as vomiting within a few hours of being put down for her night's rest. These symptoms persisted and developed into pneumonia at age 3 1/2. But antibiotics did not get rid of her coughing, sneezing, and itchy nose. Physical activities brought on wheezing and difficulty breathing. Our pediatrician recommended seeing an allergy and asthma specialist, so we brought Gillian in to see Dr. Joyce Schoettler at South Bay Allergy and Asthma Associates and the rest is history.

After Gillian's first couple of visits, Dr. Schoettler was able to diagnose her various allergies and recommend a course of treatment. Since that time, Gillian has done very well in controlling her allergic and asthmatic symptoms, and remains very active in church choir singing, swimming, ballet & tap dancing, gymnastics and various outdoor activities. She turns 5 years old in September, and is looking forward to continuing all of her activities as well as having a very active year in Kindergarten.

________

Do you have an inspiring success story to share? We at South Bay Allergy and Asthma are so honored to be able to help unleash such great potential that is just waiting to flourish once allergies and asthma are out of the way. Thank you for your story, Gillian -- we hope it will inspire others to address their allergies and asthma and be able to do what they love!

Are You in Control of Your Asthma?

2014-05-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

If you have asthma, you can determine if your symptoms are under control by taking a simple, five-question Asthma Control Test. The results of this test are meant to be discussed with your healthcare provider to determine whether you are doing well with your current treatment plan, or if any changes need to be made. The goal of any successful treatment plan is to make sure you are in control of your asthma - and not let your asthma control you! Click here to take the test!

To discuss the results of your test with an allergist, click here.

“Asthma” Isn’t Such a Scary Thing

2014-04-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

As the saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers," and May is National Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month! As we mentioned in our last post, those with asthma may have more signs and symptoms around this time of year if they also have seasonal allergic rhinitis.

“Asthma” — does that word scare you? It shouldn’t. One of the most common respiratory conditions affecting people of all ages is asthma, and new diagnostic tests allow for early identification and treatment. If a doctor diagnoses you with asthma, it does not mean you will become a respiratory cripple, unable to catch your breath or exercise again. Contrary to the common belief that asthma dictates your lifestyle, asthma is usually very controllable with proper and early treatment. In fact, many Olympic and professional athletes who have asthma continue to win gold medals and championships with well-controlled asthma. The importance of identifying this reversible condition, which affects about 10% of the U.S. population, lies in the prevention of more persistent symptoms through early treatment.

Common signs of asthma include:

• frequent dry cough at night or in the early morning

• cough with exercise

• cough with laughter or talking

• cough when eating cold foods or drinking cold liquids

• chest tightness

• feeling like you cannot take a full breath

• pressure on the chest, often described “like an elephant sitting on your chest”

• wheezing (a squeaky or musical noise emitted from the chest when exhaling)

It is important to first identify the specific triggers that cause asthma symptoms. Whether it is a respiratory infection, an allergy or exercise that is causing the symptoms, treatment can be adjusted to suit your specific needs. Three out of four children with asthma are likely to have allergies as a trigger. Controlling your environment and limiting your exposure to allergic triggers helps to reduce daily symptoms and need for multiple medications.

Today, the diagnosis of asthma is not a sentence to lifelong debilitating lung disease. On the contrary, early diagnosis allows for prevention of bronchial inflammation that could otherwise worsen over time. So don’t be afraid to find out if you or your child has asthma. Come in for an evaluation, and we will partner with you to track down the cause and create an individualized treatment plan that works for you. Please call our office at (310) 371-1388 or click here to request an appointment today!

For more information on Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, visit the CDC or Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ! You can also visit our webpage South Bay Allergy and Asthma.

When Pollen Attacks: Ways to Protect Yourself This Allergy Season

2014-04-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

For people without springtime allergies, pollen may seem pretty harmless. However, to those with seasonal allergic rhinitis, otherwise known as “hay fever,” it’s certainly nothing to sneeze at. Allergies to pollen can cause stuffy nose, sneezing, “drippiness” down the back of your throat, throat clearing, itchy, watery eyes, and even generalized tiredness. And if you have asthma, it can cause trouble breathing, coughing, and wheezing. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology provides some helpful tips to keep those symptoms under control. Click here to find out more!

And don't forget about all-year round indoor allergens, like dust mites, which can also trigger symptoms for allergic asthmatics. Watch our very own Dr. Katie Marks-Cogan on ABC-7 News with more tips to keep your allergy and asthma symptoms in check!

Newly Approved Grass Allergy Tablet: The Pros and Cons

2014-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this link from the ACAAI to learn more about the pros and cons of the new grass allergy tablet:

http://www.acaai.org/allergist/news/New/Pages/AllergyTabletApprovalWarrantsCautionfor_Some.aspx

Humidity and Indoor Allergies

2013-12-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

Check out this info from the AAAAI on indoor allergies and humidifiers! http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/humidifiers-and-indoor-allergies.aspx

Could you have allergic asthma?

2013-12-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

Asthma is a chronic and serious lung disease. It causes swelling and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. Asthma has no cure. But most people with asthma can live active lives with the appropriate asthma treatment plan and an ongoing partnership with their doctor. Read more about allergic asthma by clicking here.

Allergy-free Tips for the Holidays

2013-12-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

Check out these great tips from the ACAAI for how to make sure allergies don't ruin your holidays! http://www.acaai.org/allergist/news/New/Pages/six-tips-for-holidays.aspx

Allergen-Free Holiday Recipe's

2013-12-03T15:04:00.000-08:00

Check out this link from the AAAAI for allergen free holiday recipe ideas! https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/food-allergies/food-allergy-free-recipes/food-allergy-free-holiday-recipes.aspx

Allergen-free Thanksgiving Stuffing Ideas

2013-11-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

Here are some great allergen-free Thanksgiving stuffing ideas from kidswithfoodallergies.org! stuffinghttp://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/top-8-allergy-free-stuffing-recipes-Thanksgiving

5 Tips for an Allergy-Free Thanksgiving

2013-11-19T14:25:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is about family, food, and travel. When you have allergies, this can be a challenging time, whether it is a concern about food allergies or exposure to allergens in a relative's house. Here are 5 tips for making the holiday go a little more smoothly:

1. Prepare for exposure to dust or pets: If you know you are dust mite allergic, but you are going to be staying in someone's guest room with older carpeting or sleeping on a mattress that may not be dust mite proofed like yours is at home, be proactive by taking a daily antihistamine (such as Allegra or Zyrtec) and allergist-prescribed nasal sprays or eyedrops for several days prior to the visit. If you tend to have asthma symptoms with dust or pet exposure, make sure you are taking any preventative asthma medications your doctor has prescribed, and bring along your rescue inhaler.

2. Avoid using fancy guest soaps: If you have sensitive skin or contact allergies to soaps or lotions, bring your own hypoallergenic soap (Dove or Lever 2000 are usually safe). Avoid scented or herbal soaps, shampoos, or lotions that may be provided for guests.

3. Avoid food allergens in preparation of the turkey or stuffing: If you are allergic to wheat, soy, or milk, try to keep your turkey dinner simple -- a natural turkey is your best bet, since by law it must contain nothing but turkey and water. Stuffing may contain a multitude of spices and allergenic ingredients, so if you are not sure about the content and know you are allergic to wheat, stay away from this part of the meal.

4. Make your "sides" allergen-free too: For allergen-free mashed potatoes, swap the milk and butter for chicken broth and margarine. Use corn starch to thicken the gravy instead of wheat flour. And forget about topping the green bean casserole with slivered almonds if you are allergic to tree nuts.

5. Bring your own sweet treats: Thanksgiving pies and desserts often contain common allergens such as milk, egg, and wheat. To be on the safe side, if you have serious food allergies, bring your own dessert to share with the group.

With a little thought toward prevention, you can avoid many of your allergy triggers, and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Grass allergies don't have to limit world-class sports

2013-07-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

While tennis champion Sabine Lisicki talks about managing her grass allergies with medications, playing a sport on grass can often be managed even more effectively through desensitization to grass by allergen immunotherapy, or "allergy shots". Bottom line: no need to give up your favorite sport just because grass exposure is involved. Call if you need some help with managing your allergies so that you can focus on your game!

Read Sabine's story here

The Epi-Pen that talks to you!

2013-02-12T09:27:00.002-08:00

Click here to read the article that was in the New York Times about the newest epinephrine device.

Finding Relief for Eye Allergies

2012-11-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

Allergies can affect the eyes, causing red, itchy, burning, and watery eyes and swollen eyelids. Many of the same treatments and self-help strategies that help reduce nasal allergy symptoms work for eye allergies, too.Eye allergies, also called "allergic conjunctivitis", affect one in five Americans. While allergies affecting the eyes usually do not threaten eyesight, they can be very uncomfortable and red, puffy eyes may be unbecoming. But since these symptoms can sometimes be caused also by infections and other conditions that do threaten eyesight, it is a good idea to see your doctor if eye symptoms persist.

Triggers of eye allergies can be pollens, cat or dog danders, dust mites, or other airborne allergens. On contact, thousands of cells in the surface of the eyes release histamine that leads to itchiness and other annoying allergy symptoms. Rubbing the eyes makes it worse, while cool compresses and eyedrops that counteract the histamine effect can be very helpful. Finding the cause and avoiding or immunizing against it (as with "allergy shots" or immunotherapy) can give more permanent relief.

For more information, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.

A Stylish Solution for Kids with EpiPens

2012-11-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

The Olli Pocket Cargo Pant from Olli Lolli is a stylish solution for kids who need to carry and EpiPen or asthma medication on them at all times. Made of 100% organic cotton twill, these comfy cargos have a side pocket that's designed to carry those essential meds. They also have sweaters, jackets and shirts that anounce to everyone what food your child is allergic to. Visit www.ollilolli.com.

For more information on allergies and asthma, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.

Can peanut allergic people eat peanut oil safely?

2012-10-30T16:00:00.000-07:00

For a peanut allergic person, it is not safe to eat cold-pressed, expressed, or extruded peanut oil, which are sometimes represented as "gourmet oils" -- these tend to contain the highly allergenic peanut protein. On the other hand, it has been shown that peanut allergic individuals can safely eat high-temperature, heat-processed, fully refined peanut oil (refined, bleached and deodorized), which means the proteins in the oil are stripped out during the processing.

Certain restaurants such as Chick Fil-A do offer detailed information regarding their use of only this highly refined peanut oil, which is generally safe for peanut allergic patients. However, in the absence of such detailed information, we would advise avoidance of peanut oils if you are severely allergic to peanuts.

A list of foods that may be hidden sources of peanut protein is available at http://www.foodallergy.org/page/peanut-allergy.

For more on testing for peanut and other allergies, go to SouthBayAllergy.com
Source: FAAN

Awesome new site for food allergy patients - The Allergy Menu

2012-10-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

This is a new searchable database of recipes where food allergic individuals can enter the foods they need to avoid (among the most common food allergens such as milk, egg, wheat, peanut, sesame, tree nuts), click a button and voila! A series of recipes that would be safe and allergen-free for them. It costs $297 per year for a subscription -- which seems pricey at first, but in fact that is less than a dollar a day to get rid of the hassle of trying to navigate through recipe books and hundreds of labels to figure out what would be safe to eat. Very nice idea, something we have needed for a long time!

Click here for the link.

Visit our website at: www.southbayallergy.com

Halloween Haunts Parents of Students with Life-Threatening Food Allergies

2012-10-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

As ghosts and goblins race through neighborhoods chanting, "Trick or Treat", parents of children with life-threatening food allergies, called anaphylaxis, feel shivers of fright and real terror according to Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA), the leading patient education, advocacy and outreach organization. For good reason. They've seen that one bite of the wrong treat can turn a fun-filled evening into a nightmare at the hospital.

Even so, AANMA president and founder Nancy Sander says it is possible for parents and their food allergic children to be smart and have fun on the wackiest dress-up night of the year. "It's a great time for parents to remind children what their food allergens look like and not to eat any unapproved candy or treats until they get home—as well as to reinforce the need to keep two epinephrine auto-injectors everywhere, every day even if that means tucking them in your costume or goodie bag (or asking Mom and Dad to carry them)."

Anaphylaxis Community Expert (ACE) Teams nationwide are helping young people develop independent thinking skills necessary to prevent and respond to food allergy accidents. Volunteer teams are formed by local allergists, school nurses, registered nurses, PAs, and parents through a program developed by AANMA and the American College of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. This school year, ACE Teams have trained daycare providers, EMTs, school faculty and staff--as well as at-risk students and patients--how to identify and respond to an anaphylactic emergency.

"Fun begins by eliminating the fear of the unknown. We start with a qualified diagnosis, a written plan, parent and student education to prevent future episodes and training to know when and how to self-administer epinephrine auto-injectors." says Katie Marks, MD. "Our goal is to teach school children the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and when to ask for help."

This Halloween, ACE Teams are helping parents and students learn age-appropriate food allergy anaphylaxis prevention and emergency self-management skills. At-risk students who complete free one-on-one or small group ACE training programs at schools, community and worship centers receive free Epi Everywhere! Every Day!^TM bag tags and stickers. To learn more, please contact local ACE Team member Anna at anna@southbayallergy.com or 310-371-1388 ext 15.

About ACEs

The Anaphylaxis Community Experts (ACEs) program is developed by Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), sponsored by Mylan Specialty, LP. The ACEs program goal is to save lives through showing parents, teachers, school nurses, emergency responders, and others how to recognize and respond immediately to anaphylaxis symptoms.

http://aces.aanma.org

2012-10-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

Rain can temporarily decrease pollen counts in the air, but only if its a heavy enough downfall, light rain may not change pollen counts by very much. Following the rain, the humidity and warmer weather can actually increase pollen counts. Other aero-allergens like mold can increase and cause more symptoms too. So, it can be good and bad.

And then there are thunderstorms. Certain wind patterns called updrafts can occur and can these can worsen allergies and asthma due to increases in mold spore counts and a decrease in the size of grass pollen particles which can affect the respiratory tract more easily.

If you have allergies or asthma, talk to your allergist about tips you can follow to prevent your allergies or asthma from flaring!

Check out www.southbayallergy.com for allergen avoidance tips!

"Why are my allergy symptoms worse than ever before?"

2012-10-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Many people are experiencing severe allergy symptoms right now and many of them are asking "why are my symptoms more severe than ever before?"

The answer may be due to the "priming effect".

The "priming effect" is an increased sensitivity of the lining of the nose that occurs with repeated exposure to allergens like pollen.

With the hot weather occurring earlier in the year this year and sticking around longer than usual, there has been more pollen in the air (plants produce more pollen in hotter weather).

This has meant a longer allergy season and a therefore a more vigorous "priming effect" that has become stronger and stronger as the different seasons have progressed.

So a person doesn't need to be exposed to as much pollen to have symptoms of hay fever (also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis). These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, scratchy throat, watery/itchy eyes and even fatigue. All of these can greatly affect quality of life and can lead to complications like sinus infections and asthma flares.

People who've never had seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms before may experience them for the first time. Others who could control these symptoms with over the counter medications like antihistamines now need additional medication to help symptoms.

We are currently in the fall allergy season where weeds and molds are the main culprits that cause symptoms. Elm tree pollen is also important here in So Cal this time of year. The "priming effect" can also cause patients to be more sensitive to other allergens like dust mites and animal dander.

The most important thing for patients to know is: don't ignore your symptoms! If allergen avoidance and over the counter medications are not enough, go see an allergist to discuss other options and to develop a treatment plan that is right for you!

For more information, please visit: www.southbayallergy.com

Is There A Natural Cure for Asthma?

2012-10-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

With all the new findings on alternative medicine and natural remedies, you may wonder if there’s a natural cure for asthma. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma at this point. In fact, it’s highly advisable to avoid any asthma treatment or product -- natural or otherwise -- that claims to be a "cure" for asthma.

Can Natural Therapies Help to Manage Asthma?

Some natural therapies may help to manage symptoms of asthma. For instance, a negative response to emotional stress can cause an asthma attack. Some natural relaxation remedies like deep abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback can help relieve stress.

Other findings suggest that diet plays a role in alleviating asthma symptoms. For example, it’s thought that omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in high-fat fish such as salmon, mackerel, or cod enable the body to make more products that tend to decrease inflammation. Whether or not this may be of benefit to those with asthma is still unproven.

Pros and Cons of Natural Asthma Remedies

As you consider the different types of natural asthma remedies available, it’s of utmost importance to cautiously balance your desire to breathe easier with the possible dangers of the treatment, which may be unknown. Never use any natural dietary supplement without checking first with your allergist.

If you are uncertain about the claims on a natural dietary supplement product label, see your allergist before taking it so that they can assess the product to let you know what it contains.

Goals of Managing Asthma

Your goal in managing asthma is to:

Get an accurate asthma diagnosis.
Work with your allergist to develop an asthma action plan.
Monitor your peak flow rate daily and take appropriate measures when it drops.
Keep an asthma diary so you can track all your symptoms and medication use.
Avoid asthma triggers or causes of asthma, including outdoor irritants such as smog.
Seek medical advice and treatment for coexisting problems that can worsen asthma symptoms, such as GERD, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.
Exercise daily to maximize your aerobic fitness.
Prevent exercise-induced asthma by medicating before exercise.
Eat nutritous foods to maximize your immune defenses against viral and bacterial infections.
Maintain a normal weight.
Check in with your allergist regularly for breathing tests to make sure your asthma is managed and your medications are working optimally.
You hold the key to living well with asthma. Trust your allergist to give you guidance, and then take daily responsibility for your breathing with proven self-care measures.

For more information, visit our website at www.southbayallergy.com.

Source: WebMD

Who should get a flu shot?

2012-10-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

Who Should Get Vaccinated This Season?

Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. It’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated. Those people include the following:

People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. This includes:
- People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
- Pregnant women.
- People 65 years and older
People who live with or care for others who are high risk of developing serious complications. This includes:
- household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

A detailed list is available at Who Should Get Vaccinated Against Influenza. A complete list of health and age factors that are known to increase a person’s risk of developing serious complications from flu is available at People Who Are at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications.

Source: CDC