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The New Drugs Preventing Allergic Reactions To Peanuts And Other Foods
My youngest son has been allergic to peanuts and sesame since he was a toddler. Though he has never had a life-threatening reaction, the risk of one hangs over him constantly. He can't eat out in most restaurants or travel to many parts of the world. Grocery shopping is an ordeal. He has his own place now, and I live in constant anxiety. We always hoped he would grow out of his allergies. At 21, he almost certainly won't.
He is in an increasingly crowded boat. For reasons that aren't well understood, food allergies have grown explosively in the 21st century. Peanuts are a common trigger, as are wheat, cow's milk, egg, soya, other nuts, fish and shellfish. Beyond the "big eight" lies a long tail of allergies to other foods, including many fruits, vegetables and seeds. Some people are allergic to beer, others to cannabis. If humans consume it, chances are somebody, somewhere, is allergic to it.
We're finally working out why the Mediterranean diet is so good for us
This rise has translated into an increased burden on healthcare and a reduced quality of life for many, as they strive to avoid a potentially fatal reaction. Until recently, there was only one way to avert this outcome: don't eat the trigger food. That is easier said than done, however, with unexpected ingredients incorporated into processed foods and labelling often ambiguous or inaccurate.
But now, finally, there is hope on the horizon, with the arrival of several new therapies that can help people avoid an allergic reaction, not just to food, but other kinds of triggers…
Why Are Alpha-Gal Cases Increasing In Oklahoma? What To Know About The Tick-caused Allergy
While Oklahomans are used to ticks and other creepy crawlies that come with spending time outdoors, public health officials warn you shouldn't skip the bug spray.
Ticks, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of animals and humans, are known for their tendency to spread diseases. While most people are concerned about Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said an allergic reaction linked to tick bites is on the rise in Oklahoma and other states.
Here's everything you need to know about alpha-gal syndrome, including symptoms and why Oklahoma is seeing more cases than other areas of the country.
What is alpha-gal syndrome?Hives on her arm are a "typical daily reaction" from alpha-gal syndrome, Jaclynn Scott said.
To understand Alpha-gal syndrome, you first must understand what Alpha-gal is. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals, but not in people. It is also not found in fish, reptiles or birds.
The molecule is also found in the meat (pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, venison, etc.) and products made from mammals, like gelatin, cow's milk, and milk products.
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic condition — also known as alpha-gal allergy, red meat allergy, or tick bite meat allergy — associated with a bite from a lone star tick. Serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms occur after people eat red meat or are exposed to other products containing the alpha-gal molecule, the CDC said.
Alpha-gal syndrome symptomsSymptoms can vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe to life-threatening, the CDC said.
In a person with alpha-gal syndrome, symptoms typically appear two to six hours after eating or being exposed to the molecule, and can include:
Hives or itchy rash
Nausea or vomiting
Heartburn or indigestion
Diarrhea
Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
Drop in blood pressure
Swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eye lids
Dizziness or faintness
Severe stomach pain
The Lone Star tick
In the United States, evidence points to most alpha-gal cases stemming from the bite of the lone star tick, but other ticks have not been ruled out.
Other ticks have been associated with alpha-gal syndrome in other countries, the CDC said. Research is still needed to understand the role ticks play in passing along the condition, and why some people develop alpha-gal syndrome and others don't.
Why are more Oklahomans getting alpha-gal syndrome?A study released by the CDC in 2023 revealed that Oklahoma has some of the highest rates of alpha-gal syndrome in the country, specifically northeast Oklahoma.
"The highest prevalences of suspected cases were found throughout a nearly contiguous region of the southern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic United States," the CDC said, "particularly parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware."
The areas where alpha-gal syndrome was most prevalent largely aligned with areas where the lone star tick is known to be established or reported.
Between 2017 and 2021, the number of positive test results for alpha-gal syndrome increased annually, according to the CDC study.
How is alpha-gal syndrome treated?Cattle are shown in a green pasture field in Western Canadian County, near Geary, Oklahoma, Saturday, June 23, 2007. By Bill Waugh, The Oklahoman.
There is no direct treatment for alpha-gal syndrome other than avoiding foods that set off an allergic reaction, according to the Oklahoma State University Extension Office.
If you have alpha-gal syndrome and experience serious anaphylactic reactions, you should carry an EpiPen.
Does alpha-gal syndrome last forever?While many people experience the allergic reaction for years, alpha-gal syndrome can eventually fade, the OSU Extension Office said.
However, the reaction can be re-activated if the person is re-exposed to tick bites.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What is Alpha-Gal syndrome? Why are cases increasing in Oklahoma?
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Signs Of Food Allergies In Children
Food allergy signs and symptoms vary but may include wheezing, vomiting, and diarrhea. Reactions may be immediate or delayed, though immediate reactions are more common.
Every parent knows that kids can be picky eaters, especially when it comes to nutritious foods such as broccoli and spinach.
But pickiness has nothing to do with some kids' refusal to eat certain dishes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 of every 13 children has an allergy to at least one food.
A food allergy is serious and can be potentially life threatening. According to a 2018 study, 40% of children who have a food allergy have experienced severe reactions requiring treatment in the emergency department. Many foods can cause allergic reactions.
An allergic reaction may be mild, causing hives or minor abdominal pain. But it may sometimes lead to serious negative health effects, including anaphylaxis — a severe reaction in which your body goes into shock and loss of consciousness is possible.
A true food allergy can affect your child's breathing, intestinal tract, heart, and skin. A child with a food allergy will develop one or more of the following symptoms within a few minutes to an hour after eating the food:
Young children can't always clearly explain their symptoms, so you may sometimes have to interpret what your child is feeling. Your child might be having an allergic reaction if they say something like:
Most parents have no idea that their child has a food allergy until the child tries a food for the first time and has a reaction. That's why it's important for parents — as well as teachers, babysitters, and everyone else who spends time with the child — to be alert for symptoms of a food allergy.
A food allergy happens when your immune system has a specific response to a certain food or foods. Instead of protecting your body, as it typically would, your immune system reacts as though it's in danger because of a harmless food protein or allergen.
It's unclear what causes food allergy in kids, though family history may play a role.
There's no cure for food allergies. Avoiding the food that causes the allergic reaction is the only way to prevent a reaction.
When a child has a food allergy, their immune system overreacts, producing antibodies to the food as if it were a virus or another dangerous foreign invader. This immune reaction produces allergy symptoms.
The most common food allergy triggers in kids are:
Some kids develop anaphylaxis in response to foods such as peanuts or shellfish. If your child has trouble breathing or swallowing after eating something, call 911 right away for emergency medical help.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
Caregivers of any child who has a known food allergy should ask the child's allergist whether they should have an epinephrine auto-injector. If the allergy is serious enough to warrant the use of an auto-injector, both the child and their caregivers should learn how to use it.
Even if your child has a reaction to a particular food, it doesn't necessarily mean they have a food allergy. Some kids have intolerances to certain foods. The difference is that a food allergy involves the immune system, while a food intolerance is usually based in the digestive system.
Food intolerance is more common than food allergy, occurring in roughly 20% of the population.
Food allergies, which can cause anaphylaxis, are far more dangerous than food intolerances. A child with a food allergy will usually need to avoid the offending food entirely. But in the case of a food intolerance, the child may be able to eat small amounts of the food without experiencing any symptoms.
Examples of food intoleranceThe following sections describe some types of food intolerance.
Lactose intoleranceLactose intolerance happens when your body lacks the enzyme needed to break down lactose, the sugar in milk. It can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Gluten sensitivityGluten sensitivity happens when your body reacts to a protein called gluten, which is found in some grains, including wheat. Symptoms include headache, upset stomach, and bloating.
Although celiac disease — the most severe form of gluten sensitivity — does involve your immune system, its symptoms are usually centered in your gut. Celiac disease can affect other systems of your body but doesn't cause anaphylaxis.
Sensitivity to food additivesThis happens when your body reacts to dyes, chemicals such as sulfites, or other additives in foods. Symptoms include rash, nausea, and diarrhea. Sulfites can sometimes trigger an asthma attack in someone who has asthma and is sensitive to them.
How to tell the differenceBecause the symptoms of a food intolerance are sometimes similar to those of a food allergy, it can be hard for parents to tell them apart. Here's a guide to distinguishing a food allergy from an intolerance:
While there is currently no cure for food allergy, there are treatments that can reduce the risk of anaphylaxis when children consume small amounts of foods that cause allergic reactions.
In addition, there is some recent research to support giving allergenic foods to infants to try to decrease the incidence of food allergy. Researchers believe that if this approach became standardized, it could help reduce the overall prevalence of food allergy.
Talk with your child's allergist to develop a plan for dining in restaurants and other places where you're not preparing the food.
A food allergy does not mean you have to give up on enjoying restaurant meals. Waitstaff at many restaurants ask whether anyone at the table has any food allergies or dietary restrictions while taking the order. This is a good opportunity to explain your child's food allergy.
Communication is important. You might want to call the restaurant in advance to ensure that they have menu items that are safe for your child to eat. It's also a good idea to talk with a manager when you arrive, even if you've called in advance.
You can also explain that cross contamination must be avoided for your child's safety. However, a restaurant may be unable (or unwilling) to guarantee this. In that situation, you may want to choose a restaurant that does not use the allergen at all.
Another possible strategy is to present an allergy card, often called a chef card, before or after you are seated. This card should clearly state the foods that should be avoided.
If you notice that your child gets hives after eating certain foods or regularly experiences itching after eating specific items, make an appointment with a healthcare professional. They may suggest an allergy medication and advise you to avoid the food.
If the symptoms persist or worsen and your child isn't responding to the allergy medication, a healthcare professional may refer you to an allergist. In addition to taking your child's history, the specialist may order skin-prick tests, patch tests, or blood tests to find out whether your child has an allergy.
They may also recommend trying an elimination diet to find the cause of the allergy.
If your child has a food allergy and carries an epinephrine auto-injector, use it immediately if they experience throat tightness or difficulty breathing. Hives with vomiting is another indication to use the epinephrine auto-injector or call 911.
If you suspect that your child has a food allergy, contact a pediatrician or an allergist. A healthcare professional can identify the food that is causing the problem and help you develop a treatment plan.
Your child may need medications such as antihistamines to treat the symptoms.
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