Best OTC Allergy Medicines Of 2024, According To Experts

Allergy News

Feb. 29, 2024 — Lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the gut microbiome development of babies born during these periods according to new research. Our gut microbiome, an ecosystem of ...

Feb. 25, 2024 — A drug that binds to allergy-causing antibodies can protect children from dangerous reactions to accidentally eating allergy-triggering foods, a new study ...

Feb. 7, 2024 — Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery: a new cell that remembers ...

Jan. 18, 2024 — An exhalation delivery system that uses a patient's own breath to carry the anti-inflammatory compound fluticasone (EDS-FLU) directly to the sinuses reduced chronic sinus infection (sinusitis) ...

Jan. 11, 2024 — Scientists have produced an organoid model of the human conjunctiva. These organoids mimic the function of the actual human conjunctiva, a tissue involved in tear production. Using their new model, ...

Jan. 8, 2024 — Measuring airborne grass allergen levels instead of pollen counts will be more beneficial for hay fever sufferers as new research shows grass allergen levels are more consistently associated with hay ...

Dec. 21, 2023 — Researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the nuanced roles of JAK inhibitors, or modulators, in inflammation across various cell types and ...

Dec. 6, 2023 — Researchers have identified an allergy pathway that, when blocked, unleashes antitumor immunity in mouse models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).  And in an early parallel study in humans, ...

Nov. 9, 2023 — Allergic responses to common foods such as dairy and peanuts can increase the risk for heart disease and cardiovascular death as much or more than smoking, new research suggests. And these dangerous ...

Nov. 7, 2023 — Measuring skin water loss during food allergy tests may help predict anaphylaxis and keep patients safe. The method aims to detect the life threatening reaction before epinephrine injections are ...

Oct. 23, 2023 — Scientists have uncovered a group of immune cells that may drive severe asthma. These cells gather in the lungs and appear to cause the most harm in men who develop asthma in later ...

Oct. 14, 2023 — A clinical study showed how Peanut Sublingual Immunotherapy (Peanut SLIT) is safe and effective in children ranging from 1-to-4 years of age. Remission of peanut allergy was also possible after three ...

Oct. 13, 2023 — It can be a relief to scratch the occasional itch, but when itch gets out of control, it can become a serious health problem. How does the body know when to ...

Sep. 29, 2023 — The notion that some level of microbial exposure might reduce our risk of developing allergies has arisen over the last few decades and has been termed the hygiene hypothesis. Now, an article ...

Sep. 20, 2023 — Researchers reported for the first time that a genetic biomarker may be able to help predict the severity of food allergy reactions. Currently there is no reliable or readily available clinical ...

Aug. 29, 2023 — Several major childhood allergies may all stem from the community of bacteria living in our gut, according to a new study. The research identifies gut microbiome features and early life influences ...

July 25, 2023 — Having a food allergy as a baby is linked to asthma and reduced lung function later in childhood, according to a new ...

July 21, 2023 — In 2017, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a dramatic reversal in its approach to peanut-allergy prevention, recommending parents expose their infants as young as four months old to ...

July 17, 2023 — Columbia researchers have found why babies are susceptible to repeated bouts of common respiratory infections--but also have a unique weapon to fight off new pathogens that healthy adults ...

July 17, 2023 — Many low-risk patients with a penicillin allergy were able to have their penicillin allergy label removed through a simple procedure known as 'direct oral challenge' as part of a ...

Are Allergy-Free Spirits Legitimate? Allergists Break It Down

Consumers have many choices on what to drink. More than ever, in fact. And companies are always looking to stand out from the pack. One way that brands are differentiating from one another is to label their spirits as "allergy-free." And they often charge a higher price because of it. 

There is a lot of fluidity with this term. Some companies use it to describe spirits made without gluten or grain. Others boast that their spirits are free of nightshades, which include tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and peppers. Many of these aren't typically used in alcohol, anyway. 

But with the allergy-free label that's being increasingly slapped on spirits, it's worth asking: Are allergy-free spirits for real, or is this just another meaningless marketing term? We consulted with professional allergists to get their take.

Are allergy-free spirits legitimate? It's hard to make a blanket statement about every product that claims to be allergy-free. Allergists say this term is a little fuzzy.  "While the term 'allergy-free' is often used in marketing, it's crucial to remember that no alcoholic beverage can be guaranteed 100% allergen-free," says Kara Wada, MD, an allergist/immunologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "However, some spirits are inherently lower in potential allergens due to their production process."  Luis Rustveld, PhD, RD, assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine "Spirits are typically distilled, meaning that many of the proteins responsible for allergic reactions, such as those from grains or fruits, are removed during the distillation process."

— Luis Rustveld, PhD, RD, assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine

The term "allergy-free" is "a bit misleading," says Luis Rustveld, PhD, RD, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. "There are alcoholic spirits that are considered allergy-friendly for people with certain common allergies," he says. "Spirits are typically distilled, meaning that many of the proteins responsible for allergic reactions, such as those from grains or fruits, are removed during the distillation process."

Most distilled spirits are usually safe for people with food allergies, particularly to grains. However, some brands use gluten-free ingredients like corn or potatoes to be "extra cautious," says Rustveld. But, "spirits that are flavored or aged in barrels may introduce allergens, so it's best to be cautious with those."

There's also the inherent nature of alcohol to consider, according to Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist with Allergy & Asthma Network. "Alcohol is known to amplify underlying allergies and allergic reactions," she says. "So, alcohol itself is quite allergenic."

Research suggests that ethanol, the main ingredient in alcohol, can cause an increased release of histamines, which cause allergic symptoms. Alcohol "can also enhance intestinal permeability, potentially facilitating the absorption of allergens," says Wada. 

What kind of allergens are in standard spirits? A few potential allergens can be found in spirits. Those include: Gluten: This is a potential issue in spirits made from wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing grains. "While the distillation process usually removes gluten, trace amounts may remain, particularly in flavored spirits where gluten-containing ingredients are added after distillation," says Rustveld. "Some individuals with Celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance may still react to these trace amounts." Sulfites: These are usually added as preservatives in wine and some spirits. "People with sulfite sensitivities may experience reactions such as headaches, hives, or asthma-like symptoms," says Rustveld. Histamines: Histamines can cause symptoms like headaches, flushing, and nasal congestion. "These naturally occurring compounds can worsen allergy symptoms in some people by directly stimulating allergy cells," says Wada.  Eggs: These are sometimes used in the refining process of certain wines and spirits. Milk or Lactose: These can show up in some cream-based liqueurs or specialty spirits.  Nuts: These will often appear in nut-infused or flavored spirits, such as amaretto or walnut liqueurs.  Fruit: Flavored spirits or liqueurs that use extracts or juices, like orange liqueur or cherry brandy, could cause a reaction in people with specific allergies. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to spirits Allergic reactions may differ, depending on the individual. Parikh says the following may be symptoms that someone could experience: Hives Swelling Wheezing Gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting or diarrhea In severe cases, someone may lose consciousness or experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. "If they are true allergies, it can be dangerous to continue to consume the spirits," says Parikh. What to look for in spirits if you have allergies If you have allergies or suspect you do, Wada recommends consulting with an allergist. "They can help identify specific triggers and provide personalized guidance," she says.  Rustveld suggests sticking with pure, distilled spirits like vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey that are free from additives, flavorings, or other ingredients that could contain allergens. If you have a specific allergy and it's more severe, he suggests looking for products labeled to be free of that allergen.  Also, use caution with mixed drinks or cocktails, given the range of ingredients that they could contain. "Ingredients like syrups, mixers, and garnishes may contain allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten," says Rustveld.  If choosing a spirit with an allergy-free label provides some comfort, more power to you. But doctors say the same results can be achieved by reading the label or contacting the manufacturer — and save some money in the process.  Thanks for your feedback!

Allergies Can Make You Miserable. Here's How To Track Pollen Levels Near You

Allergy season can bring misery to tens of millions of Americans each year.

Tree, grass, and other pollens can cause runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing.

Where you live and what you're allergic to can make a big difference in how bad your allergies are, but there are many things you can do to feel better.

Here are some tips from experts to keep allergies at bay — maybe even enough to allow you to enjoy the outdoors.

WHICH POLLENS CAUSE ALLERGIES?

There are three main types of pollen. Earlier in the spring, tree pollen is the main culprit. After that grasses pollinate, followed by weeds in the late summer and early fall.

Some of the most common tree pollens that cause allergies include birch, cedar, cottonwood, maple, elm, oak and walnut, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Grasses that cause symptoms include Bermuda, Johnson, rye and Kentucky bluegrass.

TRACK POLLEN LEVELS, THEN PLAN YOUR DAY

The best and first step to controlling allergies is avoiding exposure. That's easier said than done when it's nice out.

Start with keeping your windows closed at home and in the car, avoiding going out when pollen counts are highest and changing clothes when you get home. The same masks that got us through the pandemic can protect you from allergies — though they won't help with eye symptoms.

Pollen trackers can help with planning. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology tracks levels through a network of counting stations across the U.S. Counts are available at its website and via email.

HOW TO RELIEVE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

You can't fight an enemy you don't know.

Since many Americans are allergic to several things at once, the first thing to figure out is what specifically you're allergic to, said Dr. Nana Mireku, an allergist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Over-the-counter nasal sprays can help relieve symptoms, but they take a while to kick in, so it's best to start them in early in the season, said Dr. Rachna Shah, an allergist and director of the Loyola Medicine Allergy Count.

Antihistamines are another option. Shah said she's seen some patients benefit from switching to a similar brand if one stops working, but said that there isn't much broader data to back the recommendation.

For young children and people who have to take many different allergy medications, immunotherapies in the form of shots and oral drops can help desensitize the immune system to allergens, treating symptoms at their root.

WHERE ARE POLLEN LEVELS THE WORST?

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America issues an annual ranking of the most challenging cities to live in if you have allergies, based on over-the-counter medicine use, pollen counts and the number of available allergy specialists. This year, the top five were Wichita, Kansas; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Greenville, South Carolina; Dallas; and Oklahoma City.

IS ALLERGY SEASON CHANGING?

If you've been thinking it started earlier and seems longer this year, you're on to something.

Shah usually starts looking at pollen counts in the Chicago area in April. But this year, she peeked at her data in mid-February, and tree pollen was already at a "moderate" level.

"This season has been so nuts," she said. "Granted, it was a pretty mild winter, but I didn't expect it to be so early."

Shah said she believes this season will be longer than other years, assuming the weather remains warm.

Experts say climate change has led to longer and more intense allergy seasons.

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