Are You Using Your Auto-Injector Or Inhaler Correctly?

May 6^th, 2015
By Ishani Nath

For those with allergies or asthma, epinephrine auto-injectors and asthma inhalers are the first line of defense when symptoms appear. However, recent research reveals that a majority of patients are not using these life-saving devices properly.

In fact, in the study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, only 16 percent of epinephrine users and 7 percent of inhaler users administered their medication perfectly.

Blood test predicts severity of peanut and seafood allergies

test-tube-with-blood-sample-glove-hands 285 Wouldn’t it be great to have a simple blood test to find out if you would have a serious reaction to allergen? Researchers at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City are very close to developing just such a test. It will be a much safer and more reliable way to diagnose life-threatening allergies than using skin prick tests or ingesting food under a doctor’s supervision.

April 1, 2015

A new blood test promises to predict which people will have severe allergic reactions to foods according to a new study led by Mount Sinai researchers and published online in the The Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

New Peanut Allergy Study Does NOT Blame Parents!

A part of the dictionary definition of the word Research Before we uncork the champagne bottles, here is important information regarding the recent study where infants were fed small amounts of peanut allergen to try to prevent future life-threatening allergies. This is just one study that must be repeated before any conclusions can be drawn. Parents should certainly not start feeding high risk infants peanuts at home. Read all the details:

Three New Developments for Anaphylaxis Testing and Treatment

By Toni Taylor & Jon Terry

Food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis with peanut, fish, & dairy being the most prevalent. Long time remedies include epinephrine, avoiding the allergen & immunotherapy. While there are new ways to administer epinephrine & allergy shots, not much has changed in the basic way of thinking about dealing with allergies and the potential of dangerous attacks of anaphylaxis.

An “Anaphylaxis in America” survey team finds All Doctors’ Knowledge is NOT the Same

Asthma and Allergy-Foundation logo

In a frightening survey sponsored by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), results showed there are huge gaps in knowledge of allergens and symptoms of anaphylaxis among emergency room doctors, pediatricians, family medicine practitioners and even allergists/immunologists. This makes it even more important for parents to educate themselves in order to be strong advocates for their children who have severe food or other allergies.

Are You Using Your Auto-Injector Or Inhaler Correctly?