American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Annual Meeting

The great disappearing act: Bone marrow receiver cured of allergy
Not only can bone marrow transplants be life-saving for children with acute lymphocytic leukemia, they may also cure peanut allergies. According to research presented during the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, a 10-year-old boy no longer had a peanut allergy after undergoing a bone marrow transplant. Eurekalert!

State of residency can increase children's risk of hay fever
“The study found more than 18 percent of children and adolescents have hay fever in the United States, with the highest frequency in the southeastern and southern regions of the country,” said allergist Michael Foggs, MD, ACAAI president-elect. “While the reason is unknown, it is most likely due to climate factors.” American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Reducing 2.1 million emergency room visits, 1 count at a time
Asthma is the most common chronic illness and is responsible for 2.1 million emergency room visits annually. But according to a study being presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), these costly visits can be reduced by 55 percent when inhalers contain a simple dose counter. Eurekalert!

Oral allergy syndrome and high blood pressure medications can create lethal cocktail
Oral allergy syndrome sufferers that take high blood pressure medications may experience extreme facial swelling and difficulty breathing the next time they bite into a juicy apple. When patients with oral allergy syndrome take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for hypertension and congestive heart failure, they are at an increased risk for a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, according to new research. Eurekalert!

Allergy shots during pregnancy may decrease allergies in children
"Our research found trends suggesting women receiving allergy shots either before or during pregnancy reduced their child's chances of having asthma, food allergies, or eczema," said allergist Jay Lieberman, MD, ACAAI member. "Prior studies have suggested that mothers can pass protective factors to their fetus that may decrease their child's chance of developing allergic disease, and these protective factors are increased with allergy immunotherapy." Eurekalert!

Allergic to gummy bears? Be cautious getting the flu shot
“Gelatin is used in the flu shot, as well as other vaccines, as a stabilizer,” said Stephanie Albin, MD, an allergist and ACAAI member. “Because it is found in the vaccine, those with a known allergy to gelatin can experience allergic reactions, such as hives, sneezing and difficulty breathing.” American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology