Issue 2
Editor's Note
Dear loyal readers,
The writing staff at What’s News would like to confirm that the topics we cover are indeed valuable to you, “the reader”. What’s News was created to aid our patients with their allergy and asthma care between their appointment visits. How are we doing? If there is a topic that you would like us to write about or if you have any constructive criticism that you would like to share with us, we strongly encourage you to write in! Please address your suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or simply reply to the What’s News E-newsletter.
Thank you for your support!
Brandon Kreager
Editor
Expert Advice:
Goodbye Cedar, Hello Oak
By: John P. Dice, M.D.
Mountain cedar season is now winding to a close. By mid-February, most of this pollen should be gone from the San Antonio atmosphere. But although many people consider winter in San Antonio THE allergy season, the next group of pollens is right around the corner.
Springtime is when the majority of the trees in San Antonio pollinate. Mountain cedar (winter) and fall elm (autumn) are two of the rare exceptions. The rest of the various trees pollinate once the weather starts to warm up and this allergy season can stretch from late February through early May.
We have a wide variety of trees in San Antonio but the most dominant is definitely oak. Oak pollen usually starts in mid-March and lasts for almost two months. Most people can recognize when oak is pollinating as this is the tree responsible for the yellow powder that covers our cars, driveways and windows at this time of the year. In addition to pollinating for a longer period of time, oak pollen also reaches higher levels than the other springtime trees with pollen counts often reaching into the thousands. Of course mountain cedar counts can reach 20,000 or more during the winter but for a springtime tree, oak is the most impressive.
Many other trees pollinate during the spring but these are usually only for a few weeks each and in lower amounts. Some of the most common are pecan, mulberry, hackberry and elm. Although not as dominant, if you are a person that happens to be sensitive to one of these trees, your allergy symptoms can be just as difficult.
Many patients ask me if they need to worry about the trees in their yard. Remember that pollen can float in the air for hundreds of miles! So even if you remove your own trees, you’re still exposed to every other tree in San Antonio!
If you are a tree pollen allergy sufferer, avoid outdoor activities early in the morning when pollen counts are usually the highest. Take your allergy medications and see a Board-certified Allergy & Immunology provider for the best possible allergy care!
Do Foodstuffs Make You Sick?
By: W. Ted Kniker, M.D.
Adverse reactions to foodstuffs can occur in 20-25% of people, yet many of them are unaware that such is the case. The minority have “allergic” reactions in which 
special IgE antibodies react with ingested food antigens causing a reaction within minutes. If one eats fresh fruits, vegetables or nuts, one may get lip/tongue swelling, itchy mouth or even throat breathing obstruction (the oral allergy syndrome). Any foodstuff can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and outside the gut, a generalized reaction such as itchy hives (urticaria). If low blood pressure or breathing obstruction is also present, this “anaphylactic reaction” should lead to an immediate visit to a medical facility for emergency care!
In the majority of cases, your symptoms after eating or drinking foods are delayed at least an hour or longer. This is not “allergy” but a sensitivity or intolerance of the food caused by different mechanisms. Acid reflux from the stomach is associated with heartburn, burping, belching and tasting acid. Belly pain, gas, bloating and constipation suggest irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Severe lower belly pain, diarrhea and bloody stools are associated with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Foods can cause symptoms in many parts of the body. In the skin, there may be chronic itchy hives (urticaria) or chronic eczema-like rash. In the respiratory system, there may be nasal/sinus symptoms or worsened asthma. In the nervous system, migraine headaches, ADD, ADHA, emotional shifts, tiredness and epileptic seizures may occur. Even joint pains (arthralgia) and worsening of fibromyalgia can occur.
To deal with these problems, it is necessary to know which foodstuffs are causative. The most accurate test is for the affected person to be a “detective” and to recognize that ingesting a particular foodstuff predictably causes certain symptoms. Allergy specialists certainly can help by taking detailed histories and using appropriate laboratory tests. Experienced dieticians can assist with diagnostic food challenges and to help the individual eliminate troublesome foodstuffs so that the affected person may live a life free of food related problems.
Cats, Dogs and Your Allergies
By: Amanda Bedell, R.M.A
Did you know that in America there are over 80 million homes that have a dog or cat as a family pet? For Americans that suffer from an animal allergy, this number can be staggering and spell disaster for their allergies. But even with a 1 in 4 chance of running into one of these furry little creatures at a friend or family member’s home, many people still think that petting or touching animal fur is the reason they have allergy symptoms. However, petting or touching animal fur is only one part of the contributing problem. Studies have shown that animal fur is what retains the allergens and that the allergens are actually produced in the animal’s oil glands, skin dander, saliva and urine. Animal fur is very absorbent, but once it is disturbed (petting the animal, playing with it, etc.) the captured items become free to fall on the ground or to be released into the air. The class of allergens animals produce is known as an aeroallergen or airborne allergen. This class of allergen affects “allergy sufferers” by floating in the air and becoming inhaled by an unsuspecting victim. People with animal allergies can see symptoms present instantly, once the allergen is inhaled. Common animal allergy symptoms include, sneezing, watery/itchy eyes, and coughing. Some more severe reactions include hives, and difficulty breathing.
If you suspect you may have an animal allergy, then it is best to consult a Board Certified Allergist. An allergist can help identify what allergens you are sensitive to and develop a treatment plan specifically for your symptoms.
Helpful animal allergy tips and advice:
- It can take up to 2 years or more to develop an animal allergy.
- Symptoms may continue up to 6 months after having contact with the animal.
- If you are a pet owner, clean and bathe your pets on a regular basis. This will help lower the amount of allergens your pet releases.
- If you are in the market for a new pet, there are some pets that release less allergen’s than others! For dogs, the Labradoodle and Standard Poodle are great low allergen pets. For cats, the Sphynx and the "Allerica GD" come highly recommended for allergy sufferers.
- Rodents such as guinea pigs, rats and mice can also trigger animal allergy symptoms.
(Labradoodle) (Allercia GD)
We Can Save You Money!
By: Daisy Cherian, R.N.
Buying medication is never a welcomed expense, especially when it’s for a routine medication. Without any indication that medications will decrease in cost, some people are forced to ask themselves “do I eat or maintain my health?” No one should ever be forced to make this decision!
One saving opportunity that is greatly overlooked is the coupons pharmaceutical companies offer. Most pharmaceutical companies offer some form of coupon for their products. Below is a list of commonly prescribed medication that offers a coupon. Just click on the name of the product you would like to save money on, and complete the steps that are required for the coupon. 5 minutes of your time could mean extra money in your pocket!
Looking for You!
By: Patty Pompa-Aguilar, CCRC
With the proposed Healthcare Reform bill, it is uncertain what challenges lie ahead for the medical industry. But one thing is certain, no matter what the outcome; pharmaceutical companies will still need volunteers to participate in clinical research trials to study new medications.
We’re looking for you! Allergy and Asthma Clinical Research Center conducts year-round trials for pediatric and adult patients with asthma and allergic rhinitis (allergies). Qualified patients can benefit from the following:
- Access to a new medication before it is widely distributed
- Study related medical visits
- Study related lab procedures
- Compensation for participation
- Helping others obtain access to a new medication
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in a pharmaceutical research study, please call Allergy and Asthma Clinical Research Center. Our clinical research coordinators will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
(Tel) 210-616-0894
(Web) allergysa.com
(Email)
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