High Tree Pollen Counts Invade Capital Region

The above average warmth experienced in the area the past several days has brought about significantly high tree pollen counts. Most persons sensitive to tree pollen experience symptoms when counts are classified as "High". Symptoms typically include watery and/or itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. Persons with asthma who are also allergic to tree pollen may experience increased asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. Allergy sufferers are encouraged to use prescribed medications as directed, limit outdoor activity if possible and see your doctor if symptoms persist.

The Fight Against Peanut Allergy: Don’t Try This at Home

About one million children in the U.S. are allergic to peanuts. Currently the only way to manage this allergy is with strict avoidance of peanuts. This requires significant effort on the part of the child and family to keep the child safe. They must carefully read labels, prepare special snacks, and quiz friends and restaurant staff about whether peanuts could be present in their food. Children must carry an Epi Pen and know how to use it or be around an adult trained to do so. Parents often worry a lot about the safety of their allergic child when he or she is not under their direct supervision, since even a tiny amount of peanut can cause a life threatening reaction.

Duke University in North Carolina and Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock are currently conducting studies to determine if ingesting small amounts of peanut might desensitize children with peanut allergy. In an initial Duke study, under very close medical supervision, patients started with 1/1,000 of a peanut per day, and gradually increased the amount very slowly over time. After ten months, most of the children were able to tolerate up to 15 peanuts per day, and 5 children actually outgrew the allergy. However, 4 children could not tolerate any ingestion without having a serious reaction and had to drop out of the study. Although these results are both newsworthy and exciting, there were only 33 children in this preliminary study. A more extensive study is planned over the next few years to corroborate these results.

It is hopeful that in the next several years or so, this type of treatment might become a reality for children with peanut allergy. For now, the American Academy of Pediatrics and allergy specialists continue to advise strict avoidance of peanut and peanut products for patients with peanut allergy.