Ragweed "Season" Begins

Ragweed pollen appeared in the Capital Region today, for an earlier than usual start to this "allergy season". Ragweed typically appears mid-August through September. It's hard to predict how long the season will last, but it ends by the first hard frost. The extent of rain in the region this summer may promote ragweed growth which could result in greater than normal ragweed pollen counts. Only time (and weather conditions) will tell.

Allergy symptoms triggered by ragweed pollen include: sneezing, runny nose, and itchy and/or watery eyes. People with asthma may experience an increase in their symptoms if they are allergic to ragweed. People with ragweed allergies should use medication as prescribed to help control the effects of ragweed pollen. Asthma patients who have increased symptoms should contact their doctor.

June rain brings mold

Several days of rain throughout June have led to increased mold production, creating havoc for mold allergy sufferers. Grass pollen counts continue to be quite high.

People with seasonal allergies are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms as a result of the weather. Monitor pollen and mold counts daily on our web site.

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.