Children with asthma have more trouble sleeping when they are exposed to secondhand smoke, according to a study in Pediatrics (Feb. 2010, v.125, p.e261).  Researchers found increased exposure to secondhand smoke was associated with longer sleep-onset delay as well as more sleep-disordered breathing, daytime sleepiness and overall sleep disturbance. Read the rest of this entry »

A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (July 2010; v.126, p.52) found children with low levels of vitamin D in their blood may have a greater risk of severe asthma symptoms than those with high levels of the vitamin, although the risk of moderate asthma symptoms didn’t vary. This study supports other studies showing a relationship between low vitamin D levels and asthma in inner city children (Journal of Pediatrics June 2010; v.156, p.948)  as well as adults (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine April 1, 2010; v.181, p.699). And University of Pennsylvania researchers presented evidence at the American Thoracic Society’s 2009 International Conference that vitamin D may slow the progressive lung damage caused by inflammation called airway remodeling. Although these relationships exist, there’s currently no evidence that taking vitamin D will prevent asthma attacks. Read the rest of this entry »

A new blood test manufactured by the Swedish company Phadia, ImmunoCAP Allergen Components, allows an allergist to pinpoint a specific peanut protein that a patient is allergic to and more accurately assess the risk of a serious allergic reaction. The blood test was developed by researchers in England and Sweden after they found many children considered peanut-allergic on the basis of standard tests do not have true peanut allergy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, January 2010; v.125, p.191: http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(09)01534-6/abstract

Reviewed by Bradley Chipps, MD, and Neil MacIntyre, MD

First published in Allergy & Asthma Today,  Fall 2010, Volume 8, Issue 3

By Lisa Dorfman, MS, RD, CSSD

As a sports nutrition and fitness coach, I’m responsible for fueling high-profile, top-rated athletes whose careers depend on strategic intake and use of food! Food has purpose and will reward us when we keep a few facts in mind:

Read the rest of this entry »

Ahhh … pasta! Its limitless varieties and ease of substitution make it a perfect dish for discriminating palates and athletes with food allergies.

Here’s a pregame menu high in vitamins, protein and complex carbohydrates — perfect to meet the needs of the competitive athlete:
Chicken Whole-Wheat Angel Hair Pasta
Swiss Chard and Winter Squash
Walnut Garlic Sauce Read the rest of this entry »

Not just a pretty face, our hard-working burgundy-and-gold recovery drink balances the sweetness of beet and pineapple juice with the slightly tart taste of apple or kiwi. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants needed for rebuilding exhausted and strained muscles and fighting free radical damage.  Much-maligned beet greens are the most valuable player in this drink, boasting high scores in vitamins A, C and B, magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium and iron. Read the rest of this entry »

Every August we hear about how asthma episodes increase during the fall. AAT asked Sami Bahna, MD, DrPH, President, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI):  

Is this true or a myth? Read the rest of this entry »

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Dulera®  (mometasone furoate and formoterol fumarate dehydrate) Inhalation Aerosol (Merck & Co.) for patients 12 years and older. Dulera combines an inhaled corticosteroid with a long-acting bronchodilator. It is available in a metered-dose inhaler with a dose counter. Dulera is not indicated for the relief of acute bronchospasm. Read the rest of this entry »

I don’t have allergies. Irritants are what get my asthma symptoms all in a tizzy. Simply walking down the grocery store’s cleaning aisle is enough to choke me up. Or how about those room deodorizers? I just don’t get why anyone needs these things – if your house is clean and free of moisture, it shouldn’t smell. Neither should your cleaning products. Read the rest of this entry »