A new survey finds that nearly one-third of U.S. school nurses report at least one severe reaction to food among their students in the last school year.  Also, they reported that their school had emergency (stock) epinephrine available and that school staff were provided with training on allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. Such preparedness to treat severe allergic reactions is critical because studies have found that allergen restriction in schools is not sufficient to keep all students safe. Click here to read the complete report from ACAAI.

Outdoor mold spores begin to increase as the temperatures rise in the spring. Molds are microscopic fungi that produce spores, which spread through the air and can trigger or aggravate asthma symptoms. Unlike pollen which you can see everywhere, you might not notice that mold spores floating through the air.  Mold allergy symptoms can be similar to those of other respiratory allergies: Nasal congestion Runny nose Sneezing Irritated eyes Coughing Wheezing Itchy throat Family Allergy & Asthma Care is the certified pollen and spore counting station for North Texas. This resource offers patients pollen and spore level counts to aid treating and managing allergies and asthma. Click here for the latest pollen and spore levels. If you suspect you might have a mold allergy, or if you have similar symptoms that continue to persist, click here to contact our office to speak with a board-certified allergist. Let us help you breath easier!

Vote Family Allergy & Asthma Care! The Best of Denton voting is happening now through February 25. We are honored to serve individuals and families in the Denton area. Cast your vote online today at http://bit.ly/2EtS8je. At Family Allergy and Asthma Care it is our mission to enhance the health and well being of our patients and their families by: Focusing on quality and continually improving the quality of care we deliver Aiming for perfection and surpassing patient expectations in all areas of office operations, including the clinical, educational and administrative aspects Achieving excellence in clinical outcomes Committing to be partners with our patients and allowing them to become active participants in their individualized care. We look forward to seeing you in 2018!

For allergy sufferers the winter months can mean dealing with allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Do you deal with itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, nasal blockage, headaches, sore throat and even partial loss of sense of smell? Other related conditions can include loss of sleep, poor concentration, irritability and fatigue. Click here to begin your journey to relief with one of our board-certified allergists. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) offers the following tips to avoid triggers: *Keep windows closed during high pollen periods; use air conditioning in your home and car. *Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes. *Use “mite-proof” bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold (if you smell mildew, you likely have mold). *Wash your hands after petting any animal and have a nonallergic person help with pet grooming, preferably in a well-ventilated area or outside. Find the right medication and treatment for you. For more information on hay fever management and treatment, please contact us. Family Allergy & Asthma Care is here to serve you! Click here to get started today.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) believes your voice is a valuable part of asthma research. The Paper Project offers you the opportunity to join others in a very meaningful training effort. Watch the video and click here to learn more and get started today.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), an astonishing 79 percent of food allergic children say they are bullied because of their food allergy. And 57 percent report being touched or harassed by a food allergen, such as peanuts, dairy and eggs. Watch Christian Kloser's story and get tips to avoid food allergy bullying. If you’ve been bullied because of food allergies, or if you’ve witnessed bullying happen because of food allergies, partner with Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) and their campaign, No Appetite for Bullying. Click here to visit the website and get started. Would you like to talk to an allergist about food allergy bullying? Call  (972) 539-0086 or email info@faaccares.com. Our board-certified allergists are here to serve you and answer any questions you have.

Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, and ACAAI member, presented information from recent research which shows that peanut allergies in children have increased by 21 percent since 2010, with nearly 2.5 percent of US children potentially now suffering from the condition. In addition to peanut allergy, rates of tree nut, shellfish, fin fish, and sesame allergies are also on the rise, with allergy to tree nuts up 18 percent from 2010 when data were last collected, and allergy to shellfish up 7 percent. Click here to read more about the research. Although diagnosing a food allergy can be difficult, allergists are specially trained to administer allergy testing and can then tailor a plan specific to your allergies. Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified allergists.      

Join us October 30 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. for a food allergy friendly TRUNK OR TREAT! Everything your child receives will be free of the top 8 allergens. We will have a photo booth, face painting, costume contest, decorating teal goodie bags, lots of prizes and more. We hope to see you there! Join and share the event. http://bit.ly/2y6ddO8

What are the top 8 food allergens? Eggs Milk Peanuts Tree nuts Fish Shellfish Wheat Soy More than 50 million Americans have an allergy of some kind. Food allergies are estimated to affect 4 to 6 percent of children and 4 percent of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Food allergy symptoms are most common in babies and children, but they can appear at any age. You can even develop an allergy to foods you have eaten for years with no problems. The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis— a life-threatening whole-body allergic reaction that can impair your breathing, cause a dramatic drop in your blood pressure and affect your heart rate. Anaphylaxis can come on within minutes of exposure to the trigger food. It can be fatal and must be treated promptly with an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline). Click here to read more at acaai.org Do you have a food allergy? The Food Allergy Institute of North Texas is a state of the art food allergy institute focused on innovative testing, treatment and education. Our clinic is staffed by dedicated nurses and board certified allergists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of food allergies. Click here to learn how we can help you.  

FARE's Teal Pumpkin Project® is a worldwide movement to create a safer, happier Halloween for all kids. The Teal Pumpkin Project was inspired by a local awareness activity run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET) and launched as a national campaign by FARE in 2014. FARE thanks FACET for their ongoing partnership as we work to reach families across the country and around the world with the Teal Pumpkin Project’s messages of awareness, inclusion and community. Visit their website for free resources, a list of nationwide events, participation map, project ideas and more! www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project