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Allergy & Asthma Issues: Winter 2009
Each Valentine’s Day, millions of Americans have more than amour on their mind. They worry about allergic reactions to candies, flowers and other traditional gifts. Adults and children alike may be tempted to forgo their typical avoidance strategies to appear polite and grateful on this day of love – a move that could have serious consequences. Keep your Valentine’s Day sweet with these tips: Food Allergies Avoid eating foods that are not packaged and/or foods that do not have a label. Desserts and chocolates are notorious for having hidden ingredients (especially peanuts and tree nuts) and home cooks may not understand the risks of cross-contamination. Be wary of mini candies, which may be processed in different facilities and with different ingredients than larger versions. Help children celebrate the holiday safely by contacting teachers to review classroom policies prior to parties. Send allergy-safe packaged treats for your child to enjoy, if necessary. Empower and prepare children to advocate for themselves — practice saying “no thank you” and have open discussions about challenges that children may encounter on Valentine’s Day. Allergens can also be transferred through saliva, so consider what your significant other ate prior to puckering up. Studies have shown that soon after eating peanut butter, salivary levels of peanut protein were high enough in some to cause a reaction. You should also avoid sharing utensils or drinkware, which may contain traces of tainted saliva. Asthma, Hay Fever and Skin Allergies Perfume, flowers and jewelry are other popular gifts on Valentine’s Day, but these, too, can be unwelcome.While the pollens from brightly colored flowers like tulips and roses are heavy and typically do not cause allergy symptoms, their strong odors can trigger a person’s asthma symptoms or non-allergic rhinitis. The same goes for perfumes, colognes and scented candles. Prevent reactions by ensuring that nasal symptoms and asthma are under good control. Make sure to bring rescue medication to areas of possible exposure and try to avoid being in enclosed spaces with known triggers. Jewelry containing nickel can cause itchy rashes in sensitive individuals. Remind loved ones of your allergy and request metals that are completely nickel-free, as even trace amounts can trigger a reaction. Michael Pistiner, MD, is an allergist/immunologist based in Nyack, NY.
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