Vasomotor rhinitis, also known as non-allergic rhinitis, is a condition characterized by chronic nasal symptoms without any specific allergic triggers. Unlike allergic rhinitis, which is caused by an immune response to allergens, vasomotor rhinitis is associated with abnormal nasal blood vessels and nerve sensitivity. Symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis are very similar to those of allergic rhinitis. They include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and post-nasal drainage.  With vasomotor rhinitis, often the runny nose is very watery and sudden-onset, and many patients describe their nose as “running like a faucet.”  However, unlike allergic rhinitis, all these symptoms occur without actually having specific allergic triggers. To make things even more confusing, you can have both allergic and non-allergic rhinitis at the same time!  Triggers of vasomotor rhinitis include changes in temperature or humidity, strong odors (perfumes, smoke), air pollutants, certain foods or beverages (spicy foods, alcohol), hormonal changes, and emotional stress. Thankfully there are many treatment options for vasomotor rhinitis, including nasal saline, medicated nasal sprays, and allergen avoidance and environmental control measures. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an allergist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for vasomotor rhinitis. They can help identify triggers and provide guidance on managing your symptoms!

 

 

 

 

 

In Arizona, summer is typically associated with high temperatures and dry conditions, which can significantly affect the presence and concentration of pollen and mold spores in the air. While there is variability depending on specific locations within the state, here are some common types of outdoor allergens that may be present during the summer months in Arizona:

 

  1. Grass Pollen: Grasses are a common source of pollen during the summer season. Bermuda grass, buffalo grass, and other warm-season grasses are prevalent in Arizona and can release pollen particles into the air, potentially triggering allergies.

 

  1. Weed Pollen: Weeds, such as ragweed, are known to produce abundant pollen during the summer. Although ragweed is more common in the fall, other weed species like lamb’s quarters, pigweed, and Russian thistle (tumbleweed) can also release pollen and cause allergic reactions.

 

  1. Tree Pollen: While tree pollen is more abundant during the spring, some trees in Arizona may continue to release pollen during the early part of summer. Juniper trees, also known as cedar trees, are prevalent in the region and can produce allergenic pollen.

 

  1. Mold spores: Mold spores can be found year-round. While some molds, such as Alternaria, are more prevalent after rain or in areas with high humidity, some molds such as Aspergillus and Cladosporium thrive in warmer months and hotter, dry conditions.

 

It’s important to note that the specific pollen types and their levels can vary depending on factors such as location, weather conditions, and plant growth patterns. Checking local pollen and mold spore forecasts, as well as consulting with an allergist, can provide more specific and up-to-date information tailored to your specific area within Arizona and your personal allergies. Taking necessary precautions, such as keeping windows closed during high pollen counts, using air purifiers, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen times, can help manage allergy symptoms during the summer months.

Five Reasons why Food Allergy Action Plans are Important

 

A food allergy action plan is an important tool for individuals who have food allergies, especially in settings such as schools, childcare facilities, or any place where a person may be at risk of exposure to allergens. The plan outlines specific steps to be taken in case of an allergic reaction. Here are some key reasons why a food allergy action plan is important:

 

  1. Emergency Preparedness: Food allergies can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Having an action plan ensures that everyone involved is prepared in case of an allergic reaction. It provides clear instructions on what actions to take, including the use of emergency medication, such as epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q, etc).

 

  1. Standardized Communication: An action plan serves as a communication tool between the individual with the food allergy, their caregivers, teachers, school staff, and other relevant personnel. It provides vital information about the specific allergens, symptoms, and appropriate steps to be taken during an allergic reaction.

 

  1. Early Recognition and Intervention: The action plan includes a list of potential allergic symptoms, enabling early recognition of an allergic reaction. By promptly identifying the symptoms, appropriate actions can be taken, potentially preventing the reaction from escalating.

 

  1. Education: An action plan helps raise awareness and understanding among those involved. Education about food allergies is crucial for creating a safe environment and fostering empathy and support for individuals with allergies.

 

  1. Consistent Care: By having a documented action plan, the individual with the food allergy can receive consistent care across different settings. The plan provides a reference for caregivers and ensures that appropriate precautions and interventions are followed.

There are many ways that allergies can be evaluated, and some people are not familiar with the different types of tests available. The way that allergy testing is performed has changed slightly over the years, allowing the procedure to be relatively painless for most people. Let’s review the different types of testing done in the allergy clinic!

Skin prick testing: Skin testing, also referred to as “scratch” testing is the most common way that we evaluate allergies. Skin testing involves a small amount of allergens being “pricked” onto the surface of your skin, often with a small plastic device that looks like a toothpick. If you are sensitized to an allergen, this will trigger a reaction on your skin and cause a wheal or hive, similar to an insect bite. Skin testing usually takes about 15 minutes. Skin prick testing is performed for evaluation of possible environmental triggers such as pollens, molds, and animal dander. Skin prick testing is also performed for food allergy if there is a history of allergic reactions to a food (called IgE-mediated food allergy). Skin testing to foods can cause false positives and testing alone does not mean you are allergic to a food. Drug allergies such as penicillin are also evaluated via skin testing.

Intradermal testing: Intradermal testing can also be performed for evaluation of environmental triggers, insect allergy, or drug allergy. This involves a small amount of allergen placed just below the surface of the skin with a very small needle.

Blood tests: Blood tests can be performed for environmental allergens, insect venoms, and food allergies. Blood testing measures allergic antibodies in your blood. Like skin testing, blood testing to foods without a history of reaction to food can sometimes give false positives, and a positive test alone does not diagnose food allergy.

Challenge tests: Challenge tests are done in-office and involve the allergen being taken by mouth (such as foods of drug allergies). Challenge tests are among the most accurate tests to diagnose food allergy, and can help differentiate false positives or if someone has outgrown their food allergy.

Patch testing: Chemical patch testing is a way to evaluate for chemicals or metals that could be causing allergic reactions on the skin. Patch testing involves application of a chemical patch onto the back, with delayed readings in office in 2-3 days or longer, depending on the situation.

Caution!!! There are several tests available over the counter or online labeled as “food sensitivity tests”. These tests are not recommended and do not provide accurate results. Other tests such as food IgG testing, mail-in fingerstick allergy testing, kinesiology muscle testing, hair analysis, ALCAT testing, or neutralization testing are not recommended due to lack of scientific evidence that they correlate with any food allergies.

Your allergy provider will work with you to determine what type of testing is necessary to determine the cause of your symptoms and help guide further treatment.

10/1/2015 – 6/15/2020

Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute Provides Notification of Data Security Incident

Peoria, AZ – Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute (“Institute”) announced today a data security incident that may have impacted limited protected health information belonging to Institute patients. The Institute takes the privacy and security of all information very seriously.

The Institute learned that certain data made publicly available under the name of a different organization for a brief period in September 2020, and may have included Institute data. Upon discovery, the Institute immediately began investigating, with the assistance of a third-party forensic security firm, to determine the scope of this incident. Based on this investigation, the Institute confirmed on March 8, 2021, that the available data included limited information related to Institute patients that received services between October 1, 2015 and June 15, 2020. 

The personal information available included individuals’ first and last name in combination with their patient identification number, provider name, health insurance information, and treatment cost information. It is important to note that the Institute has no evidence to suggest that any personal information has been misused. Nonetheless, out of an abundance of caution, the Institute is providing notice to those affected individuals. The notices include information about this incident and about steps that potentially impacted individuals can take to monitor and help protect their information. The Institute takes the security of all information very seriously and has taken steps to enhance security measures to help prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

The Institute recommends that individuals remain vigilant in regularly reviewing and monitoring their explanation of benefits statements to guard against any unauthorized transactions or activity. The Institute has established a dedicated assistance line to address any questions individuals may have which can be reached at 855-654-0915, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain Time. The Institute may also be contacted by mail at 13965 N 75th Ave, Peoria, AZ 85381. 

 

 

COVID 19 VACCINE UPDATE as of 3/23/2021:

Who can get the vaccine?

  1. High risk patients with underlying medical conditions including Asthma/Lung Disease.
  2. Non high-risk patients with history of environmental, food, medication, insect or latex allergies.
  3. Patients ≥18 years of age with no underlying medical condition.
  4. Patients recovered from COVID-19 infection are advised to get the COVID 19 vaccine 90 days after symptom onset.
  5. Patients who received Monoclonal antibody (Bamlanivimab) and/or convalescent plasma for COVID 19 infection must wait 90 days before receiving the COVID 19 vaccine.

Note: As a precaution, please do not get an allergy shot within 5 days of your COVID 19 vaccine. Before getting your COVID 19 vaccine, you will be asked if you received a vaccine/shot in the last 14 days, the answer is “NO”. Your allergy shot is not a vaccine. Rate of anaphylaxis from COVID 19 vaccine is rare (<1 in 100,000).

Who should check with your doctor first?

  1. Immunodeficiency patients
  2. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome patients
  3. History of Idiopathic Anaphylaxis
  4. History of Allergic reactions to previous vaccinations
  5. History of Allergic reaction to Polyethylene Glycol (includes IV Depomedrol)

Note: Our office is experiencing an extremely high volume of calls. For patients that need to check with your doctor, please call TRIAGE (option 3) and leave a message. Please allow us 7-10 days to get back to you. 

HOW TO GET COVID-19 VACCINE:

STARTING March 24 (Wednesday), ADULTS 18 years old and older can sign up to get COVID Vaccine (with or without medical conditions)

To schedule ONLINE:

  1. OPTION #1 – vaccine distribution through Az Department of Health – Register at the website: podvaccine.azdhs.gov (PATIENT PORTAL)
    1. State Farm Stadium
      1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale
      844-542-8201
    2. Grand Canyon University
      5115 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix
      HonorHealth-N Phoenix
      2500 W. Utopia, Phoenix
    3. Phoenix Municipal Stadium
      5643 E Van Buren ST., Phx Az 85008
      602-542-1000
    4. Abrazo West
      13677 W. McDowell Rd. Goodyear
      602-506-6767
    5. Dignity Health at Chandler-Gilbert Community College
      2626 E Pecos Rd. Chandler
      602-506-6767
  2. OPTION #2 – vaccine distribution through Banner Hospital System – Call 833-509-0908
    1. Banner Del Webb
      14502 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West
    2. Banner-Az Fairgrounds
      1826 W. McDowell Rd. Phoenix
  3. OPTION #3 Passport Health (N Scottsdale & I-101 -18545 N Allied Way, Phoenix)- use link https://oem.passporthealthglobal.com/ClinicSignUp/Registration/COVIDSafeAZ
  4. OPTION #4 –Register at the Pharmacy website – (Walgreens, Costco, Walmart, CVS, Fry’s) or Maricopa website https://www.maricopa.gov/5659/COVID-19-Vaccine-Locations

To schedule via TELEPHONE in various locations:

  1. Dial 211, option 6, OR Call 844-542-8201 OR 480-573-0332 OR 602-542-1000
  2. Banner Health System – Call 833-509-0908
  3. Honor Health System – Call 602-506-6767
  4. Tolleson City Hall or Estrella Foothills High school Goodyear Az – Call 480-376-2170
  5. Fry’s pharmacy – Call 1-866-211-5320 (Phoenix, Avondale, Buckeye, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Scottsdale, Suncity West, Surprise, Tempe)
  6. 1st Care Medical Clinic (1635 W Glendale, Phx) – Call 602-544-2273
  7. Albertson’s Pharmacy:
    1. Litchfield Park – Call 623-535-7991
    2. Surprise – Call 623-546-8038
  8. Safeway Pharmacy:
    1. Goodyear – Call 623-935-3531
    2. Chandler – Call 480-883-0260
    3. Sun City West – Call 623-584-0501
    4. Glendale – Call 623-572-8844
  9. Bethany Home Discount Pharmacy Glendale – Call 623-440-7717
  10. Clinica La Familia (Phx, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, El Mirage) – Call 602-569-3999
  11. Mountain Park Health Center (Phx, Goodyear, Tempe) – Call 602-243-7277
  12. One Medical Scottsdale – Call 602-218-4072

FACTS:

  1. Patients with history of allergic reactions to medications, food, outdoor allergens, insects, and latex do not have an increased risk compared to the general population.
  2. Observation in a health care setting for 20 – 30 minutes after injection is ideal to monitor for any adverse effects. (IM Epinephrine is the first line of treatment).
  3. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID 19 Vaccine is NOT a live vaccine. It can be administered to immunocompromised patients.
  4. These recommendations are based on best knowledge to date but can change at any time, pending new information and further guidance from the FDA or CDC.
  5. Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute does not have the vaccine and is not planning to administer the vaccine.

CAUTIONARY CONCERNS: Please discuss risks vs. benefits with your provider.

  1. Patients with history of allergy to L-Polyethelene Glycol (component of the vaccine)
  2. Patients with history of allergic reactions to previous vaccinations/ mast cell activation syndrome/idiopathic anaphylaxis. (Limited data)
  3. Immunocompromised patients may have a diminished immune response.

References

  1. McNeil MM, Weintraub ES, Duffy J, et al. Risk of anaphylaxis after vaccination in children and adults. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016;137(3):868-878.
  2. Dreskin et al. International Consensus (ICON): allergic reactions to vaccines World Allergy Organization Journal (2016) 9:32.
  3. Wylon, K., Dölle, S. & Worm, M. Polyethylene glycol as a cause of anaphylaxis. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 12,67 (2016).
  4. Stone CA, Liu Y, et al. Immediate Hypersensitivity to Polyethylene Glycols and Polysorbates: More Common Than We Have Recognized.  J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019; 7(5): 1533–1540