Ask the Allergist
Ask ACAAI Allergist experts your questions on asthma and allergy! AsktheAllergist@acaai.org
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Peanut Component Testing
Q: My son was diagnosed with peanut allergy by screening blood testing when he was 18 months old (done for a family history of food allergy in first cousins) but he never had a major reaction to peanut before the diagnosis, and nothing has happened since. I recently read about a new kind of blood test for peanut allergy, and I am wondering if this test could be helpful for my son?
A: Peanut allergy seems to be on the rise in the US over the past decade. While there are some promising treatments being researched, the current standard of care is complete avoidance of peanut. Because this restriction can have such a major impact on everyone involved, it is very important that you receive an accurate diagnosis. Peanut allergy affects most areas of a person’s life, from the home setting, to play dates, to school, to dining out and beyond. Read more
Allergy to Olives or Olive Oil?
Q. If someone is allergic to olives, should olive oil also be avoided? Does the oil contain trace proteins from the olive, or just the fat?
A. Serious allergy to the olive fruit as a food has fortunately been rarely reported. Olive trees commonly cause seasonal allergy symptoms from inhaled olive tree pollen, something which typically occurs in specific growing regions. Read more.