Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic, the largest allergy practice in Georgia, has been the premier provider of quality care and research in the field of allergies, asthma and immunology for 40 years. Our board certified allergists and specially trained nurse practitioners are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic, asthmatic and immunologic diseases. We carefully evaluate each patient and create individualized treatment plans that improve our patients' quality of life.

Be sure to visit our site often for the latest news about allergy and asthma -- or follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

A Tragic Loss

The Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic extends its sincere condolences to the family of Diallo Robbins-Brinson. Diallo tragically lost his life this week when he accidentally ingested a food to which he was allergic.

The physicians and staff at AAAC remind everyone that food allergies are serious. The most important part of managing a food allergy is a proper diagnosis in order to avoid serious, even fatal, reactions. Management by a specialist that includes a food allergy plan and appropriate follow up are required as well. But most importantly – if you have been diagnosed or suspect a sensitivity to a food – ALWAYS carry your self-injectable epinephrine or Epi Pen.

In a tragic irony, this week is Food Allergy Awareness Week. We take this time to educate everyone, whether or not your family is directly affected by food allergies, as to the facts and misconceptions of a true food allergy.

We will continue posting educational information on our website and on Facebook in hopes of avoiding any more tragic stories.

FAQs Answered for Food Allergy Awareness Week

1)Are Food Allergies on the rise?
The incidence of food allergy has been increasing, by some reports there has been an 18% increase from 1997-2007. However, some experts feel that it is unclear if food allergies are truly increasing, or if they are simply being misdiagnosed. Current guidelines recommend that the most accurate way to make the diagnosis of food allergy is to utilize an appropriate history, physical exam, diagnostic tests (particularly allergy skin-prick tests) as well as oral food challenge in selected patients.

2) What are the potential dangers of a misdiagnosis?
Children misdiagnosed with a food allergy can be put on such restrictive diets, it is not only challenging and frustrating, but often unhealthy. Consider that a 2011 study in the Journal of Pediatrics found in 125 children with atopic dermatitis, on restrictive diets who had been diagnosed by a blood test only – most could tolerate the restricted food after appropriate evaluation. In 364 challenges with these children (who did not have a history of life threatening reactions), they did not have a problem with the oral challenge 89% of the time.

3) Can you develop food allergies at any age?
Although food allergies seem like something you develop as a child, the truth is that they can occur for the first time at any age and for no apparent reason. Food allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly decides something you've eaten (usually a protein, like nuts or shellfish) is harmful and orders antibodies to attack it immediately. In adults, the most common allergies are to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

4) Do people outgrow food allergies?
Eight foods cause nine out of ten reactions. They are milk, soy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Some children seem to grow out of their sensitivity to certain foods, especially milk and egg. However, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish frequently persist.

Food Allergy versus Food Intolerance: What’s the Difference?

Food allergy is an immune response to a food whereas food intolerance is usually sensitivity to a food. The food allergy immune response occurs when a person makes a specific IgE antibody directed against a particular food protein. The diagnosis of food allergy can be complex since the presence of IgE to a food alone is not enough to confirm a diagnosis.

Symptoms of a true food allergic response can include reactions in:
• the skin (such as swelling or hives and potentially eczema)
• the gastrointestinal tract (GI) (such as nausea and vomiting or swelling in the mouth, lips or tongue)
• the respiratory tract (such as obstruction of the throat or bronchial tubes)
• the cardiovascular system (such as lowering of the blood pressure also known as hypotension). Severe hypotension can result in shock.

Food intolerance most commonly results in symptoms not as severe as a true allergic reaction and does not involve IgE. Symptoms often involve the GI tract and include bloating and stomach discomfort.

Reactions to foods can be quite complex it is frequently difficult make an accurate diagnosis. A Board Certified Allergist is trained to help you with the diagnosis and management of food related problems.

Food Allergy Awareness Week:
May 13-19

The physicians and staff of Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic encourage everyone, whether or not you are affected by food allergies, to become more aware of the signs and potential dangers of a true food allergy.

The most important aspect of treatment of food allergies is determining an accurate diagnosis. Food allergies are often misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed. A thorough medical history on the patient as well as appropriate diagnostic testing are necessary to determine the right course of action. The board certified allergists at AAAC often employ more than one test to be certain of the offending food or foods.

Visit here during this week for answers to frequently asked questions:
• Food intolerance versus food allergy, what’s the difference?
• Why a blood test is not enough?
• What are the potential risks of a misdiagnosis?
• Are food allergies on the rise?
• Can food allergies develop at any age?
• Can you outgrow food allergies?

If you are interested in learning more about food allergies, you can visit our Patient Education section.

For local resources:
Food Allergy Kids of Atlanta is a local support group that meets through out the Atlanta area and puts on food allergy friendly events for families.

The Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic is hosting a support group meeting in our East Cobb Clinic on May 22 at 7pm. One of our allergy specialists, Dr Stanley Fineman, will be there to discuss: The Difficulties in the Diagnosis of Food Allergy.

For general information:
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

May is Asthma Awareness Month

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the quality of life for almost 25 million Americans, including an estimated 7 million children. Although there is no cure for asthma yet, asthma can be controlled through medical treatment and management of environmental triggers.
The Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic is helping educate the public by providing free asthma screenings around Atlanta and surrounding communities throughout the spring and summer months. In April, we partnered with Kroger and Astra Zeneca to provide a free screening in Canton; several weeks ago our physicians, nurse practitioners and nursing staff volunteered their time to offer screenings and information at the 2012 Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park; and on May 12 at the Kroger on 1476 Turner McCall Blvd SW, in Rome, Dr. Carlton and his staff will offer another asthma screening to raise awareness in their community.
Please check our website for future Asthma Screenings as we hope to raise awareness, diagnosis, prevention and successful treatment of this epidemic.

Kennestone Clinic recognized by WSB's Scott Slade

Local radio personality Scott Slade with WSB AM recently visited our Kennestone office for the "Breakfast Break." His visit was to recognize Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic and the team that collects the pollen count each day. It's been a busy season for our pollen count team, so we appreciate Scott and the people at WSB AM taking special note and giving thanks to such dedicated staff. Congratulations, Kennestone!

Atlanta Allergy & Fight for Air Climb

A big congratulations to the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Climbers. Team members Stan Fineman, Keith Lenchner, Kevin Timmerman, Rochelle Sizemore, Amy Fineman Cohen and Rachel Sizemore participated in the American Lung Associations' 2012 Fight for Air Climb Atlanta. Once again, Dr. Fineman successfully defended his title of First Place for his age group by climbing 45 floors in 9:43! Followed closely by members Lenchner and Timmerman coming in at 11:08 and 11:22. Not only did those two go up 45 flights - for some reason they also came down the stairs!! It was a great event for a great cause. Thanks to all of you who supported our team. Donations are still being accepted for the event. Go to www.climbatlanta.org.

Memo to Our Patients Regarding New Electronic Health Records System

In an effort to continue to improve your quality of care, Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic is in the process of transitioning to electronic health records (EHR). We recognize the value of your time and ask for your patience as our dedicated staff integrates EHR into our practice a few offices at a time.

We also ask for your assistance in the following ways:
For your first visit, whether it is for allergy injections or an office visit to see the doctor, please bring your current insurance card and current photo ID with you. These items must be rescanned into the new system. It is important that you present your current card to ensure your claims are filed properly.

You will also be asked for additional personal information that we currently do not capture. This information is necessary for us to meet government-established guidelines for our electronic medical record system. The required information will include race, ethnicity, primary language, and employer.

Your efforts will benefit you, our staff and physicians by providing valuable information that will help us continue to provide advanced, quality care.

Thank you,
Physicians and Staff of AAAC

Our Nurse Practitioners: Essential to Quality Care

Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic utilizes the services of Nurse Practitioners at several of our locations. These individuals are specially trained in the field of allergy and asthma and work closely with your doctors. The use of these professionals allows us to better meet your health needs as well as accommodate your schedule.

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