Potomac Allergy & Asthma, P.C.

11/14/2025

TW: The first known death from alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergy to mammalian meat and byproducts caused by a Lone Star Tick bite, has now been confirmed. After months of investigation, researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine determined that a 47-year-old man from New Jersey died from a severe allergic reaction triggered hours after eating a hamburger. Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) occurs when the Lone Star Tick transmits a sugar molecule found in mammals, which can cause delayed allergic reactions to beef, pork, lamb, and high-fat dairy. Symptoms often appear 3–6 hours after eating and can include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.

This heartbreaking case highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, early recognition of symptoms, and improved clinician education. Many patients and even healthcare providers remain unfamiliar with AGS despite its rapid increase across the United States as tick populations expand into new regions. FARE remains committed to raising awareness, supporting research, and empowering families with accurate, accessible information.

11/14/2025

Tree pollen is LOW at 0.32 grains/cubic meter.

Mold spores are in the LOW range at 1284.03 spores/cubic meter.

11/07/2025

Tree pollen is LOW at 0.96 grains/cubic meter.
W**d pollen is LOW at 0.64 grains/cubic meter.
Mold spores are LOW at 809.9 spores/cubic meter.

11/06/2025

Does Your Toddler Have a Peanut Allergy?

The COMFORT Toddlers Study is collecting additional safety data for an investigational treatment that may help retrain the immune system and potentially reduce the risk of allergic reaction to peanuts. The treatment has already been tested in toddlers and children and has shown that it may help with peanut allergies.

The study is looking to enroll 480 children ages 1-3 with peanut allergies. The study will include a 6-week screening period (to confirm that your child is eligible), a 26-week treatment period, and a 2-week follow-up period. You and your child will visit the study site 8 times.

Participants will receive study-related care and treatment at no cost. You may also receive compensation for completion of key study visits. No health insurance is required.

Who can participate?

Your child may be able to take part in the COMFORT Toddlers Study if they:
• Are 1-3 years of age
• Have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having a peanut allergy based on an evaluation from their doctor
• Are on a strict peanut-free diet
• Have access to emergency medicines (including epinephrine) and a current food allergy emergency action plan

The study team will go over all requirements and the details of the study with you to see if your child may qualify.

Visit the COMFORT Toddlers Study website for more details:
https://comfort-toddlers-study.com/learnmore/

11/05/2025

The FDA has expanded approval of Opzelura® (ruxolitinib) cream to include children ages 2 to 11 with mild to moderate eczema — making it the first treatment of its kind for this age group. Read more about this non-steroidal option for kids with eczema and other research news: https://community.aafa.org/blog/October-research-cat-birch-pollen-allergy-eczema-treatments

11/04/2025

Coconut oil: Love it or hate it? 🥥 💧

Eczema expert Dr. Vivian Shi of UAMS College of Medicine tells us all about alternative eczema treatments from natural oils (like coconut oil) to elimination diets: https://nationaleczema.org/alternative-treatments-dr-shi/

11/01/2025

RSV is a common virus that spreads easily and can look like the common cold. But for babies, children, older adults, and anyone with asthma, it can be serious.

Here’s how to prepare and prevent RSV this season:
🧼 Wash hands often
🧽 Disinfect toys and surfaces
🏡 Stay home if you're feeling sick
😷 Wear a mask in crowded spaces
🩺 Ask your doctor about the RSV vaccine

Learn more at: https://aafa.org/asthma/asthma-triggers-causes/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/

10/31/2025

10/31/2025

FAACT's Safety Tips

Set the stage for a fun Halloween with these safety tips:

1. Bring epinephrine
2. NO snacking
3. Dress up
4. Speak up
5. Discuss candy to avoid
6. Look around
7. Read ALL labels
8. Hand out non-food treats
9. Set up safe stops
10. BYO treats

Visit to download our Safety Poster and other fun ideas! Have a safe and Halloween!

https://www.foodallergyawareness.org/holidays/halloween/

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween Friday to all!

Tree pollen is LOW at 0.96 grains/cubic meter.
Mold spores are in the LOW range at 1673.32 spores/cubic meter.

10/27/2025

Haunted houses and spooky costumes should be the scary part of Halloween. Follow this checklist if you are headed out for Trick-or-Treat. Tell us what else is on your checklist in the comments!

10/20/2025

About 60,000 children have avoided developing peanut allergies after 2015 guidance upended medical practice by recommending introducing the allergen to infants starting as early as 4 months, a new study finds.