Xtract Solutions

Here’s a Top 10 list you might not want your community to make: Allergy Capitals of the U.S. Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) releases its report on the top 10 most challenging places to live with allergies. The foundation uses the following criteria in developing its list: higher than average spring and fall pollen, higher than average allergy medicine use, and fewer board-certified allergists. Here are the findings:
1. Scranton, Pennsylvania
2. Richmond, Virginia
3. Wichita, Kansas
4. McAllen, Texas
5. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
6. Hartford, Connecticut
7. Springfield, Massachusetts
8. New Haven, Connecticut
9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
10. Bridgeport, Connecticut

In releasing the report, AAFA President Kenneth Mendez drew attention to two points contained within: “In 2020, fewer people felt the impact of pollen allergies. This is likely due to COVID-19 restrictions with more people staying indoors. But climate change continues to cause longer and more severe allergy seasons. If we don’t slow down the cycle, pollen production will only intensify. This means symptoms could worsen as climate change continues to evolve.”

The onset of warm weather can be a time of increased concern for people who are allergic to insect stings. The World Allergy Organization estimates between 1 and 7% of the population is allergic. The culprit could be wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, bees or fire ants, and some people are allergic to more than one stinging insect. Allergic reactions to insect stings account for thousands of emergency department visits each year in the U.S., with the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reporting between 90 and 100 deaths each year. Avoidance, using an epinephrine autoinjector, and getting prompt medical help after a sting are all critical for those allergic to insect stings. Venom immunotherapy (allergy shots) has a high success rate in desensitizing a person to insect stings. Visit https://xtractsolutions.com/venom-immunotherapy-for-stinging-insect-allergy/ to learn more.

Food allergies are on the rise in the U.S. with the Centers for Disease Control reporting a 50% increase in food allergy in children between the years 1997 and 2011. Adult-onset allergies are also increasing. Approximately 15% of people with food allergies were diagnosed when they were over the age of 18. Some studies indicate the older a patient is when diagnosed with a food allergy, the more likely he or she is to develop a serious reaction. What is science telling us about this increase in food allergies, and how can people with allergies stay safe?

Visit https://xtractsolutions.com/food-allergies-in-children/ to learn more.

Xtract is a software program specifically designed to organize patient care for allergy patients, from diagnosis and initial testing through successful completion of treatment. It is a cloud-based platform accessible via any network-connected device. The first of six modules is the TEST Module and its features include:
-Easy tracking of diagnostic skin testing
-Digitized skin tests so paper is no longer needed
-Enter results quickly via touch screen interface
-Send electronic skin test requests to EMR and easily print out

Learn more and request a free software demo today at https://xtractsolutions.com/allergy-immunotherapy-software/test-module/

When symptoms suggest an allergy – perhaps coughing, congestion or hives – patients are most likely to see their primary care doctor first. Parents of children displaying symptoms generally consult with the pediatrician. But from there, a referral to an allergist follows. What to expect? There will likely be many questions -- about the symptoms, what seemed to trigger them, their severity, family history, and any medications the patient is taking. Visit the link below to learn more about preparing for the first trip to an allergist, and how to be a partner in your care.

Beginning Allergy Treatment - XTRACT Solutions If you’re headed to the allergist for the first time – you have a lot of company. Approximately 50 million Americans have allergies...