Q: I just heard that there are some states that require public schools to have epinephrine injectors not targeted for a specific child available in case of an emergency.  Is this safe?  - Sydney, Crofton A:  This is a perfect topic to discuss as Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)’s Food Allergy Awareness Week, was last week.  What you are referring to is called the “stock” epinephrine law, which has been enacted by about 20 states thus far, including Maryland and Virginia.  It requires schools to keep epinephrine stocked for use in case of an emergency for children who do not have their…

I’m having a brunch party this weekend and my friends’ daughter has an egg allergy.  It’s hard to find breakfast or brunch recipes without eggs, but I don’t want her to be excluded.  Do you have any advice?  —Cindy, College Park MD Cindy, You’re absolutely right. Many breakfast foods do contain eggs in the recipe, but as with most food allergy challenges, if you plan ahead, think creatively and substitute ingredients, you’ll have an amazingly diverse brunch that your guests will appreciate. I know about this specific scenario first-hand, as I recently planned a large brunch in my home. I got …

Q: My 5-year-old daughter, Grace, is allergic to everything under the sun – including peanuts, strawberries and apples. I'm nervous about taking her trick-or-treating this Halloween, but she's really looking forward to it! How do I keep her safe when going door-to-door? -Mercedes Severn, MD   A: Dear Mercedes, The only things that should scare you this Halloween are the haunts, not trick-or-treating with your child with food allergies. Rest assured, there are many ways parents can plan and be creative to guarantee that you are an anxiety-free mummy and that your pumpkin is safe and has a lot …

  Reader Question: Can someone be allergic to fruit but not the same fruit juice? My husband develops an itchy throat and hoarse voice when he eats apples, but he has no reaction when he drinks apple juice.   - Sarah M., Silver Spring, MD   Dr. Naba Sharif: The simple answer to your question is, yes – and it is not that uncommon! In fact, 60 to 70 percent of people with pollen allergy can have oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which results from cross-reactivity between the proteins in pollen and those found in raw fruits, vegetables, and some seeds, spices and nuts. Basically, your body confuses …