Allergy season is upon us, bringing with it runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing. Climate change is leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons. The good news is that treatments for seasonal allergies have become more effective in recent years. Pollen trackers, like the one maintained by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, can help people limit exposure. Experts also recommend masks, over-the-counter medications and talking to a doctor if symptoms start impacting sleep, school or work.
A study that upended medical practice by recommending feeding babies peanut products early to prevent allergies has had a big effect in the real world. A new study in the medical journal Pediatrics found that peanut allergies in children ages 0 to 3 declined by more than 27% after guidance was first issued, and by more than 40% after it was expanded in 2017. For decades, doctors had recommended delaying feeding children peanuts and other foods likely to trigger allergies until age 3. The approach has helped 60,000 children avoid food allergies, including 40,000 children who otherwise would have developed peanut allergies.
California will become the first state in the nation to require restaurants to disclose major food allergens on their menus starting in 2026. The new law signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom applies to businesses with at least 20 locations. They will have to list ingredients including milk, eggs, shellfish and tree nuts when they know that they are in their products. Proponents say it will help people with severe food allergies feel safer when eating out. But critics say the law could be costly and burdensome for businesses.
