Based on the results of trials, the FDA has approved the use of Nasacort AQ for the treatment of nasal symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis among children aged 2-5 years old. Previously, the cut-off age was 6 years old (as of writing the Nasacort website still says it is indicated for patients 6 years and older).

If you register on their website, you may be eligible for a rebate coupon that could save you up to $240 per year (up to $20 per prescription). Find our if you are eligible (for US residents only).

Arnold Foods Company, Inc., is recalling Brownberry Whole Grains Bread 100% Whole Wheat due to undeclared almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts. The product was sold through retail stores and bakery thrift outlets in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

The product is in 1-lb., 8-oz. bags with green twist ties and a code date of "Oct 11."

If you have nut allergies, do not consume this product. You may return them for a full refund or call (800) 984-0989 for more info.

As a segue to my previous post on finding allergy-free substitutes for baking ingredients here's a recipe for a Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake, shared by Kate Speach of Boston. This uses potato flour and corn starch instead of wheat flour, and is thus suitable for those with celiac disease or wheat allergies but not for those with milk and egg allergies.

Here is the list of ingredients:

2/3 cup corn starch
2/3 cup potato starch
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon guar gum
2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon anise extract
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
2/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons oil

Click here for the instructions, including a video demo. It looks pretty easy to make. You may choose to top it with icing, embellish with fruits or jam, or use this as a basic recipe to which you could add other ingredients... like chocolate!

You don't have to give up some of your favorite baked treats just because you have or someone in the household has food allergies. The key is finding alternative ingredients to those you are allergic to.

Bethenny Frankel of BethennyBakes offer these allergy free substitutes, for example: brown-rice flour instead of wheat flour, mashed bananas or applesauce instead of eggs, non-flavored oil or a softened vegan shortening instead of butter.

These are not just allergy-free, they're nutritionally better, too!

After 25 years, EpiPen no longer holds the monopoly in epinephrine delivery for people with severe allergic reactions. Pharmaceutical device company Intelliject has come up with EpiCard, the smallest, safest, and most user-friendly auto-injector ever developed.

How is it different from the EpiPen?

The size of a credit card, the easy-to-use EpiCard provides step-by-step voice instructions on how to use the device during a life-threatening emergency. This is especially important because the majority of food allergy fatalities occur outside the home because there's a delay in administering epinephrine.

Find out more about EpiCard here. This product is currently on the last stages of development. It is not yet approved by FDA, but they expect to get approval for the product in 2009. I hope it does, and soon. The more options there are, the better world it will be for people with allergies!

Your eye are red and itchy. So is your nose. You're sneezing, wheezing, and you can't figure out why. Well, you think you're allergic, and you're probably right, but to what? If you are to solve the problem, you've got to pinpoint the problem!

It could be the usual suspects - pollen, dust mites, pet dander. None of the above? Check out this slideshow from Health magazine and see if you're allergic to any of the following 11 sneaky suspects:

1. Lemons and limes
2. Stuffed toys, pillows, mattresses
3. Candles
4. Perumes
5. Soaps and detergents
6. Carpeting
7. Spices
8. Wall paint
9. Beer and alcoholic drinks
10. Blue jeans buttons
11. Christmas trees

Check out the Health magazine article to find out how to stop them from bothering you. If it's still none of the above, better consult your allergist and have an allergy test done.

For those of you who have or live with someone who have allergies so severe that reactions can lead to anayphylactic allergic reactions, you might want to check out this website: Fight Severe Allergy.

If you register, you will immediately receive a free Guide to Allergic Emergency Preparedness, written by Eric S. Edwards, an expert, a severely allergic patient, as well as the parent of a severely allergic child.

I haven't registered yet, but I presume at some point the website will promote some product for managing allergies. It is from Intelliject, the makers of a new epinephrine delivery system.