Ask the Allergist
Ask ACAAI Allergist experts your questions on asthma and allergy! AsktheAllergist@acaai.org
Before submitting your question, please use our library below to see if a similar question has already been answered. Questions that are submitted will be reviewed by the editorial staff and those that are relevant to the general allergic population will be answered and published. We are unable to provide specific medical advice intended for an individual patient. Questions that are similar to archived questions may not be included. Questions and answers will only be published on the web site and no individual replies can be given.
The information presented here is not to be considered specific medical advice and it is supplied for information only. Always discuss your medical problems with your allergist and make decisions on your health after personal consultation.
To find an allergist, visit our Allergist Locator.
Food Allergy to Melons?
Q: Sometimes my mouth tingles when I eat melons - is this a food allergy? And could these symptoms become more dangerous?
A: You are describing a kind of allergy called oral allergy syndrome (also called food-pollen allergy syndrome), tied to the fact that some fruit and vegetable proteins are genetic cousins to certain pollens, like ragweed. So people allergic to pollen may experience symptoms when they eat related foods...Read more
Shots for Bee Sting Allergy?
Q: I had a bad reaction to a wasp sting, had to go to the ER and got a prescription for epinephrine to carry. My doctor told me to see an allergist for allergy shots. What is the difference between the epinephrine shot and an allergy shot - aren’t they the same thing?
A: Epinephrine and allergy shots for stinging insects are definitely not the same thing. Epinephrine is an emergency medication for allergic reactions like the one you had to the wasp sting...Read more