ISSAQUAH OFFICE HAS MOVED TO NEW SITE
We have opened our new office in the brand new Highmark Medical Building located about 1/2 mile away from the old location. It is just south of I 90, exit 15 at 1740 NW Maple St, Suite 211
We will be there 4 days per week. Drs. Becker, Tran and Park will have office hours at this location.
We look forward to seeing you there. All contact information will be the same.

FDA and/or Voluntary Recalls of Foods or Medications
Scroll down to see the most recent FDA and/or voluntary recalls of foods (due to undeclared allergens) and medications.

ANTIGEN REFILLS WILL NOW REQUIRE A SIGNED AUTHORIZATION FORM
We want to be sure that patients are aware of the full cost of immunotherapy treatment before we make up any refills. We can mail, fax or email you this form if you are not coming in for an appointment before your antigen needs to be made.
It is important to contact your insurance company for your benefit information.
You can fax this form in to: 206-523-0724 or email it to: info@nwasthma.com

POLLEN COUNTS
NW Asthma & Allergy is a nationally registered pollen counting station. We collect 24 hour specimens mid-late afternoon, Monday thru Friday. So what we are reporting is the reading for the 24 hour period just prior to the posting.

Keep in mind that pollen is very “location driven”, what we measure here in metro Seattle, may not be what you are noticing in your neighborhood. More rural neighborhoods will experience higher pollen concentrations.

NORTHWEST ASTHMA HIGHLIGHTED BY PUGET SOUND HEALTH ALLIANCE
Puget Sound Health Alliance is a consortium of hospitals, providers, insurers and employers that have been working to improve the quality of healthcare in our region. They have been collecting data on hospitals and clinics for several years.Our practice has consisently scored very high in the treatment of asthma patients, as reported in the Community Report by PSHA that was just released. Dr. Michael Kennedy spoke at the meeting which was attended by all factions of this organization. He outlined our treatment methods that produce the outstanding results.
To read more about the clinics and hospitals that were rated by PSHA, go to
www.wacommunity checkup.org

NEW STUDIES ON PEANUT ALLERGIES
There have been some exciting studies that show promise for the treatment of food allergies. It is important to remember that the peanut oral desensitization study only included a small number of children (30) and nearly everyone reacted during the desensitization. This is still considered very new and experimental but your physician would be happy to discuss this and other studies at your next appointment.

NEW RISKS LINKED TO ASTHMA RISE
A decline in aspirin use, exposure to household sprays and cleaners and lack of vitamin D may all help explain surging asthma rates in the past few decades.
For years the hygiene hypothesis has been used to explain stark differences in asthma rates around the world. In Western countries, asthma rates are about 50 times higher than in rural Africa, for instance. The hygiene hypothesis suggests that Westerners have less exposure to bacteria, viruses and parasites, altering the immune response and increasing risk for allergic diseases.
But Dr. Harold S. Nelson, professor of medicine at the asthma and allergy specialty hospital National Jewish Health in Denver, says the hygiene hypothesis doesn’t fully explain rising asthma rates in the United States and industrialized countries. The incidence of asthma has doubled in the United States since the 1980s.
In a recent talk at National Jewish Health’s annual Pulmonary and Allergy Update conference, Dr. Nelson noted that lower levels of vitamin D, exposure to spray cleaning compounds, and a wider use of acetaminophen in place of aspirin have contributed to the asthma epidemic.
The concern with household cleaners is that the spray mist can be inhaled and irritate the lungs, increasing risk for asthma. The biggest culprits appear to be glass cleaners and air fresheners. A major European study of cleaning product use in 10 countries found that people who used the cleaners four days a week faced double the risk of adult asthma. Weekly use increased risk by 50 percent. Australian researchers have also found a link with household cleaning sprays and asthma in children.
In a November 2007 article in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston reviewed the evidence showing a link between low vitamin D levels in mothers and childhood asthma. The authors wrote:
We hypothesize that as populations grow more prosperous, more time is spent indoors, and there is less exposure to sunlight, leading to decreased cutaneous vitamin D production. Coupled with inadequate intake from foods and supplements, this then leads to vitamin D deficiency, particularly in pregnant women, resulting in more asthma and allergy in their offspring.
Declining aspirin use may also help explain rising asthma rates. Young children should not be given aspirin because it increases risk for Reye’s syndrome. But a common alternative, acetaminophen, the ingredient in Tylenol, may increase a child’s risk for asthma when used in very young children or in high doses. The drug lowers levels of the antioxidant glutathione, which can help protect against lung damage caused by oxidants. In a study of more than 200,000 6- and 7-year-olds, use of acetaminophen in the first year of life was associated with a 46 percent increase in prevalence of asthma symptoms. Children using higher doses of acetaminophen had three times the risk of asthma.
Dr. Nelson notes that the research isn’t conclusive, but that people can take simple measures to lower their exposure to these new risk factors. Use liquid cleaners or pump sprays that don’t generate a fine mist. Eliminate use of spray air fresheners. Pregnant women and mothers should talk to their obstetricians and pediatricians about whether they should consider vitamin D supplements. And parents should discuss pain relievers with the pediatrician. Every pain reliever carries risks, and alternatives to Tylenol like ibuprofen can increase risk for gastrointestinal complaints. However, doctors may recommend switching between pain relievers or limiting exposure to acetaminophen in certain cases.
“There is a lot of supporting evidence for all three of these new risk factors,” Dr. Nelson said.
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LONG-LASTING COLD SYMPTOMS MAY BE SINUSITIS
If your stuffy nose and headache last for more than two weeks, it may be more serious than a cold. Winter is prime season for sinusitis, as the condition most often results from the common cold. Allergy sufferers are also more likely to develop sinusitis.
An estimated 31 million Americans develop sinusitis each year, leading to 18 million physician visits and $5.8 billion in overall health expenditures according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
“Early on, the symptoms of colds and sinusitis are similar,” said Anju Peters, MD, Chair of the AAAAI Rhinosinusitis Committee. “But if symptoms are worsening after 3-5 days, or if they are present for more than 10 days, then sinusitis is the likely culprit.”
Sinusitis occurs when drains in the sinus cavities – hollow areas behind the forehead and cheeks – become blocked due to inflammation caused by a cold or allergies. The blockage prevents mucous from draining normally, leading to infection.
Sinusitis is easily recognized by a green or gray nasal discharge, foul tasting post-nasal drip, facial pain/pressure or light fever.
Sinusitis can last for months, or even years, if not properly treated. A physician will typically prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and patients may also use decongestants to relieve stuffiness.
An allergist/immunologist is the best-qualified medical professional to diagnose and treat underlying allergies that contribute to sinusitis. Use the AAAAI Physician Referral Directory at www.aaaai.org to find an allergist/immunologist near you. For more information about sinusitis and controlling allergies, visit www.aaaai.org.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR BILL?
You will be able to have quick access to our Patient Accounts staff via the internet. They will contact you within 48 hours.
ptaccounts@nwasthma.com

Recall: Torn & Glasser Mixed Nuts Fancy, No Peanuts
8.31.10 Torn & Glasser of Rancho Dominguez, CA is recalling its 3.75lb (#10) cans of “Mixed Nuts Fancy, No Peanuts” marked with lot numbers 0980 and 1940 on the outer case label and bottom lid due to undeclared peanuts. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The recalled “Mixed Nuts Fancy, No Peanuts” were distributed in CA, WA and HI. This was distributed through a wholesale distribution outlet. The product comes in a sealed, 3.75lb #10 style can marked with lot numbers 0980 and 1940 on the outer case label and bottom lid. The UPC is 072488980761.

Voluntary Recall: Milton's Baking
August 20, 2010 - Milton's Baking Voluntarily Recalls 24 oz. Multi-Grain Bread in Three States (not specifically listed on FDA website) For Undeclared Milk in Some Loaves

FDA Recall: Moonstruck Chocolate Co
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 18, 2010 - Moonstruck Chocolate Co. of Portland, Oregon is voluntarily recalling their 4 piece Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle Collection and the 12 piece Chocolate Malted (or Malt) Cream Cone Chocolate Truffles, because they may contain undeclared peanut butter. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The 4 piece Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle Collection and 12 piece Chocolate Malted (or Malt) Cream Cone Chocolate Truffles products were distributed through Moonstruck Company owned Moonstruck Chocolate Cafés, direct delivery from moonstruckchocolate.com and through various retailers nationwide. The recalled Chocolate Malted (or Malt) Cream Cone Chocolate Truffles can be found in Moonstruck’s 4 Piece Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle Collection and in the 12 piece Chocolate Malted (or Malt) Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle box.

The products are coded with Best if enjoyed by: 11/2/2010 through 11/15/2010. The Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle Collection contains 4 cream cones in a box with UPC code of 711175011042, and the 12 piece Chocolate Malted (or Malt) Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle is packaged 12 pieces in a box with a UPC code of 711175103549. The 4 Piece Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle Collection contains one Chocolate Malted (or Malt) Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle which may contain peanut butter. The 12 piece Chocolate Malt Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle contains 12 pieces which may contain peanut butter.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that some Chocolate Malted (or Malt) Cream Cones Chocolate Truffles inadvertently contained the milk chocolate and peanut butter French butter cream filling normally used in Moonstruck’s Peanut Butter Cream Cone Chocolate Truffle. Requests for refunds or replacement product will be honored. Consumers with questions may contact the company directly at 503.943.2853 between the hours of 8:00-5:00 PST.

Contact: Allyson Savage 503-943-2853

FDA Recall: multiple items from Leiner Health Products
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- August 17, 2010 - NBTY Acquisition LLC, dba Leiner Health Products of Ronkonkoma, New York is recalling Air Shield, Air Protector, Immune System Support, and AirHealth Effervescent 10 Tablet containers and Stick Packs, 8 stick containers, because they may contain undeclared Soy.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

This recall was initiated after it was discovered that the products contain soy but were distributed in packaging that did not list the presence of soy. These products were manufactured and packaged for NBTY Acquisition LLC dba Leiner Health Products by a contract manufacturer who did not disclose the presence of soy in the products.

The Effervescent Tablet product was sold under the names Air Shield, Air Protector, Immune System Support, and AirHealth, under various brands. Labels include: Equate (Walmart), Meijer, Equaline (Albertsons and SuperValue), Top Care, Your Life, CVS, Longs Wellness, Trader Darwin, Trader Joe's, Target, Target Up & Up, Safeway, Safeway Select, Premier Value, Sunmark and Walborn (Walgreen's).

For more specific information (lot #'s and expiration dates), go to http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm222865.htm

As of this date, there have been no adverse reaction complaints reported relating to this recall.

Consumers who have any of these products in their possession should call 1-888-534-6370, Monday – Friday 9 am – 7 pm EDT for further instructions.

FDA Recall: Food City brand Low-Carb Tortilla White and Whole Wheat 10 count
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 16, 2010 - Elie Baking Corp. dba Near East Baking Corporation, 204 N Montello St,, Brockton, Massachusetts is recalling the following:

Food City brand, Low Carb Tortilla White, 13.5 oz, 10 count. UPC 0 87848 42002 0
Food City brand, Low Carb Tortilla Whole Wheat, 13.5 oz.10 count. UPC 0 87848 42003 0
MFG Date 07/21/10 & MFG Date 07/22/10 stamped on the top left of the bag.

The products may contain undeclared soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The products were distributed in K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. d/b/a Food City retail stores, in the following states: Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product containing soy was distributed in packaging that did not declare soy in the ingredient statement.

Consumers who have purchased Food City low Carb Tortilla White & whole wheat 10 ct are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company by E- mail: dianag@neareastbakery.com or call collect 508 584 4890. Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Contact: dianag@neareastbakery.com, 508-584-4890

FDA Recall of Kroger brand Meals Made Simple Shrimp Linguini
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 14, 2010 - Los Angeles, California - Kroger (product distributor) and Contessa Premium Foods, Inc. (product manufacturer) are recalling 24 ounce bags of Kroger brand Meals Made Simple Shrimp Linguini, because it may contain undeclared milk product. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The Kroger brand Meals Made Simple Shrimp Linguini was distributed to all divisions of Kroger’s retail stores.

All units of Kroger brand Meals Made Simple Shrimp Linguini (UPC 1111097756) product are impacted by this recall.

Only one adverse reaction has been reported as associated with this product to date.

This recall was initiated after Contessa Premium Foods, Inc. discovered that the Kroger brand Meals Made Simple Shrimp Linguini included an ingredient labeled as "Natural Flavors" that may have been constituted using milk or milk byproducts. Subsequent investigation indicates that this ingredient was included in the product at very small amounts but was not otherwise indicated on the allergen warning statement.

Consumers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk products and have purchased the 24 ounce bags of Kroger brand Meals Made Simple Shrimp Linguini are urged to either contact Contessa Premium Foods, Inc. at 888-832-8000 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Contact: Meghan Glynn, Kroger Co., (513) 762-1304, meghan.glynn@kroger.com

Contact: Juliet A. Boghossian, Contessa Premium Foods, Inc., (310) 832-8000, extension 2142, jboghossian@contessa.com

FDA Recall of Bountiful Blend Chocolates
South Bend Chocolate Company Announces Nationwide Recall of Bountiful Blend Chocolates Due to Undeclared Tree Nuts

Company Contact: Mark Tarner, Tel: 574-233-2577

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 06, 2010 - The South Bend Chocolate Company, South Bend, Indiana, is recalling 174 1-lb bags of Bountiful Blend, a blend of chocolate covered mixed nuts and dried fruits, because it contains undeclared cashews, almonds, pecans, and Brazil nuts. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashews, pecans, almonds or Brazil nuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

Bountiful Blend was sold via internet sales, mail order and may have been sold nationwide through our distributors to retail stores.

The Bountiful Blend product impacted by the recall is sold under The South Bend Chocolate Company brand name and was produced on or after March 18, 2010. The product under recall is: Bountiful Blend in 1-lb Bags. Products with labels reading Item #154,UPC #644823001549 are subject to this recall.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

This recall was initiated after it was discovered that Bountiful Blend containing cashews, pecans, almonds or Brazil nuts were not listed on the product’s labeling. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by the printing of ingredient statements and was cut off before the listing of nuts printed.

Consumers who have purchased 1-lb bags of Bountiful Blend are urged to contact The South Bend Chocolate Company at 574-233-2577 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.