The Leonard Lopate Show

Since Dr. Sampson is the Chief of PEDIATRIC Allergy & Immunology and Director of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, why don't you ask him if food allergies can cause or exacerbate learning developmental disorders, such as ADD, AD/HD, Aspergers and Austim spectrum?

Why then wouldn't he speak up about your feature earlier this month, echoing the FrontLine, Medicated Child special, where kids are being medicated before things like allergies and other immune system overreaction are checked and corrected?

What comment does the Dr. have on the FrontLine special about (over) medicated children?

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/medicatedchild/

As an M.D. would he have an inherent conflict of interest in reducing the amount of prescription drugs children take for these 'mental' disorders?

would the dr. discuss crossover proteins, say between nuts and seeds, shellfish and nuts/seeds.

i read an article years ago in Redbook magazine, of all places, and it was one of the most informative food allergy articles i ever read, even for a college level science major. it was the only one to discuss the crossover proteins issue, similar protein allergens that exist in nuts, seeds and shellfish, and how these affect other pre-existing conditions such as acne, exezema, asthma, etc..

i myself, allergic to sunflower seeds [Lay's uses nothing but GMO sunflower derived oleics], nuts, and canola oil [rape seed]. I'm a package reader, to say in the least. thanks.

What's going on with food allergies? When I was a kid, 30 or so years ago, it seemed that every child in the country grew up on peanut butter. Now, people seem to treat peanuts like nerve gas.

Are there really more food allergies now than there used to be, is it that the reporting systems have gotten better, or is this just "Worried Mom Syndrome" getting out of hand?

A few things I want to be sure of from your guest.

Ms. Broussard was very clear to show the disparity between the lump term "anaphylactic episodes" and the visions it conjures of people puffing up and suffocating. What conditions, specifically, lie within that range of "anaphylactic episodes", and how frequent are those episodes serious? (Ms. Broussard says an itchy nose or mouth often gets counted.)

Moreover, can your guest speak to the validity of extrapolating 1 county in the Midwest to the entire nation? If there is an outlier or two within that small county, doesn't that skew the extrapolation incredibly?

Can Dr. Sampson comment on the effort to make schools peanut / nut free?

I am leading the effort at my daughter's day care - who is a pateint of Dr. Sampson's practice.

is asthma an alergic reaction to something in some cases?

In trying to make these allergeries as frightening as lightening strikes, the doctor only shows that these phenomena are not at all a threat. Not only does this terrorize mothers, and ruin food, but it shows we're really not prioritizing risk well. And for the producers: when was the last time you did two segments in the same month on automobile accident deaths? So many moms cart their kids around in cars, which kill entire suburban town's worth of people (around 40,000) each year, not to mention the maimings. And if we're to restrict the focus to dangerous consumables, why aren't we talking more about alcohol?

Mr. Lopate - I would like you to address why you had Ms. Broussard on to discuss food allergies, and are still referencing Ms. Broussard's statements as if she is an expert.

Dr. Sampson - your expertise and clear communication is greatly appreciated!!!

Thank you for interviewing Dr. Sampson. His expertise and well-reasoned answers are greatly appreciated. As the mother of a child with life-threatening food allergies who has experienced anaphylactic reactions, I was very glad that the show brought back someone who is a medical expert on these issues.

Ms. Broussard's cavalier and dismissive attitude is just the opposite of what kids with food allergies need. They need people to be educated about the reality of food allergies, and what we all can do to help keep these kids safe. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) does this with their helpful information and resources, which, rather promote hysteria, actually help calm people down by giving them information on how to lead as normal a life as possible and still remain safe. Just as we always wear seatbelts, my son must always have his Epi-pen. It's just a fact of our lives.

Thank you again.

I would echo the statement someone made about Ms. Broussard still being regarded as an "expert" by the glib host. What's up with that? Pseudo-intellectual, maybe, callous certainly, but not a respected expert on this topic.

Regarding folks who persist in portraying children and their parents as victims of "Worried Mom Syndrome," everyone needs to be aware that we are only trying to ensure that our kids lead happy, healthy lives and avoid death from an allergic reaction. Do you think you might let us do that? Your snarky comments do a disservice to all the children who suffer from severe food allergies, such as my daughter. One thing I've learned since my daughter's diagnosis is that people have unusual hostitility to medical conditions that they don't understand and the other thing I've learned is that people REALLY love their peanut butter.

Dr. Sampson, I think, gave a very balanced view and in his opening statements, spoke of a mother whose child died of a peanut-allergic reaction. Yes, it can happen! Why is that reality so offensive to some of you people? Researchers are still trying to determine how and why these severe reactions occur.

For all of you who want to sling mud at mothers (interesting it was a male poster who called it "Worried Mom Syndrome"), go right ahead. We will always advocate for our children. It's our job as mothers. I'd rather be called a "Worried Mother" than a "Bereaved Mother."

Thank you, Dr. Sampson for speaking on this show. Thank you, Mr. Lopate, for having Dr. Sampson. He is a well-respected authority in his field.

To #7 Christopher: The doctor's comment was in response to a callous remark made in Lopate's interview with Broussard which needed to be corrected; he did not initiate that or intend to raise fear. About the attention to food allergies on the program: the only reason the second interview was necessary is because the first one was so poorly done and misinformed and potentially dangerous. And, sure, the monstrous vehicles around local neighborhoods and schools, alcohol, etc., demand attention, but to my knowlege, Lopate and Broussard didn't go on the air mocking those who have suffered or died due to either of these.

To David Harrington:

Ms. Broussard very clearly revealed her ignorance. Here's a quick WebMD definition of anaphylaxis:

"Anaphylaxis may begin with severe itching of the eyes or face and, within minutes, progress to more serious symptoms. These symptoms include swallowing and breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives and angioedema (swelling similar to hives, but the swelling is beneath the skin instead of on the surface)."

http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/anaphylaxis

Although the general public may associate anaphylaxis solely with puffing up and suffocating, those of us who've unfortunately had to see if first hand know better. This is one of the first things a doctor will educate you on when a food allergy is diagnosed -- so Broussard's sensationalized claims of a paranoid allergy culture don't hold water.

To Tom:

Thirty or so years ago, asthma and autism weren't as prevalent either. Same for Alzheimer's. Are those all myths of "Worried Mom's Syndrome" as well?

Correction Soccer Mom; there was asthma and autism thirty years ago. Only now there are therapies for both. As for "Worried Mom's Syndrome"; I'd be interested to see how you define that and explain the relevance to Dr. Sampson's talk today.

Claimjmpr - Soccer Mom didn't say there aren't therapies for either asthma or autism. She said it wasn't as prevalent 30 years ago, which is mentioned b/c people often question why all the sudden food allergy hype (as Tom did, whom Soccer Mom was addressing)? She mentioned "worried mom's syndrome" because Tom uses this term (post #3) as if this is all it is.

For those who believe it is simply millions of moms who are just overly worried, there are millions of dads just as worried (my husband being one of them). Do you think we enjoy obsessing over the fact that something our children eat may harm them, even kill them? Believe me, it's' no fun. Instead of blaming, ridiculing, or shaming us, just count your blessings for being fortunate not to have your own child, self or other loved one afflicted by a disease that is very harmful and can be fatal ANDt ry to be a little less judgemental and more compassionate! It would certainly make my childrens' lives a little easier!

Thanks "caring mother" - you just beat me too it. :-) Seems like you have to live it to understand why we're all so angered by this latest brouhaha.

To nut-freemom.blogspot.com: Very well said! thank you.

Dear Tom,

It definitely is not a "worreid mum" syndrome, as my 6 year old daughter has had the anaphalytic attackes due to her allergy to peanuts and on one occasion has real breathing difficulties. I think you need to be more accepting of current day medical conditions.

Thank you for the interview with Dr. Hugh Sampson. It was so informative and supported with data and it came from a reputable source. THANK YOU, DR. HUGH SAMPSON for your time.

I still do not understand why Broussard was considered a good source of information for food allergy? But, at least NPR gave a medical professional a chance to refute Broussard's points which I do not believe Harper's has.

I would also like to thank Dr. Sampson for his time. I am just sorry that his time was called for as a response to irresponsible reporting. By this interview it is pretty clear that Mr. Lopate sees no difference between a medical professional and Ms. Broussard and her ignorance. Shame on Mr. Lopate, shame on the producers of the show and shame on NPR.

My 10 year old son has had four anaphylactic attacks so far. He is very allergic to nuts, eggs and a host of other foods. Curiously, his peers are those that look out for him the most. Cavalier, cynical and skeptical adults tend to always be the ones that like to contest any efforts to make these children's surroundings safe, especially when at school, a place they are obligated to attend without parental supervision. You know, these are the types that wonder why we have ramps for the handicapped... they tend to be Darwinian in all areas they feel invulnerable.

To all the "Debbie downers" I'm sorry other bad things happen in the world (lobby..rally ask for support.....)But why so negitive to THIS TOPIC?,is it wrong we try to bring awareness/education/and take preventative measures for ourselves and children?? Just like I can't compare myslef to a mother who has lost a son to drugs, a child with autism, or cancer, It is wrong for you to compare our medical problems to bigger socail issuses. To us it is BIG and it is GROWING.

I've been in respiratory arrest that turned into cardiogenic shock, unconsious in the ICU for days because of a minuet amount

of peanut butter. Please don't "bash" anaphylaxis, its a terrible condition I wouldn't wish upon my worst emenmy. What happened to humanity??

Thank you for having Dr. Sampson on. I am still confused as to why Broussard was considered an expert in this field and Leonard still referred to her like she was some type of expert in the interview with Dr.Sampson. Infuriating. Leonard didn't give Dr. Sampson the time necessary to go through the complexities of food allergies and food allergy testing and interpretation. You STILL did not do the food allergy causes any good. Why start controversy about children who can die from ingesting nuts? Why are you picking on them? This is insane. Shame on you public radio and Leonard. Food allergies are REAL and increasing, and are serious. Don't trivialize it.

I agree with NPR contributor #23. I am so grateful to Dr. Sampson for taking the time to try and clean up the mess made by Meredith Broussard. I feel he wasn't treated with the respect he deserves and that Meredith Broussard was treated like the expert. Leonard Lopate didn't even give any background as to why people are questioning Meredith Broussard's intentions and "expertise",but instead you question Dr. Sampson about his connections from FAAN and FAI like he is a criminal. Really WNYC? I was glad to hear honest and accurate information. But it still seems to little, to late and not enough of a response.

In total agreement with above two posts. Mr. Lopate was a biased interviewer due to previous episode w/Meredith. Unfortunately, the essence of what Dr. Sampson was trying to say (in regards to the seriousness of food allergies) was not able to truly surface as he had to keep answering in defense to the allegations that Ms. Broussard brought up in previous segment. Could Mr. Lopate have allowed Dr. Sampson, a well respected researcher and a doctor who really cares, a chance to talk w/o interrupting? Professionalism and common courtesy is not Mr. Lopate's forte.

I thought Leonard was negating the seriousness of food allergies because of the statistic he mentioned from the CDC that stated ONLY 20 people die each year from food induced anaphylaxis. At the same time I thought he was trying to undermine the importance of organizations such as FAAN and the FAI who do so much to educate people on how to stay safe.

Lives are being saved because of the advocacy efforts

of the FAI helping to pass the federally regulated

Food Labeling Act, FAAN's committment to education and Doctors perscribing the epi-pen. Without these efforts there would be many more deaths. I think a

number of greater significance to food allergies would

be- how many lives are saved because of epinephrine,

how many people survive because of better food labeling. The problem isn't defined in lives lost. The problem is defined by the expanding number of food allergic children and the efforts that have been put forth to keep these children safe and to find a cure.

I am glad Dr. Sampson was interviewed. I with Mr. Lopate has let him speak more and not interrupted him so often so that he could have explained more. The most important thing I wish he would have had time to explain is that once an allergic reaction to a food has started there is no way to tell how severe it will become. Once a reaction is systemic (anything beyond a localized reaction in the body) it is potentially life-threatening and should be treated as such. So, while many who have systemic reactions will recover even if not treated properly, some will die and there is absolutely *no* way to tell who. Treating food allergies as no big deal because only a certain number die (whatever that number is) misses this basic point which I'm sure Dr. Sampson would have made had there been time.

Is it normal to compare the views of a recognized expert doctor in any field with that of a lay person? Would NPR compare the view of someone who has not done research and is not expert in any way in, say heart disease, with the leading heart disease organizations and specialists and present them as though it is a debate worth considering?

Thank you Dr.Sampson for agreeing to be interviewed and expressing your points based on science and research. Mr. Lopate had a hostile tone and still continued to make jokes about "the nuts who fed him information." It is appaling that Mr. Lopate continued to be so cynical and disrespectful on this subject. The facts: anaphylaxis is unpredictable, people who have been diagnosed by a physician with the potential for anaphylaxis need to avoid the allergen, have an emergency plan, always have epinephrine with them and know how and when to use it. This is not paranoia or excess worry, it is how the condition of food allergy is managed.

Thank you for clarifying.

If it weren't to Dr. Sampson we'd still be in the dark ages wandering in solitude wondering whether or not our kids were just "that way". I credit FAAN, FAI and Kids With Food Allergies for increased awareness so that wherever I go now people ask, "do you have an allergy?" when I ask for something without bread.

We don't choose this way of life, but certainly there are many benefits to it.

Unfortunately, I believe that Ms. Broussard, also a highly allergic child herself, is simply acting out her childhood aggressions towards her mother. She is not an expert, simply someone with an opinion colored by her lack of knowledge and understanding of her condition.

Let us say for the sake of argument that food allergies are unlikely to be fatal. Let us even say that food allergies rarely require visits to the emergency room.

Allergens are a toxin to the children who are allergic to them. Being chronically ill is something worth avoiding. Eczema can be an excruciatingly uncomfortable disorder and can leave lasting physical scars. Hives, facial swelling, wheezing, vomiting, upset stomach are certainly worth avoiding.

It's recommended that people use gloves when handling harsh chemicals, not because they will kill them, but because they will damage the skin. Restaurants cut veggies and chicken on different cutting boards, not because chicken blood will kill you, but because it might make you sick and, rarely, it actually does kill you.

This is nothing to laugh about. It's a chronic illness that can be managed - much like asthma or diabetes, but just like these other illnesses management is ESSENTIAL and failed management can, rarely, result in death

I find it disturbing that the risks associated with lightning and car accidents are being compared with the risks of food allergies.

In a lightening and thunder storm people do take measures to protect themselves. For people with food allergies they must protect themselves 365 days a year from risks associated with food and eating.

Many, many car accidents happen everyday. These usually occur from drivers who spent time learning the rules of the road and training with a licensed driver. Can you imagine how many more car accidents would occur without training and rules? People with food allergies need the same sort of environment at school with training and rules to minimize risks.

I think what Dr. Sampson was pointing out is there is no 100% way to get an accurate count on food allergy deaths because post mortem there is no way to differentiate between a death that may have been brought on by asthma as opposed to a death brought on by food allergies. In both cases it is asphyxiation that actually caused the death.

One thing I wish Dr. Sampson would have emphasized is that there is no predicting who, when and where the next fatal food reaction is going to occur. For those people who have suffered one anaphylatic episode, they must be on constant vigilence just to eat. For them eating carries significant more risk of death than to the rest of the population.

Is the fear overblown? I don't think so. If it was your life at risk I think you would agree.

In a nutshell (no pun intended), Leonard is completely discredited and has no journalistic integrity for having such biased reporting of such a serious and growing issue. The Broussard piece was irresponsible, sensationalized journalism and the piece with Dr. Sampson does not cancel it out. To top it off, Leonard was completely disrespectful to Dr. Sampson, and it was disgusting that Leonard was still trying to make light of the subject.

Food allergy induced anaphylaxis is not a reportable death; therefore no one has a true handle on the numbers.

NPR, shame on you for the initial Broussard interview. You are focusing on the sensationalism of the topic rather than this serious medical issue for a rising number of children.

If you've ever seen an allergic reaction/anaphylaxis, you'd get it - and quick - especially if it was your child. Have some compassion for these families.

A child at our school suffered anaphylaxis due to an unsafe peanut butter birdfeeder project. Those 5yo's were upset for years watching their friend almost die before their eyes.

I agree that the host was disrespectful to Dr. Hugh Sampson.

Hope he gets fired over this one.

I listened with great interest and saw how the interviewee Meredith Broussard did her best with a topic which is in its infancy. I would love to talk/email to her about this.

My friend Dr Walter Yellowlees who is 90 years young and lives in the Highlands of Scotland wrote a book about this subject. I don't think you can get it in the USA but please look at the review we have tried to give it on our web pages - you may find it very helpful.

http://www.organicassistant.com/literature.php

I don't think Mr Lopate was disrespectful. He was right to give Dr Sampson the opportunity to respond to Ms. Broussard's slanderous accusations. ( He was very wrong to give her such an uncritical interview.) Dr Sampson did an excellent job, in a short amount of time, explaining some of the data on food allergies. I so appreciate all the work he has done for families like mine.

Len- you are right on the money. The kids' in my daughters' classes are so kind. Some of the parents don't understand and/or don't care, but that's to be expected. We live in the Age of Convenience.

Ms Broussard missed the obvious in her report. 10 to 12 million suffer from food alleries in the USA. Doctors don't know the mechanism by which a reaction progresses to a fatality. Therefore, 10 to 12 million are potentially at risk of death. Wo are we or anyone to debate the "chance of death" of a loved one. Given the "state of the science", if it was your child, sibling, or parent you would err on the side of extreme caution and be sure to inform those around you.

In the case of the very young child at school the best defence is a well informed community of parents, teachers and class mates. In the case of multiple exposures the only defence may be a class ban. If it were not for the advocacy groups, we wouldn't have the changes to food labelling and many more sufferers would be in harms way.

Given the number of affected and the absolute outcome of anaphylaxis the risk is not over-hyped. This large a group of people with this condition are deserving of this level of advocacy. Children (under 12), managing food allergies are most vulnerable at school, and are deserving of the maximum protection required in their particular circumstance.

I would very much like have The Leanord Lopate Show interview the parents of children with life threatening food allergies. Thank goodness that the FAI provides funding for food allergy research! It would be informative to the listeners to hear from the parents on how we manage to create a safe environment for our children while giving them opportunities to live their lives. People need to be educated so they know what to do in case a child has a severe reaction. My family had no food allergies. I never even heard of them until my son had an anaphalactic reaction to a tiny bit of peanut butter. I breast fed my son and he still had developed severe peanut, tree nut, milk, soy and egg allergies. With my daughter she is severly allergic to milk and eggs. Thank you to Dr. Samson, FAAN and the FAI for all you do to help our children.

I'm thankful that Dr. Sampson took time away from his busy practice and research to attempt to repudiate the ignorance that was forced upon us by NPR, L.L., and M. Broussard. It amazes me that after all the comments and the obvious outrage over this topic that Mr. Lopate would continue to even allude credence to the earlier interview. Further, that he hasn't formally apologized for joining this woman in mocking a population of innocents.

I also want to mention a BIG "thanks" to all the parents of allergic kids (and those who are not) who have descended upon this website to defend our children. It takes this kind of effort all the time to keep the wheels moving on a growing issue... hopefully we will see a day where mere management evolves into treatment and eradication!

It is unforrtunate that Leonard Lopate seemed to have his mind made up before Hugh Sampson even spoke.

His idea-- that most ER trips are non-events where you simply administer some Benadryl and go home- is simply are not true. Do you really think parents are taking their kids to the ER for a few hives or some itching?

I didnt know much about food allergies either until my child was affected, but I had hoped that with the tremendous response that he might have entertained the notion that their are two sides to this story.

I found Mr. Lopate's tone to be condescending and his frequent referral to Broussard annoying as well as irresponsible. She is neither doctor, nor expert. Lopate's tone and lack of information given about the controversy surrounding Broussard's interview, reeked of arrogance. I thought journalists were suppose to be objective.

At the two allergists my son has visited, both associated with prominent childrens hospitals, we were given information about food allergies supplied by FAAN. In most cases, FAAN has more knowledge than the doctors who diagnose and treat food allergies. Any implication that FAAN is a self serving organization is ridiculous. And as far as FAI, thank God, organizations are privately raising money to research food allergies, because the government isn't.

I believe in personal responsibility, so I do what I can for my son and expect little when it comes from others. However,I do take offense when someone tries to undermine the seriousness of food allergies. And I take offense when more air time and respect is given to a woman who is speaking as some sort of quasi-expert, than when talking to an actual doctor and expert in the field.

As a fan of NPR, I'm terribly disappointed in their handling of this subject matter. In the future, I will be much more skeptical of guests who I assumed to be experts in their fields. I expect sensationalism, bias and misinformation from Fox, not NPR.

Many thanks to Dr. Sampson for taking the time to do this interview. Your work has helped countless people, children and adults alike, who struggle with food allergies. I wish you all the best as you carry on your research and educational efforts.

To the parents of food allergic children and all those with food allergies: Do not let the trivial debates (by others less enlightened) over whether or not Mom's are overly worried or whether or not our kids can really die from food allergies, etc., distract us from what we need to do on a daily basis: continue to educate our children and those around us about the realities of food allergies and how we can help one another. We know the realities and we know what we must do.

Prevention is 99% of the battle:

Know your allergens (physician-diagnosed).

Have a physician-prescribed emergency plan (and follow it).

Read ingredient labels.

Carry epinephrine.

Teach your children how to recognize and avoid their allergens.

Know how to recognize the symptoms of a reaction and how to treat them.

Teach your child how to get help when needed.

Educate school staff or other caregivers on the prevention, recognition and treatment of reactions.

We are in this together!

And, remember to help others as we would like them to help us.

I saw a reference to "worried Mom syndrome." My child is allergic to a variety of foods, and I wish more than anything that it was just me "being worried." But having watched my daughter stop breathing, she's 3 years old, while her face was swollen beyond recognition, I have to say that no amount of "worried Mom syndrome" could have led to that reaction. This was after hummus literally only touched her tongue. Thankfully, I had an epi-pen and the education to use it. And no, her diagnosis when went to the ER was not classified as "Worried Mom Syndrome."

The number of deaths from anaphylactic reactions has been pointed to as proof that food allergies aren't important or dangerous. This doesn't make sense. The reason there are so few deaths from food allergies is BECAUSE we take them seriously and see to it that our kids don't eat the things that they are allergic to.

I wish people would take ALL food allerigies more seriously. In this blog I saw repeated mentions of "Worried Mom Syndrome". If only it were that simple. When you have a food allergic child, just walking out of your house is a threat, everyplace you go you are on guard, you have to always be prepared to handle the worst but hope for the best - it is like waiting for a bomb to go off. I know that Dr Sampson said that he doesn't want his patients (of which my son is one) to live in fear...but it is hard to do when you see your child's entire face blow up and become distorted after touching a tabletop that had not been properly cleaned, or lips swell three times their normal size because a trusted bakery mistakenly put the wrong bread in the wrong bag (mislabeled ingredients). It is terrifying - an it is not limited to nuts. Milk, eggs and the other 6 major food allergens can also cause severe allergic/analphylatic reactions - yet everyone seems so focused on peanuts like the other allergens are less important. I implore those of you who do not have children with food allergies to take them very seriously, educate yourselves and help your children to understand and help thier food allergic friends...and if you do I thank you from the bottom of you heart.

There is no getting around the "worried mom syndrome" as for some it is life threatening and for others, we can't even be sure that it is not life threatning for us. Allergies are too difficult to predict with certainty.

Besides giving them something that should protect them like an antihistamine or immunotherapy, we can't guarantee protection. Avoidance is too difficult to be foolproof. I am glad that my families allergies are no longer considered life threatning due to immunotherapy which the allergist says helps the food issues and I have seen it help the metal allergies. They need to learn more about delayed response allergies (IgG and Immune Complex) though, so that the allergists know something about it and maybe it will help better understand IgE allergies. They also need to research leaky gut more and candida issues and good and bad gut bacteria. If only I had known about probiotics when I was pregnant my two years of breast feeding both of my kids may have actually helped their immune system instead of feeding them bad bacteria.

Because there are people out there who have tested thier allergies and lived to tell about it there are always going to be Ms. Broussards out there. My daughter will be her when she grows up, probably. Our allergist gives me piece of mind with her by telling me that the immunotherapy can provide some protection for the foods as it does the metals.