Those with allergies to peanuts and tree nuts – an estimated 3 million Americans are allergic to one or both – must not only be vigilant about not eating any food containing nuts, but they must also be aware of what's been consumed by someone they kiss – and traces of nut allergen are not as easy to remove from the mouth as one might think.
Once nuts are consumed, neither rinsing the mouth, brushing teeth, or chewing gum guarantees that the allergen won't be transmitted to the allergic individual. Studies do indicate, however, that waiting at least several hours and eating an allergen-free meal in between the nut-laced meal and kissing may help avoid transmission.
Scott H. Sicherer, MD, FAAAAI, Professor of Pediatrics at the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York confirms: "We found that after our test subjects ate peanut butter, we did not detect it in their saliva after several hours with them also having eaten a peanut-free meal." He also cautions, however, that "for people who are partners of a person with serious allergies, avoiding the food altogether is the safest alternative." We agree – it's best not to take any chances.
Kissing doesn't pose the only threat on Valentine's Day; make sure that any boxes of chocolate received from loved ones – even if they don't contain nuts – are free of peanut and nut traces because even traces can pose life-threatening risks to allergic individuals.
Interestingly, nut allergic individuals must also know what's in their cosmetic products. Peanut or nut oil, which is often an ingredient of beauty products including lipstick, can cause skin allergy reactions. For more information, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's Tips to Remember: Food Allergy and our Food Allergy FAQ.
Hunter has long been known for home furnishings and appliances. With the QuietFlo 30085, they now offer an economical air purifier that provides tested HEPA air filtration. The Hunter 30085 is a basic, compact, HEPA air purifier ideal for any room 225 square feet in size. At that room size, this air purifier provides 6 full air exchanges per hour. It keeps the air in your home fresh and free of allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander.
The activated carbon pre-filter not only traps large particles, like pet hair and dust bunnies, but also neutralizes odors and smoke. Overall, the Hunter QuietFlo 30085 is a simple and inexpensive way to help keep your home free of allergens.
The Hunter 30736 HEPA air purifier takes a more modern step forward with design and functionality. This tower style air purifier features true HEPA filtration of 99.7% of all particles 0.3 microns in size and smaller. It reduces smoke and odors with an activated carbon pre-filter. The two stage filter process captures dust, pollen, pet dander and other common allergens. This sleek air purifier is ideal for most rooms and has a very small footprint relative to its purifying capacity.
We have all heard about how allergies are on the rise, but a new population-based study offers some insight into just how allergies and asthma develop during childhood. As reported by ScienceDaily, researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) have found that 40 percent of nearly 5,000 two-year-olds had at least one allergy-related disorder.
Wheezing, the most common symptom, was reported in 26 percent of the children. However, it’s important to know that not all children who wheeze at the age of two will grow up with asthma. Ingeborg Smidesang, PhD candidate and primary author of the study, says, “One of the challenges here is that we don’t know which wheezers will develop asthma.”
The study is one of the first to demonstrate the scope of allergy-related problems in young children – a situation which parents of allergic children are all too familiar with. Smidesang points out, “If you think about something like moderate atopic eczema, which can involve quite a few doctor’s visits, and a lot of work on the part of the parents, it is quite a big deal.”
Published in an online version of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, the study also found that children may be receiving false positive diagnoses for allergies: One thousand of the 5,000 children in the study, or 21 percent, had been tested for allergies. Of these, about 60 percent had had a positive allergy test. However, the researchers’ sample showed that only 8 percent tested positive. Additionally, boys were more likely than girls to have an allergy-related disorder.
The study is part of a the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim (PACT), which began in 2000 to attempt to better understand how allergy-related symptoms develop in children as well as how effective various interventions, such as increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake, are.
With more research about allergies in children, we can only hope that one day we will understand not only how to treat them, but maybe even how to keep them from developing in the first place.
An article from the websiteHealth.com recently highlighted an allergy that we don't hear about very often--toilet seat dermatitis. The condition refers to contact dermatitis that is caused by harsh cleaning chemicals and wooden toilet seats. United States' incidents of toilet seat-related skin irritations in children are on the rise, and these two factors appear to be the reasons.
Dr. Bernard Cohen, director of pediatric dermatology at Johns Hopkins Children's Center explains that children can develop toilet seat dermatitis after repeated exposure to residue from harsh cleaning chemicals, or after using a wooden toilet seat which is often coated with paints or varnishes that can irritate the skin.
A study conducted by Dr. Cohen and colleagues found that missed and delayed diagnoses occurred in every case of toilet seat dermatitis before a doctor came upon the correct diagnosis. The researchers suggest that any time a pediatrician sees a child with skin irritation around the buttocks or upper thighs, they should inquire about toilet seats and cleansers used at home and school.
Dr. Cohen explained in a Johns Hopkins news release: “Toilet seat dermatitis is one of those legendary conditions described in medical textbooks and seen in underdeveloped countries, but one that younger pediatricians have not come across in their daily practice. If our small analysis is any indication of what’s happening, we need to make sure the condition is on every pediatrician’s radar.”
Although most cases of toilet seat dermatitis are mild and easily treated with topical steroids, inflammation can spread and become increasingly painful if not addressed. Infections can also occur when skin is irritated or broken and vulnerable to bacteria.
The researchers offer the following tips to prevent toilet seat dermatitis:
Use paper toilet seat covers in public bathrooms.
Replace wooden toilet seats with plastic ones.
Clean toilet seats and bowls daily, but don’t use harsh cleansers which can irritate the skin. Use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, or try one of these allergy-friendly cleaners.
Have you been thinking about purchasing a new Austin Air air purifier for your home? Or have you been meaning to buy a new replacement HEPA filter for your Austin Healthmate or Austin Healthmate Plus? There has never been a better time to make that purchase than in the next few weeks.
On February 15, 2010, Austin will be having its first price increase in five years. All of the Austin air purifiers and replacement filters are going up in price. The price increases vary, but by purchasing an Austin from us before the price increase goes into effect, you will be saving some hard earned cash.
We are doing some exciting things on our web pages with our Austin Air line of products. We believe that even at the new price level, Austin will continue to be one of the premier air purifiers in the market and provide the best value for the dollar.
In respiratory health news, a recent study says that people with early lung cancer who quit smoking could double their chances of survival. Though this may seem intuitive, previously there was little proof that quitting smoking after developing lung cancer made any difference to survival, Fox News reports.
The British study analyzed data from 10 previous studies that looked at how long smokers survived after their lung cancer diagnoses. People with lung cancer who continued smoking had a 29 to 33 percent chance of surviving five years. But those who quit had a 63 to 70 percent chance of being alive after five years. The findings were published in the BMJ, or British Medical Journal.
The prognosis for lung cancer patients is usually poor: only about 7 percent of patients live five years past their diagnosis. Additionally, lung cancer is the top cancer worldwide.
Amanda Parsons, of the U.K. Centre for Tobacco Control Studies at the University of Birmingham and leader of the study, says, "The message is you should never give up on giving up (smoking). Even at the stage where you have been diagnosed with early stage lung cancer ... if you give up smoking, your body can still partially recover and your risk is reduced."
Surprisingly, not all doctors recommend smoking cessation to their patients, thinking that to promote quitting adds to the feelings of guilt in the patient and takes away a lifelong comfort from a dying individual. The study will hopefully help both doctors and patients in this crucial step of stopping smoking because the potential benefit of doins so is obviously significant.
For allergy and asthma sufferers, getting a cold is not just an inconvenience. Combined with the congestion, stuffiness, and other symptoms brought on by allergy attacks, colds can lead to bigger problems, like sinusitis. Therefore, it is particularly important for those with allergies and asthma to do all they can to keep from getting sick. The website WebMD, in a feature called Don't Let a Cold Get You Down, offers the following tips:
Avoid touching your eyes and nose, especially when in public. These passages are the most hospitable entry points for the cold virus to enter your body.
Try to refrain from unnecessary physical contact, such as handshakes, whenever possible. Close contact with people carrying the virus could lead to your catching it.
The viruses that cause colds can rest on surfaces for 24 or more. Be conscious of touching public surfaces such as shopping cart handles, doorknobs, tabletops, and other surfaces. When possible, sanitize them, or just don't touch them.
Wash your hands frequently, especially after being out. Don't touch your eyes or nose.
Get 8 hours of good sleep every night. This drastically boosts your immune system.
Maintain a positive outlook on life. Those who are happy, lively, and calm are better able to fight off colds.
Last week, one of our best selling products the SinuPulse Elite was featured on a segment of the television show Good Morning America called New Weapons to Fight Germs. The SinuPulse is a great weapon for allergy sufferers and people with sinus problems.
Designed and engineered in Switzerland, the SinuPulse Elite nasal irrigation system is just as reliable and accurate as a Swiss watch. It is the only pulsing nasal irrigation system designed by experts to deliver both a thorough cleansing rinse and a mist spray. The SinuPulse Elite helps moisturize dry sinuses, relieve the pain and pressure caused by congestion, and prevent sinus infections. Recommended by leading healthcare professionals, it is easy to use, and it provides natural relief of allergy and sinus symptoms in just minutes.
The SinuPulse segment is about 2 minutes into this video:
Winter weather is in full swing and so are the colds and flus the season brings with it. Though everyone is susceptible, allergy and and asthma sufferers are particularly prone to developing sinus problems when battling cold, dry weather conditions and the sicknesses that may occur.
Here are some ways to avoid sinus problems this season:
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids especially water and eat lots of soup.
Use a neti pot or SinuPulse Elite to flush sinuses. Whether you are sick or not, using a nasal irrigation system will keep your sinuses clear of allergens and excess mucus, helping to stave off irritation or blockages.
Avoid getting sick. Mucus production from a cold or the flu can easily block sinuses, causing sinus pressure and pain, or even infection. To keep from getting sick, make sure to wash hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, especially when in public. Stay away from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Use a humidifier, especially in the bedroom. Keeping sinuses hydrated with a humidifier, particularly while you sleep, keeps sinuses properly moist and keeps nasal congestion from drying out and creating blockages in the nasal passages, which can lead to sinus issues.
Anyone who's experienced them can tell you how unpleasant it is to have sinus problems. Stop them before they start this season and breathe better all winter long.
Researchers at University Hospital South Manchester and Phadia AB in Uppsala, Sweded have developed a new and more accurate blood test for peanut allergy, Medical News Today reports. The test predicts with over 95 percent certainty whether an allergic reaction to peanuts will develop in the tested individual.
An allergy to peanuts is among the most common food allergies in children, and it is also one of the most severe. Although other food allergies, such as those to milk or eggs, for instance, may appear early in life and disappear by school age, peanut allergies tend to be lifelong.
Current standard blood or skin tests for peanut allergy have demonstrated a large amount of false positive results: about 1 in 10 individuals test positive for peanut allergy, but only about 1 in 50 are actually allergic. The new test is much more accurate, giving parents more accurate information about whether their children have a peanut allergy, whether children who are allergic to other foods will develop peanut allergies as well, and whether siblings of peanut allergic children also possess the allergy.
One of the new Miele upright vacuum cleaners, the Miele Twist, recently scored 3rd place in the upright vacuum cleaner reliability ratings from Consumer Reports. The Miele Twist's overall score was a 72 out of a possible 100 which was just one point behind the top ranked vacuum.
The Twist scored an excellent rating in these categories: carpet cleaning ability, emissions, and pet hair clean up. The Twist scored a very good rating for cleaning bare floors, tool airflow, and noise. This is definitely one of the quietest upright vacuum cleaners on the market.
The new Miele Twist S7210 upright is one of the top of the line Miele upright vacuums. The new spring-loaded, self-sealing G/N dust bags are ideal for allergy sufferers who want to limit exposure to dust, pet hair and other allergens.
From the strong, royal blue color to the creative swivel-neck design to the incredible 50 foot cleaning radius, Miele has developed an evolutionary new line of upright vacuums. For those Miele fans that love the convenience of their canister vacuums, the Twist retains the flexibility of the Miele canister line with the powerful wall-to-wall carpet cleaning capability of an upright.
As discussed in Indoor Air Quality in the Winter, now is the time of year to be especially vigilant about the fumes and other pollutants we allow to permeate our indoor air.
Due to homes sealed against cold temperatures combined with the increased amount of time our families spend indoors, indoor air pollution is of particular concern during these winter months.
One product asthma and allergy sufferers should avoid is air fresheners. Dr. James T. Li, Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist, has this to say about air fresheners:
"Occasional exposure to air fresheners isn't likely to cause problems, as long as the products are used as directed. However, the chemicals in air fresheners may irritate your eyes, skin and throat. In addition, long-term use of air fresheners may contribute to indoor pollution — which can sometimes trigger asthma and other lung problems."
Instead of chemical-laced commercial air fresheners, try these methods of keeping your home fresh:
Grind lemon peels in your garbage disposal to freshen it up.
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and in garbage cans for natural odor absorption.
To those who suffer from allergies and sinus problems, it certainly comes as no surprise that the two are related. Indeed, recent tests conducted by scientists at the Allergy Research Foundation in the Netherlands have revealed that nasal allergies may be involved in some cases of chronic sinus disease, Medical News Today reports.
The tests involved exposing patients with chronic sinus disease to allergens and then obtaining repeated images by x-ray or ultrasound. For purposes of comparison, patients with allergies but no history of sinus disease were also studied. Almost all of the patients with sinus disease developed positive nasal responses to the tests, confirming the association between nasal allergy and chronic sinusitis.
Zdenek Pelikan, M.D., Ph.D., lead researcher of the study, writes in an article published in the December issue of Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, "The possible involvement of allergy, and especially of nasal allergy, in some forms of sinus disease has already been reported in the literature … The maxillary sinuses open into the nasal canal through a valve known as the ostium. If mucus membranes in the nasal cavity are swollen, the ostium can become blocked, trapping fluids in the sinus … The confirmation of involvement of nasal allergy in patients with chronic disease of the maxillary sinuses would indicate an additional treatment of the nasal allergy."
The findings of the study underscore the importance of keeping allergen exposure to a minimum, especially for those prone to sinus problems. Using allergy relief bedding, an air purifier, and vacuuming regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner go a long way in cutting down on allergies within the home. In addition, using nasal irrigation products such as the SinuPulse Elite Advanced Nasal Irrigation System not only moisturizes sinuses, but also helps wash allergens out of the nasal cavities.
When your nasal passages are congested, there is nothing more frustrating. Headaches and difficulty breathing can keep you home from work and stuck in your home. Sinus cavities are painful when swollen. Clear-ease Natural Fruit Lozenges help reduce the swelling naturally in a convenient dissolvable tablet. These lozenges can help relieve sinus discomfort, nasal congestion, ear congestion, stuffiness, and hoarseness.
According to the manufacturer, Clear-ease is an advanced blend of fruit extracts containing 1,000,000 enzyme units of Bromelain from pineapple and 500,000 enzyme units of Papain from papaya in each pleasant tasting lozenge. These natural enzymes enable this dietary supplement lozenge to promote healthy sinus function, support clear nasal passages, and to help maintain overall well-being.
Why isn’t this more popular? This question was asked by a customer from Michigan who gave the Clear-ease lozenges a 5 star rating:
“I have a history of chronic sinus problems, and my most recent cold left me with a blocked ear for nearly two weeks. Nothing would open it up and it was driving me nuts. I finally got my bottle of Clear-ease, and my ear is open and the pain is gone, quite literally overnight. This is now a must-have staple for me, especially since my Grossan irrigator went kaput after a year and a half of daily use!”
These natural fruit lozenges are a favorite of pilots, flight attendants, scuba divers, performers, professional speakers, and voice professionals. Directions for use: Take one lozenge three times daily. Place the lozenge in your mouth until completely dissolved and swallow. For best results, place between cheek and gums. For divers and flyers begin using two days before the event. One bottle contains sixty 85-mg lozenges.
Usually, the colder winter months provide allergy sufferers with welcome relief from the ills of ragweed and other allergens in the air during the Fall months. However, during winter, people tend to spend more time indoors. The increase in time spent indoors can lead to more exposure to allergens like dust mites, pet dander, cigarette smoke, gas fumes, and household sprays. All of these can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.
In an article released yesterday on the Business Week web site, writer Jennifer Thomas talks about some of the steps that you can take to help minimize the runny noses and itchy eyes that confound allergy sufferers in the winter.
In Thomas’ post, Dr. Stefan Worgall, Chief of Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology at the Komansky Center for Children's Health in New York offers some great tips for minimizing the chances of an allergic reaction or asthma flare-up during the colder winter months and the holiday season.
Here are a few of Dr. Worgalls’s recommendations:
Mold and dust mites thrive in humidity, so keep the indoor humidity level below 35 percent.
Replace your furnace filter every two to three months. Use high-efficiency filters which can remove up to 30 times more allergens.
You should vacuum floors and furniture frequently using a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
Don’t keep many old books, stuffed animals, and knick-knacks which are places where dust mites collect.
You should consider using allergy covers for mattresses, box springs, and pillows.
The first frost kills outdoor mold, but try to prevent children from playing in areas that mold thrives in, such as dark, wooded areas and piles of leaves.
When using a humidifier, maintain it properly. Keep it clean and change the water often to avoid mold and bacteria growth.
Dust your holiday decorations, ornaments, and artificial tree.
For the full list of the recommendations from Dr. Worgall, check out the article on the Business Week web site.
Seed Newsvine
In respiratory health news, a recent study says that people with early lung cancer who quit smoking could double their chances of survival. Though this may seem intuitive, previously there was little proof that quitting smoking after developing lung cancer made any difference to survival, .jpg)
As discussed in 
To those who suffer from allergies and sinus problems, it certainly comes as no surprise that the two are related. Indeed, recent tests conducted by scientists at the Allergy Research Foundation in the Netherlands have revealed that nasal allergies may be involved in some cases of chronic sinus disease, 
