News
Allergies May Trigger Autoimmune Diseases
Daily India reports that scientists at the University of Washington in London have established a link between allergic diseases and autoimmune diseases. They say that allergic diseases may trigger autoimmune diseases by misdirecting the body's immune system. Nearly 75 percent…
What’s It like to Be An Allergist?
Asbury Park Press recently interviewed allergist Dr. Ellen Sher, who lives in Ocean Township, NJ, works as a partner in Atlantic Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates, and attended Georgetown University for undergraduate and medical studies. The interview gives us a…
New HFA Asthma Inhalers Are Effective But Costly
Science Daily reports that the new hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) asthma inhalers are effective and safe but will come at nearly triple the cost to consumers. The use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) metered-dose inhalers will be prohibited after 2008 because of CFC's ozone-depleting…
Mediterranean Diet Protects Against Allergies & Asthma
Medical News Today and The Boston Globe report that a ‘Mediterranean’ diet protects against allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms. A Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, olive oil, and fish, but low in red meat. This type of…
Is Acupuncture an Effective Seasonal Allergy Treatment?
Dr. Manny Alvarez on Fox News reports that acupuncture shows promise as a seasonal allergy treatment. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment in which the practitioner uses needles to stimulate different acupuncture points. There are more than 400 acupuncture points…
Experts: One of the Worst Pollen Seasons in Years
According to CBS News, experts say that the South is having one of the worst pollen seasons in years. Dr. Gillian Shepherd, spokesperson for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), attributes the high pollen counts to an…
FDA Requests Label Changes for Sleep Disorder Drugs
The Doctor's Guide reports that FDA has requested that all manufacturers of sedative-hypnotic drug products (a class of drugs used to induce and/or maintain sleep) strengthen their product labeling to include stronger language concerning potential risks like dangerous behaviors, allergic…
Hair Coloring Products Cause Allergies, Rashes
According to Newsweek, the cosmetic industry estimates that between one half and two thirds of adult American women and many men regularly use some kind of hair-coloring product – and sales are steadily climbing as the baby boomers age. More…
Overweight Girls More Likely to Develop Asthma as Adults
ABC News Online reports that women who were overweight as young children are more likely to develop asthma as adults. The Melbourne University study found that overweight girls more than triple their risk of developing asthma as adults. The same…
Pollen Coats Southeast, Pummels Atlanta
MSNBC reports that the lack of rain in the Southeast is to blame for the extremely high pollen counts. ‘Everybody who walks through the door, you can see it in their faces,’ says Atlanta pharmacy owner Ira Katz, who is…
England to Go Smoke-Free
In 100 days, a smoke-free England will be a reality. England's Public Health Minister Caroline Flint says: ‘On 1 July, all enclosed public places and workplaces will become smokefree, a measure supported by the majority of people in this country.…
Allergic Asthma Sufferers Needed for Medical Study
Researchers at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine are investigating a new medicine for allergic asthma, and 850 patients with are needed to participate at 150 sites across the country. Patients enrolled in the study will have a 50…
Antibiotics Still Overused in Treating Sinusitis
The Washington Post reports that antibiotics are still being prescribed for seven out of ten patients with chronic sinusitis and eight out of ten with acute sinus infections, even though research has proved that more than 90 percent of sinus…
Pollen Count Spikes in Atlanta & Other Cities
My once-black car is now more of a yellow-green color, and here in Atlanta, friends who normally don't even have allergy problems are feeling the effect of thousands of pollen grains flying up their nostrils. _ _ I wasn't surprised…
Experts Warn about Alternative Allergy Treatments
As a follow-up to my previous post about alternative medicine treatments for allergies… _ _United Press International reports that experts at the university of Washington warn that patients seeking alternative allergy treatments should not stop taking standard medications. ‘Anyone with…
Cockroaches Increase Asthma, Allergies
NorwichBulletin reports that the presence of cockroaches in schools and homes is a contributing factor in the rise of asthma and other respiratory ailments. Entomologist Jennifer Dacey says that cockroach shells, dropped after molting, along with the insect’s feces, dissipate…
Smoking in Car Doubles Asthma Risk
The Australian reports that children exposed to cigarette smoke in cars are more than twice as likely as other kids to develop asthma. Some Australian officials would like to ban smoking in vehicles with children for this reason.‘Teenagers can escape…
Most Asthmatic Children Suffer Unnecessarily
eMaxHealth reports that, according to a study in the Journal of Ambulatory Pediatrics, only 20 percent of children with persistent asthma have a level of control that is optimal. ‘That leaves almost 80 percent who are suffering more than they…
Allergy Nationin Child Magazine
Child magazine recently published an in-depth article titled Allergy Nation all about the increasing prevalence of food allergies among children. Interestingly, the article states: ‘It's not unusual to hear about parents who have tried to sabotage food-allergy policies and children…
Racial Background May Affect Tobacco Smoke Toxin Absorption
The Doctor's Guide reports that a child's race may be a factor in determing his or her susceptibility to toxins associated with environmental tobacco smoke. A new study published in the journal CHEST reveals that African American children with asthma…
Food Additives May Aggravate Asthma, Allergies
In the 1950s, 20 percent of consumer food in the UK came from supermarkets. Now it's closer to 80 percent, according to Epoch Times International. Since the 1950s, there has also been an increase in cancer, diabetes, obesity, depression, and…
Temporary Tattoos Could Bring on Lifelong Allergy
Henna, an ink from the leaves of a shrub grown in India, North Africa and Sri Lanka, is relatively safe and has been used for many years in hair dyes and temporary skin tattoos; however, according to The London Free…
achoo! ALLERGY Season Is Here Again
The Courier News announces that allergy season is here once again. And one allergist, Dr. Greg Sharon, is preparing for a busy season. ‘There has been a major paradigm shift, a huge genetic change,’ says Sharon. ‘We are pretty much…
Household Dust: Not Just Dead Skin Anymore
While approximately 80% of household dust is dead skin, a new EPA study reveals that dust emanating from mattresses and televisions contains potentially hazardous polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), according to Medindia.com Health News. It is not yet clear how dangerous…
Nearly Half of Hayfever Sufferers Also Sensitive to Non-Allergens
According to a new study cited by Reuters news bureau, hayfever sufferers who are sensitive to pollen are more likely to be sensitive to non-allergen triggers like cold air, perfume, smoke, and cleaning products. Specifically, 42 percent of seasonal allergy…
Asthma Linked to Hybrid Immune Cell
New Scientist reports that a recently discovered class of immune cell may hold the key to new treatments for asthma – and explain why existing therapies sometimes fail. Asthma occurs when immune cells go into overdrive and release inflammatory chemicals…
Pollen Allergy Season Already Hitting A High in Florida
If you're heading to Florida anytime soon, you may want to take a box of tissue – and maybe even a portable air purifier for your car. While most of the country is still thawing out and hearing the first…
Allergies – Under-Diagnosed, Under-Managed in Urban Children with Asthma
At the 63rd annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) in San Francisco last month, investigators presented findings that children with asthma who live in urban settings often have under-diagnosed and therefore under-managed allergic disease.…
New Austin Air Pet Machine – The Air Purifier for Pet Owners
The Austin Air Pet Machine Air Purifier was designed specifically for pet owners. What is in the new Austin Air Pet Machine air purifier that makes it different? The Pet machine has 60 square feet of Medical Grade HEPA along…
Astelin Antihistamine Nasal Spray Relieves Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Medical News Today reports that prescription antihistamine Astelin (azelastine HCl) relieved the major symptoms of pollen allergy, including sneezing, runny nose and congestion, within 15 minutes of application compared to placebo and maintained efficacy at all time points for 8…
Could Your Child Have Asthma?
Asthma expert and registered nurse Kathleen MacNaughton writes on about.com: ‘People often think of wheezing and shortness of breath when they think of asthma symptoms. And those are 2 of the most common asthma symptoms. However, a chronic cough is…
Asthma Medication May Cause Anaphylaxis
Some people taking an injcted asthma medication marketed as Xolair have experienced a delayed and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis typcially causes hives, swelling of the mouth and throat, dizziness, and other symptoms. If not treated quickly,…
Asthma & Lung Cancer
Top Cancer News reports that asthma sufferers are at an increased risk for lung cancer, regardless of other risk factors such as smoking or even secondhand smoke. In their 10-year Center for Disease Control study of 9,000 people, it was…
New Pending Food Allergy Legislation
According to The Boston Globe, the Massachusetts State Legislature is considering whether to step in to make restaurants safer for people with food allergies. Legislation pending at the State House calls for allergy training for restaurant workers, the addition of…
Computer Biofeedback & Asthma Treatment
WLS-TV in Chicago reports that Anna Marsland, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh, is using computer biofeedback to help kids learn how to relax during an asthma attack. Biofeedback assisted relaxation teaches children how to calm down. A…
Eczema May Lead to Asthma
The New York Times reports: Researchers have long noted that many asthma sufferers also have atopic dermatitis – often called eczema – a chronic disease of the skin that can leave it red, raw, scaly, tender, oozy and excruciatingly itchy.…
See Pollen Magnified 3,000 Times
This month's National Geographic magazine contains a colorized scanning electron micrograph showing different pollens at ‘roughly 3,000 times their itchy, sneezy life size.’ The beautiful photograph by David Scharf shows Bermuda grass in green, maple in red, and ragweed in…
How to ‘Winterize’ Your Skin
ScienceDaily reports that results of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) suggest that at least 81 million Americans experience dry, itchy, or scaly skin during the winter months due to blasts of colder, dryer air, winter sun exposure, and over-heated…
Molecular Link between Inflammation & Cancer Discovered
According to bio.com, a study published in the January 26 issue of the journal Cell has found what could be a long-elusive mechanism through which inflammation can promote cancer. The findings may provide a new approach for developing cancer therapies.…
Starting the ALCAT Food Sensitivity Diet Plan
Yesterday I started a new diet plan based on the results of my ALCAT Food Sensitivity Home Test. My results indicate that the following foods trigger an immune system response in my body and should be strictly avoided for three…
Atlanta Named 2007 ‘Asthma Capital’
According to WebMD, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has named Atlanta the worst city to live in for asthma sufferers in 2007. The top ten worst cities for asthma sufferers are as follows: Atlanta, GA (last year: 4th)…
Dust Mites Top List in Allergy Survey
In a recent survey of 10,970 allergy sufferers, dust mites topped the list of their allergy-related health concerns with 68 percent of survey participants indicating a problem with dust mite allergy. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and…
Study Shows Correlation between Asthma & Obesity
Rates of asthma and obesity are both at all-time highs in America, and according to The Spectrum, researchers at the University at Buffalo in NY have found a link between the two conditions. Frank Cerny, professor and lead researcher, found…
Half of Britons Suffer Headaches due to Food Intolerance
Nearly half of Britons suffer from a food intolerance, reports Daily Mail. An estimated 45 percent of people develop digestive problems, migraines and skin complaints because of certain foods they eat. Only around two percent of the population has a…
Dental Allergy – Nickel Allergy
WQAD.com reports that people who are allergic to metals in jewelry may also be allergic to metal crowns and other dental implements. “For 80 percent of the people that have an allergy on their skin, they also have a problem…
Climate Change Could Make Seasonal Allergies Last All Year
Life Style Extra reports that allergy sufferers with hay fever may face year-long allergies as the climate changes. Lindsey McManus, spokeswoman for Allergy UK, says, ‘The pollen season gets earlier every year…’ ‘Most allergies have increased over the last ten…
Copying Machines Emit Harmful VOCs in Offices
According to the January newsletter from the Indoor Air Quality Association, indoor air emissions from dry-process photocopy machines include: VOCs, as well as ozone, and particles. These emissions can contribute to adverse health effects such as eye, nose, and respiratory…
Warm Winter Weather Prolongs Mold Allergy Season
WEHT NEWs 25 from Evansville, IN reports that rising winter temperatures are causing an increase in allergy problems. Doctor Jason White from the Allergy and Asthma Care Center in Evansville has had more allergy patients this winter than any other…
Are Steroids Safe for Asthmatic Children?
Paolo Pianosi, MD, an asthma specialist at the Mayo Clinic, weighs the risks and benefits of inhaled steroids for asthmatic children at ABC Health News. Dr. Pianosi references the new ads from Partnership for a Drug Free America which warn…
Antibiotics Mostly Useless for Sinusitis
The Washington Post reports that antibiotics won't necessarily speed your recovery if you develop a sinus infection this winter. ‘In the vast majority of cases, rhinosinusitis is a self-limiting disease,’ says Dr. An De Sutter, of Ghent University Hospital in…