News
At Least You’re Not Clay Aiken!
Men's Health reports that former American Idol contender Clay Aiken is allergic to coffee, chocolate, shellfish, tree nuts, mushrooms, and mints. The article goes on to offer advice to allergy sufferers: Researchers have found that Benadryl is 20% more effective…
Atlanta Theater Earns LEED Certification
Atlanta's Balzer Theater at Herren's became the first theater in the United States to earn a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Commissioning and Green Building Solutions (CxGBS), who designed the…
Canada Proposes Radon Reduction
Medical News Today reports that Health Canada is proposing a revised guideline for indoor radon gas levels that is four times more stringent than the one now in place. Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally in…
Benjamin Moore Lowers VOC Levels in Paints
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are behind many environmental illnesses, and now paint manufacturer Benjamin Moore has ‘made great strides in technology through the use of new raw materials to lower VOC content in products across the board.’ To learn more…
Gene Discovery Gives Hope to Allergy Sufferers
Scientists at Dundee University have discovered a gene that causes an over-excited immune response and appears to link asthma, hay fever, eczema, and peanut allergy. The researches think that mutated filaggrin genes lead to damaged outer skin layers, which allow…
Tobacco Smoke Linked to Allergic Rhinitis in Infants
University of Cincinnati epidemiologists say that environmental tobacco smoke drastically increases an infant's risk for developing allergic rhinitis (hay fever) by the tender age of 1. Epidemiologist Jocelyn Biagini says, ‘We found that infants who were exposed to 20 or…
Painless Alternative to Allergy Shots
Though they are not yet approved by the FDA, many doctors are beginning to prescribe oral allergy drops instead of allergy shots for immunotherapy. Immunotherapy exposes patients to increasingly higher levels of specific allergens in order to decrease the patient's…
GlaxoSmithKline: The Asthma King
CNNMoney.com reports that GlaxoSmithKline is likely to hold its throne as the king of the $25 billion market for respiratory drugs for this season and years to come, despite growing competition and controversy. GlaxoSmithKline's top earner, its Advair asthma inhaler…
Alleviate Hay Fever with . . . A Long Kiss?
According to The Modesto Bee, researchers at Satou Hospital in Japan say that a passionate 30-minute kiss reduces the body's allergic reaction to pollen by relaxing the body and reducing production of histamine, the chemical released by the body in…
Pharmacist Outraged at the High Price of Drugs
Even the pharmacists who make their living off prescription drugs are beginning to complain about the outrageous prices. In this dailypress.com article, a pharmacist complains, ‘We always hear that research is the reason medicines cost so much. But how do…
Allergies: A Modern Epidemic
The May 2006 issue of National Geographic magazine includes an extensive, in-depth article titled Allergies: A Modern Epidemic. The article follows the struggles of young asthma and allergy sufferers, as well as the work of scientists who are trying to…
Asthma Attacks Double in NYC
Harvard Medical School reports that the number of New Yorkers seeking hospital treatment for asthma symptoms doubled in the last week compared with the first three weeks of April. According to the Associated Press, sales of over-the-counter allergy medications also…
Ford of Europe Makes Allergy Friendly Cars
The Auto Channel reports that the all-new Ford S-Max and Galaxy automobiles have passed stringent tests to receive seals of approval from the British Allergy Foundation and the German TUV ‘Allergy Tested Interior.’ Ford Focus and Focus C-Max have previously…
Mold Allergies at Local Atlanta High School
CBS46 News reports dangerous levels of mold at Chamblee High School. Teachers and students complained to CBS46 news about allergies, runny noses, itchy eyes, and other problems associated with the mold. ‘People are getting a lot sicker easier,’ said student…
Wild Pollen Counts Across the Nation
Forbes reports that experts across the country are recording the highest pollen counts they've seen in a decade. And this year, it's not just the Southeast that's getting slammed with airborne allergens. NY-based allergist Dr. David Shulan says, ‘I looked…
Disposable Masks in Short Supply in U.S.
Business Week reports that, among widespread fears of bird flu pandemics and bioterrorism attacks, the demand for disposable respirator masks is increasing around the world. The United States, however, is seeing a decrease in mask production and a shortage of…
New Indoor Air Quality Newsletter from AllerAir
AllerAir, manufacturer of high-quality air purifiers, has started publishing its own Indoor Air Quality newsletter. To view the first issue from April 2006 and sign up to receive the newsletter each month, click here. To view past issues of our…
More than Half of American Citizens Are Allergic
More than half (54.6%) of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens. To read more interesting facts about allergies, see the allergy statistics at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Global Warming Makes Allergies Worse
I recently watched ‘Dimming the Sun’, a fascinating NOVA documentary that explains how atmospheric pollution has been masking the full effect of global warming–and the world may face a climate crisis much sooner than previously thought. Many scientists believe that…
Most Patients Dissatisfied with Allergy Meds
A new survey released by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA) shows that most allergy patients are dissatisfied with their allergy medication. Nearly two-thirds of allergy sufferers said they would try something new. The poll also found that…
New Study Links Allergies & Snoring
An estimated 40 million children in the western world suffer from allergies, and a recent study suggests that they are more likely to snore. The study found that young children diagnosed with atopy–a tendency to develop allergies and asthma–are also…
The Worst Allergy Season on Record
Update: See the 2007 report _Today the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that this spring may be the worst on record for allergy sufferers. The Atlanta Allergy & Asthma Clinic recorded the second-highest pollen count since it began measuring the irritants in…
Can Asthma Medication Cause Death?
Advair, the world's best-selling asthma medication packaged in that little purple puck, apparently does more harm than good for many asthma patients. Shelley Salpeter, a clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University, says, ‘[Advair and Servent] make asthma worse .…
Golfer Paul McGinley suffers from hay fever at the Masters
Excerpted from Unison, an Irish Newspaper Augusta, GA – April 4 PAUL McGINLEY was last night praying that a medical remedy used by four-time Masters champion Arnie Palmer would help him get through 72 holes at Augusta National this week.…
Landmark Allergy Survey
Allergies in America: A Landmark Survey of Nasal Allergy Sufferers,the largest survey of its kind, reveals an overwhelming link between nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) and serious quality of life and occupational consequences. These psychological and behavioral costs of allergies are…
Oral Allergy Syndrome
CNN recently aired a piece about oral allergy syndrome. Many people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis) develop itching around the mouth after eating certain fresh fruits and vegetables. This allergic reaction is known as oral allergy syndrome. It
Does Exposure Breed Allergy Tolerance?
A USA TODAY article explains that early exposure to pets, peanuts and intestinal worms might actually be good for you because they program the developing immune system to know the difference between real threats, such as germs, and non-threats, like…
Allergies and Depression Linked
Findings from a national survey of 3,032 U.S. adults, published this month in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine,suggest there is a relationship between depression, neurotic personality traits and allergies — and suggest that these associations are different for men and women.…
Jerome Bettis: Asthma Control Test Spokesman
Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Jerome ‘The Bus’ Bettis is an asthma sufferer, and he has recently become the spokesman for the American Lung Association's Asthma Control Test. The idea behind the test is that you a) take it, b) get…
Cheap Allergy Relief!
A new study finds that Sudafed 24 Hour is as effective at relieving hay fever symptoms as Singulair, a prescription drug that costs almost four times as much. Researchers at the University of Chicago conducted their study of 58 adults…
Power Plants and Asthma
Emissions from six Maryland power plants, three of them owned by an Atlanta-based company, are responsible each year for about 700 premature deaths nationwide, according to a report released Wednesday by the Maryland Nurses Association. The association, which is supporting…
Asthma and Overweight Individuals
Findings from a French study published this month in the journal Allergy indicate that asthma is more difficult to control in overweight individuals than in their leaner counterparts. The study observed over 400 asthmatics, and concluded that those with a…
Best Time Of Day To Take Allergy Medications
A National Jewish Medical Center News Release reports that allergy and asthma sufferers can maximize the benefit of their medications by taking advantage of their bodies’ natural circadian rhythms. Hay fever symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes,…
New Car SmellCan Be Toxic
A Michigan-based ecology group released a report this month that so-called ‘new car smell’ contains two toxic chemicals for drivers and passengers. The study called for tougher regulations to phase out the use of the chemicals, and also suggested that…
Classroom Pets Become Controversial Issue
In the wake of much debate about food allergies in the classroom, another rarely-discussed topic arises: pet allergies. In news article Policy Would Restrict Classroom Pets, some Wisconsin schools approach the issue of classroom pets, and their affect on students…
Exercise-Induced Asthma
What's exercise-induced asthma?In this Q&A article from the Washington Examiner, ‘Sports Doc’ Steve Fahey explains the cause and effect of exercise-induced asthma. Dr. Fahey clearly explains some of the mechanisms which can cause an asthma attack, and how these may…
Pillow Talk on the Today Show
On January 11th, the Today Show did an interesting story on pillows
New Food Labeling Law in Effect
A new law, which came in to effect January 1st, mandates labeling changes to food containing major allergens such as egg, milk, wheat, nuts, and soy. This insightful article, New law means food allergies must be noted, explains the benefits…
Allergy Terms Defined
Q: What is the difference between hypoallergenic and anti-allergen? Which type of product is best to buy? A: Both terms are used frequently in the world of allergies, and their meanings are actually quite different. However, both types of products…
Research on asthma and nonprescription inhalers
Nonprescription inhaler effective for asthmaNew findings reported in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggest that nonprescription epinephrine inhalers may provide similar benefits to an inhaler containing a prescription drug like abuterol. Despite encouraging first results, a larger study…
New Ontario Law to Aid Allergic Students
Teen girl's legacy could be lifesaver _ _Recently, there has been a lot of news regarding legislation aimed to protect students with severe food allergies. This article is a particularly interesting one, highlighting the story behind what has been termed…
More tips for dealing with mold
Mold Spreads as Heavy Rains Pound CaliforniaHeavy rains over the weekend in many areas have left residents at risk for mold problems. This article from the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America contains advice on preventing and dealing with mold.
Houseplants and Mold
A few days ago, we looked at an article about the benefits of houseplants in improving indoor air quality. Indoor pollution like VOC's and other toxins can be broken down and minimized by houseplants, improving indoor air quality. Today's question…
Green School is Health and Allergy Friendly
State-of-the-art school readyThis green building is not only a great learning environment for kids, it's a leader in building design for environmental sustainability. It's also allergy and MCS friendly!
Clean the Air with Houseplants?
Give the gift of fresh air: Buy a houseplant.According to this article, indoor houseplants can help fight indoor air pollution. In research by NASA scientists, indoor house plants drastically reduced toxic chemical levels inside. The author explains a few common…
Getting Rid of Mold
To break house mold, eliminate at the source.This article from Newsday.com shares information from the Mayo Clinic on how to best get rid of house mold — plus information on the potential health risks. According to the authors, the incidence…
Sinusitis is a High Incidence Disease
Sinusitis: One of the Most Diagnosed Diseases in the United States.According to this press release from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 35 million Amercians are affected by chronic sinusitis each year. Article discusses sinusitis symptoms, warning signs,…
Allergies and Cold Weather
Q: My allergies often feel worse after I’ve been outside in chilly weather. How does the cold affect allergies? A: Most of us feel sniffly after being outside in the cold for too long. But for allergy sufferers, the combination…
Dust vs. The Dust Mite, Explained
Q: I hear a lot of talk about the difference between dust and dust mites. Is the one a fancy term for the other? Or are they different? A: This one confuses everyone at one point or another. Much like…
Children Visit DC to Discuss Food Allergies
'Ambassador,' 9, talks of allergiesInteresting article about two children from New York who recently visited Washington DC, for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Kids' Congress. The child profiled in the article has a milk allergy, and his younger brother…