Always Read Ingredients: Foods with ‘Dairy-Free’ Labels May Contain Dairy
NPR reports that foods with ‘gluten-free’ labels may contain trace amounts of gluten (wheat protein) – enough to trigger a reaction in some people. As of now, ‘free’ labels like ‘dairy-free,’ ‘peanut-free,’ and ‘gluten-free’ are not regulated by the FDA.…
H Pylori Stomach Bacteria & The Hygiene Hypothesis
According to the National Review of Medicine, researchers at New York University have discovered more evidence in support of the hygiene hypothesis. The hygiene hypothesis posits that modern societies have experienced an increase in asthma and allergies because of decreased…
Allergies & The Great Outdoors: What to Pack for Travels
Chealth.com offers the following tips to allergy sufferers on the road: Make sure your destination is not populated with the specific type of plants to which you are allergic. All world lists these as the top countries for allergy-friendly environments,…
40 Percent of U.S. Children Have Seasonal Allergies
Dr. Manny Alvarez, managing health editor at Fox News, says that 40 percent of U.S. children have seasonal allergies, and when a parent has allergies, his or her child will probably have them too. ‘As children, boys get ore allergies…
Are You Sleeping with an Army of Dust Mites?
The Handyman Glenn Haege writes in The Detroit News that a 1,500 square foot home generates 40 pounds of dust in a year, and bigger homes generate even more dust. Haege highlights several interesting facts about dust mites: Each of…
ALA: Atlanta Ranks 13th in Pollution
Atlanta, GA, home of achoo! ALLERGY, ranks at number 13 on the American Lung Association's bad air list of the most polluted cities in America. As no surprise, Los Angeles, CA tops the list. Pittsburgh comes in at number two,…
Burning Incense May Be Hazardous
NewsTarget.com reports that the burning of incense releases high levels of some chemicals associated with lung cancer. New Scientist magazine reported that a set of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of primary concern. PAHs include carcinogenic chemicals like…
Sexual Side Effects of Allergy Medication
According to fitsugar.com, decongestants in allergy medications often cause vaginal dryness. Switching to a medicine without a decongestant should eliminate this side effect.
Do You Read Your Pharmacy Package Inserts?
If you don't read you pharmacy package inserts, then you should start, says Amy Ritchart, writer of a weekly health and wellness column in The Leaf Chronicle. ‘Once, when reviewing a package insert that accompanied a new prescription for my…
Seasonal Allergies Affect Work Productivity
Eurkalert reports that a new study found that allergic workers missed an hour of work per week during peak hay fever season. While an hour may not seem like much, it adds up quickly since 20 to 50 million Americans…
Outdoor Exercise Tips for Allergy Sufferers
HealthNewsDigest.com offers the following tips for allergy sufferers who want to exercise outdoors during pollen season: Inhale through your nose when you exercise. When you inhale through your nose, you warm the air (especially important for asthmatics). Cold air constricts…
Free Asthma Screenings Across U.S. in May
HealthCentral.com points out that children and adults across the U.S. can get checked for asthma free of charge during the 11th annual Nationawide Asthma Screening Program, sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI). The free screenings…
Most Common Symptom of Childhood Asthma: Persistent Cough
Daily Southtown reports that asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood yet one of the most under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated childhood diseases. Signs of an asthma attack include wheezing, coughing, gasping for air, and struggling to breathe. A…
Asthma Increases Risk of Lung Metastasis in Breast Cancer Patients
According to SpiritIndia.com, a new study by researchers at the Mayo Clinic Arizona, pulmonary inflammation increases the risk of lung metastasis among breast cancer patients. Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the original tumor site to other…
Timing Improves Efficacy of Allergy & Asthma Drugs
CBS News reports that allergy and asthma drugs should be taken at specific times for the best effects. Dr. Richard Martin, MD, suggests that you take your allergy pills before bedtime and your asthma medication in the late afternoon. ‘Taking…
Asthmatic Children Have Higher Rates of ADHD, Depression, Anxiety & Learning Disabilities
Science Daily reports that conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression often accompany asthma in children. These associated conditions are known as co-morbidities. ‘We can definitively state that families with asthmatic children not only report higher incidences…
Top 100 Worst Cities for Spring Allergies in 2007
According to Forbes.com, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) ranks Tulsa, OKlahoma as the worst city for allergy sufferers this spring. Rankings are based on pollen counts, medication usage by allergy patients, and the number of board-certified allergists…
achoo! ALLERGY Featured in Points North Magazine
achoo! ALLERGY was featured in the March 2007 issue of Points North Magazine in an article titled ‘What To Do When Allergies Attack Atlanta.’ Here's a snippet from the article: Evade the Invaders ‘We want allergy sufferers to know that…
An Apple A Day for Mother Keeps Baby’s Asthma Away
_ _ _An apple a day may help expectant mothers prevent their children from developing asthma later in life, according to a compelling new study published on Thorax Online. The study tracked dietary intake of nearly 2000 pregnant women to…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Frequent Infections in Children May Be A Sign of Immunodeficiency
Medical News Today reports that, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), children who get frequent infections like ear infections, sinusitits, or pneumonia may have a condition known as immunodeficiency. ‘People with immunodeficiency get the same…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
Teenagers & Young Adults Most Likely to Die from Food Allergy
CNN reports that a new study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology shows that most people who died from food-induced anaphlyaxis were teenagers or young adults who were away from home when they ate the food that killed…
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…
Natural Remedies for Seasonal Allergies
Holistic health practitioner Linda Binns suggests the following natural remedies for seasonal allergies on SelfGrowth.com: Goldenseal helps eliminate mucus. Echinacea and goldenseal root strengthen the immune system. Cayenne pepper can help counteract allergy symptoms and is particularly helpful in treating…
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…
Pollen Allergies? Don’t Blame the Flowers!
It's officially spring now, and tree pollen is raining down upon us – but only the pollen from certain trees is a problem for allergy sufferers. According to WFIE News, Dr. Jason White has a simple rule of thumb: Pretty,…
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…
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…
Alternative Medicine Allergy Treatments
Dr. Manuel Alvarez of Fox News says that alternative medicine systems like Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine believe that the true key to allergy prevention is treating the underlying causes while building up the body’s immune system. ‘The long-term solution to…
Arthur from PBS Teaches Kids & Parents about Asthma, Food Allergies
If you don't know Arthur, he's an eight-year-old aardvark and the star of an animated series on PBS. The series has a substantial educational outreach program for librarians, teachers, community centers, and families. Two of the lesson plans are ‘All…
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…
Check the Allergen Hot Spots in Your Home
According to PRnewswire, Procter & Gamble has partnered with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) to educate people about hidden allergen hot spots. Most allergy sufferers know about the dust mites in their bed, but they may not…
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…
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…
achoo! ALLERGY Moves into New World Headquarters
achoo! ALLERGY & AIR Products, Inc. has officially moved into its new world headquarters, located at: 3411 Pierce Drive, Suite 101Atlanta, GA 30341 We're very excited about our new headquarters, expanded warehouse space, and larger showroom. _
Expert Pollen Allergy Tips
Experts say we're in for a pollen ‘superburst’ in the next couple of weeks. Roger Emert, an allergy specialist at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, recently shared his tips for combating watery eyes and the sniffles on…
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…
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…
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…