Clinical trials are underway to assess the effect of Omalizumab (Xolair) in treating Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria otherwise known as Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria. Omalizumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that binds to IgE preventing it from attaching to the surface of airway mast cells and basophils and currently licenced for use in treating allergic asthma. [...]
“Burning Mouth Syndrome” is a chronic debilitating sensation of oral pain (orodynia), described as “a scalded sensation of the mouth” and associated with a bitter taste (dysgeusia) and a sensation of mouth dryness. It may occur in up to 30% of menopausal women, and is now thought to be a neurological condition and not psychological [...]
The epidemic of childhood allergy has been mirrored in an increasing global predisposition to Vitamin D deficiency. While, specifically childhood asthma has more closely been linked to low levels of Vitamin D in recent medical research. This problem has become increasingly apparent with the advent of routine Vitamin D blood testing. In the UK, the [...]
Clinical studies suggest that supplementing Omega 3 fatty acids in pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding promote immune development and reduce development of allergies and eczema in infants. A recent study suggests that a window of opportunity exists during pregnancy and in the first 6 months of life, after which omega 3 fatty acid supplementation doesn’t seem [...]
Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a non-IgE mediated delayed hypersensitivity to food. It presents in infancy usually under 9 months of age and spontaneously resolves within 2 years and is often confused with infantile colic, gastroenteritis or septicaemia. Typical features include vomiting, pallor, lethargy and diarrhoea. These attacks tend to occur about 2 hours [...]
Mounting evidence shows that children with eczema do not produce enough essential Fillagrin “glue” that binds the skin Corneocyte cells together in the Stratum Corneum and so prevent irritant chemicals and environmental allergens from penetrating the superficial barrier layers of their skin. Chemical irritants and protein allergens must break through the top layer of the skin [...]
Urticaria is a common condition in both adults and also children. The exact cause often remains unclear and antihistamines remain the mainstay of current treatment in most cases. Acute spontaneous urticaria is more common in children, being of short duration (less than 6 weeks) and usually caused by an underlying viral infection and not due [...]
A small nasal filter (Sanispira) which fits into the nostrils was shown to be very effective in reducing hay fever symptoms during the peak pollen season last year, This was shown in a group of Italian hay fever sufferers confirmed to be grass pollen allergic on both RAST and skin prick test. The nasal filter [...]
With the Olympic fever now in full swing in London, there is less thought about hay fever, allergies and asthma. But in discussion with one of the Olympic team medical advisors I was amazed to learn that up to 80% of Olympic athletes suffer with allergies, rhinitis, vocal cord dysfunction and exercise induced asthma induced [...]
Rupatadine is a new non-sedating antihistamine medication used in allergy management of conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria. As well as primarily blocking the Histamine receptors on cells, Rupatadine has a dual effect of also blocking the action of Platelet Activating Factor (PAF). PAF is one of the most potent allergy provoking mediatoirs released [...]