A number of recent studies have provided conflicting evidence for the benefits of breastfeeding in allergy protection and prevention. A most recent UK study of 1924 children shows no difference between exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months and breastfeeding for only 3 months in high risk atopic children. Even the early introduction or avoidance of allergenic foods [...]
The relatively warm but damp Autumn in October this year means trouble for asthma and allergy sufferers. Conditions are currently favouring the growth of outdoor mould spores (Mildew) such as Cladosporium and Alternaria which can trigger off severe asthma attacks in allergy sufferers. At this time of the year we see rising asthma hospital admissions and chronic [...]
Silver Birch tree pollen allergic individuals with Spring hay fever are prone to develop oral symptoms of itching, swelling and oral tingling when they eat certain fresh fruits and nuts such as apple and hazelnut. A detailed study by UK GPs has shown that 2% of the general population suffer with Pollen-food Syndrome (PFS). About [...]
Anaphylaxis is triggered by a single allergen in 80% of cases, but in 20% cases, the primary allergen may not be so clear. Certain factors promote anaphylaxis occurring and make reactions more intense. These trigger factors include: Exercise (as in food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) as occurs with exercising shortly after meals containing wheat, shellfish, meat, [...]
Atopy is a genetic or familial tendency to develop common allergic diseases such as asthma, hay fever and eczema. Historically it was considered to occur in those prone to develop excessive amounts of allergy-specific IgE antibodies. The atopy pattern commences in early childhood with food allergies (cow’s milk, egg and peanut) associated with infantile eczema, [...]
New 5 pence and 10 pence coins are being struck at the Royal Mint in the UK. These cheaper-to-produce coins contain nickel-plated steel, which unlike the older cupro-nickel coins, release up to 4 times more nickel on exposure and raise the risk of increased nickel sensitisation leading to contact dermatitis and eczema. An international study [...]
Lactose is a type of disaccharide carbohydrate (sugar) found in animal breast milk, most commonly in cows milk but also found in other mammalian milk including human breast milk. The digestive enzyme lactase, found in our gut and used to digest (break down) dietary lactose into absorbable glucose and galactase, is often naturally switched off [...]
The mainstay of respiratory allergy diagnosis is skin prick testing and blood RAST testing for specific IgE to various inhalant allergens including dust mites, pets, pollens and mould spores. Many patients with typical nasal allergy symptoms of nasal itching, congestion, sneezing, profuse mucus production and eye irritation may blood test negative for allergy to common [...]
The most effective treatment for acute life threatening anaphylaxis is an intra-muscular injection of adrenalin (epinephrine). Research shows that the available auto- injectors are expensive, often under-utilised and more than often, the wrong dose is given. Three products compete are on the UK fixed-dose adrenalin injector market: Epipen, Anapen and Jext. The market leader being [...]
Isolated Angioedema is quite common in middle aged post-menopausal women and initially presents with facial swelling (eyelid, lip and tongue) and then may progress to affect other soft tissues in the throat, armpits and genital area. Tongue and laryngeal angioedema are potentially life-threatening . Many cases are not associated with urticaria or hives and on [...]