Specific grass desensitization to Timothy grass pollen as a treatment for allergy and hay fever has been available for the last 3 years. This sublingual (SLIT) tablet contains a Timothy grass pollen extract which dissolves away under the tongue where it is absorbed promoting immune tolerance to grass pollen when taken over a 3 year period.  Although expensive at over £2 per day, Grazax is an additional option for those severe hay fever  sufferers (with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis) not responding to conventional antihistamine medication and nasal steroid sprays. It can be prescribed on the NHS but many health authorities deem it too expensive for the 30% improvement in hay fever symptoms and reduced medication requirements documented in clinical studies. Many desperate hay fever sufferers have therefore turned to private prescriptions of this disease modifying hay fever tablet.

Reference: Durham SR et al. Long-term clinical efficacy in grass pollen-induced rhinoconjunctivitis after treatment with SQ-standardized grass allergy immunotherapy tablet. Journal Allergy and Clinical Immunology 2010;125:131-38

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article7034867.ece

So if you do indeed have Lactose Intolerance, a proper cow’s milk challenge must theoretically give you rapid onset diarrhoea. No diarrhoea equates to no Lactose Intolerance. If your nose blocks up or they get a rash on your tummy then you probably have some additional problem other than purely lactose intolerance.

Almost all people are born with sufficient lactase but with increasing age, levels drop. Most lactose intolerant individuals tolerate small amounts of lactose in the diet and usually a full glass of fresh milk is necessary to trigger symptoms. Temporary lactose intolerance may follow a bout of viral gastroenteritis due to inflammation and hence it is best to avoid cow’s milk during the recovery period.

Lactose Intolerance may be an inherited trait affecting 10% of Caucasians and up to 80% of ethnic Africans, Asians and people of Mediterranean origin. Treatment is basically lactose avoidance or supplementation with an oral Lactase enzyme preparation such as Colief. Yoghurt is often tolerated as it contains live B-galactosidase producing bacteria.

Useful tests for diagnosing Lactose Intolerance include the popular Hydrogen Breath Test (although less reliable due to false positive results from other dietary sugar intake), as well as measuring serial blood glucose levels after a lactose containing meal, or measuring Faecal Reducing Substances (Sugars) in the watery frothy diarrhoeal stool  produced as a consequence of a lactose containing meal.

References:

Joneja JMV. Food Allergy & Intolerances. Mechanisms and Management. J.A.Hall publications 2003.

Metcalfe D, Sampson H, Simon R. Food Allergy: adverse reactions to food and food additives 4^th Ed. Blackwell Science 2008

Studies show that systematically eradicating the Staph from the skin will make the eczema easier to control and ultimately clear. In an established infection, the eczema will spread rapidly appearing bright red, crusty, weepy and blistered. The Staph can also persist by being harboured in the nasal passages, under dirty finger nails and in moist skin creases. Fortunately most Staph will be eliminated by antibiotic skin creams such as Mupirocin (Naseptin) or Fusidic acid (Fucidin) as well as by antiseptic skin disinfectants such as povidine iodine (Betadine), hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate and chlorhexidine (Hibitane). The beneficial effect of using sodium hypochlorite (found in bleech) and silver impregnated garments has not been proven.  In more extensive Staph infections presenting with Impetigo (skin honey crusts), Folliculitis (pimples and pustules) and Cellulitis (widespread skin surface infection), oral antibiotics such as Flucloxacillin, Erythromycin and Co-amoxyclav will effectively treat the skin infection (unless the superbug MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is present).

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/120/Supplement_3/S122

A. Abdominal pain and spasm which eases when emptying the bowels.

B. Bloating, fullness on eating and abdominal distension with wind.

C. Change in bowel habit with passage of frequent loose mucus-laden stools (an enhanced gastro colic reflex), often alternating with episodes of constipation.

Other more serious bowel conditions such as food allergies, inflammatory colitis, stomach ulcers, intestinal infection and coeliac disease may cause similar but more intense symptoms, and will need to be excluded by testing. A few simple blood tests undertaken by your GP (such as ESR, CRP, FBC) will exclude colitis or gut infection, while specific IgE allergy testing will identify food allergy and coeliac screening measuring Tissue Transglutaminase antibodies will exclude gluten intolerance. Certain non-specific food intolerances may be triggers for IBS and these include excess fruit intake, wheat, dairy produce, onions, excess tea, coffee, alcohol and highly insoluble dietary fibre such as bran, all of which may exacerbate IBS symptoms. The artificial sweetener Sorbitol and processed starch in ready meals may also promote IBS. While emotional stress, masked depression and missed or erratic meals may also be triggers, whereas taking a regular Probiotic supplement (Acidophilus GG) and drinking plenty of filtered water every day may calm the symptoms.

Discuss any concerns you might have regarding food allergies, intolerance or colitis with your GP, Practice Nurse or a qualified Dietician.

http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byID&o=11927