Historically, Total IgE measurement on a blood sample was used as an entry level test to identify allergy prone patients. However over the years it have become apparent that Total IgE levels can vary in both allergic and non allergic individuals. Some patients with significant nasal allergies may in fact have relatively low Total IgE, [...]
The sudden hot weather due to hit Southern England and London this Easter weekend will act as a massive stimulus to grass and trees to pollinate and erupt with a very high pollen release called a "Pollen Bomb". This will be most unpleasant for Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever sufferers, and they should start taking [...]
Local Pharmacies are marketing small devices that shin red light into the nose as a treatment for hay fever and rhinitis. There has been a lot of interest in the role of Rhinophototherapy using narrow band red light phototherapy and its ability to stabilise the nasal mucous membranes. Some patients report positive results with this [...]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be very debilitating with abdominal discomfort, bloating, excess wind and frequent loose stools. IBS can severely affect quality of life (QOL). Various hypotheses have been put forward as causes for this chronic condition including stress, disordered bowel flora and sensitivity to gas forming carbohydrates in the diet such as fermentable FODMAPs [...]
Ever since naturopath Dr Peter D'Adamo published his book "Eat Right 4 Your Type" in 1996, there has been intense media interest in the concept that certain blood group individuals respond better to high plant versus high protein and paleo diets. The book makes interesting reading and although the diets are healthy and all avoid [...]
Allergic rhinitis and hay fever affect 1 in 5 adults in the UK. Peak pollen counts (May to July) coincide with GCSE examinations and hay fever sufferers are likely to drop a grade in their exams due to detrimental symptoms of hay fever. 70% of hay fever sufferers are on antihistamines and of these at least [...]
Coconut is a tree nut and can cause allergic reactions such as occurs with Brazil nuts, Cashew nuts and Hazelnuts. We used to think it was quite a rare food allergy and was not often reported as problematic. But prevalences seem to on the increase and more people report oral allergic reactions and rashes when [...]
Vitamin D is known as the Sunshine Vitamin and studies show that 50% of the population have insufficient vitamin D levels. This can effect bone development and cause deformities also in children. Australian allergy studies show that infants and young children who are deficient in Vitamin D are more likely to develop egg and peanut [...]
It's hard to believe that the next summer isn't far off. For those hay fever sufferers, now is the time to start considering desensitisation immunotherapy for grass pollen. This treatment needs to be started at least 2 months before the grass pollen season gets under way for best results. All too often hay fever sufferers [...]
Caesarian section delivery of infants is associated with increased risks of developing allergies to common foods and inhalant allergens according to the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Sept 2018). Studies in the USA show a greater risk of developing allergies in babies born by Caesarian Section and lower rate in those born by Vaginal [...]