Nasal, eye and respiratory allergies have traditionally been diagnosed by doing blood and skin tests for specific allergy to pollens, dust mites and pets. These test include Skin Prick Testing (SPTs) using allergens applied directly to the skin or RAST blood tests testing for systemic IgE antibodies travelling around the body in the blood stream. [...]
Allergic eczema is a genetically predisposed disease (atopy). The atopic skin is a poor barrier to the outside environment, lacking an essential “protective glue” called Filaggrin. Casual contact with traces of foods and aero allergens from handling the infant, then leads to allergen sensitisation, followed by increased natural colonisation with Staphylococcus aureus skin bacteria which [...]
Bronchial Thermoplasty is a new invasive treatment in severe asthma. The thickened airway bronchial smooth muscle that develops over years, makes the asthma difficult to control with conventional medication (inhalers and steroids). The procedure results in the airway muscle being destroyed by heat using a bronchoscope (lung probe) under general anaesthetic to relieve airway spasm. It usually involves a series [...]
A recent international study has highlighted this condition Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (or FPIES) related to a delayed allergic hypersensitivity to food that results in infants developing severe colic, feeding difficulties, vomiting and diarrhoea all occurring within 4 hours of feeding. Of the 180 different foods investigated, cow’s milk, soy, rice and oats were most often implicated. Of those [...]
On December 13th a new law will ensure that all food outlets have to clearly state ingredients and specifically 14 common allergens that may be contained in food. Previously this only applied to packaged foods, but the new legislation includes all foods available for sale including school dinners. The fourteen allergens include, Cow's milk, Egg, Gluten [...]
About 15% of the population have a suspected Penicillin allergy usually diagnosed in childhood with a rash and this affects antibiotic prescribing all their life. Recent research has shown that only 3% of those with a suspected Penicillin allergy in fact are allergic on challenge testing. The major problem is that skin prick tests, intradermal tests [...]
Non Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) is gaining respect amongst the medical fraternity. This condition which mimics Coeliac Disease presents with up to 250 symptoms reported so far. Allergy and immunological skin and blood tests for Coeliac Disease are all negative, but those afflicted respond well to a Gluten-free diet (and possibly also low FODMAP or low fermentable sugar diet). Symptoms [...]
The pleasant warm summer weather and occasional rain are everything the local Timothy grass could hope for. This weather results in prolific pollen production by the grasses across the country. The pollen grains released from grass are tiny and float about in the air. They attach to our skin, hair and clothing. Its when they get into [...]
Certain individuals may be allergic to specific nut groups or clusters. For example if allergic to Walnuts, then its likely you will react to Pecan and Brazil nuts as well. If allergic to Cashew nuts then you are likely to react to Pistachio nuts and Mango fruit.
At last the weather is warming up and Hay Fever season is about to commence. Symptoms include itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, streaming nose and congestion. Best to stock up on the antihistamines now. Best brands are the non sedating once a day varieties such as acrivastine, cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine and mizolastine. Those on Grazax and Staloral [...]