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 [...]
Researchers in Cambridge have successfully completed a 2 year study which will have a major impact on peanut allergy sufferers. They successfully desensitised a group of children to peanuts by initially giving them traces of peanut (starting with 1/70th a peanut), incrementally increasing the dose every 2 weeks. By the end of the 2 year [...]
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, [...]