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 [...]
There has been an increase in the diagnosis of Eosionophilic Oesophagitis recently, possibly because we are becoming more aware and biopsying children and young adults with reflux and oesophagitis. This condition presents with difficulty swallowing food, choking and regurgiation often not responding to antacids. In children it is brought on by a delayed hypersensitivity to [...]
Many allergy sufferers note increasing symptoms of eye irritation, nasal comngestion, itchy eczema and even respiratory wheeze when exposed to high levels of chlorine in swimming pools. Although not a recognised allergen, chlorinated water (particularly in indoor swimming pools) may cause allergy-like symptoms when high levels are encountered in the water and surrounding air. Irritant [...]
An Australian study by Prof Bardin at Monarsh Medical Centre has brought to light the prospect of applying Botox gel to the inside of the nose to treat hay fever. The application of Botox gel lasts up to 90 days and blocks the nerve supply to the nose. These nerves promote inflammation, sneezing, itching and [...]
Salbutamol (and salmeterol) reliever inhalers are the corner-stone of acute asthma treatment in children. But recent research in the UK has revealed that 1-in-7 asthmatic children do not respond to their “blue” salbutamol (or Ventolin) asthma-relieving inhalers. This is due to a genetic mutation that prevents them developing a specific receptor in their airways that [...]
Clinical trials are underway to assess the effect of Omalizumab (Xolair) in treating Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria otherwise known as Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria. Omalizumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that binds to IgE preventing it from attaching to the surface of airway mast cells and basophils and currently licenced for use in treating allergic asthma. [...]