Allergy News
Swimming Pool Allergy
Published on Aug 15, 2010Every allergist has heard patients say that their allergies become worse at the swimming pool. We
usually respond that one cannot be allergic to the environs of the swimming pool, but not so fast.
Recent evidence has shown that chlorinated pool exposure interacts with one’s allergic predisposition to
potentially increase the nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing of allergic rhinitis, and the coughing
and wheezing of asthma.
Volcanic Ash and Asthma - 10 Steps To Protect Yourself
Published on May 10, 2010It is hard to believe, but the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano in Iceland is still erupting. Tons and tons of volcanic ash are being released daily into the atmosphere and it is being carried by the wind across the Atlantic, threatening not only air travel for Europeans, but posing potential health hazard for those with respiratory diseases including asthma, emphysema or bronchitis.
Continue Reading...New Breakthrough for Severe Asthma: But, Don’t Get Too Excited
Published on Apr 29, 2010The FDA has approved the first medical device that uses radio-frequency energy for the treatment of severe persistent asthma in 18-year-olds and older. All patients with severe persistent asthma share one thing: the common finding of inflammation and swelling of the lining of the bronchial tubes. The subsequent reduction in the diameter of the breathing tubes leads to difficulty breathing and shortness of breath that is experienced with asthma.
Continue Reading...Sesame Allergy: This seed packs a powerful punch!
Published on Apr 29, 2010The sesame seed, tiny in size, represents a growing danger as a food that can cause severe allergic reactions. Sesame is in a family of seeds that also includes poppy seed, flax seed, sunflower seed, buckwheat, mustard, and pine nut. In the entire family of seeds however, sesame causes majority of allergic reactions. And, the incidence of sesame allergy is on the rise.
Continue Reading...Four Myths About Dust Mites
Published on Apr 25, 2010Myth # 1: Air purifiers can trap and kill dust mites – A number of air purifier companies have gone on record saying that HEPA room air cleaners are effective at catching and trapping dust mites. The truth is that dust mites do not fly and are unlikely to even come into contact with a HEPA air cleaner. Even their allergenic waste particles are largely unaffected by HEPA air cleaners, because even when they become temporarily airborne, they settle back down quickly.
Continue Reading...Is one Epipen enough? Be prepared!
Published on Apr 22, 2010A recent study assessing emergency room records confirms the fact that a significant number of patients with anaphylactic reactions to food needed more than one injection of epinephrine. The data from this study revealed that 16% of patients presenting with food induced anaphylaxis required two injections. Previous data showed that as many as 25% of reactions required multiple doses. Multiple doses of epinephrine appeared to be more likely in those with reactions to peanuts and tree nuts and those presenting with hypotension (low blood pressure).
Continue Reading...
