Nov
01
2006

Houseplants Responsible For Allergic Reactions

By | Allergies, Asthma

Generally house dust and dust mites, pet dander, feathers, moulds and ragweed are meantioned, when it comes to the topic of allergies. Nuts and peanuts have also been associated with violent allergic reactions.
With skin prick tests (SPT) the allergists can very clearly determine what substances the allergy sufferer is sensitive to.

A small study, which appeared in the September edition of Allergy has shown that allergic rhinitis in a patient, can have its origin in exposure to houseplants. Allergic rhinitis with a runny nose and sneezing is often neglected, as-opposed to asthma or an urticarial rash. It is perceived as more of a nuisance than a threat. Allergic rhinitis sufferers were subjected to SPT’s along with a healthy control group. 78 % of allergic rhinitis patient had a positive STP to at least one plant, while none of the control group developed significant reactions to any of the tested plants.

Houseplants Responsible For Allergic Reactions

Houseplants Responsible For Allergic Reactions

The plants that produced the most frequent sensitization were Ficus benjamina, yucca, ivy and palm tree.

More information about:

1. asthma: http://nethealthbook.com/lung-disease/asthma-introduction/

2. stuffy nose: http://nethealthbook.com/ear-nose-and-throat-diseases-otolaryngology-ent/nose-problems/stuffy-nose/

Reference: The Medical Post, October 10, 2006, page 2

Last edited November 1, 2014

May
01
2006

Peanut Traces Still Present After Brushing Teeth

By | Allergies, Asthma, Nutrition

Education of the person with allergies is of great importance. Effective treatment does not only involve taking an antihistamine against allergies, which can be bought over-the counter. To get optimal control of allergy symptoms, evaluation with the help of an allergist is necessary, and skin tests will give more information. A regimen of allergy shots is an effective way to control allergies. It is also up to the allergic person to avoid substances that can be the cause of the problem. Allergy season triggers a lot of questions in patients who have had allergic reactions in the past. The most feared ones are anaphylactic reactions or anaphylactic shock from exposure to peanuts or ragweed. People with a history of allergies all have the risk of more severe reactions that need rapid intervention as anaphylactic shock can be deadly. People can be sensitized to various foods (peanuts, nuts, fish, shell fish, soy, wheat). Food additives often associated with allergic reactions can be sulfites (present in dried fruit and wine), food coloring (tartrazine) and flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate. Beside those allergies, reactions to animal fur and dander, feathers, pollen of trees, grasses and weeds (ragweed being one of the worst) can be a challenge to allergy sufferers. People can get sensitized in any age group. Even adults who showed no allergic reactions in the past can come down with allergies later in life.

Patients with food-related allergies should be aware that an injection with adrenaline (epinephrine) could make a difference between life and death in severe allergic reactions. Carrying an EpiPen (an injectable dose of epinephrine) is one important way of having an “emergency break”. But carrying the device at all times is not enough. The user has to be fully knowledgeable as to how to use it and when to use it. Getting a prescription from the physician and proper explanation from physician as well as the pharmacist is the next important step.
Food allergies have received more attention over the past years. Food labels will show, whether a product may contain traces of nuts or peanuts, and many schools have banned the use peanuts among their students (see the result of an inadvertent exposure to peanuts in a child who is allergic to it in the image above). It may sound like a radical approach, but given the fact that peanuts have shown disastrous reactions in allergic individuals, it is not a surprise. A new Ontario law, which was passed in 2005, is geared to make schools safer for children with allergies. After 13-year-old Sabrina Shannon from Pembroke, Ontario died at school in 2003 following food-allergy related anaphylaxis, the law requires every school board to establish and maintain an anaphylaxis policy. School staff must be trained in dealing with life-threatening allergies and emergency procedures must be in place.
Studies by researchers at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York showed that levels of Ara h 1, the major peanut allergen has staying power. Volunteers who ate a peanut butter sandwich had the allergen in their saliva for several hours after the meal. Clearance took up to 4.5 hours. The researchers went on to assess several interventions: vigorous tooth brushing for two minutes, tooth brushing and rinsing the mouth twice with water, rinsing the mouth without tooth brushing, and chewing gum for 30 minutes. All those intervention reduced the amount of peanut allergen, but none uniformly removed it!

Peanut Traces Still Present After Brushing Teeth

Peanut Traces Still Present After Brushing Teeth

For persons with food allergies it is a warning signal: even a kiss from a person who recently ate the food (peanuts in this case) can cause dangerous allergic reactions. The presence of allergens in the saliva may or may not be applicable to other foods besides peanuts. More studies are needed, said Dr. Jennifer Maloney and her colleagues.

More information about treatment of asthma caused by peanut allergy: http://nethealthbook.com/lung-disease/asthma-introduction/asthma-treatment/

Reference: The Medical Post, April 4,2006, page 19-21

Last edited Oct. 31, 2014

Sep
01
2005

Getting Ready For Ragweed Allergies Is Important

By | Allergies, Asthma, Eye Diseases

Allergies are often associated with watery eyes and sneezing, and in commercials that promote over-the counter anti-allergy pills (antihistamines) the effects are shown as merely bothersome. The commercials are often amusing. The facts for the allergy sufferer are neither amusing nor are allergies a minor bother. They have to be taken serious, as they can affect the quality of life and even be potentially life threatening. A very common plant that can be the culprit for serious allergies is ragweed. Two varieties of the plant are accounting for the worst problems, Ambrosia trifida and Ambrosia artemisiifolia. People who are sensitized to the pollen of ragweed have the most severe symptoms in the months of August to October. Nasal congestion, sneezing, a constantly runny nose and itchiness of eyes, nose and throat are the problems that are encountered by the patient, but asthma can be the more serious consequence. The quality of life in the peak season of ragweed shows significant deterioration for allergy sufferers, as nasal congestion alone is linked to poor sleep quality which in turn leads to decreased productivity at work or in school. A skin rash can be another form of an allergic reaction. It is the less common form of ragweed allergy, but left untreated it becomes chronic and progressively worse. Other herbal products (chamomile and arnica), which may be used as compresses and as an ontment, can cross-react with ragweed exposure and produce a skin rash or dermatitis. Adults are more affected than children, and people with outdoor occupation (farmers, gardeners, harvesters, carpenters) are the group most at risk. Unfortunately, ragweed particles are very small and very light, which makes it very difficult to avoid them in the peak season, but there are measures one can take to avoid exposure.

Getting Ready For Ragweed Allergies Is Important

Getting Ready For Ragweed Allergies Is Important

The peak time of pollen exposure is in the middle of the day, and it is a good idea to keep the windows closed to prevent large amounts of pollen from drifting into your home. The use of an air conditioner in the car or at home can be helpful. After spending time outdoors it can be helpful to change into fresh clothes and perhaps even take a shower. Drying clothes on the laundry line in peak season should be avoided, as they are prone to collect large amounts of pollen.

Getting Ready For Ragweed Allergies Is Important1

Ragweed Blossoms Late In The Season

Timing vacations to leave ragweed-infested areas for other parts of the country can also help. It is also important to take action as soon as symptoms are present. Letting things take their course, will just have a snowball effect. An allergist can do patch tests to determine whether there is a reaction to ragweed. If ragweed dermatitis is present, it has to be treated early on to avoid the difficult to treat chronic state, in which a lower UV threshold is also part of the condition. Decongestants may help with nasal congestion, but unfortunately they tend to cause side effects, such as sleeplessness and a rapid heart beat. The physician can point out the most effective antihistamine to the patient, and intranasal cortico steroids (INCS) may be preferable over oral antihistamines. Newer INCS medications have shown to provide quick control of nasal symptoms, and they can actually minimize the emergence of symptoms, if they are started before the ragweed season begins in mid summer.

More info about asthma: http://nethealthbook.com/lung-disease/asthma-introduction/

Reference: Allergy & Asthma, Summer 2005, page 4-9, page 13-16

Last edited October 29, 2014

Sep
01
2005

No Relationship Between Allergies And Cancer

By | Allergies, Cancer, Health

Two opposite opinions have been voiced. There is the sinister threat that people who are prone to allergies are also at risk for coming down with cancer, because their immune system is constantly in overdrive. The opposite rumoring has also been heard: people with an overactive immune system and allergies have a built-in protection against cancer, because their immune system is in a constant state of vigilance.
Researchers from the Karolinska Hospital and Institute in Sweden made a point to examine these opposed hypotheses in a study that involved 70,136 patients between the years 1988 and 2000.

All these patients were tested for allergic disease and the results were linked with data from the Swedish Cancer Registry. The total number of cancers found was what could be expected in the general population. In addition this large epidemiological study performed specific analysis for cancer of the lung, the cervix cancer, cancer of the pancreas as well as lymphoma and skin cancers. The findings demonstrated that none of these cancers were independently related to allergies.

No Relationship Between Allergies And Cancer

No Relationship Between Allergies And Cancer

Dr. B. Lindelöf and his research team concluded: “Our study did not support the reported decreased risk of cancer in allergic patients, nor did it support an increased risk.”

More info available for:

Allergies (allergic rhinitis): http://nethealthbook.com/ear-nose-and-throat-diseases-otolaryngology-ent/nose-problems/allergic-rhinitis/

Cancer: http://nethealthbook.com/cancer-overview/overview/

Reference: Allergy 2005; 60: 1116-1120

Last edited October 29, 2014

Jul
01
2005

Acetaminophen And Pets Aggravate Asthma

By | Allergies, Asthma, Health

People with respiratory problems should be cautious in their use of acetaminophen. These are the results of a large cross-sectional study from Great Britain. In the latest piece of mounting evidence British researchers pointed out that people who take acetaminophen regularly are at a higher risk of developing asthma. There are new indications that the drug may worsen respiratory disease and is also linked to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
The study used previously collected data from nearly 13,500 people and was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care. It demonstrated that daily users of acetaminophen are more likely to report asthma (odds ratio=1.81) and COPD (odds ratio=1.94) than patients who say that they never used acetaminophen. The study also investigated the relationship between respiratory illness and ASA as well as ibuprofen. Neither of the two seemed to be significantly related to the incidence of respiratory illness. The team of authors led by Dr. Tricia McKeever of the University of Nottingham did spirometry (lung function tests) and found that daily acetaminophen users had an impaired lung function of a 54 ml lower forced expiratory volume per second (FEV1). Ibuprofen users taking the medication between 1 and 5 times a month showed improvement of a 20 ml increase in FEV1. The benefit did not appear in non-users and those who took the medication on a daily basis.

Acetaminophen And Pets Aggravate Asthma

Acetaminophen And Pets Aggravate Asthma

The researchers strongly recommend that patients with respiratory disease should consult with a physician and consider carefully, whether or not to take acetaminophen.
Helping asthmatics to breathe easier has also been the subject of Japanese research. In a small prospective study Japanese researchers compared the need for inhaled corticosteroids between two groups of patients with allergic asthma. One group found new homes for the pets they were allergic to; the other opted to keep the animal at home. At the end of the 15-month average follow-up none of those who removed the pet were taking daily corticosteroids. Opposed to the first group, all but one of the patients who continued to live with their cat, dog, hamster or ferret were on daily corticosteroid treatment ranging from 200 mcg to 1600 mcg per day. Many asthma patients with animal allergies refuse to part with furry friends, but those who can fare better with less medication.

More info on asthma: http://nethealthbook.com/lung-disease/asthma-introduction/

Reference: The Medical Post, May 31, 2005, page 49 and 50

Last edited October 28, 2014

May
01
2003

Allergies, Asthma And Diabetes All Helped By Fish Oil

By | Allergies, Arthritis, Diabetes, Heart Disease

Cod liver oil was what your grandmother told you to take. It turns out she was right as two studies from Manchester/England and Boston/US have shown. The common denominator are omega-3-fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, cod liver oil, mackerel, salmon and other fish, generally speaking all sea food that feasts on plankton.

1. A prospective study with a cohort of 1100 children from before their birth until their 5th birthday, which will be next year, is being conducted in Manchester/England.

A smaller pilot study with 37 children (4-year-olds from this cohort) was recently analyzed as reported in Denver by Dr. Clare Murray, a pediatric lung specialist from the University of Manchester. The investigators have done detailed diet analyses with the help of the parents. They found that children with severe asthma were taking in a lot less omega-3-fatty acids than a healthy control group. Further analysis showed that the asthmatic group took in a lot of the inflammation provoking omega-6-fatty acids, whereas the control group had a much better balance between these two unsaturated fatty acids. Apparently it is the ratio between omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids that determines whether the prostaglandin metabolism is switched versus pro-inflammatory (ratio more than 3 to 1) or versus anti-inflammatory (ratio 3 to1 or less). This article can be found in the Medical Post, Vol39, No.17 (page 19), April 29, 2003.

2. Another study is mentioned on the same page of the Medical Post: Dr. Frank Hu from the Harvard School of Public Health is the lead author of a study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. 5103 female nurses with established type 2 diabetes have been followed for about 18 years and their medical histories, life styles and eating habits were updated every two years.

Allergies, Asthma And Diabetes All Helped By Fish Oil

Allergies, Asthma And Diabetes All Helped By Fish Oil

In the beginning of the study every patient was free of heart disease and cancer. The big surprise was that eating fish 5 times per week diminished the risk for developing heart disease by 65%. Even the women in the study who ate fish once or twice per week had 40% less heart disease than those who did not eat fish. In addition, fish eaters survived those who were not fish eaters much better (lower mortality). Controls of women without diabetes who ate fish five times per week had also a reduction of heart disease by 35% compared to non fish eating controls. Dr. Hu stated that it is the omega-3 fatty acids in fish that are the active ingredient. They are known to reduce irregular heart beats (arrhythmias) that can lead to sudden death. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce blood fat levels (triglycerides), clot formation and improve blood vessel function. He also noted that both genders have the same benefit (no difference between male and female), just that the study was done on female nurses.

Comments: For your information the table below shows what foods contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in our food
Type of unsaturated fatty acid: Foods that contain this type of unsaturated fatty acid:
omega-3 fatty acid flaxseed oil, walnuts, macadamia nuts, fishoil, canola oil, mackerel, salmon, sardines, tuna and most cold water fish
omega-6-fatty acid corn oil, cotton seed oil, grape seed oil, safflower oil, soybean oil and sunflower oil

In the past 50 years the food industry has changed the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in many common foods to the point that the ratios are now 12 to 1 and up to 25 to 1. It is cheaper to produce these foods in that manner as they often have a longer shelve life. Read food labels. Inform yourself about omega-3 fatty acids. Take 2 capsules of a high strength, molecularly distilled (to remove PCB’s, mercury and other heavy metals) fish oil once per day and include more fish in your meals. Avoid deep fried foods, as they contain omega-6 fatty acids.

Here are some links explaining this more:

Link about balanced nutrition.

More details about fat and fatty acids.

Last edited October 26, 2014