Who is at risk from nut allergy
January 27th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Nut allergies have doubled over the last decade, with more than one in a hundred of us affected, according o the British Nutrition Foundation. Peanuts account for three-quearters of cases. More people in the UK are sensitised than elsewhere, and this may be because in other countries babies are often exposed to traces of ground nuts in things like soup, so their immune systems accept them at a young age. Peanut allergy often lasts for life, but about twenty percent of children grow out of it.
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What is an Allergic Reaction
January 26th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
The immune system triggers the release of histamine, which can cause widespread swelling of the tissues. In extreme cases it can cause anaphylactic shock, a severe allergic reaction that causes swelling throughout the body, including the tissues of the lips and throat. This can result in difficulty in breathing or swallowing, ending in collapse and unconsciousness. The antidote is an injection of adrenaline, which reverses these symptoms.
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Bugs in Yoghurt can Beat Asthma
December 31st, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Bacteria found in yoghurts are being used to lower the risk of asthma in children. A probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus is being given to babies under six months who will be monitored for three years to assess its effects on the development of asthma.
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Christmas and Allergy
November 30th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
‘Tis the season to be wheezing.
A new study warns that bringing a real Christmas tree into a home can multiply the mould-spore count by five times the normal level - increasing allergy symptoms.
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Risk of Asthma is increased by Household Allergies
November 17th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Allergic reactions usually develop in early childhood. Typically, children first become allergic to foods such as milk and egg. In the second and third years of life, they begin to develop allergic reactions to indoor allergens and also to outdoor allergens, such as grass, tree and ragweed pollens. The reason why some individuals develop nasal symptoms whereas others develop asthma or skin diseases are not very well understood. Some people can develop an allergic reaction to indoor allergens and yet not have any clinical symptoms (they are asymptomatic). But many children and adults who develop asthma are more likely to have asthma if they make allergic reactions to indoor allergens.Having the allergic reaction is a risk factor for asthma in the same way that high levels of cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and smoking increases the risk of getting lung cancer. The risks of developing asthma if you are exposed to indoor allergens are comparable to these well known risk factors for other diseases. Therefore, it is important to try to reduce allergen levels in the home. First, to prevent people becoming allergic and, second, to reduce the symptoms of people who are already sensitive to the allergen. Read the rest of this entry »
