Archive for October, 2008
Allergies May Protect Against Certain Types Of Cancer
A new article provides strong evidence that allergies are much more than just an annoying immune malfunction. They may protect against certain types of cancer.
The article, by researchers Paul Sherman, Erica Holland and Janet Shellman Sherman from Cornell University, suggests that allergy symptoms may protect against cancer by expelling foreign particles, some of which may [...]
Secret Allergy Triggers Revealed
You could blame weeds, trees, and grasses if you start itching, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing this fall.
But the usual suspects aren’t the only triggers. A host of household items — candles, chemicals, stuffed animals, and spices — may be the real culprits.
“Many homes are filled with irritants, and if there’s a high enough count of [...]
Useful Vitamins To Combat Frequent Asthma Attacks
A frightening and seriously debilitating affliction for the sufferer, asthma can be life-threatening and affects more than eight million adults in the United States alone.
The usual trigger for an asthma attack combines an allergic immune system, an inherited trait, with exposure to environmental allergic triggers like pollen and animal dander.
Air pollution, [...]
Food Allergies On Rise In U.S. Children
Food allergies in American children seem to be on the rise, now affecting about 3 million kids, according to the first federal study of the problem.
But experts said that might be because parents are more aware and quicker to have their kids checked out by a doctor.
About 1 in 26 children had food allergies last [...]
Children, Adults React Equally To Allergy Patch Tests
According to a new report, adults and children who are referred for patch testing of allergens appear equally likely to have allergic contact dermatitis, although they tend to react to different allergens.
Skin reactions to allergens are common among children, according to the reasearch.
They can occur both on areas of the skin that come in direct [...]
“Harmless” Virus May Hide And Cause Asthma
U.S. researchers reported that a usually harmless childhood virus may hide in the lungs and come back to cause wheezing and other symptoms of asthma.
They found evidence that respiratory syncytial virus or RSV stayed in the lungs of mice and caused the overactive airway symptoms that characterize asthma.
“This research suggests that there’s a potential new [...]
How To Protect Children From Spring Allergies?
Warmer weather, spring showers, blossoming trees and budding flowers are all signs that mark the arrival of spring. For kids, it is a fun outdoors time.
However, for many, the arrival of spring signifies the start of allergy season.
Rather than fun picnics and patio cocktails, it means the arrival of itchy, watery [...]
Nickel Allergy May Prompt Skin Rash In Some Cell Phone Users
Some cell phone users may get a skin rash in reaction to the nickel in their cell phones, a condition that the British Association of Dermatologists has dubbed “mobile phone dermatitis.”
The British Association of Dermatologists issued a news to inform doctors to be aware of the allergic reaction.
Nickel allergy is common, and people who are [...]
Formoterol For Asthma: Evidence Of Serious Adverse Effects
Asthma sufferers who regularly take the beta2-agonist formoterol are more likely to suffer non-fatal serious adverse events than those given placebos.
A review carried out by Cochrane Researchers showed a significantly increased risk for people who took the drug once or twice daily for at least 12 weeks.
Long-acting beta2-agonists are inhaled to help open the airways [...]
Breast Is Best In Fight Against Childhood Asthma
A link between breast feeding and a lower incidence in asthma in young children has discovered by University of Sunderland academic.
Dr Mohammad Shamssain and his research team recently completed a two phase study into the prevalence and severity of asthma in children in the North-East.
Their research focussed specifically on the positive benefits of breast feeding [...]