About 40 million Americans suffer from "hay fever," a disease that allergists prefer to call "allergic rhinitis," because HAY is not to blame and FEVER is rarely a symptom. So what is causing the stuffy runny nose, the watery itchy eyes, the sneezing, wheezing and cough, and why are heavy rains and melting snow making symptoms worse?
Today allergy tests are more convenient and accurate than ever before according to updated evidence-based medical guidelines developed by a Joint Task Force of allergists representing the ACAAI, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (JCAAI).
Allergic-like reactions can occur in patients (both children and adults) when given gadolinium containing contrast agents, even if they have been pre-medicated with corticosteroids and antihistamines, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor.
In a study of 125 adults, investigators at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, found the likelihood of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) was significantly higher in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (2.67 times), patients with allergic eczema (3.85 times), and patients with depression (2.56 times), suggesting a link between atopic disorders and IBS.
In demonstrating that a group of calcium ion channels play a crucial role in triggering inflammatory responses, researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have not only solved a longstanding molecular mystery regarding the onset of asthma and allergy symptoms, but have also provided a fundamental discovery regarding the functioning of mast cells.
Activating a protein found on some immune cells seems to halt the cells' typical job of spewing out substances that launch allergic reactions, a study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests. The findings could eventually lead to new treatments for allergic reactions ranging from annoying bouts of hay fever to deadly asthma attacks.
Allergic-like reactions to gadolinium-containing contrast injections in adults and pediatric patients (those younger than 19 years of age) are rare, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor. "When these reactions do occur, most of them are mild," said Jonathan R. Dillman, MD, lead author of the study.
Considered "transitional" a generation ago, milk and egg allergies now appear to be more persistent and harder to outgrow, according to new research from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that more than 50 percent of the current asthma cases in the country can be attributed to allergies, with approximately 30 percent of those cases attributed to cat allergy.
Description: Eighty-four percent of children with food allergies have a reaction in school, and 25% of first food reactions occur in schools. An evaluation was conducted comparing food allergy emergency plans to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network's (FAAN) Food Allergy Action Plan.
To a person with a pollen allergy, an 18-acre ragweed field sounds like a sneezy, red-eyed zone of misery. But to two environmental engineering researchers at Johns Hopkins, the parcel presented a rare and valuable opportunity to learn how the troublesome weeds grow, reproduce and scatter their pollen under varying weather conditions.
In today's super-clean world, vaccinations and anti-bacterial soaps are keeping dirt and disease-causing germs at bay. While staying germ-free can prevent the spread of disease and infections, U-M experts say our cleanlier lifestyle may be responsible for an increase in allergies among children.
Researchers in the United Kingdom have found that increased exposure to cat allergen is associated with greater bronchial responsiveness (BR) in people with certain common allergies, even if they are not specifically allergic to cats. This suggests that reduced exposure to cats may be beneficial for allergic individuals, regardless of their specific allergies.
Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) has increased tremendously in popularity in the United States, and one of the most common reasons that patients turn to CAM is for treating allergic diseases according to information presented at the allergists' annual meeting. Experts study the role of CAM treatments including traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics.
Researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have successfully used an experimental DNA-based vaccine to protect against ragweed allergies, commonly known as hay fever, after just six injections. Patients receiving the vaccine showed an average 60 percent reduction in allergy symptoms compared to those receiving a placebo.
What could be the reason for skin that's inflamed, itchy, dotted with bumps or blisters?
Two child health experts go head to head in this week's BMJ over whether the dangers of childhood food allergy are exaggerated.
The nation's allergists and emergency physicians are teaming up to help the millions of Americans at risk for severe allergic emergencies to Be S.A.F.E. The new public education campaign features an action guide brochure and Web site resources created by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Emergency Physicians to raise awareness of and help prevent deaths caused by anaphylaxis.
Reducing the level of dust mites in the bedroom can be achieved by replacing old mattresses and increasing a room's ventilation, according to a new study.
Flouting widely held beliefs that yellow jacket stings have less effect early in the season and that most people can outgrow a dangerous allergic reaction to a sting, allergists at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have concluded that the sting severity is determined not by the calendar but by the species of insect doing the stinging.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic have discovered that allergic rhinitis is associated with the development of Parkinson's disease later in life.
Feeding solid foods to infants before 6 months of age can increase the risk of allergies, while exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months may prevent the onset of allergic symptoms later in life according to a consensus report by allergists-immunologists.
A new study offers concrete evidence that allergies are exacerbated by secondhand smoke.
A study in the June issue of Pediatrics issues a strong challenge to the notion that that babies should be exclusively breastfed, and not given any solid foods, during the first six months of life.
Only a fraction of children who are stung by insects and exhibit moderate to severe symptoms of an allergic reaction receive treatment at a hospital, according to a new study.
May marks the beginning of high levels of atmospheric ozone in the Southeast. As air quality testing begins in many cities, Coralie Hains, M.D..
New research initiatives announced just in time for both Allergy/Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Months will focus on developing a better understanding of the ways in which people respond to exposure to infectious agents in the lungs.
Dry eye syndrome isn't just something that happens during allergy season or when you've slept overnight in your contacts. It's a serious and often painful condition, that affects millions, mostly women over age 50. And if left untreated, dry eyes can lead to a decrease in vision.
Peanuts, bee stings and fear: A U-M Health System allergy specialist discusses severe allergic reactions, who may be at risk for this life-threatening event, and what allergy dangers may lurk in the warmth of summer.
Exposing children early in life to dust and other microbial agents could protect them from developing asthma, according to new research in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI).
Asthma affects 20 million Americans, with minorities having the greatest risk of dying from, or being diagnosed with the disease. African Americans are particularly at risk and research shows they're four times more likely to be hospitalized and five times more likely to die of asthma.
Soon millions will experience the runny nose, watery eyes and other symptoms of spring allergies. Because of the wet and relatively mild winter this winter throughout most of the country, U-M experts warn that mold and other spring allergies could be especially bad this year.
Parents of food-allergic children are often overwhelmed with the wide-ranging tasks and lifestyle limitations that help keep their child safe.
While both inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) have been proven to help control mild-to-moderate persistent asthma in school-age children, a new study shows ICS may be the more effective treatment.
Certain features of the anthroposophic lifestyle, such as restrictive use of antibiotics and fever antipyretics, reduce the risk of allergic disease in children, according to a new study.
Now that spring allergy victims are finally feeling relief from the diminishing tree and grass pollen, along comes the start of the ragweed pollen season, promising new challenges and miserable rounds of sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes for the more than 36 million Americans who have hay fever.
Ragweed is a prolific pollen producer and the number one cause of seasonal allergy symptoms. A single ragweed plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains, and each grain can travel more than 100 miles from its source say experts.
New government regulations will soon require food companies to clearly label foods containing major allergens, but companies aren't sure how they will accurately accomplish this. A major problem no one yet agrees on is how to measure the amount of allergen in a food that poses a risk.
Learn more about new treatments for rapid heartbeats, tips for summer safety, seasonal allergies linked to asthma, pregnancy and back pain, and the benefits of breastfeeding.
This time of year is particularly difficult for people who suffer from asthma and allergies. The University of Missouri-Columbia is making sure people know how to create healthier homes free of allergens, a leading cause for missed days from school and work.
As gardening enthusiasts head for their yards, so do millions of pollen and mold spores, triggering sneezing and wheezing for those who suffer from seasonal allergies.
People with stinging insect allergies don't have to live in fear of picnics, parks and gardens. Studies have shown that allergy shots, known as immunotherapy, are 97 percent effective in protecting allergic people from potentially life-threatening reactions to insect sting venom.
Although allergies to stinging insects are more common, allergic reactions have been reported following many different types of arthropod bites, primarily "kissing bugs" (Triatoma), flies, or mosquitoes.
Dr. Carla Dieter, faculty member at South Dakota State University, is an expert on the subject of allergies.
An international study by food scientists confirmed that highly refined soybean oil does not cause reactions in people who are allergic to soybeans, said food toxicologist Sue Hefle, who headed this research with food scientist Steve Taylor.
Many of us welcome the warm weather as a chance to get outdoors after winter's confinement. But for people with hay fever, outside can be the worst place to be in the spring. Harvard Women's Health Watch reports why certain people get allergies, what you can do to prevent allergic reactions, and what medications you can take to treat them.
Children's Medical Center Dallas has launched an interactive tool Web tool that makes it fun for parents and children to learn about allergy triggers found inside and outside the home.
UCLA experts are available for interviews about the impact of diesel fuel particles in air pollution that may contribute to an increase in asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems.
Allergy and asthma sufferers can anticipate a higher level of symptoms this spring due to a "massive germination" of allergens expected after Southern California's heavy rains in January, says Zab Mosenifar, M.D., director of pulmonary and critical care at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
The world's leading researchers in allergic disease will gather in San Antonio, March 18-22, 2005, for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's (AAAAI's) 2005 Annual Meeting.
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