healthy body tips

Allergies affect approximately 40 percent of children in America and allergic disorders rank #1 among children’s chronic diseases. Food allergies, which affect 5 percent of children, can be one of the more dangerous types, and in some cases requires constant vigilance of every bite of food a child takes. But help may be on the way for those with milk allergies, and maybe even those who suffer from reactions to peanuts, eggs, and other common foodstuffs.

Xolair, manufactured by Genentech, is an asthma drug that is in trials to test the effects of allergy desensitization. A small preliminary study was conducted simultaneously at Stanford University Hospital and Children’s Hospital Boston, where they found that the drug helped to quiet an overactive immune response to dairy. Due to its success, a larger study has already been launched and is currently ongoing.

The initial study involved eleven children with severe dairy allergy. On an allergy scale of 1 to 100, the children ranked at the high end, all in the 90th percentile, which equates to severe allergic—and possibly life-threatening—reactions. Over the course of nine weeks, the children received injections of Xolair, which blocks the immune protein IgE. They then took the medication for an additional two to three months, while slowly increasing their intake of milk, working up to two ounces per day. For two more months, the children had a daily milk intake of two ounces.

At the end of the study, with nine of eleven children finishing the course of treatment, they were tested with an eight-ounce glass of milk. All nine children were able to drink the entire amount without any side effects.

Milk allergies affect 2 to 3 percent of infants in the United States and is the most common allergy in infants and small children. Typical symptoms of dairy allergies include respiratory (asthma, wheezing, constriction of throat), gastrointestinal (severe gas, diarrhea, vomiting), and dermatological (hives, rashes), as well as serious anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Milk allergy sufferers need to be very careful about checking ingredients in everyday products: there are the obvious ones like milk, ice cream, yogurt and cheese, but dairy can also be hidden in bread, cereal, instant soups, powdered breakfast drinks, margarine, lunch meats, pancake/biscuit/cake mixes, and more. Look not only for milk in the ingredient list, but also casein, whey, rennet, lactalbumin, lactalbumin phosphate, lactoglobulin, lactoferrin, lactulose, hydrolysates, and even things like cheese flavoring and artificial butter flavor.

If you suffer from seasonal ragweed allergies, you may have noticed that your allergy symptoms are lasting longer each year, especially if you live within the northern climates of the U.S. and into Canada. According to a new study, your imagination is not the culprit, but a change in climate that’s extending your season of misery. The findings of the study were recently published in the online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The new research suggests that ragweed season has grown longer by more than two weeks for people who reside in areas of the northern U.S., while for those who live in certain areas of Canada, the suffering season has been extended by almost a full month. According to the study background information, ragweed pollen sensitivity is very common among U.S. allergy sufferers, with at least one in ten Americans being affected. In fact, about 27 percent of Americans who suffer from allergies are sensitive to ragweed.

Lewis Ziska, a plant physiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s crop system and global change laboratory, and his colleagues set out to discover why there has been a continuous increase in allergic disease occuring within the U.S. over the past three decades. Experts have theorized that the increase is due to an extended exposure to allergens linked to longer pollen seasons caused by global climate changes.

The research team analyzed data from both the U.S. and Canada regarding ragweed and daily temperatures. Their findings showed that between 1995 and 2009, the number of days in the ragweed pollen season increased in eight of the 10 latitudes examined, including all seven of those analyzed that were north of 40 degrees latitude. The length of the season increased as the location moved further north, with the exception of the Oklahoma City area.

Results of the study showed that in Canada, Winnipeg had 25 days longer of misery for allergy sufferers, and in Saskatoon, it was 27 days longer. Northernmost areas of the U.S. examined included Minneapolis, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota found to have a 13-day extension of ragweed season, while LaCrosse, Wisconsin had an additional 13 days, and Madison, Wisconsin had an additional 12 days, followed closely by Papillion, Nebraska having 11 additional days. Southernmost areas studied showed an actual 3-day decrease in the allergy season for Rogers, Arkansas, and a 4-day decrease in Georgetown, Texas, while Oklahoma City had only a 1-day decrease.

Regarding the outcome of the analysis, Ziska acknowledged, “This study is a confirmation of what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has been projecting. We’ve gone from a theoretical projection of changes in the timing of ragweed season, to boots on the ground starting to see it happen.” He then warned, “This is a caution light. Pollen seasons may be getting longer, and climate change may have health implications as well.”

What allergy sufferers can do to to arm themselves against the onslaught of the ever-increasing allergy season, is to keep a close eye on their local pollen conditions before planning to spend time outdoors. After spending time outside, take a shower, wash your hair, and change into fresh clothing to shed the pollen you may bring indoors with you. In addition, wash your bedding often to minimize pollen contact.

However, don’t go overboard and turn into a couch potato during allergy season while trying to avoid the outdoor allergens. Keeping fit can go a long way to maintaining the good health necessary to battle those allergy symptoms. Visit the gym, workout with the Wii, jump on the treadmill, or clean the house.

If you suffer from seasonal ragweed allergies, you may have noticed that your allergy symptoms are lasting longer each year, especially if you live within the northern climates of the U.S. and into Canada. According to a new study, your imagination is not the culprit, but a change in climate that’s extending your season of misery. The findings of the study were recently published in the online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The new research suggests that ragweed season has grown longer by more than two weeks for people who reside in areas of the northern U.S., while for those who live in certain areas of Canada, the suffering season has been extended by almost a full month. According to the study background information, ragweed pollen sensitivity is very common among U.S. allergy sufferers, with at least one in ten Americans being affected. In fact, about 27 percent of Americans who suffer from allergies are sensitive to ragweed.

Lewis Ziska, a plant physiologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s crop system and global change laboratory, and his colleagues set out to discover why there has been a continuous increase in allergic disease occuring within the U.S. over the past three decades. Experts have theorized that the increase is due to an extended exposure to allergens linked to longer pollen seasons caused by global climate changes.

The research team analyzed data from both the U.S. and Canada regarding ragweed and daily temperatures. Their findings showed that between 1995 and 2009, the number of days in the ragweed pollen season increased in eight of the 10 latitudes examined, including all seven of those analyzed that were north of 40 degrees latitude. The length of the season increased as the location moved further north, with the exception of the Oklahoma City area.

Results of the study showed that in Canada, Winnipeg had 25 days longer of misery for allergy sufferers, and in Saskatoon, it was 27 days longer. Northernmost areas of the U.S. examined included Minneapolis, Minnesota and Fargo, North Dakota found to have a 13-day extension of ragweed season, while LaCrosse, Wisconsin had an additional 13 days, and Madison, Wisconsin had an additional 12 days, followed closely by Papillion, Nebraska having 11 additional days. Southernmost areas studied showed an actual 3-day decrease in the allergy season for Rogers, Arkansas, and a 4-day decrease in Georgetown, Texas, while Oklahoma City had only a 1-day decrease.

Regarding the outcome of the analysis, Ziska acknowledged, “This study is a confirmation of what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has been projecting. We’ve gone from a theoretical projection of changes in the timing of ragweed season, to boots on the ground starting to see it happen.” He then warned, “This is a caution light. Pollen seasons may be getting longer, and climate change may have health implications as well.”

What allergy sufferers can do to to arm themselves against the onslaught of the ever-increasing allergy season, is to keep a close eye on their local pollen conditions before planning to spend time outdoors. After spending time outside, take a shower, wash your hair, and change into fresh clothing to shed the pollen you may bring indoors with you. In addition, wash your bedding often to minimize pollen contact.

However, don’t go overboard and turn into a couch potato during allergy season while trying to avoid the outdoor allergens. Keeping fit can go a long way to maintaining the good health necessary to battle those allergy symptoms. Visit the gym, workout with the Wii, jump on the treadmill, or clean the house.

Atopic dermatitis, one of the most common forms of eczema in this family of inflammatory skin diseases, is a chronic disease marked by red, cracked and itchy skin. Now growing evidence suggests that atopic dermatitis is a precursor of allergic disease rather than a consequence. Dermatologists advise parents of infants and young children affected by this common skin condition to be aware of the possibility of food allergies in the future.

Speaking at the 69th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), dermatologist Jon M. Hanifin, MD, MPH, professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, discussed the relationship between atopic dermatitis and food allergies, as well as new food allergy guidelines issued in December 2010 by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

"Considering that six to 10 percent of children have atopic dermatitis and one third of individuals may have documented food allergy, the number of these children affected by food allergies can be important," said Dr. Hanifin. "In most cases, patients experience atopic dermatitis before food allergies, so it's important for parents of infants and young children affected by this skin condition to be aware of the risk of allergies foods. "

A recent five-year multicenter study conducted by Dr. Hanifin and other babies aged three to 18 months, found that even in mild cases of atopic dermatitis, approximately 15 percent of infants had definite food allergy. Dr. Hanifin said also that patients with more severe cases of atopic dermatitis usually have a higher incidence of developing food allergies. Despite this and other studies confirm the strong correlation between atopic dermatitis and food allergies, the appropriate test for an allergy to food - as recommended in the new guidelines - is critical in determining whether a real food allergy exists.

The new guidelines NIAID food allergy clearly define a food allergy as an adverse health event that is derived from an immune reaction to exposure to a specific food. Usually, food allergy occurs rapidly (within 30 minutes of time a person is exposed to food), with symptoms such as hives, itchy skin on the lips. More serious reactions can include respiratory, gastrointestinal or anaphylaxis which could be potentially very dangerous.

In contrast, sensitization to food is not the same as being allergic to food. Specifically, allergic sensitization to food is determined by the presence of specific IgE antibodies - which are antibodies produced in response to foreign proteins that come into contact with the body - in blood and confirmed by blood tests or skin.
<!--24680a3071374e7e83688bc90b308566-->

If you still have symptoms despite efforts to avoid allergens, you might explore medication options. Whether you choose medication, read the product labels and know the side effects. The following list includes the treatment of allergy more common (both OTC and prescription) and specific allergic conditions and their treatments. In particular, when treating children for allergies, it is wise to consult with your health care provider of the new systems. Some medications are not as effective in children, and some medications can affect the behavior and sleep, and cause serious side effects.

Antihistamines - As the name implies, antihistamines counter the effects of histamine released during an allergic reaction. They are widely used to treat many allergy-related conditions. They are often combined with decongestants and are available in a variety of formulas over the counter (such as Advil ® Allergy Sinus, Alavert Allergy & Sinus, Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Claritin, Contact, Dimetap, Robitussin cough and allergy Triaminic Cold and Allergy, Allergy and Tylenol) and prescription (such as Allegra, Clarinex and Zyrtec). Some may cause drowsiness and slowed reactions. Others do not. antihistamine nasal sprays are also available to treat allergic rhinitis (eg, Astelin). Antihistamine eye drops can also be used for quick relief of itchy eyes associated with allergies (such as Patanol).

Leukotriene blockers - Leukotrienes are another substance released in the body that trigger allergy symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose or wheezing. Montelukast sodium (Singulair) is a prescription drug that can prevent symptoms by blocking leukotrienes. It is used in adults and children as young as 2 years. Also used to treat asthma.

Decongestants - People who experience nasal congestion (stuffiness) due to allergies or sinusitis sometimes consider oral decongestant or nasal spray for relief. Decongestants are also included in eye drops to reduce redness caused by conjunctivitis. They work by constricting blood vessels and reduce swelling. Be careful when using some nasal spray decongestants. If used for a long time (more than 3-4 days), you may experience a rebound effect, where nasal congestion symptoms return. Concerns have been raised about oral decongestants and their side effects and abuse potential. Now available behind the counter. Consult your pharmacist.

Corticosteroids - These anti-inflammatory agents used to treat itching and swelling associated with a variety of allergic disorders. The most commonly used forms are corticosteroid nasal sprays for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis (such as Flonase, Nasalide, Nasocort, Nasonex, Rhinocort), nonprescription, topical corticosteroid creams for hives, dermatitis, insect stings and reactions , and inhaled corticosteroids for asthma. Corticosteroids orally or injected less frequently used for more severe cases of asthma, dermatitis or other allergic reactions.

Cromolyn Sodium / Nedocromil Sodium - These are another type of anti-inflammatory drug. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray can be used to treat and sometimes prevent allergic rhinitis. It works by preventing the release of histamine from mast cells. Cromolyn nasal spray is available without a prescription and is gentle and effective. It usually takes a few days to start working. Eyedrop versions are available for itchy, bloodshot eyes. Inhaled nedocromil sodium is used to treat asthma inflammation, which can be exacerbated by allergies.

Epinephrine - Epinephrine (adrenaline) is used for emergency treatment in cases of anaphylaxis from insect bites, food or drug allergies. It is most commonly administered with a device called an injectable epinephrine kit (such as EpiPen or Twinject). Epinephrine constricts the small blood vessels in the skin and mucous membranes, which increases heart rate and blood pressure to normal levels. Epinephrine also is an antihistamine.