Many children’s food allergies might be going identified, due to underuse of the best diagnostic test, a new study reports. Oral food challenges are the best method of detecting allergies, although the procedure is time-consuming, and yet only 15% of children receiving an allergy diagnosis completed the test. Oral food challenges are the gold standard… [Continue Reading]
Vitamin C Has Beneficial Effect for Asthma in Children
August 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A new study indicates that vitamin C can have a significant impact on the symptoms of asthma in children. Although the effect varied depending on a child’s age, environment, and condition, researchers have found a significant improvement of lung capacity after supplementation with the vitamin. Depending on the age of asthmatic children, on their exposure… [Continue Reading]
So-Called Hypoallergenic Dogs Do Not Produce Fewer Allergens: Study
July 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
New work casts doubt on the idea that certain breeds of dogs are less prone to causing allergic reactions. Researchers tested the levels of allergens found in homes with a variety of different dog breeds, and found no difference. Contrary to popular belief, so-called hypoallergenic dogs do not have lower household allergen levels than other… [Continue Reading]
Master Protein that Regulates the Immune System Linked to Asthma
July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Levels of a certain protein called gamma-interferon in the blood have been linked to protection against asthma, but the correlation has not been entirely clear. Indeed, severe asthmatics often have high levels of the protein in the lungs. A new study examined the function of the protein, which suggests that it may drive an inappropriate… [Continue Reading]
Normal Gut Flora May Confer Protection From Allergies
July 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Having the normal complement of bacteria in the gut may protect the body against allergies and asthma, a new study suggests. Scientists infected mice with the bacteria that forms a normal part of the human intestinal flora, and found that it was linked to a significant reduction in the allergic response. Infection with the gastric… [Continue Reading]
Baking Milk Could Help Children Overcome Dairy Allergy
July 5, 2011 By 1 Comment
Heat during baking helps break down the allergenic proteins in milk, and including baked milk in the diet of children who have dairy allergies may be one strategy to help them overcome them. A new study gradually introduced increasing quantities of milk in allergic children’s diets, beginning with the most heated forms and transitioning to… [Continue Reading]
Traditional Korean Medicine Reduces Pulmonary Inflammation
July 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Pulmonary inflammation is one of the key symptoms of asthma. While many patients use modern drugs to control their symptoms, new work suggests that traditional Asian medicine can also be effective, normalizing the immune system response in patients. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) using a traditional Korean medicine, SO-CHEONG-RYONG-TANG (SCRT) that has… [Continue Reading]
Children Likely to Be Low on Vitamin D Have Higher Rate of Asthma
May 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Too much sun exposure can be harmful to the skin, and is linked to cancer, but some exposure is required for the synthesis of vitamin D in the body. Previous research has shown that this vitamin is required for the health of bones and other organs, and new work shows that it may also be… [Continue Reading]
Link Between Skin Inflammation and Food Allergies
May 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Inflammation of the skin is often associated with food allergies, especially on contact, and new research is helping scientists understand why. Recent work shows that the immune system undergoes specific changes when the skin comes in contact with an allergen, that may sensitize the rest of the body’s allergic response. Atopic dermatitis is a form… [Continue Reading]
Vaccine Against Dust Mite Allergies In Development
March 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Millions of people suffer from allergies to dust mites, which can trigger asthma and cause breathing problems. Researchers are now trying to develop a vaccine against dust mite allergies, which would inoculate individuals gradually to build up resistance. Monash University researchers are working on a vaccine that could completely cure asthma brought on by house… [Continue Reading]