Researchers have developed new, more effective tests for food manufacturers to test their products for milk proteins. According to experts, standard tests may fail to detect some allergenic milk proteins, potentially putting patients at risk. The standard test used to detect milk-protein residues in processed foods may not work as well as previously believed in… [Continue Reading]
Standard Milk Allergy Tests May Miss Reaction to Some Harmful Proteins
March 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Development of Immune Cell Gives Insights into Allergies and Asthma
February 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have made an important discovery about the immune system that could lead to future treatments for allergies and asthma. The newly published study describes how a certain immune cell type develops and functions. This cell triggers early immune responses, and changing its behavior could be a new approach to managing these conditions. A collaboration… [Continue Reading]
Nursing Home Visits Reduces Hosptial Use by Asthmatic Children
February 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A community program developed to improve the care of children with asthma has shown remarkable success, according to a study of the program published today. The initiative involves home visits by nurses, and significantly reduced the frequency of hospital visits by asthmatic kids. Nearly 1 in 10 children have asthma, according to government statistics, and… [Continue Reading]
Best Method for Identifying Food Allergies Underused
November 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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]