Scientists have discovered a gene defect that “can triple the risk of a child developing an allergy to peanuts”, BBC News has reported. The affected gene, called the filaggrin gene, is already known to play a role in other allergy-related conditions, such as some forms of eczema.
These findings come from a study that looked at…
Archive for May, 2011
New genetic clue to peanut allergy
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
Children Living On NYC Blocks Where Asthma Is Common Have Higher Levels Of Exposure To Cockroach Allergens And Are More Likely To Be Sensitized To It
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
In New York City, the prevalence of asthma among children entering school varies by neighborhood anywhere from 3% to 19%, and children growing up within walking distance of each other can have 2-3 fold differences in risk for having asthma. In the first comprehensive effort to understand what drives these localized differences, researchers at Columbia…
Asthma May Raise Risk of Diabetes, Heart Disease
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
Asthma may increase your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, shows new research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in San Francisco.
The common denominator between these conditions appears to be inflammation, according to researchers led by Young J. Juhn, MD, MPH, of the Mayo Clinic in…
Athletes With Allergies, Asthma Can Play It Safe
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
As athletes of all ages take the field this summer, the most fearsome opponents for those with asthma and allergies might be triggers that can sideline even the toughest competitors.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and its allergist members say everyone can stay in the game and make sure it’s fun and…
Asthma risk may rise with preterm birth: study
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
Preterm birth, and even early term birth, may put babies at higher risk for needing asthma medication during childhood and adolescence, according to a Swedish study.
“Every week in the womb is important for the fetus in order to reduce the risk of childhood asthma,” said Hartmut Vogt from Linkoping University in Sweden, who worked on…
It’s The Worst Allergy Season Ever, Says Science
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
We cannot even begin to tell you how many boxes of Kleenex, blister packs of Claritin, and bottles of eye droplets we go through every spring to combat the evil allergies Mother Nature throws our way. It sucks. But this year, we’ve been swearing it sucks harder than usual, and it turns out we were…
Asthma Causes Nearly 13 Million Missed School Days Each Year
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
Breathing. It is a process most people take for granted, but for 34.1 million Americans, it’s not so simple.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the US, affecting nearly one in 12 people, particularly low-income and minority households. It is also one of the most common diseases for children, with nearly 7…
What is a house dust mite?
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
Mites belong to the order same as spiders, and have existed for longer than insects.
Dust mites flourish in the controlled environment provided to them by buildings.
In nature they are killed by predators and by exposure to direct sun rays.
Dust mites are considered to be the most common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide.
The enzymes…
Environmental toxins cost kids’ health, billions in health dollars
Friday, May 6th, 2011
Researchers warn of the dangers of childhood exposure to environmental toxins that accounted for 3.5 percent of all health care dollars spent in 2008.
The cost of conditions like childhood cancer, asthma, autism, lead poisoning and ADHD has been estimated to be $76.6 billion in 2008. Scientists are calling for a three…
Many Restaurant Staff Are Undertrained and Misinformed About Food Allergies, Study Finds
Friday, May 6th, 2011
A new study published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy reveals that there is no association between a restaurant worker’s knowledge of food allergy and his or her confidence in being able to provide a safe meal to a food allergic customer.
Food allergies are common, affecting 2% of adults and as much as 8%…
