Allergies

Hay Fever: an Underdiagnosed and Chronic Disease

Hay Fever: an Underdiagnosed and Chronic Disease – MM1608

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis, hay fever, has increased more than 10-fold in the past century all over the world. Allergic rhinitis is a significant chronic disease that affects the younger, usually healthier people. Allergic rhinitis significantly affects quality of life, impairs work performance and affects cognitive functioning. Inhaled airborne grass and tree pollens are the major causes of hay fever. Hay fever severely affects people during plants’ flowering seasons in the region they live. Effective therapies are available, including antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids. Immunotherapy is also effective treatment for the more severely affected patients.

Modern Medicine – August 2016

August 29, 2016 by Peter Allergies Hay Fever

Study Reveals Positive IgE Level Association with Respiratory Allergen-related Symptoms

Study Reveals Positive IgE Level Association with Respiratory Allergen-related Symptoms – MM1604

Commonly, the relation between IgE sensitization and allergic respiratory symptoms has been evaluated by dichotomizing specific IgE levels. In the study, Olivieri et al (2016)1 evaluated the association between specific IgE levels and risk of symptoms on allergen-related exposure, with special reference to allergen-related asthma-rhinitis comorbidity.
A clear positive association was observed between specific IgE levels to cat/grass/mite and the risk of symptoms on each allergen-related exposure. This trend was particularly pronounced when considering the coexistence of asthmalike and oculonasal symptoms.

Modern Medicine – April 2016

April 21, 2016 by Peter Allergies

A Clinical Approach to Allergic Rhinitis

A Clinical Approach to Allergic Rhinitis – MM1511

History is a critical aspect of the assessment process in allergic rhinitis, and provides a framework for interpreting investigations including serum specific IgE and skin test results. Management comprises allergen avoidance, symptomatic drug therapy and allergen-specific immunotherapy, the latter being an effective longterm treatment.

Modern Medicine – November 2015

November 24, 2015 by Peter Allergies ENT Immunology Pulmonology

Food Allergies are an Increasing Global Epidemic

Food Allergies are an Increasing Global Epidemic – MM1504

Food allergy is defined as an adverse immune response towards food proteins or as a form of a food intolerance associated with a hypersensitive immune response. Many reported food reactions are not allergic but are in fact intolerances. Food allergy often presents to clinicians as a symptom complex. According to clinical presentations and allergy testing, there are three types of food allergy: immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated, mixed (IgE/Non-IgE), and non-IgE mediated (cellular, delayed type hypersensitivity).

Modern Medicine – April 2015

April 28, 2015 by Peter Allergies

Epinephrine, First-line Treatment for High-risk Allergic Reactions

Epinephrine, First-line Treatment for High-risk Allergic Reactions – MM1409

Any allergic reaction, including the most extreme form, anaphylaxis, occurs when the body’s immune system reacts inappropriately in response to the presence of a substance that is wrongly perceived as a threat. Anaphylaxis is an acute, potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction, involving the release of mediators from mast cells, basophils and recruited inflammatory cells. Anaphylaxis is defined according to a number of signs and symptoms occurring alone or in combination within minutes or up to a few hours after exposure to a provoking agent.

Modern Medicine – September 2014

October 2, 2014 by Peter Allergies

Levocetirizine Effectively Treats Paediatric Allergies

Levocetirizine Effectively Treats Paediatric Allergies – MM1409

Allergies and allergic manifestations are a major problem both here in our country and around the world. Epidemiological data indicates a 10% to 30% increase in incidence of allergic disease over the past decades.

Modern Medicine – September 2014

October 2, 2014 by Peter Allergies

Allergy Testing in Paediatric Atopic Dermatitis

Allergy Testing in Paediatric Atopic Dermatitis – MM1409

In a child with atopic dermatitis, parents and the treating doctor may desire or need to consider the potential role of allergic triggers. The role of allergens in atopic dermatitis and the available and appropriate allergy testing methods are discussed in this article.

Modern Medicine – September 2014

October 2, 2014 by Peter Allergies Dermatology Paediatrics

Is the Classification of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Outdated?

Is the Classification of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis Outdated? – MM1409

More than 300m individuals in industrialised countries suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR). AR has been of increasing importance over recent decades due to the rise in prevalence and linked co-morbidities, including asthma and chronic upper respiratory tract infections.

Modern Medicine – September 2014

October 2, 2014 by Peter Allergies

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: Keys to Improving Quality of Life

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria: Keys to Improving Quality of Life – MM1309

The intense pruritus and evanescent skin lesions of urticaria are poorly tolerated by patients, and long-term disease can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety and reduced quality of life. Non-sedating antihistamines, patient education and psychological support form the basis of management.

Modern Medicine – September 2013

September 12, 2013 by Peter Allergies

A Task for All Seasons Alleviating Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis

A Task for All Seasons Alleviating Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis – MM1309

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is common, impacts significantly on the quality of life of the sufferer and imposes a significant economic burden through loss of productivity. Symptoms may occur all year, seasonally or have seasonal flares depending on the allergen causing them.

Modern Medicine – September 2013

September 12, 2013 by Peter Allergies ENT

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