The common skin bacterial germ called Staphylococcus Aureus has been recognised as a common trigger for suddenly worsening eczema in children. Children with eczema have a deficient skin barrier to common allergens and bacteria, and their skin also becomes more extensively colonised by the staphylococcus. This staphylococcus releases an endotoxin which can cause deterioration and [...]
Allergic reactions to tree nuts are becoming more common. Walnut allergy diagnosis has been on a rapid increase now becoming a very common sensitising nut in children. Now found in 4% of children and 0.5% of adults and affects 34% of all tree nut allergic individuals (data Thermofisher). The allergenic protein in the Walnut (Jug [...]
Now that Summer is getting back into full swing, allergy sufferers are going to need to be vigilant and start taking the antihistamines. Grass pollens are likely to cause hay fever and allergic rhino-conjunctivitis as the weather warms up. Wasps are going to get more active. First sun exposure is likely to cause Prickly Heat [...]
Historically, Total IgE measurement on a blood sample was used as an entry level test to identify allergy prone patients. However over the years it have become apparent that Total IgE levels can vary in both allergic and non allergic individuals. Some patients with significant nasal allergies may in fact have relatively low Total IgE, [...]
The sudden hot weather due to hit Southern England and London this Easter weekend will act as a massive stimulus to grass and trees to pollinate and erupt with a very high pollen release called a "Pollen Bomb". This will be most unpleasant for Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever sufferers, and they should start taking [...]
Local Pharmacies are marketing small devices that shin red light into the nose as a treatment for hay fever and rhinitis. There has been a lot of interest in the role of Rhinophototherapy using narrow band red light phototherapy and its ability to stabilise the nasal mucous membranes. Some patients report positive results with this [...]
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be very debilitating with abdominal discomfort, bloating, excess wind and frequent loose stools. IBS can severely affect quality of life (QOL). Various hypotheses have been put forward as causes for this chronic condition including stress, disordered bowel flora and sensitivity to gas forming carbohydrates in the diet such as fermentable FODMAPs [...]
Ever since naturopath Dr Peter D'Adamo published his book "Eat Right 4 Your Type" in 1996, there has been intense media interest in the concept that certain blood group individuals respond better to high plant versus high protein and paleo diets. The book makes interesting reading and although the diets are healthy and all avoid [...]
Allergic rhinitis and hay fever affect 1 in 5 adults in the UK. Peak pollen counts (May to July) coincide with GCSE examinations and hay fever sufferers are likely to drop a grade in their exams due to detrimental symptoms of hay fever. 70% of hay fever sufferers are on antihistamines and of these at least [...]
Coconut is a tree nut and can cause allergic reactions such as occurs with Brazil nuts, Cashew nuts and Hazelnuts. We used to think it was quite a rare food allergy and was not often reported as problematic. But prevalences seem to on the increase and more people report oral allergic reactions and rashes when [...]