Allergy
hideAllergy is a disorder of the immune system often also referred to as atopy. Allergic reactions occur to normally harmless environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees.
Mild allergies like hay fever are highly prevalent in the human population and cause symptoms such as allergic conjunctivitis, itchiness, and runny nose. Allergies can play a major role in conditions such as asthma. In some people, severe allergies to environmental or dietary allergens or to medication may result in life-threatening anaphylactic reactions and potentially death.
A variety of tests now exist to diagnose allergic conditions; these include testing the skin for responses to known allergens or analyzing the blood for the presence and levels of allergen-specific IgE. Treatments for allergies include allergen avoidance, use of anti-histamines, steroids or other oral medications, immunotherapy to desensitize the response to allergen, and targeted therapy.
For more information about Allergy, read the full article at
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News tagged with allergy
Imaging tests identify role of allergies in chronic sinus disease
Dec 21, 2009 |
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Exposing patients with chronic sinus disease to allergens and then obtaining repeated images by X-ray or ultrasound reveals that nasal allergies may be involved in some cases of chronic sinus disease, according to a report ...
Microbes help mothers protect kids from allergies
Dec 07, 2009 |
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A pregnant woman's exposure to microbes may protect her child from developing allergies later in life. Researchers in Marburg, Germany find that exposure to environmental bacteria triggers a mild inflammatory response in ...
Childhood eczema is a growing problem
Apr 08, 2009 |
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Michelle Stevens first noticed the red, blotchy patches on her toddler's feet after he started walking. Every time Noah walked outdoors in their grassy backyard, the blotches appeared.
Scientists visualize how bacteria talk to one another
Nov 08, 2009 |
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Using imaging mass spectrometry, researchers at the University of California, San Diego have developed tools that will enable scientists to visualize how different cell populations of cells communicate. Their ...
Physicians knowledge of childhood food allergies needs room for improvement
Dec 09, 2009 |
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With an estimated four to six percent of children in the U.S. suffering from food allergies, a new study shows that pediatricians and family physicians aren't always confident they have the ability to diagnose or treat food ...
Genetic trigger for disease-fighting antibodies discoverd
Jul 16, 2009 |
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A research team led by the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology has identified the specific gene which triggers the body to produce disease-fighting antibodies -- a seminal finding that clarifies the exact molecular ...
To Fight Drug Addiction, Researchers Target the Brain with Nanoparticles
Nanotechnology / Bio & Medicine
Mar 23, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- A precise, new nanotechnology treatment for drug addiction may be on the horizon as the result of research conducted at the University at Buffalo.
Vitamin D levels linked to asthma severity
Apr 23, 2009 |
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New research provides evidence for a link between vitamin D insufficiency and asthma severity.
Common fragrance ingredients in shampoos, conditioners are frequent causes of eczema
Mar 27, 2009 |
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Considerably more people than previously believed are allergic to the most common fragrance ingredient used in shampoos, conditioners and soap. A thesis presented at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden ...
Scientists unlock mystery of potentially fatal reaction to smallpox vaccine
May 25, 2009 |
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Researchers from the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology have pinpointed the cellular defect that increases the likelihood, among eczema sufferers, of developing eczema vaccinatum, a severe and potentially fatal reaction ...
Penicillin Allergy Not Always Accurate
Medicine & Health / Medications
Feb 26, 2009 |
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(PhysOrg.com) -- If you think that you are allergic to penicillin, ask yourself this: How do you know?
Eczema in children is increasing, but diet is not the cause: Avoiding foods may do more harm than good
Mar 20, 2009 |
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One in five children are now affected by this skin condition, which is often associated with an allergy. Many people believe that certain foods are responsible, or at least make the symptoms worse. However, in information ...
Scientists discover key factor in controlling the breakdown of bone
Feb 08, 2009 |
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A new study demonstrates that a chemical mediator in the blood that influences immune cell migration also plays a key role in maintaining the balance between the build-up and breakdown of bones in the body. This mediator, ...
Hold that tissue: Allergy help may be on the way
Feb 13, 2009 |
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It isn’t beach weather in most of the United States right now, but it’s never too early to be thinking about spring and summer. Unfortunately, for people with allergies, today’s daydreams can turn into nightmares ...
Drinking milk to ease milk allergy?
Oct 30, 2008 |
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Giving children with milk allergies increasingly higher doses of milk over time may ease, and even help them completely overcome, their allergic reactions, according to the results of a study led by the Johns Hopkins Children's ...
