Egg Allergy No Longer a Reason to Avoid Getting a Flu Vaccine

Along with fall comes flu season, but having an egg allergy is not a reason to avoid getting the 2010-2011 flu vaccination. According to a new paper published on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) website, recent studies show that most egg allergic individuals can receive the flu vaccine safely under the care of their allergist/immunologist. . read more.

Deployment to Iraq linked to higher asthma risk

During the early stages of the Iraq War a research team began investigating diagnoses of new-onset asthma among deployed soldiers. Their research finds that among the 6,233 troops on active duty from 2004-07, the rate of new-onset asthma was 6.6% for Iraq-deployed soldiers and 4.4% for stateside-based ones. A total of 290 new-onset cases were identified between both groups. The relative odds of coming back from deployment in Iraq with new-onset asthma was 1.58 times (or 158%) and this association held for both genders and all age groups. . read more.

Vocal cord dysfunction: Is it a type of asthma?

Although they can have similar triggers and symptoms, vocal cord dysfunction is not the same as asthma. With asthma, exposure to a lung irritant triggers the release of immune system chemicals that cause the airways (bronchial tubes) to tighten and produce excess mucus. With vocal cord dysfunction, also called paradoxical vocal cord movement and laryngeal dysfunction, vocal cord muscles tighten and make breathing difficult. Unlike asthma, vocal cord dysfunction isn't an allergic reaction and doesn't involve the lower airways. Because they have similar triggers and symptoms, it's common for vocal cord dysfunction to be misdiagnosed as asthma. . read more.

Reactive airway disease: Is it asthma?

Sometimes the terms "reactive airway disease" and "asthma" are used interchangeably. However, they're not necessarily the same thing. Reactive airway disease is a general term that doesn't indicate a specific diagnosis. . read more.

Asthma and acid reflux: Are they linked?

Asthma and acid reflux often occur together. It isn't clear why, or whether one causes the other. What we do know is that acid reflux can worsen asthma — and asthma can worsen acid reflux. This can be particularly true if you have severe acid reflux, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). . read more.

Asthma without wheezing: Is this possible?

Yes, it's possible to have asthma without wheezing. A wheeze is a whistling sound produced by air flowing through a narrowed airway. Although a wheeze occurs primarily on exhaling, it can be heard on inhaling as well. Wheezing is a common sign of asthma, particularly in children. However, asthma doesn't always produce a wheeze you can hear. . read more.

Severe Food Allergies Turned Off in Mice

Johns Hopkins scientists have discovered a way to turn off the immune system's allergic reaction to certain food proteins in mice, a discovery that could have implications for the millions of people who suffer severe reactions to foods, such as peanuts and milk. The findings, published online in the journal Nature Medicine, provide hope that the body could, under close medical supervision, be trained to tolerate food allergies that lead to roughly 300,000 emergency room visits and 100 to 200 deaths each year. . read more.

Ozone air purifiers: Can they improve asthma symptoms?

Despite manufacturer's claims, ozone air purifiers don't remove particles from the air that may trigger asthma attacks. In fact, inhaled ozone can make asthma worse. Ozone generators sold as air purifiers intentionally produce the air pollutant ozone. . read more.

Asthma diet: What you eat can affect asthma symptoms

Foods may play some role, but more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between foods and asthma. One thing that is certain: There's no such thing as an asthma diet that will eliminate your symptoms. . read more.

Asthma: Why are symptoms worse during my period?

Nearly half of women with asthma report worsening asthma symptoms during their menstrual cycle. Just before and during your period, levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen decrease, and these hormone changes may cause worsening asthma symptoms in some women. Other changes in hormone levels may also worsen or improve asthma symptoms. . read more.

LABAs for asthma — Should I stop taking them?

In some studies, long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) have been linked to life-threatening asthma attacks. The risk appears to be greatest when a LABA is used without also using an inhaled corticosteroid. In contrast, taking an inhaled corticosteroid along with a LABA is appropriate treatment for many people who have asthma. Don't stop any of your asthma medications before checking with your doctor first. . read more.

Humidifiers: Air moisture eases skin, breathing symptoms

Humidifiers can ease problems caused by dry air. But they need regular maintenance. Here are tips to ensure your humidifier doesn't become a household health hazard: Dry sinuses, bloody noses and cracked lips — humidifiers can help soothe these familiar problems caused by dry indoor air. Humidifiers can also help ease symptoms of a cold or another respiratory condition. But be cautious — while humidifiers can be useful, they can actually make you sick if they aren't maintained properly or if humidity levels stay too high. If you do use humidifiers, play it safe: Monitor humidity levels and keep your humidifier clean — dirty humidifiers can breed mold or bacteria that can make you sick. If you have allergies or asthma, talk to your doctor before using a humidifier. . read more.

Children with Food Allergies Targeted by Bullies

More than 30 percent of children are reported to have been bullied, teased, or harassed because of their food allergy according to a study published this month. Although verbal abuse is the most common, over 40 percent were reported to have been threatened physically with acts such as being touched with their allergen or having the allergen thrown or waved at them. “Food allergies affect an estimated 12 million Americans, including 3 million children. These children face daily challenges in managing their food allergies,” said a co-author of the study. “Sadly, this study shows they may also be bullied about their food allergy, a medical condition that is potentially fatal.”. . read more.

Avoid the danger of anaphylaxis this Halloween

Ghosts and goblins aren’t the only scary things your children might encounter this Halloween. For parents of kids with food allergies, Halloween treats—from candy to cookies—can be frightening too. Common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk and egg are often ingredients in Halloween treats. Some kids may experience a rash or red, itchy skin, vomiting, a stuffy, itchy nose, or diarrhea or stomach cramps if they eat a food to which they are allergic. For children who are severely allergic, a single bite of these foods may cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. . read more.

Have Asthma? Vitamin D May Help

Supplement your asthma action plan with Vitamin D and you may experience improved asthma control according to an article published this month in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
“There is a possible cause-and-effect relationship between vitamin D deficiency and uncontrolled asthma,” said allergist Manbir Sandhu, MD, lead author and ACAAI member. “Evidence suggests that vitamin D has a number of biologic factors that are important in regulating key mechanisms in asthma.”. . read more.