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.