Introduction Of Solid Foods And Allergic Reactions - American Academy Of Pediatrics
Late introduction of solid foods may increase the risk of allergic sensitization to food and inhalant allergens. In the study, "Age at the Introduction of Solid Foods During the First Year and Allergic Sensitization at Age 5 Years, " published in the January issue of Pediatrics, researchers examined the diets and allergic sensitivities of 994 children with susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. Results indicate that late introduction of solid foods was associated with increased allergic sensitization to food and inhalant allergens. Eggs, wheat and oats were most commonly related to food sensitization, while potatoes and fish were strongly associated with inhalant sensitization.
Amira Pharmaceuticals Announces Initial Positive Phase 1 Clinical Data For AM461, A Back-Up To Amira's Lead DP2 Antagonist, AM211
Amira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced initial positive data from a Phase 1 clinical study of AM461, the Company's second oral selective antagonist of the DP2 (also known as CRTH2) receptor. The interim results demonstrate that a dose proportional pharmacodynamic (PD) effect can be achieved with AM461. Additionally, AM461 Phase 1 data to date demonstrates a good safety profile. AM461 is a back-up to Amira's lead DP2 antagonist, AM211, which has successfully completed Phase 1 clinical studies. "The AM461 clinical data further strengthens our commitment to the DP2 receptor as a clinical target. Amira now has two structurally distinct, clinical-stage compounds targeting the receptor, " said Isabelle DeArmond, Vice President, Clinical Development.
First 'Genetic Map' Of Han Chinese May Aid Search For Disease Susceptibility Genes
The first genetic historical map of the Han Chinese, the largest ethnic population in the world, as they migrated from south to north over evolutionary time was published online by the American Journal of Human Genetics by scientists at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS). Based on genome-wide DNA variation information in over 6, 000 Han Chinese samples from 10 provinces in China, this new map provides information about the population structure and evolutionary history of this group of people that can help scientists to identify subtle differences in the genetic diversity of Asian populations. Understanding these differences may aid in the design and interpretation of studies to identify genes that confer susceptibility to such common diseases as diabetes in ethnic Chinese individuals.
Skin's Healthy Balance Maintained By Surface Bacteria
On the skin's surface, bacteria are abundant, diverse and constant, but inflammation is undesirable. Research at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine now shows that the normal bacteria living on the skin surface trigger a pathway that prevents excessive inflammation after injury. "These germs are actually good for us, " said Richard L. Gallo, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and pediatrics, chief of UCSD's Division of Dermatology and the Dermatology section of the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System. The study, published in the advance on-line edition of Nature Medicine on November 22, was done in mice and in human cell cultures, primarily performed by post-doctoral fellow Yu Ping Lai.
New Asthma Research Presented At CHEST 2009
Zinc Deficiency May Contribute to Allergic Asthma (#8362) Zinc deficiency may play a role in the development of extrinsic or allergic asthma. Researchers from India evaluated serum zinc levels and absolute eosinophil count in 96 cases of asthma (61 patients had intrinsic asthma and 35 had extrinsic asthma). Patients who suffered from any comorbid illness were excluded from the study. Results showed that serum zinc levels in the extrinsic asthma group were significantly lower than in the intrinsic asthma group, but the difference in eosinophil count was not significant. Researchers conclude that additional studies are needed to reach a definite conclusion. Air Pollution Major Factor in Fresno Health (#8164) Air pollution is a major health risk for patients in Fresno, CA, who suffer from chronic lung diseases.
Tufts Questionnaire Study Reveals Half Of Barn Workers Surveyed Experience Cough Or Other Ailments
The estimated 4.6 million Americans involved in the equine industry may be at risk of developing respiratory symptoms due to poor air quality in horse barns, according to a questionnaire study undertaken earlier this year by investigators at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. The study - which polled more than 80 New England horse barn workers - found that 50 percent of individuals working in barns complained of coughing, wheezing, or other ailments in the last year, compared to just 15 percent in the control group of 74 people. Moreover, increased exposure to barns yielded higher rates of self-reported respiratory symptoms, the study reports.
What Is Hay Fever? What Is Allergic Rhinitis? What Causes Hay Fever?
Hay fever (or hayfever ) also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that shows signs and symptoms similar to a cold with sneezing, congestion, runny nose and sinus pressures. It is caused by an allergic response to airborne substances, such as pollen - unlike a cold which is caused by a virus. The time of year you get hay fever depends on what airborne substance you are allergic to. Hay fever does not mean that the person is allergic to hay and has a fever. Hay is hardly ever an allergen, and hay fever does not cause fever. Although hay fever and allergic rhinitis have the same meaning, most lay people refer to hay fever only when talking about an allergic reaction to pollen or airborne allergens from plants or fungi, and understand allergic rhinitis as an allergy to airborne particles, such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander which affect the nose, and maybe the eyes and sinuses as well.
Stinging Insects Can Be Deadly
Legendary skateboarder Andy Kessler's death after being stung by an insect earlier this week is a reminder that stings can be deadly for those with stinging insect allergy. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), up to 5% of Americans are at risk for a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction from insect stings. Unfortunately, most people are not aware they are allergic to insect stings until after experiencing a reaction. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to the insect venom. When this happens, an allergic person's body produces an allergic substance called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody, which reacts with the venom.
Ragweed Season Strikes Again
Another battle against sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and congestion is right around the corner for the estimated 36 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies. August 15 marks the unofficial beginning of ragweed season, which is the number one cause of fall allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Ragweed is common in most regions of the United States from mid-August through the first frost. Each plant produces 1 billion pollen grains in an average season, and the grains can travel up to 400 miles with the help of the wind. Many individuals with ragweed allergy also experience symptoms while eating certain fresh fruits and vegetables.
Hospital's Respiratory Centre Becomes First In South To Offer Drug And Food Allergy Testing, UK
The Respiratory Centre at Southampton General Hospital has become the first in the South to offer advanced drug and food allergy testing alongside treatment for complex breathing conditions. The new service, where staff provide testing for patients who have had significant allergic reactions to medications such as penicillin or local anaesthetics, caps a rapid expansion. Launched in 2000, the centre primarily focused on effectively treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) without admitting patients and caring for them at home in a drive to reduce long hospital stays. But in recent years, the unit has developed a central role within asthma and allergy care, becoming one of the region's only centres to conduct a weekly immunotherapy clinic for patients with a range of allergies and pollen sensitivities.