Allergy

Early-life traffic-related air pollution exposure linked to hyperactivity

Early-life exposure to traffic-related air pollution was significantly associated with higher hyperactivity scores at age 7, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati (UC) and Cincinnati Children's Hospital ...

Attention deficit disorders created 6 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Having a nighttime critical care physician in the ICU doesn't improve patient outcomes, research finds

With little evidence to guide them, many hospital intensive care units (ICUs) have been employing critical care physicians at night with the notion it would improve patients' outcomes. However, new results from a one-year ...

Health created 16 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Vitamin D could provide new and effective treatments for asthma

(Medical Xpress)—Scientists at King's College London have discovered that Vitamin D has the potential to significantly reduce the symptoms of asthma. The study, led by Professor Catherine Hawrylowicz from ...

Immunology created 23 hours ago | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

AIDS science at 30: 'Cure' now part of lexicon

Big names in medicine are set to give an upbeat assessment of the war on AIDS on Tuesday, 30 years after French researchers identified the virus that causes the disease.

HIV & AIDS created May 18, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions

(HealthDay)—For those who aren't born with long, fluttery eyelashes, cosmetic extensions can help achieve that often sought-after look. But eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply these eyelash ...

Health created May 16, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

New blood test finds allergies before implant surgery

Imagine what Paula Spurlock must have been going through. Shortly after having a hip replaced in 2011, the trouble started. "I had horrible itching, really bad migraines and intense pain throughout my body," ...

Medical research created May 15, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Online support a breath of fresh air

A multi-site pilot project developed by University of Alberta researchers is providing a breath of fresh air for children with asthma and severe allergies by helping them interact with peers online and boosting ...

Health created May 13, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Early formula use helps some mothers breastfeed longer

Recent public health efforts have focused extensively on reducing the amount of formula babies are given in the hospital after birth. But in the first randomized trial of its kind, researchers at UC San Francisco have found ...

Pediatrics created May 13, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Modified formula aims to prevent death in premature infants

Necrotizing Entercolitis, an infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the intestine,affects about 10,000 babies a year in the country, and mortality rates are roughly 40 percent.

Medical research created May 10, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Allergic disease worsens respiratory symptoms and exacerbations in COPD

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who also have allergic disease have higher levels of respiratory symptoms and are at higher risk for COPD exacerbations, according to a new study from researchers ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created May 10, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Merck says FDA reviewing its ragweed allergy therapy

Drugmaker Merck & Co. says the Food and Drug Administration is reviewing its second application to sell a new type of allergy treatment meant to gradually reduce allergic reactions over time, rather than just relieving sneezing, ...

Medications created May 08, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Study demonstrates that once-a-day pill offers relief from ragweed allergy symptoms

An international team of researchers, led by physician-scientists at Johns Hopkins, reports that a once-daily tablet containing a high dose of a key ragweed pollen protein effectively blocks the runny noses, sneezes, nasal ...

Immunology created May 07, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Assessing the impact of indoor air pollution on Europeans

The health impact of indoor air pollution is a real environmental health issue, which is believed to have a bearing on respiratory conditions such as asthma. This has prompted a European study to take action. ...

Health created May 07, 2013 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Breast milk ingredient could prevent necrotizing enterocolitis—deadly intestinal problem in preemies

An ingredient that naturally occurs in breast milk might be used to prevent premature babies from developing a deadly intestinal condition that currently is largely incurable, according to researchers at the University of ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created May 06, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 2 | with audio podcast

Want tots without allergies? Try sucking on their pacifiers

(HealthDay)—A new Swedish study suggests that parents who want to protect their infants from developing allergies should try a simple approach to introducing their children to the wide world of microbes: ...

Immunology created May 06, 2013 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (13) | comments 2 | with audio podcast


An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur when a person's immune system reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. A substance that causes a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. Allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is formally called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. Allergic reactions are distinctive because of excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This reaction results in an inflammatory response which can range from uncomfortable to dangerous.

Mild allergies like hay fever are very common in the human population and cause symptoms such as red eyes, itchiness, and runny nose, eczema, hives, hay fever, or an asthma attack. 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 reactions called anaphylaxis. Food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees are often associated with these severe reactions.

A variety of tests exist to diagnose allergic conditions. These include placing possible allergens on the skin and looking for a reaction such as swelling. Blood tests can also be done to look for an allergen-specific IgE.

Treatments for allergies include avoiding known allergens, use of medications such as anti-histamines that specifically prevent allergic reactions, steroids that modify the immune system in general, and medications such as decongestants that reduce the symptoms. Many of these medications are taken by mouth, though epinephrine, which is used to treat anaphylactic reactions, is injected. Immunotherapy uses injected allergens to desensitize the body's response.

This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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