Category: Allergies
Are you really allergic to penicillin? There’s a good chance you’re not
People often get labeled as allergic to antibiotics as children when they have a reaction such as a rash after taking one. But skin rashes frequently occur alongside infections in childhood, with many viruses and infections actually causing rashes. If a child is taking an antibiotic at the time, they may be labeled as allergic even though the rash may have been caused by the illness itself.
Why won’t my cough go away?
Sometimes, a cough that won’t go away could be the sign of a serious condition. Fortunately, these aren’t common.
If scratching is bad for you, why does it feel so good?
Researchers found how scratching can worsen allergic skin symptoms but also protect from infection.
What are house dust mites and how do I know if I’m allergic to them?
House dust mite allergy symptoms often build up over months, or even years before people seek help. But an accurate diagnosis means you can not only access the right treatment – it’s also vital for minimising exposure.
Health News Headlines
Needleless treatment for severe allergic reactions – US fertility rate at record low – Hunt for Adderall is On
Yes, adults can develop food allergies.
Yes, adults can develop food allergies. Here are 4 types you need to know about
Know Which Medication Is Right for Your Seasonal Allergies
An allergy is your body’s reaction to an otherwise innocent substance that it has identified as an invader. If you have allergies and encounter a trigger (allergen), your immune system fights it by releasing chemicals, such as histamine (hence the term “antihistamine”). Histamine causes symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes.
Most people who think they are allergic to penicillin aren’t
About 6% of people in the UK are wrongly labelled on their medical records as being allergic to penicillin. This figure is concerning because being labelled as allergic to this class of highly effective antibiotics is associated with an extra six deaths per 1,000 patients a year after being treated for an infection. If patients received the right antibiotic for their infection, many lives could be saved.
Virtual Clinics Embrace Allergy Drops as an Alternative to Shots
An under-the-tongue treatment is popular in Europe, Canada, and Latin America. Why don’t U.S. allergists offer it?
Women Now Drink as Much as Men — And Are Prone to Sickness Sooner
Women in their teens and early 20s now report drinking and getting drunk at higher rates than their male peers
What causes hangovers, blackouts and ‘hangxiety’? Everything you need to know about alcohol these holidays
Prevention is better than cure.
Overdose Prevention Should Include Alcohol Too, Study Suggests
Alcohol ramps up the effects of drugs that act on the brain and nervous system, and vice versa, which increases the risk of overdose.
Research reveals link between high pollen counts and low crime rates
Reported violent crime fell 4% on high-pollen days, about the level of crime reduction that would come with a 10% increase in the size of a city’s police force.
Still sneezing? Climate change may prolong allergy season
The dates that were traditionally considered the start and end of pollen seasons have become obsolete: seasons are generally starting earlier and ending later.
Kids should get dirty, but how dirty?
Let your kids play outside, get dirty, try new foods and be exposed to a variety of things. Have them go outside recess time in school as much as possible.