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Peanut Allergies: Progress Made

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 09:30:00 -0800

About 1% of the U.S. population has a peanut allergy. The percentage may seem small, but since reactions can be fatal, finding a way to prevent it is becoming increasingly important. Many schools even ban peanut butter from children's bagged lunches.

That's why this news is so promising. Progress has been made in desensitizing children with peanut allergies using a form of immunotherapy - a common form is allergy shots.

For years, allergists have injected patients with tiny amounts of the allergens that bother them, be it bee stings or pollen, and their bodies have built up a tolerance for them. So when they come in contact with something they are allergic to in the future, their bodies recognize it, and their reaction is next to nothing.

Dr. Scott David Nash from Duke University conducted a study with his team. They decided to try Oral Peanut Immunotherapy. They gave 8 children with known peanut allergies, increasing doses of peanut protein in the form of a flour mixed with applesauce.

The entire test took about 2 years, beginning with trace amounts of peanuts, and working up to eating the equivalent of 1 peanut a day for the last 18 months.

At the end of the study, the 7 children (1 dropped out) who completed it were given a "food challenge" involving 8g of peanut flour, or about 13 peanuts. 5 of the 7 children passed the challenge. This study showed that their immune systems developed a growing tolerance to peanuts.

This is incredible news for people with peanut allergies. The fear they live with, worrying everyday whether or not they'll accidentally touch or eat something containing peanuts is way too agonizing. This gives them some much needed hope.

Sulfite Sensitivity

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 14:03:00 -0800

Sulfites are sulfur based preservatives that are used to prevent or reduce discoloration of light-colored fruits and vegetables. They are also used to prevent black spots on shrimp and lobster. They are used to condition dough and maintain the stability and potency of certain medications.

Most (except for a few) wines contain sulfites. Yeast naturally produces sulfites during fermentation and most winemakers add sulfites to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. All wines made in the U.S. require a "sulfite" warning label. There are no such rules for wines made in other countries.

Why am I telling you all this? Because according to the FDA, 1 out of every 100 people has a sensitivity to sulfites. They lack the natural enzyme to break them down. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest tightness, nausea, hives or anaphylactic shock.

Sulfites can occur naturally in foods like wine and are added to certain foods as well. Some common foods that contain sulfites are baked goods, soup mixes, jams, pickled foods, bottled lemon and lime juice, maraschino cherries, and dried fruit.

Look at the ingredients and you may see:

sulfur dioxide
sodium sulfite
sodium bisulfite
potassium bisulfite
sodium metabisulfite
potassium metabisulfite

These are all sulfites, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may try avoiding sulfites to see if your symptoms go away. Or you can try sulfite free food and wine.

Thinking of Getting Inked?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:09 -0800

I have never gotten a tattoo unless you count the temporary henna kind, but it looks like I might be in the minority. About 25 percent of 18- to 30-year-olds have been inked, and 65 percent of them are women. If you've always wanted to get your fave butterfly etched onto your ankle, here are some things WebMD wants you to know before anyone puts a needle to your skin.

Pay the money and go to a shop that has licensed tattoo artists. Since getting a tattoo involves breaking the skin with a metal object and coming into contact with blood, you want to make sure the studio is clean, so there's the lowest risk possible for infection.
There are serious risks involved, such as contracting life-threatening HIV or hepatitis C from unclean equipment. You could also get other infections including impetigo, MRSA, or cellulitis. It's OK if you don't know what these are, just know you don't want them.
It's also possible to have an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink, so before getting an enormous fairy imprinted across your back, you probably want to do a small patch test on your skin first.

To find out what else you should know, read more.

Also note that your skin will look a lot different at age 25 than it will at 65, so keep that in mind when choosing the design, size of tattoo, and area of your body.
The artist should thoroughly wash his or her hands before they begin, and wear gloves to prevent the spread of infection.
Be sure all needles are removed from a sterile, single-use package, and all equipment is sterilized after each use.
Make sure you don't drink alcohol or take drugs (including aspirin) the night before or while getting a tattoo.
If you're sick, wait until you're healthy to get your tattoo, since you'll need energy to heal.
Follow the after-care instructions so your skin heals quickly and without any complications.
After you've had a tattoo, you can change your mind and have it removed by a doctor, but know that your skin most likely won't look like it did pre-tattoo. The procedure tends to require a series of visits, it's expensive, and often the tattoo can't be completely removed.

Do you have a tattoo? Did you have any complications? Tell me in the comments section below.

Source: Flickr User geishaboy500

Victoria's Secret Bras Causing Rashes?

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:00:00 -0800

Victoria's Secret is to bras what Kleenex is to tissues. This company is well-known for its amazing lingerie, but recently there have been many complaints from women who wear its bras. They say they've worn Angel Secret Embrace Bras and Very Sexy Extreme Me Push-Up bras, and experienced itchy rashes, hives, and permanent scarring. One woman, Roberta Ritter, filed a lawsuit against Victoria's Secret, and when her lawyers purchased the same bra and sent it to a lab for testing, they found it contained formaldehyde. Many companies add this chemical to fabrics to make them crease resistant. Although Victoria's Secret said it never used formaldehyde in its products, it may have been added in the manufacturing process. This chemical is most likely the cause of the allergic skin reaction experienced by Roberta and dozens of other women.

For more information, check out this video clip from Good Morning America, of Diane Sawyer talking to reporter Andrea Canning on the details.

I know finding the right bra can be traumatic, but shouldn't be scarring. Have you experienced anything like this?

Allergic reactions

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:46:27 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances, called allergens, that are contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, or injected.

Considerations

Allergic reactions are common. The immune response that causes an allergic reaction is similar to the response that causes hay fever. Most reactions happen soon after contact with an allergen.

Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be severe and life-threatening. They occur more often in people with a family history of allergies.

Substances that don't bother most people (such as venom from bee stings and certain foods, medications, and pollens) can trigger allergic reactions in certain people.

While first-time exposure may only produce a mild reaction, repeated exposures may lead to more serious reactions. Once a person has had an allergic reaction (is sensitized), even a very limited exposure to a very small amount of allergen can trigger a severe reaction.

Allergic reactions can be mild or serious. They can be confined to a small area of the body or may affect the entire body.

Most severe allergic reactions occur within seconds or minutes after exposure to the allergen. However, some reactions can occur after several hours, particularly if the allergen causes a reaction after it has been ingested. In very rare cases, reactions develop after 24 hours.

Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that occurs within minutes of exposure. Immediate medical attention is needed for this condition. It can get worse very, very fast and lead to death within 15 minutes if treatment is not received.

Causes

Common allergens include:

Animal dander
Bee stings or stings from other insects
Foods, especially nuts, fish, and shellfish
Insect bites
Medications
Plants
Pollens

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a mild allergic reaction include:

Hives (especially over the neck and face)
Itching
Nasal congestion
Rashes
Watery, red eyes

Symptoms of a moderate or severe reaction include:

Cramps or pain in the abdomen
Chest discomfort or tightness
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fear or feeling of apprehension or anxiety
Flushing or redness of the face
Nausea and vomiting
Swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue
Weakness
Wheezing
Unconsciousness

First Aid

For a mild to moderate reaction:

Calm and reassure the person having the reaction, as anxiety can worsen symptoms.
Try to identify the allergen and have the person avoid further contact with it. If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers; squeezing the stinger will release more venom.
If the person develops an itchy rash, apply calamine lotion and cool compresses. You may also apply over-the-counter cortisone cream.
Watch the person for signs of increasing distress.
Get medical help. For a mild reaction, a physician may recommend over-the-counter medications (such as antihistamines).

For a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis):

Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABC's of Basic Life Support). A warning sign of dangerous throat swelling is a very hoarse or whispered voice, or coarse sounds when the person is breathing air in. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
Call 911.
Calm and reassure the person.
If the allergic reaction is from a bee sting, scrape the stinger off the skin with something firm (such as a fingernail or plastic credit card). Do not use tweezers -- squeezing the stinger will release more venom.
If the person has emergency allergy medication on hand, help the person take or inject the medication. Avoid oral medication if the person is having difficulty breathing.
Take steps to prevent shock. Have the person lie flat, raise the person's feet about 12 inches, and cover him or her with a coat or blanket. DO NOT place the person in this position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it causes discomfort.

Do Not

DO NOT Assume that any allergy shots the person has already received will provide complete protection.
DO NOT Place a pillow under the person’s head if he or she is having trouble breathing. This can block the airway.
DO NOT Give the person anything by mouth if the person is having trouble breathing.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call for immediate medical emergency assistance if:

The person is having a severe allergic reaction, always call 911. Do not wait to see if the reaction is getting worse.
The person has a history of severe allergic reactions (check for a medical ID tag).

Prevention

Avoid triggers such as foods and medications that have caused an allergic reaction, even a mild one, in the past. This includes asking detailed questions about ingredients when you are eating away from home. Also carefully examine ingredient labels.
If you have a child who is allergic to certain foods, introduce one new food at a time in small amounts so you can recognize an allergic reaction.
People who know that they have had serious allergic reactions should wear a medical ID tag.
If you have a history of serious allergic reactions, carry emergency medications (such as diphenihydramine and injectable epinephrine or a bee sting kit) according to your health care provider’s instructions.
Do not use your injectable epinephrine on anyone else. They may have a condition (such as a heart problem) that could be negatively affected by this drug.

References

Simons FE. Anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;121:S402-407.

Review Date: 4/28/2008

Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Transfusion reaction

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:55:40 -0700

Illustrations

Surface proteins causing rejection

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Transfusion reaction is a problem that occurs after a patient receives blood. The immune system launches a response against the new blood cells or other parts of the transfusion.

Alternative Names

Blood transfusion reaction

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The immune response protects the body from harmful substances. Foreign substances called antigens cause many immune responses. They trigger the production of proteins, called antibodies, which attach to antigens and help destroy them. They also trigger a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes, which recognize a certain antigen and destroy it.

The immune system normally can tell its own blood cells from other cells. On the surface of red blood cells are proteins that the body sees as antigens. In 1900, a German disease expert (pathologist), Karl Landsteiner, found 2 of these proteins, which he called A and B.

Blood is arranged by these antigens into blood types A, B, AB (contains both antigens), and O (contains neither antigen). The liquid part of blood (plasma) has antibodies against the opposite antigen. A person with Type A blood, for example, has antibodies against the B antigen.

In 1940, Dr. Landsteiner found another group of antigens. They were named Rhesus factors (Rh factors) because they were discovered during experiments on Rhesus monkeys.

People with Rhesus factors in their blood are called "Rh positive." Persons without the factors are called "Rh negative." Rh negative people form antibodies against the Rh factor if they are exposed to Rh positive blood.This can be a problem in an Rh negative mother who is pregnant with an Rh positive baby. There are other antigens too, besides ABO and Rh antigens.

Having antibodies against blood antigens makes blood groups compatible or incompatible. Tranfusing blood between compatible groups (such as O+ to O+) usually causes no problem. Blood transfusion between incompatible groups (such as A+ to O-) causes an immune response against the cells carrying the antigen. This can lead to a transfusion reaction.

The immune system attacks the donated blood cells, causing them to burst. This may cause serious symptoms, including kidney failure and shock. Antigens also occur in other parts of blood, including white blood cells, a type of blood cell called platelets, and plasma proteins.

These parts of the blood also cause a similar type of transfusion reaction. Or, antibodies in the transfused blood can bind to the patient's blood cells, causing a reaction.

Today, all blood is carefully screened. Modern lab methods and many checks have helped make transfusion reactions very rare.

Symptoms

Signs and tests

Symptoms of transfusion reaction usually appear during or right after the transfusion. Sometimes, they may develop after several days (delayed reaction). Symptoms may stay mild or progress to kidney failure, delayed anemia, or shock.

This disease may also change the results of these tests:

Treatment

Treatment can prevent or treat the severe effects of transfusion reaction. If symptoms occur during the transfusion, the transfusion is stopped. Blood samples from the person getting the transfusion (and from the donor blood) may be tested to tell whether symptoms are caused by transfusion reaction.

Mild symptoms may be treated based on the symptom. Drugs called antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine) treat the allergic reaction and may reduce itching and rash. The pain reliever, acetaminophen, can reduce fever and discomfort. Drugs called corticosteroids (such as prednisone or dexamethasone) reduce the immune response. Fluids given through a vein (intravenous) and other medications may be used to treat/prevent kidney failure and shock.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome depends on how severe the reaction is. The disorder may disappear without problems. Or, it may be severe and life threatening.

Complications

Discomfort
Anemia
Acute kidney failure
Shock
Lung dysfunction

Calling your health care provider

Tell your health care provider if you are having a blood transfusion and you have had a reaction before.

Prevention

Donated blood is put into ABO and Rh groups to reduce the risk of transfusion reaction.

Before a transfusion, patient and donor blood is often tested (crossmatched) to see if it is compatible. A small amount of donor blood is mixed with a small amount of patient blood. The mixture is checked under a microscope for signs of antibody reaction.

References

Hoffman R, Benz E, Shattil S, Furie B, Cohen H. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone, 2004.

McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders, 2006.

Despotis GJ, Zhang L, Lublin DM. Transfusion risks and transfusion-related pro-inflammatory responses. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. February 2007;21:147-161.

Review Date: 3/13/2007

Reviewed By: Mark Levin, M.D., Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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The Lowdown on Exercising High

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Recently FitSugar reader mamasitamalita wrote in to ask about her friend who works out while buzzed. Apparently it's more common than I thought, and it's not the only thing people are doing before hitting the gym. An anonymous reader commented

"Sometimes, every once in a while, I will get stoned before yoga or a long run - it helps me to calm down and focus on the task at hand, rather than obsessing about work or personal stresses."

So this brings up another issue. What about working out while high? Although illegal, people still smoke pot, so to find out if it's safe to light up before burning calories keep reading

Chemical burn or reaction

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:47:00 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Symptoms
First Aid
Do Not
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if
Prevention

Illustrations

Burns

First aid kit

Skin layers

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Chemicals that touch skin can cause a limited skin reaction, an overall body reaction, or both.

Alternative Names

Burn from chemicals

Considerations

Chemical exposure is not always obvious. You should suspect chemical exposure if an otherwise healthy person becomes ill for no apparent reason, particularly if an empty chemical container is found nearby.

Exposure to chemicals at work over a long period of time can cause changing symptoms as the chemical builds up in the person's body.

If the person has a chemical in the eyes, see first aid for eye emergencies. If the person has swallowed or inhaled a dangerous chemical, call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms

Depending on the type of exposure, the symptoms may include:

Abdominal pain
Bright red or Bluish skin and lips
Breathing difficulty
Convulsions (seizures)
Dizziness
Headache
Hives, itching, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or weakness resulting from an allergic reaction
Irritability
Pain where the skin has come in contact with the toxic substance
Rash, blisters, burns on the skin
Unconsciousness

First Aid

Make sure the cause of the burn has been removed. Try not to come in contact with it yourself. If the chemical is dry, brush off any excess. Avoid brushing it into your eyes. Remove any contaminated clothing or jewelry.
Flush the chemicals off the skin surface using cool running water for 15 minutes or more.
Treat the person for shock if he or she appears faint, pale, or if there is shallow, rapid breathing.
Apply cool, wet compresses to relieve pain.
Wrap the burned area with a dry sterile dressing (if possible) or clean cloth. Protect the burned area from pressure and friction.
Minor chemical burns will generally heal without further treatment. However, if there is a second or third degree burn or if there is an overall body reaction, get medical help immediately. In severe cases, don't leave the person alone and watch carefully for systemic reactions.

Note: If chemical gets into the eyes, the eyes should be flushed with water immediately. Continue to flush the eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical help immediately.

Do Not

DO NOT become contaminated by the chemical as you give first aid.
DO NOT try to neutralize any chemical without consulting the Poison control Center or a physician.
DO NOT disturb a blister or remove dead skin from a chemical burn.
DO NOT apply any household remedy such as an ointment or salve to a chemical burn.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

The person is having difficulty breathing, is having seizures, or is unconscious.

Prevention

Many household products are made of toxic chemicals. It is important to read and follow label instructions, including any precautions.
Avoid, prolonged (even low-level) exposure to chemicals.
Buy potentially poisonous substance in safety containers, and buy only as much as needed.
Never store household products in food or drink containers. Leave them in their original containers with the labels intact.
Avoid using potentially toxic substances in the kitchen or around food.
Store chemicals safely immediately after use.
Avoid mixing different products that contain toxic chemicals such as ammonia and bleach. The mixing can give off hazardous fumes.
Use paints, petroleum products, ammonia, bleach, and other products that give off fumes only in a well ventilated area.
All chemicals should be stored out of the reach of young children--preferably in a locked cabinet.

Review Date: 1/17/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

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Allergic reactions to medication

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:29:30 -0700

Back

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

A true allergy to a medication is different than a simple adverse reaction to the drug. The allergic reaction occurs when the immune system, having been exposed to the drug before, creates antibodies to it. On subsequent exposure to the drug these antibodies cause release of histamines. If severe, this reaction can result in a life-threatening situation known as anaphylactic shock.

Review Date: 7/19/2007

Reviewed By: Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Positive reaction to allergen

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:36:01 -0700

Back

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Allergic reaction is a sensitivity to a specific substance, called an allergen, that is contacted through the skin, inhaled into the lungs, swallowed or injected. The body's reaction to an allergen can be mild, such as a localized rash, or life-threatening, such as anaphylactic shock.

Review Date: 12/3/2007

Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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