My report on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology"s 2011 meeting

I attended the AAAAI’s (for short!) 2011 meeting in March.  I thought this was a productive meeting for me.  This is an international meeting of allergists from around the world.

I got to investigate a number of Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems firsthand.  This helped to crystallize my thoughts of the current status of EMR currently available.

Mannitol challenges seem to have replaced methacholine challenges to test for bronchial hyper-reactivity.  I do not see my practice using them often.

The general plenary sessions were interesting. (photo 1).  Some of the interesting topics: nanotechnology, asthma, studies on sublingual (under-the tongue) immunotherapy, safety of long-acting bronchodilating agents, food allergy, mold exposure.

There were no new medications debuting.

I spoke with allergists from around the world: Japanese, German, Turkey, Finland, Italy, and the U.S.  My conclusion: medical practices and health care systems differ widely, not only within the U.S., but in many countries.

I think there will be some subtle changes in my practice, which should improve my patient’s disease outcomes.

Incidentally, while in California, I visited the Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies, in the San Jose Public Library.  An ultra-fast visit is here and here.  You can see Beethoven’s hair.  A sample was used to discover that high lead levels probably contributed to his death.

The next weekend, I attended the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society of South Carolina’s annual meeting.  This was a smaller scale meeting of allergists from South Carolina with 4 nationally known speakers. The topics included immunodeficiencies, EMR, drug allergies, food allergies, and occupational asthma.  The above comments apply here also.  Both meetings were intellectually stimulating and I think they will benefit my patients.

Allergy Relief: All the Secret Benefits of Naturally Sourced Products

By James Rutherford

Is Traditional medicine better than natural ingredients for allergy relief?

Anyone who has had to suffer with an allergy, or an allergic reaction, would be the only ones who could answer that question honestly, based on what type of medication they have or currently still use. Basically, what works for one person will not necessary work for ten others. Allergy relief can be found just as effectively with herbs and plant extracts, than with over the counter remedies such as Benadryl, Dermidex and Clarityn. Therefore it is wonderful medically wise, that not only are there different remedies which can be obtained from a chemist, but that nature is also able to supply natural, viable alternatives.

At the time of your GP’s diagnosis, you would have been prescribed a remedy that he felt would help your particular allergy. It would have no hidden attributes that could be used for health issues with any other bodily functions. Its purpose is centered on targeting just one health issue alone.

It is wrong to think that various roots and fruit extracts, are similar to conventional medicines in that they only target a specific area of the anatomy. People from all around the world have been using naturally sourced produce for more than what they are commonly known for. One plant is capable of healing other vital areas within the anatomy, whilst treating the original complaint. It is this quality that sets them apart from conventional medicines. ,

Generally speaking, being able to target a multitude of health problems from the compounds of a single plant, is amazing. Especially when considering how using extract from the root of a plant to treat asthma, can also be used to maintain the health of your vital organs. Plant and root extracts have much more to offer than just a single remedy.

So popular nowadays are a number of herbal teas because of the antihistamines they contain within. But their usage has increased health wise also, as more people have become aware that they offer so much more to the health industry.

In places like Germany, the stinging nettles bought significant relief for those with aching joints and arthritis. This is down to it being easily available and enriched with vitamins A and vitamin C. Men and women who workout with weights use it also as a dietary supplement because of its richness in iron. Among tribes people, it was used to keep the hair clean and dandruff free.

Using peppermint tea on a regular basis not only keeps colds away, but attributes to the recovery after serious bowel issues and upset stomachs. Instead of using breathing aids, drinking peppermint tea has been found to relieve the symptoms of mild asthma.

Green tea is without doubt the most beneficial and widely used for its abundance of health advantages. None more so than its ability to protect the five vital organs, the heart especially and its chances of becoming diseased. Many athletes also drink green tea because it acts as a stimulant to fight fatigue.

Found in the skin and stem of pineapples, is a compound called bromelain which acts as a natural remedy for severe hay fever. Because of its ability to clear the nasal passage and reduce swelling, thousands that suffer with acute hay fever benefit most. But what not many people do know is that bromelain is used to slow the growth of cancerous cells plus it makes a huge impact in relieving bone degenerative diseases. As it has been found to slow blood clotting, it is strongly advised that bromelain should not be taken if suffering with a poor heart.

Astralagus is another herb used by allergy sufferers for it’s anti-inflammatory qualities. Similar to bromelain, this particular herb is also used effectively in the medical industry for the treatment of cancer. Another benefit of Astralagus is if mixed with other plant extracts, there is overwhelming truth to show that organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys are taken care of. In the health and beauty industry, the slowing of aging from regular intakes of Astralagus has been found too.

Not all alternative remedies for allergy relief, comes from above the ground. There are a number of roots that allergy sufferers use because the ability they have to clear the nasal passages, are much more pleasant than a saline solution.

The Japanese root Wasabi, has a similar taste as horseradish and mustard and is used on sushi as a marinade. But it is also more widely recognized among hay fever sufferers as a nasal decongestant. Unlike mustard and horseradish, wasabi does not burn the tongue. Instead, the chemical allyl isothiocyanate which is found within, directs the heat to the nasal passage where blocked sinuses are relieved. The other benefit of wasabi when consumed, is that it acts as an anti bacterial mouthwash.

If suffering with mouth ulcers, another common root found to have an array of benefits is licorice root. In Japan and China they use a compound from within the licorice root to treat lung diseases such as hepatitis and tuberculosis.

The root Butterbur is another found to be highly effective against hay fever, and is popular among Europeans as an alternative to nasal sprays. Native Americans were the first to discover how severe headaches and migraines were also remedied with butterbur root.

Besides all the above roots and plants being beneficial to those that suffer various allergies, there is one other apparent factor they all share. Each one contains an abundance of flavanoids. Of all the plant species green tea contains the most flavanoids, and is generally regarded as the most healthy of all plants and foods which fall into the health bracket. The most recognized of all flavanoids is Quercetin which can be found exclusively in the skin of apples and onions. This compound has a multitude of qualities outside of being an extremely efficient antihistamine. When taking Quercetin on a regular basis, it has been found to increase stamina and stop fat cells forming. If Quercetin is added to a natural plant extract called resveratrol, the evidence is overwhelming in its ability to reduce cholesterol levels.

Because of flavanoids being predominantly abundant in most plants, this could go part way to explaining why vegetarians always look a picture of health. It seems then that having a well balanced diet which is full of fruit, vegetables and various herbs, also plays a significant role in reducing allergies and other diseases.

It is advised to consult with your GP before implementing a change in diet, merely to ascertain that you do not have any health issues. A few of the extracts highlighted can have a negative effect especially if suffering with heart disease.

About the Author:

Learn more about asthma relief. Stop by James Rutherford’s site where you can find out all about alternative medicines and what they can do for you.

Asthma & Allergy Foundation

The Asthma & Allergy Foundation-St. Louis Chapter, is holding an Orchid Ball fundraiser to help provide asthma & allergy medications to children who cannot afford their prescription. They contacted me and asked me to donate one of my paints for their silent auction. In honor of my sister Jessica, I will donate my painting “Orchids Up close”. My sister has been battling asthma all her life, and some of my friends and other family members. Some of us are bless to not be affected by asthma or allergy. You can help AAFA in many ways. To see how visit their web site at http://www.aafa.org/

South Carolina Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

I attended the 2010 meeting of the South Carolina Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in Charleston last weekend.  I listened to some good talks on atopic dermatitis (eczema), immunodeficiencies, fungal sinusitis, to name a few topics.  I felt good, because much of it was refresher information and some of the information was from a new perspective.  I think my patients will be the greater beneficiaries of this wealth of knowledge.

Here’s the sun setting from the end of the pier on Folly Beach.  It was nice to visit the beach again.

How An Allergy Treatment PA Practice Can Help You With Your Allergy Problems

By Hassan J. Jewess

If you are suffering from allergy symptoms, it is important that your first step is to consult a board-certified allergist who has an allergy treatment PA practice. Since this is a doctor, it is likely that you will get the referral from a primary care physician or you will get feedback from a family member, friends or acquaintances that are already benefited themselves of the services an allergist. Depending on your insurance, you may or may not need an approval prior to seeing an allergy specialist, so make sure you do the request for referral process correctly to avoid any insurance problems.

Once you are in an allergy treatment PA office, the specialist will get your medical history and perform a physical examination, then assess whatever symptoms you may have. Other tests that may be conducted by your specialist to understand your problems better are x-ray tests and tests for lung performance. Aside from this, your specialist may test your skin and blood as well for possible allergies. Depending on how quickly lab results come back, you may be able to determine what is triggering your symptoms.

There are instances when the allergy tests will come back negative, and if that is the case, an allergy treatment PA specialist will still be able to help you in identifying the possible cause of your reactions or symptoms. They are generally well-trained to deal with not just allergies but also other immune system problems, such as non-allergic asthma, frequent infections and rhinitis, among others.

If ever your allergy tests came back positive, the next step an allergy treatment PA specialist will do is come up with a treatment plan to address your problems. The allergist will let you know about the food or things that trigger your allergies so that you can avoid them. Food allergies are simple to do away, but environmental allergens such as molds and pollen are not. When it comes to dealing with these environmental irritants, your specialist will help you by giving you recommendations on how to at least manage your exposure to them.

The above mentioned facts are just prevention as a form of treatment and may not usually be enough, which is why your specialist may recommend allergy medications to help you deal with your symptoms better and improve the quality of your life. Aside from the medications, your allergist may recommend allergy shots or immunotherapy if medications are not enough to handle your symptoms. Usually an allergy specialist is also a sinusitis treatment PA expert, so if you have conditions other than allergies, such as sinusitis, this particular specialist can help as well.

About the Author:

Many further details and additional facts can be learned about the proper types of care that are available at allergy treatment PA or effective treatment for sinusitis PA.

MSG Allergy, Symptoms And How To Treat It

MSG can cause allergies. Monosodium glutamate or MSG is commonly used as a flavoring various dishes. However, the use of MSG as a food additive has the potential to cause health problems. The problem is complicated because not all foods to be labeled MSG content accurately. This is exacerbated by the almost impossibility of knowing the levels of MSG in food sold in shops or restaurants.

MSG is a food additive that is commonly used as a flavor enhancer. MSG is glutamic acid that is produced from the fermentation of molasses and starch foods.

Glutamic acid is actually an amino acid which is also present in the body. When tasted, tongue receptors simulate MSG like the taste of meat. Actually MSG is considered safe if consumed in moderate amounts. Only consumption of uncontrolled amounts that potentially dangerous to health.

MSG Side Effects

Some people are sensitive to MSG generally will experience side effects such as headache, nausea, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and sleepiness. For those with a higher tolerance, side effects generally occur one hour after taking at least 3 grams of MSG on an empty stomach.

Many experts argue MSG accumulated over the years can lead to various diseases including obesity, Alzheimer’s, and other chronic diseases.

Symptoms of MSG Allergies

Some people may experience short-term adverse reactions after consuming MSG. Reported allergy symptoms after consuming MSG include heart palpitations or chest pain, headache, shortness of breath or asthma attacks, the pressure on the face, nausea, and weakness. MSG allergy can also cause skin irritation like redness and sweating, burning, and numbness or tingling around the mouth.

How To Treat MSG Allergies

1. To prevent the allergic reaction. MSG allergy sufferers must strictly avoid foods that contains MSG as a component. They should not eat in Chinese restaurants because MSG is widely used in various Chinese cuisines. While purchasing processed meats or canned vegetables from the supermarkets,you must read the label carefully to check if it has MSG or not.

2. Cream of Tartar. Keep a small container of cream of tartar nearby. When mixed with water, cream of tartar will immediately neutralize MSG poisoning, relieving most symptoms. Cream of tartar creates an alkaline-forming environment when ingested, raising the blood pH and stabilizing the system. Mix 1/2 teaspoon in eight oz. of water and drink, or sprinkle some in a small bottle of water, shake and drink.

3. Homeopathic MSG. A homeopathic remedy is available made from MSG, and is useful to antidote the effects of the toxin, relieving most symptoms. Place one or two tiny pellets in a 1 oz. brown dropper bottle. Fill half way with distilled water and top up with vodka. Label the bottle. Grip the bottle in one hand and slap the bottom of the bottle against the palm of your other hand firmly but not hard enough to break. Slap it five times, open the bottle and take a sniff if you’re experiencing symptoms from consuming MSG. Replace the lid. This is called an olfactory dose. Take one or two doses for relief. If symptoms persist, contact a homeopath or other natural health practitioner for further treatment.

4. Drink water. Drinking plenty of water after consuming food with MSG, will help flush MSG out of the body.

5. Minor symptoms such as headache and skin rashes are observed that usually subside within 2-3 hours and do not require any MSG allergy treatment. But, serious symptoms like breathing difficulty or chest pain suggest that large amount of MSG has been consumed and it requires immediate medical care. In some serious cases, some blood tests are also performed.

6. Antihistamine medicines are most widely used for treating MSG allergy. These medicines have the ability to counter the effect of histamines released due to an allergic reaction.

7. Anaphylactic patients mostly require hospitalization and their condition is closely monitored. Epinephrine is first given to these patients for an immediate relief from its symptoms. It helps to open up the breathing passage by dilation of the breathing tubes and normal breathing is restored. Moreover, it constricts the blood vessels and raises blood pressure. It can be administered in two different ways.

Injections are given to serious patients while others with asthma or shortness of breath are given epinephrine inhalers. Some of these patients who cannot breathe properly are given oxygen through a tube or face mask. Those with severe respiratory trouble have to be kept under mechanical ventilation for a short span of time. Saline solutions are also administered intravenously to raise their blood pressure.

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