Allergies

Many toddlers and young children will experience ‘wheezy’ episodes associated with a cough and runny nose. This article helps parents manage wheezy toddlers.

 What is food allergy ? A food allergy is where the body reacts in a clear and abnormal way after ingestion of a food. The food sets off an immunological cascade resulting in the release of chemicals that are responsible for the allergy. There are two kinds. Immediate reactions, also called IgE reactions where a […]

Immunotherapy is a term used to try and alter the response of the immune system to an allergen. An allergen causes an allergic reaction. Sublingual immunotherapy refers to a desensitisation process where drops or dissolvable tablets are placed under the tongue on a daily basis to slowly lessen the allergic response to a specific allergen.

Allergic rhinitis used to be called hayfever. But there is no fever and hay is not really a factor in suburban Australia. But this condition causes considerable distress and results in sneezing, itchy, blocked nose, and often the eyes are involved. The good news is that it is treatable, and desensitisation is possible in some cases.

  What is it ? When coming into contact with cow’s milk the most common abnormal reaction is a dermatitis that develops within the hour. This can be generalised or localised to the face and mouth area. Ocassionally the reaction is more severe, with the development of welts and hives and even problems breathing. Some […]

  How does this allergy happen ? To be allergic you need to have a genetic tendency. Usually there is a family history of allergies. This tendency means that the immune system, instead of ignoring dust mite as non threatening, will react in an aggressive way. The proteins (allergens) from the dust mite collect in […]

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