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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Allergy and Asthma
All About Allergy
All About Allergy Many symptomatic conditions of allergy require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions that result from allergic reactions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Allergy Overview Allergies and the Immune System IgG Deficiences Pemphigus Vulgaris Allergens: Triggers of Allergy Attacks Animals Chemical Sensitivity Dust and Dust Mites Foods Egg Allergy Diet Diet for Lactose Intolerance Milk Allergy Die...
All About Asthma
All About Asthma Many symptomatic conditions of asthma require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions that result from allergic reactions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Asthma Overview Triggers for Asthma Attacks Management of Asthma Asthma and Pregnancy Asthma and Children Asthma and Exercise Occupational Asthma Peak Flow Meter Treatment for Asthma Asthma Knowledge Quiz
Allergen: Insect Stings
Allergen: Insect Stings Insect stings that most commonly cause allergic reactions Insects that are members of the Hymenoptera family most commonly cause allergic reactions. These include: Bees Wasps Hornets Yellow jackets Fire ants Allergic reactions to insect stings Usually, the reaction is short-lived, with redness and swelling followed by pain and itching. Generally, the reaction lasts only a few hours, although some may last longer. For other people, however, allergic reactions to these insect sting...
Allergens: Animals
Allergens: Animals What is an animal allergen? Allergens found in animals are a common cause of allergic reactions. They are caused by the protein found in an animal's: Skin Dander Saliva Urine Household pets, like cats and dogs, are the most common sources of animal allergens.
Allergens: Chemical Sensitivity
Allergens: Chemical Sensitivity What is chemical sensitivity? Chemical sensitivity is not considered an allergic reaction because it does not involve the release of IgE (immunoglobin E) antibodies, histamine, or other chemicals by the immune system. However, reactions to certain chemicals may cause reactions similar to those experienced with allergies. Chemicals that cause sensitivity may include synthetic and natural substances found in: Carpeting Plastics Perfumes Plants Paint Cigarette smoke Poorly v...
Allergens: Dust and Dust Mites
Allergens: Dust and Dust Mites What are dust allergens? Dust allergens are substances found in dust, and may include: Fabric fibers Lint Feathers Stuffing materials Animal protein (dander, saliva, urine, body oils) Bacteria Mold and fungus spores Food particles Plants Insects and their waste What is a dust mite allergen? Dust mites are microscopic organisms that can live and thrive throughout homes and businesses. The mites and their waste products thrive in: Draperies Stuffed animals Bedding Upholstere...
Allergens: Food
Allergens: Food What is food allergy? A food allergy is an abnormal response of the body to a certain food. It is important to know that this is different than a food intolerance, which does not affect the immune system, although some of the same signs may be present. What causes food allergy? Before having a food allergy reaction, a sensitive person must be exposed to the food at least once before. It is the second time the person eats the food that the allergic symptoms happen. At that time, when IgE ...
Allergens: Mold
Allergens: Mold What is mold? Mold is a member of the fungus family. It is a branching-type of growth called hyphae. It rarely dies from heat or cold exposure, but remains dormant until a particular season, such as spring or fall, when it grows and thrives. Where does mold grow? Mold lives in moist conditions where there is oxygen and other chemicals. Places mold may be found are: Outside: On dead or dying vegetation Moist, shady areas Rotting leaves and logs Inside: Damp basements and closets Bathrooms...
Allergens: Poison Ivy/Poison Oak
Allergens: Poison Ivy/Poison Oak What is poison ivy/poison oak? There are three native American plants that collectively may be called poison ivy: poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. These plants cause an allergic reaction in nearly 85 percent of the population. To be allergic to poison ivy, you must come in contact with the plant once for "sensitization" to the oils to occur. This means that next time contact with the plant occurs, a reaction may occur. What causes the allergic reaction? The resi...
Allergens: Pollen
Allergens: Pollen What is pollen? Pollen is the tiny egg-shaped male cells of flowering plants, including trees, grasses, and weeds. Pollen is microscopic in size. Pollen is the most common cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis, sometimes known as hay fever . Which plants produce pollen that cause allergic reactions? Plants that have powdery granules of pollen that are easily blown by the wind, such as: Trees, such as oak, western red cedar, elm, birch, ash, hickory, poplar, sycamore, maple, cypress, waln...
Allergens: Triggers of Allergy Attacks
Allergens: Triggers of Allergy Attacks Many allergies require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the allergens that cause allergic reactions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Animals Chemical Sensitivity Dust and Dust Mites Foods Egg Allergy Diet Diet for Lactose Intolerance Milk Allergy Diet Peanut Allergy Diet Shellfish Allergy Diet Soy Allergy Diet Tree Nut Allergy Diet Wheat Allergy Diet Insect Stings Latex Mold Polle...
Allergies and the Immune System
Allergies and the Immune System Allergies are disorders of the immune system. Most allergic reactions are a result of an immune system that responds to a "false alarm." When a harmless substance such as dust, mold, or pollen is encountered by a person who is allergic to that substance, the immune system may react dramatically by producing antibodies that "attack" the allergen (a substance that produces allergic reactions). The result of an allergen entering a susceptible person's body may include wheezi...
Allergy and Asthma Statistics
Allergy and Asthma Statistics Statistics related to asthma and allergies According to the latest information available from the American Lung Association, the CDC, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Asthma Approximately 24.6 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with asthma, with at least 7.1 million of them children under the age of 18. Asthma is one of the leading serious, chronic illnesses among children in the U.S. More than 3 thousand Americans die each year fro...
Allergy Overview
Allergy Overview What is allergy? Allergy is a physiological reaction caused when the immune system mistakenly identifies a normally harmless substance as damaging to the body. Normally, the human body defends itself against harmful substances, such as viruses or bacteria, but sometimes the defenses aggressively attack usually innocuous substances, such as dust, mold, or pollen. The immune system generates large amounts of the antibodies called immunoglobin E (IgE), a complex chemical weapon, to attack ...
Asthma and Children
Asthma and Children What causes childhood asthma? The majority of children with asthma have allergies. Even exposure to low-grade allergens (those that don't cause significant allergic reactions) may increase the severity of a child's asthma. In addition, allergies may play a role in undiagnosed asthma cases. Other triggers of childhood asthma may include: Upper respiratory infections, such as colds Inhaled irritants, such as secondhand smoke Certain weather conditions, such as cold air Physical express...
Asthma and Exercise
Asthma and Exercise What is exercise-induced asthma? Most people diagnosed with asthma will experience asthma symptoms when exercising. In addition, some who are not diagnosed with asthma will experience asthma symptoms, but only during exercise. This is a condition called exercise-induced asthma. Long-distance running may aggravate exercise-induced asthma. Exercise-induced asthma is different from the typical asthma that is triggered by allergens and/or irritants. Some people have both types of asthma,...
Asthma and Pregnancy
Asthma and Pregnancy Having asthma does not necessarily mean having a complicated pregnancy. With proper management of asthma and appropriate medical care during the pregnancy, most women who have asthma can experience healthy pregnancies. Asthma is probably one of the most common diseases that can complicate a pregnancy. In some cases, a diagnosis of asthma is not made until a woman becomes pregnant. How asthma affects a woman during pregnancy varies, including: One-third of women experience no change ...
Asthma Overview
Asthma Overview What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease involving recurrent breathing problems. The characteristics of asthma are three airway problems: Obstruction Inflammation Hyperresponsiveness What are the symptoms of asthma? Asthma may resemble other respiratory problems, such as emphysema, bronchitis, and lower respiratory infections. While anyone can get asthma, it is most common in females. It is underdiagnosed--many people with the disease do not know they have it. Somet...
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) What is atopic dermatitis (AD or Eczema)? Atopic dermatitis (AD), also called eczema, is a hereditary and chronic skin disorder that mostly affects infants or very young children, and may last until the child reaches adolescence or adulthood. Eczema causes the skin to itch, turn red, and flake. Parents with eczema are more likely to have children with eczema. However, the exact way it passes from parents to children is not known. Of children who have eczema, most will show sig...
Contact Dermatitis
Contact Dermatitis What is contact dermatitis? Contact dermatitis is a physiological reaction that occurs after skin comes in contact with certain substances. The majority of these reactions are caused by irritants to the skin. The remaining reactions are caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response. In allergic reactions, the reaction may not start until after several days. Contact dermatitis caused by an irritant that is not an allergic response occurs from direct contact with the irritant....
Diagnostic Procedures for Allergy
Diagnostic Procedures for Allergy Diagnostic tests for allergy may include any or all of the following: Nasal smears. Nasal smears are tests performed to check the amount of eosinophils in the nose. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that increases in number during an allergic reaction. Blood tests. Blood tests for allergies measure IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies to specific allergens in the blood. The blood test most commonly used is called RAST (radioallergosorbent test). Blood tests may be...
Diet for Lactose Intolerance
Diet for Lactose Intolerance What is lactose intolerance? Lactose is the name of the sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body is unable to breakdown all of the lactose that is in the foods you eat. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include: Diarrhea Gas Bloating Stomach pain Stomach cramps What foods contain lactose? Lactose is found in dairy products such as: Milk Cheese Yogurt Ice cream Sherbet Items on a food label that contain lactose: Milk Milk solids Skim milk powder Cream Butte...
Egg Allergy Diet
Egg Allergy Diet General guidelines for egg allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. Eggs are a commonly used food that may cause food sensitivity reactions. Persons with egg sensitivity may not find it difficult to eliminate visible eggs, but may not be aware of the variety of food products that contain eggs. In order to avoid foods that contain eggs, it is important to read food labels. Foods Allowed Not allowed Breads & s...
Glossary - Allergy and Asthma
Glossary - Allergy and Asthma | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Adrenaline - see epinephrine. Allergen - the substance that triggers an allergic reaction. Allergy - an acquired, abnormal immune response to a substance that can cause a broad range of inflammatory reactions. Anaphylaxis (also called anaphylactic shock) - a sudden, severe, potentially life-threatening ...
Home Page - Allergy and Asthma
Topic Index Statistics Related to Allergy and Asthma All About Asthma All About Allergy Glossary Allergy and asthma are among the most common health problems. Asthma itself affects more that 20 million Americans. More than 60 million Americans are afflicted with asthma, seasonal hay fever, or other allergy-related conditions each year. Some allergies, such as a mild case of hay fever, may not require any treatment or may be controlled with the occasional use of over-the-counter medications. Others may i...
IgG Deficiencies
IgG Deficiencies When your body feels it is threatened or under attack, it makes special proteins called immunoglobulins, or antibodies. These antibodies are made by the plasma cells. They are released throughout the body to help kill bacteria, viruses, and other germs. The body makes three major types of immunoglobulins: immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M. Click to Enlarge About immunoglobulin G Immunoglobulin G, also known as IgG, is the most common type. It makes up as much as 8...
Latex Allergy
Latex Allergy What is a latex allergy? Natural rubber latex, a milky fluid found in rubber trees, has a contaminating protein in the rubber that causes allergic reactions, not with the rubber itself. Different types of gloves, condoms, balloons, rubber bands, erasers, and toys are made from natural rubber latex. Children and adults have developed an allergy or sensitivity to latex. Reactions can be seen when products made from latex come in contact with the person's skin, mucous membranes (like the mout...
Management of Asthma
Management of Asthma Treatment for asthma Specific treatment for asthma will be determined by your health care provider based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history Extent of the disease Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease Your opinion or preference As of yet, there is no cure for asthma. However, asthma can often be controlled with prescription medicines that may help to prevent or relieve symptoms, and by learning ways...
Milk Allergy Diet
Milk Allergy Diet General guidelines for milk allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. The items that you are allergic to are called allergens. A milk allergy is an abnormal response of the body to the proteins found in cow's milk. Milk allergy is most common among infants and young children. Milk and milk products are found in many foods. Obvious forms of milk are cream, cheese, butter, ice cream, and yogurt. Milk and milk prod...
Occupational Asthma
Occupational Asthma Asthma and your occupation Approximately 15 percent of adults with asthma experience occupational asthma. Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to inhaled irritants in the workplace. Occupational asthma is often a reversible condition, which means the symptoms may disappear when the irritants that caused the asthma are avoided. However, permanent damage can result if the person experiences prolonged exposure. Examples of workplace irritants include: Dusts Gases F...
Online Resources - Allergy and Asthma
Online Resources - Allergy and Asthma This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This page co...
Peak Flow Meter
Peak Flow Meter What is a peak flow meter? A peak flow meter is a device used to measure how well a person's asthma is under control. The device measures air flowing out of the lungs, called peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), as a person with asthma forcefully blows into the device. A peak flow meter, when used properly, can reveal narrowing of the airways well in advance of an asthma attack. Used mainly by people with moderate to severe and persistent asthma, peak flow meters can help determine: When to...
Peanut Allergy Diet
Peanut Allergy Diet General guidelines for peanut allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. A peanut allergy is an abnormal response of the body to the proteins found in peanuts. In order to avoid foods that contain peanuts, it is important to read food labels. How to read a label for a peanut-free diet Be sure to avoid foods that contain any of the following ingredients: Artificial nuts Beer nuts Cold pressed, expressed, or ...
Pemphigus Vulgaris
Pemphigus Vulgaris Pemphigus is a rare group of autoimmune diseases that causes blisters on the skin and mucous membranes--mouth, nose, throat, eyes, and genitals--throughout the body. Pemphigus vulgaris is the most common type of pemphigus. Pemphigus vulgaris is not fully understood, but experts believe that it's triggered when a person who already has a genetic tendency to develop this condition comes into contact with an environmental "switch," such as a chemical or a drug. In some cases, pemphigus v...
Rhinitis
Rhinitis What is rhinitis? Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose, and throat when airborne irritants (allergens) trigger the release of histamine. Histamine causes inflammation and fluid production in the fragile linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids. What are the different types of rhinitis? There are two categories of rhinitis: allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis There are two types of allergic rhinitis: Seasonal. This type occurs particularly during ...
Shellfish Allergy Diet
Shellfish Allergy Diet General guidelines for shellfish allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. A shellfish allergy is an abnormal response of the body to the proteins found in shellfish. In order to avoid foods that contain shellfish, it is important to read food labels. How to read a label for a shellfish-free diet Be sure to avoid foods that contain any of the following ingredients: Abalone Clam, such as cherrystone, lit...
Soy Allergy Diet
Soy Allergy Diet General guidelines for soy allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. A soy allergy is an abnormal response of the body to the proteins found in soy. Soybeans are classified as a legume. Other foods in the legume family are navy, kidney, string, black and pinto beans, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), lentils, carob, licorice, and peanuts. Sensitivity to peanuts is the most common, but soybean sensitivity is also pr...
Symptomatic Conditions of Allergy
Symptomatic Conditions of Allergy Many symptomatic conditions of allergy require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some of the conditions that result from allergic reactions, for which we have provided a brief overview. Asthma Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Contact Dermatitis Rhinitis Urticaria / Hives
Topic Index - Allergy and Asthma
Topic Index - Allergy and Asthma Allergy and Asthma Home Statistics Related to Allergy and Asthma All About Asthma Asthma Overview Triggers for Asthma Attacks Management of Asthma Asthma and Pregnancy Asthma and Children Asthma and Exercise Occupational Asthma Peak Flow Meter Treatment for Asthma Asthma Knowledge Quiz All About Allergy Allergy Overview Allergies and the Immune System Allergens: Triggers of Allergy Attacks Animals Chemical Sensitivity Dust and Dust Mites Foods Egg Allergy Diet Diet for L...
Treatment for Allergy
Treatment for Allergy How are allergies treated? Specific treatment for allergies will be determined by your doctor based on: Your overall health and medical history Extent of the allergic disease Your tolerance for specific medications Expectations for the course of the allergic disease Your opinion or preference The three most effective ways to treat allergies are avoidance, immunotherapy, and medication. What is avoidance? Avoidance is staying away from a substance that causes an allergic reaction. S...
Treatment for Asthma
Treatment for Asthma Medication as treatment for asthma The two types of asthma medications used to treat asthma include long-term control medication and short-term, quick-relief medication. Though the goal of both medications is to treat asthma symptoms, they are used for different purposes. Long-term control medication is usually taken every day to control asthma symptoms and to prevent the occurrence of asthma attacks. Quick-relief medication is primarily taken to relieve the sudden onset of asthma s...
Tree Nut Allergy Diet
Tree Nut Allergy Diet General guidelines for tree nut allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. A tree nut allergy is an abnormal response of the body to the proteins found in tree nuts. In order to avoid foods that contain tree nuts, it is important to read food labels. How to read a label for a tree nut-free diet Be sure to avoid foods that contain any of the following ingredients: Almonds Beechnuts Brazil nuts Butternuts C...
Triggers for Asthma Attacks
Triggers for Asthma Attacks What are the triggers that can cause an asthma attack? According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the American Lung Association, triggers for asthma may include: Allergens Respiratory infections and sinusitis Pollen Mold Animal protein (dander, urine, oil from skin) House dust/dust mites Cockroach droppings Certain foods Infections can cause irritation of the airways, nose, throat, lungs, and sinuses, and may precede an asthma attack. Irritants ...
Urticaria/Hives
Urticaria/Hives What is urticaria? Urticaria, or hives, is a condition in which red, itchy, and swollen raised areas appear on the skin--usually as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medicines; however, sometimes the cause may be unknown. Hives can vary in size from one-half inch to several inches in size. Hives can appear all over the body or be limited to one part of the body. What foods commonly cause hives? Nuts Peanuts Eggs Shellfish Milk What medicines commonly cause ...
Wheat Allergy Diet
Wheat Allergy Diet General guidelines for wheat allergy The key to an allergy-free diet is to avoid all foods or products containing the food to which you are allergic. A wheat allergy is an abnormal response of the body to the protein found in wheat. Wheat products are found in many foods. In order to avoid foods that contain wheat, it is important to read food labels. Foods Allowed Not allowed Beverages Coffee, tea, fruit juices, decaffeinated coffee, carbonated beverages, all milks, cocoa Cereal beve...
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