Cat Allergy

Over 10 million people in the United States suffer from cat allergy. Studies indicate that persistent cat allergy can lead to more serious problems like rhinitis and asthma.

In contrast to pollen allergy, cat allergic patients are exposed to cat allergens all year round. However, unlike other allergens, cat allergens are found everywhere, even in places a cat has never been. The fact that patients with cat allergies develop symptoms very quickly after entering a house in which cat allergens are present, suggests that the allergens may be continuously airborne.

The Cause 

It was once thought that cat allergy was caused by dander from a cat or cat hair. It is now known that the major sources of cat allergies are proteins carried by the hair and dander. These proteins are present in the saliva and sebaceous glands in the skin of the cat that become present on the dander or fur through the cat licking or grooming itself. The most important allergen is a protein called Fel d 1.

Sources of Cat Allergens 

Studies have shown that over 50% of patients with cat allergy have never owned a cat. The majority of patients acquire their cat allergy by exposure to animals in their surroundings through neighbors, friends, and relatives; at work, school, or day care centers; and other everyday situations. Persons in contact with cats or cat allergen outside the home can also carry the allergennto their home on their clothing. The main sources of cat allergens in the house are wall-to-wall carpeting, upholstery, cushions, mattresses, curtains and soft toys.

Treatment

Once diagnosed with a cat allergy, steps must be taken to reduce direct and indirect contact with cats. Avoidance of cat allergens is the first step in the treatment of cat allergy. Temporary removal of the cat from the home in an effort to determine its contribution to a patient’s symptoms is often recommended. All too often, however, patients refuse to believe that their cats are responsible for their problems because their symptoms do not subside 

immediately after the cat has been removed. Removing the cat is usually not enough since cat allergens remain in the home for months after the cat is gone. Does cleaning really help? The answer, unfortunately, is “no, not very much”. Increasing ventilation does not have any significant influence on cat allergen levels, either. The use of chemicals may initially reduce concentrations of cat allergen, but only for about a week. Washing the cat every week reduces the shedding of cat allergens, but it is still unknown whether washing the cat will significantly reduce cat allergen levels in the home.

What is Allergy Immunotherapy?

Allergy Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a clinically documented treatment that considerably 

reduces or completely removes your allergy symptoms and that need for traditional, symptomrelieving medication. After three to six months, your need for drugs may decrease and your symptoms may become less severe. An additional affect of allergy shots is that it may prevent the onset of other allergies and the development of asthma. Also, the treatment has a longstanding effect after it is discontinued. New scientific studies have shown that results are 

maintained for 5 to 10 years after the course of allergy shots has been completed. Among the 

wide variety of treatment possibilities available today, allergy immunotherapy is the only 

treatment that targets the cause of allergy and alters the natural course of the disease, which 

for many patients may lead to an improved quality of life. IT is not without risks. Possible side 

effects may include: itching and redness at the site of injection, local swelling and soreness 8-

12 hours after injection. Although these local reactions may produce discomfort, they are not 

serious. Serious systemic reactions can occur, but they are rare.

Learn More about Immunotherapy

Consult an allergy specialist. If you experience allergic symptoms, it is important to talk to a 

doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. Based on your 

history and specific testing, your allergy specialist will be able to determine if you are a 

candidate for IT.

Warnings and Indicators for Allergy Immunotherapy (IT)

Hyposensitization therapy is a treatment for patients exhibiting allergic reactions to seasonal 

pollens, dust mites, animal dander and various other inhalants in situations where the 

offending allergen cannot be avoided. Prior to initiation of therapy, the clinical sensitivity should 

be established by careful evaluation of the patient’s history confirmed by diagnostic skin 

testing. Hyposensitization should not be prescribed for sensitivities to allergens which can 

easily be avoided. As with all allergenic extracts, severe system reactions may occur. In 

certain individuals, these life-threatening reactions may be fatal.

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How Can We Protect Ourselves From Latex Allergy

Since the 1980s, latex gloves have been an important part of preventing the spread of infectious diseases like MRSA, HIV and AIDS. In fact, ten billion latex gloves are used every year in the United States. As we use more latex, more people are developing dangerous allergies to it. Scientists have developed a new, natural alternative that may solve the problem.

Faith, Lamar and David Ryberg love games -- but that's not all they have in common. They all have Spina Bifida. Like 68 percent of kids with this birth defect, all three have dangerous allergies to latex.

"You just get kind of nervous you could stop breathing at any moment," Lamar said.

Three million Americans and as many as 17 percent of healthcare workers in the United States have latex allergies. Reactions range from skin irritations and wheezing to a sudden drop in blood pressure, anaphylactic shock and even death. Scientists say a desert plant called guayule offers a new, natural rubber alternative without the proteins that trigger allergic reactions.

Katrina Cornish, Ph.D., a plant biologist and immunochemist at the Yulex Corporation in Maricopa, Ariz., says the key to processing guayule is to release the rubber contained in the plant. It starts with a sort of guayule milkshake.

"We take the whole shrub and grind it up to release the rubber particles, which are made in the bark into an aqueous medium," said Dr. Cornish.

Rubber particles in the mixture are slightly lighter than water. By spinning the solution in a centrifuge, the rubber separates, forming a liquid that rises to the top. Dr. Cornish says not only is this latex alternative, called Yulex, safer for those with allergies -- products made with it are more flexible and stronger than latex. In this test, the Yulex on the left stood up to nearly twice as much force as the purple latex on the right.

Uses for guayule latex are virtually endless.

"So far, we haven't found anything made out of rubber that we can't make with guayule," Dr. Cornish said. It's a new kind of rubber that might just fit like a glove for the millions with latex allergies, like Lamar.

"It would be very, very good!" Lamar exclaimed.

Yulex recently received FDA approval for a medical examination glove. Researchers say it's comparable in price to high-end synthetic latex. Because over 50 percent of rubber products now available are petroleum-based, Yulex could become even more attractive as oil prices increase.

WHAT IS GUAYULE? Guayule is a plant native to North America that grows well in arid areas of the southwestern United States and in Mexico. The plant produces resins that act as natural pesticides, making guayule resistant to many pests and diseases. The bark of the guayule contains rubber, but it does not contain the allergy-causing proteins present in the plants that are used to make latex. Guayule rubber has comparable strength to that of synthetic latex, but is softer and more elastic.

WHAT ARE ALLERGIES? Every year, when spring rolls around, millions of Americans start sneezing and coughing. Allergies are the culprit. An allergy is simply a negative reaction to a substance that enters the body that is not toxic in itself, yet for some reason causes a bad reaction in the body. Just about anything can be an allergen: dust mites, pollen, cats, dogs, wasps or bees, milk, eggs, peanuts, and even fruits are the most common.

A normal immune system is the body's defense against invading bacteria and viruses. It senses potential invaders and attacks them by producing antibodies. But sometimes a person's immune system mistakes a common allergen as harmful. So it produces antibodies to attack them, and this triggers other cells to release chemicals called histamines, causing allergic symptoms. The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction include sneezing, swelling, itchy eyes, sinus pain, a runny nose, rashes or hives, coughing, and in some cases, vomiting. In extreme cases, an allergen can cause difficulty in breathing. This is called an anaphylactic reaction, and a severe attack can be fatal if not treated quickly.

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Pet Allergies

The Truth about Pet Allergies

Pets provide companionship and fun, but for some people a dog or cat can also trigger sneezing, 
sniffles and worse. Does an animal allergy mean a life without Fido? Not necessarily. 
There is a myth that pet allergies are triggered by animal hair, but they are actually caused by a protein found in pet skin (or dander), saliva and urine. Some dog breeds are labeled “hypoallergenic”, as they shed less, but no dog is 100% hypoallergenic—even hairless dogs still have some allergen. Each animal is different, and a particular pet allergy sufferer may do better with one breed than another. 
If you’re allergic and want to get a dog or cat, consider looking for breeds with shorter hair and less shedding, although there isn’t real scientific evidence this will help. Some allergists have suggested that a dog that tends to keep its coat throughout the year may be better for allergy sufferers. Other factors, such as your pet’s disposition, might make frequent bathing more feasible.


• No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Even hairless dogs produce some allergens. 
• Keeping pets out of the bedroom can help reduce allergy symptoms. 
• About 10% of allergic individuals have allergies to pets. It can be as high as one out of five individuals with asthma
• Get pet allergy testing and begin allergy treatment (including allergen immunotherapy) before you get a pet can help ease symptoms. 


Things you can do to reduce suffering from pet allergies: 

• Make your bedroom a pet-free space, and wash bedding in hot water.
• Use a HEPA air purifier/filter to trap dander.
• Clean carpeting frequently, or opt for wood, tile or linoleum flooring.
• Keep your pet outside when possible. 
• Speak with your vet about a balanced diet for your pet, which can prevent dry skin and excess shedding.
• Keep your pet off the furniture—cover upholstered chairs with towels and sheets and wash them on a regular basis. 
• If your dog rides in the car, use covers on the seats and wash them frequently. 

There’s no guarantee that someone who is truly allergic to pets (about 10% of those with allergies) 
will tolerate living with a dog or cat. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, but are concerned about 
allergies, consider trying one out on a trial basis. You can also begin allergy treatment before getting 
a pet, including allergy shots such as for cats.


To the Point

There is a myth that pet allergies are caused by animal hair. It is actually a protein found in pet skin (or dander), saliva and urine that causes the allergy.

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Allergies to Cosmetic Ingredients

Most individuals can use cosmetic products without difficulty. However, despite intensive

efforts to formulate hypoallergenic products, there is a small percentage of people suffering from skin

irritations and allergic contact dermatitis with cosmetic use. The overall frequency of dermatitis

produced by cosmetics is difficult to determine. If the consumer experiences a reaction that is mild

and transient, he/she will not usually seek medical attention, but simply stop using the suspected

product. In addition to eczema, there is sometimes burning, stinging, or itching without visible skin

lesions.

Major Allergens

There are 3 categories of cosmetic ingredients that induce allergies more often than others:

• Fragrances

• Preservatives

• Hair colorants & agents for permanent waves

Fragrances are the most frequent allergens, but specific allergen avoidance is complicated by the

fact that manufacturers are not required to disclose the exact fragrance ingredients in products.

Also, when a product lists essential oils, patients may not recognize this as fragrance.

Another important cause of contact dermatitis caused by cosmetics is the variety of preservatives

added to the cosmetic products to maintain freshness. There are a number of preservatives

used in cosmetics that can cause eczema in the sensitive consumer. For example, formaldehyde

releasers are very frequent allergens.

Other important causes of contact allergy include the active agents in hair- and nail-care products

such as those for permanent hair waves, permanent hair coloring, artificial nails, and nail polishes.

Fragrances

Fragrance is the most common cause of contact allergy caused by cosmetics according to the North
American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) 1998–2000 patch-test results. Fragrances can be
naturally derived from plants or synthesized in laboratories. Although >5000 different fragrance
chemicals are known, it is possible to identify up to 95% of fragrance allergic patients by testing the
following 11 substances: cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, geraniol, eugenol, isoeugenol,
oak moss absolute, alpha-amyl cinnamic alcohol, sandalwood oil, hydroxycitronellal, narcissus
absolute, and ylang-ylang oil. After a fragrance allergy is once established, the
patient should avoid indefinitely all products that contain fragrances. If somebody is sensitive to
only a single or a few fragrances, avoidance of those particular fragrances may allow the
successful use of others. But again, because of the fact that fragrances are not required for
package labeling, it is essentially impossible to knowledgeably avoid a particular fragrance.


Allergens in Hair Care Products

The active agents in hair care products, including hair colorants and permanent waves, are the third
most common source of allergic reactions to cosmetic products. One of the most common allergen is
paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical used for permanent hair colorants. Up to 5% of all women
show allergic reactions to PPD. Once the hair colorant is fully developed, PPD is no longer an
allergen. Patients sensitive to PPD will recover from their allergies once PPD is oxidized and do not need
to cut their hair. The agents used in permanent waves are also an important cause of dermatitis.
Glyceryl thioglycolate is found in acid (heat) permanent waves used exclusively by salons and
can cause allergies in 2.0% of test persons. Ammonium thioglycolate is the chemical in alkaline
permanent wave products intended for home use and can also cause dermatitis. Patients who react to
glyceryl thioglycolate permanent solutions can typically tolerate ammonium thioglycolate-based
perms and vice versa.


How to Test

A widely used allergen patch skin test with a series of allergens is the TRUE Test®. It is
applied on the back and then the results (local skin reactions to the allergens) are read after
48h. The test includes the 23 most common allergens as: nickel sulfate, wool alcohols,
neomycin sulfate, potassium dichromate, caine mix, fragrance mix, colophony, paraben mix,
balsam of Peru, ethyl-enediamine dihydrochloride, cobalt dichloride, p-tertbutylphenol
formaldehyde resin, epoxy resin, carba mix, black rubber mix, Cl+Me-Isothiazolinone,
quaternium-15, mercaptobenzothiazole, p-phenylenediamine, formaldehyde,
mercapto mix, thimerosal, and thiuram mix.

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Alcohol Allergy

Alcohol Allergy

Allergy-like symptoms following ingestion of alcohol are frequently reported. Sometimes the reaction is very specific, for example, to a certain type of wine, but sometimes all types of alcohol cause problems.

True allergy to alcohol, involving the allergy-producing IgE antibody, is extremely rare, although a few cases of skin rash reactions have been recorded. In people with true alcohol allergy, as little as 1ml of pure alcohol (equivalent to 10ml of wine or a mouthful of beer) is enough to provoke severe rashes, difficulty breathing, stomach cramps or collapse.

It is important to remember that alcohol can increase the likelihood of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to other foods. Alcohol can exacerbate underlying conditions such as asthma, urticaria and rhinitis. Allergic people may get wheezy, headaches and skin flushes. However, it is much more common that adverse reactions to alcohol are caused by an intolerance to alcohol, or to the food on which the drink is based (e.g. grapes for wine, grains for whisky etc.), or to some other substance found in the drink (see below). An intolerance may arise when the body is lacking an enzyme that is needed to properly digest and eliminate a food or substance (or in this case, the alcohol itself). If the alcohol molecule cannot be effectively dealt with by the body, it can cause unusual symptoms to occur.

Alcohol also increases the permeability of the gut, which allows more food molecules into the body. This may explain the reactions of mildly food sensitive individuals who may not react to the food alone but only when it is combined with alcohol.

Red wine seems to cause the most problems, followed by whisky, then beer and then other wines. Most frequently, the likely cause of a reaction is not the alcohol itself but the chemicals - congeners - which give the drink its body, aroma and flavour. Again, the reactions are only rarely true allergic reactions.
Some of the major culprits are:

Histamine

This is present in many alcoholic drinks, particularly red wines and can cause headache, flushing, nasal symptoms, gut symptoms or asthma. Some people are particularly intolerant of histamine because of a deficiency in the breakdown and elimination of histamine from the body.

Yeasts

Yeasts are a possible cause of a true allergic reaction to alcoholic drinks. However studies show that there are only low levels of yeast allergens present in alcoholic drinks.

Sulphites/Sulphur Dioxide

Sulphur dioxide is particularly common in home brewed-beers and wines as sodium metabisulphite. This is used in the cleansing of equipment and remains in very high levels and resulting brew. Around 1 in 10 asthmatics are sensitive to sulphites and may have a wheezy reaction to alcoholic drinks. Rashes and anaphylactic reactions are rare.

Additives

Additives e.g. tartrazine, sodium benzoate - can trigger urticaria and asthma.
Plant-Derived Allergens
The fruit (grapes, apples, juniper berries, coconuts, and oranges), flavours (hops) or grain (malt) from which the drink is made can also be the cause of a true allergic reaction, although fruit and other plant-derived allergens are mostly destroyed by processing. One unusual potential source of trouble is fungal spores (mould) from the corks of wine bottles. Sensitivity to this fungus is rare. However, if you are sensitive and draw a cork with visible mould, you potentially expose yourself to a dose of allergen. Running the neck of the bottle under a cold tap before drawing the cork would probably be the best way of dealing with this.
At present, avoidance is the only real way of controlling symptoms arising from allergy or intolerance to alcoholic drinks. If you suspect you are reacting, make a note of the type of drink (and anything else consumed at the same time) and whether or not you took exercise. If all alcoholic drinks affect you, it is probably an exaggerated response to the alcohol itself or an exacerbating effect on your underlying condition. If not, try to narrow the field down to specific drinks or drink/food combinations, so that you can avoid the culprits.

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Bee-sting Allergies

To "BEE or not to BEE" 

Having your pleasant spring or summer day interrupted by a bee-sting can be more than just an inconvenience. Beestings can cause significant allergic and, in some cases, life threatening reactions and can be frightening. Indeed, five species of bees cause most stings (see below) with approximately 0.5% of the population being at risk for a significant allergic reaction and up to 50 fatalities being reported each year.

Allergic reactions to beestings are generally classified according to the time interval between the sting and reaction, and the extent of the reaction. Immediate reactions occur up to four hours after the sting; delayed reactions occur later. Of the immediate reactions, most are localized at the sting site, very itchy with swelling, pain and redness. Reactions cad be quite large, but other than discomfort, the reaction poses no health risk. Immediate reactions can also be systemic, involving signs and symptoms remote from the sting site. Systemic reactions usually involve generalized itching, redness, swelling and hives. Studies have shown that under the age of 16, an individual who develops either localized or mild, systemic reactions from beestings has no increased risk for worse reactions with subsequent stings. In contrast, adults who have experienced systemic reactions and who have positive venom skin tests are at 40-60% risk for another significant or worse systemic reaction.

A small percent of children and adults may develop serious, life threatening reactions called anaphylaxis, consisting of hives, swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, low blood pressure (hypotension), abdominal cramping and altered consciousness. Toxic reactions resemble systemic reactions, but occur when multiple (50-100) stings are received in a short period.
Localized and mild systemic reactions can be treated at home with antihistamines. Significant systemic reactions often require emergency room treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine), intravenous fluids and steroids. Patients at any age who have experienced life threatening systemic reactions and individuals age 16 and older who have experienced systemic reactions should have intradermal skin testing to diagnose bee-sting allergy. If tests are positive, bee venom allergy shots (immunotherapy) is recommended, and individuals should carry Benadryl and epinephrine. Epinephrine is available in a preloaded spring-loaded syringe called an auto-injector. The Epi-Pen and Twin-Ject are 2 products available by prescription. Either device should be kept on hand at all times. The latest study out of Johns Hopkins University claims that 5 years of venom immunotherapy may be adequate for most patients.

For bee-sting allergic individuals, general rules for avoidance of bees outdoors include: Stay still when a bee approaches, avoid areas where flowers are blooming, avoid yellow and blue clothing, perfumes or hair sprays, wear long sleeves or pants and keep drinks covered in picnic areas. Nests around the home should be identified and eliminated.

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Cow's Milk Allergy

What is a milk allergy?

A milk allergy is a reaction by your child's immune system to the protein in milk. Our immune systems
normally respond to bacteria or viruses that attack the body. With a food allergy, the body's immune
system attacks harmless things, such as the proteins found in cow's milk. Casein is the main protein found
in milk. It is found in the solid part of milk (curd) when milk goes sour. Whey, the liquid that remains once
the curd is removed, contains the rest of the proteins. Your child can be allergic to the proteins in curd,
whey, or both.
In very young children, cow's milk is the leading cause of allergic reactions. Milk is one of the 8 foods that
are responsible for most food allergies in children. The other foods include eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts
(such as walnuts and cashews), wheat, fish, and shellfish. Most kids outgrow milk allergy by 2 or 3 years
of age.
If you think your child is allergic to milk, dairy products or any other food, it is important to get a
diagnosis from your healthcare provider or allergist.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to milk?

Milk allergies are typically discovered very early in formula and breast-fed infants. If a mother drinks
cow's milk, the milk protein also comes out in her breast milk. The symptoms seen in milk allergy depend
on whether the child has a slow-onset or a rapid-onset reaction to milk. The slower reaction is more
common and symptoms develop over time.
Symptoms that occur rapidly (within seconds to hours) may include:
• Wheezing
• Vomiting
• Skin reaction (hives).
Symptoms that occur slowly (several hours and sometimes days):
• Loose stools (sometimes containing streaks of blood and/or mucus)
• Diarrhea, abdominal cramping
• Intermittent cough, wheezing, runny nose, or sinus infection
• Skin rash
• Slowed gain in weight and/or height (failure to thrive).
A milk allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance affects only the digestive tract. It
causes symptoms such as bloating, gas and diarrhea.
Although rare, it is possible to have an allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. This is a serious
reaction that is sudden, severe, and can involve the whole body. It can cause swelling of the mouth and
throat, dangerously lower blood pressure, and trouble breathing. This type of reaction is a medical
emergency. It is treated with epinephrine (a medicine that is given by injection). Usually parents or
caregivers of children who have severe allergic reactions carry their own shot kits, just in case of
emergency.

What formulas are best for my baby?

Pediatricians typically recommend soy-based formulas. These formulas contain soybean proteins, and most
are supplemented with vitamins and minerals making them nutritionally equal to milk-based formulas. The
switch to soy formula helps for about half of babies allergic to milk. If the switch to soy doesn't help with
your child's symptoms, the next step is to give your child a "hypoallergenic" formula. There are two types
of hypoallergenic formulas:
• Extensively hydrolyzed formulas: The proteins in these formulas have been broken down so that they
are more easily digested and less likely to cause a reaction. Brands include Nutramigen, Pregestimil, and
Alimentum. Partially hydrolyzed formulas are not a good substitute.
• Elemental formulas: The proteins in these formulas are in the simplest form and are used when
hydrolyzed formula continues to cause symptoms. Elemental formulas include Neocate and Elecare.

Can I still breast-feed?

Breast-feeding a baby with a milk allergy is sometimes recommended. As a mother, avoiding milk
products in your diet may have a protective effect against allergy. If you decide to avoid cow's milk, you
should take calcium plus vitamin D supplements. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether or not
you should breast-feed.

How can I keep my child safe at school?

• Teach your child not to eat foods unless they are safe. Even young children can grasp this concept,
especially once they have gotten sick after eating a particular food.
• Prepare your child's lunch at home.
• Talk with teachers and the school administrator regarding your child's needs. Ask teachers to keep an
eye out and explain the situation to other children if needed.
• Have the teacher call you if there is a special event or party planned so that you can bring a few
modified treats that your child enjoys and can share with other kids.
• Make a card that lists foods and ingredients that should be avoided and give one to the teacher. The card
can also be helpful to older children in making decisions when out with friends.

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