Mar 13, 2009
Asthma Treatment-The Treatment Of Asthma With Asthma Medicines And Asthma Home Remedies.
Asthma treatment is an ongoing battle for asthma sufferers, their is no cure for asthma. The lung disease actually is different from person to person and a doctor must be the one to help you customize your asthma treatment plan to fit your personal needs. The asthma remedies for home or over the counter asthma medicine treatments should only be used for instances of emergency. If you have the feeling your asthma is about to cause problems, set an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. The body will give subtle signs of trouble to come with most cases of asthma flare ups. Itchy skin around the neck, chest, or both is one of the earliest signs of an asthma attack in most people. Over the counter asthma medicines are not a smart way of trying to control asthma for the long term. Your doctor will help you get the proper asthma treatment medicine and figure out the best way to control your asthma. There are many asthma medicines available today, some like advair have some severe side effects, others like albuterol have less. The at home asthma treatments like coffee, or cheap drugs like ephedrine all have their different effects on different people. The best thing to do is carry some form of emergency asthma treatment with you at all times. Always listen to your doctor, so they can learn what it takes to keep your asthma under control to the best of their abilities.
Asthma Attack-The Signs Of An Asthma Attack And What To Do During An Asthma Attack
The most important knowledge to have about your asthma is what do do during an asthma attack. First of all, how do you know it is an asthma attack? If you are having any trouble taking in air or if there are other symptoms such as wheezing, severe coughing, or chest pain from airway restriction, you should always take action quickly. These are the main symptoms to look for in an oncoming attack. If you have a rescue inhaler such as albuterol, then use it as soon as possible. At least some form of asthma treatment at the beginning of an asthma attack is the only way to prevent a full blown severe asthma attack. Use anything at hand to stop it from getting worse or at least slow it down. If you do not have an inhaler or a nebulizer at the time, then a hot cup of coffee will at least open the airways a little. Sometimes a cup of coffee will actually stop the asthma attack. There are also ephedrine tablets and inhalers such as Primatene, if you have asthma you should keep at least one of these things handy at all times. It is easy to forget the danger involved with asthma because it has a “low fatality” rate, but does roughly 200,000 people dead each year world wide sound like a low number to you? Doctors do have the best asthma treatment medicines by far, but in a pinch use what you got or can get fast. Even if your asthma rescue medicine works and the asthma attack subsides, you should follow up with a doctor as soon as possible to get a better asthma treatment regime to prevent your asthma from getting out of control. On the other hand, if all the listed asthma rescue treatments do not stop the asthma attack, then get to the nearest hospital quickly. This is the only option for an asthma attack that does not respond to emergency rescue asthma treatments. In this case you should have someone drive you to the nearest hospital or call 911, you should never attempt to drive during an asthma attack, unless given no other option. An asthma attack is a very life threatening condition that requires medical attention fast. Kids asthma attacks and adults asthma attacks are almost the same and should be treated as such. If you are with someone who is suffering an asthma attack, keep in mind that they are in severe pain between the constriction of their airways and the overwhelming sensations of being smothered. The person can and probably will become very irritable. This is common in all people who are suffering through the symptoms of an asthma attack.
Feb 19, 2009
How Can I Cope With Spring Allergy Season?
The severity of symptoms depends on the species of tree that triggers your allergy, and other factors, including the weather.
The colder weather may have given allergy sufferers a brief reprieve, but spring allergy season already has arrived in the Tampa Bay area, bringing sneezing, sniffling and other symptoms that can make you feel miserable.
Various pollen-spewing trees are the major source of allergies that last pretty much year-round in our region - Australian pine, cedar and cypress species, bayberry and 11 species of oak. Australian pine blooms twice a year, in the fall (November through December), and then again in late winter (January) through spring (May). Bayberry blooms from late January to April and cypress and cedar species pollinate beginning in October and continue through May. Oak trees start pollinating in December, and the particles can be collected from the air as late as the end of April.
Some people incorrectly blame Florida's orange and punk trees - both bear conspicuous flowers - for their respiratory problems. But these trees are pollinated by insects, and only pollen spread by wind triggers allergic symptoms.
While high pollen counts can aggravate everything from asthma to skin allergies, hay fever or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is the most common spring allergy. People with spring hay fever can suffer symptoms from mid-February until the end of March or mid-April. The spread of oak tree pollen spikes in mid-March. The severity of symptoms depends on the species of tree that triggers your allergy, the amount of pollen in the air any given day, and other factors, including the weather and how much time you spend outdoors. On windy days and afterward, pollen counts are higher, while rain helps wash away the pollen and lower counts.
Pollen is measured in particles per cubic meter. Oak tree pollen counts can easily reach 3,000 or more particles per cubic meter of air - several times the amount considered high for trees. These naturally-occurring yellow allergens, dispersed on sidewalks, driveways and cars, are inhaled into the nose and lungs and cause an abnormal immune response in people genetically predisposed to allergies. (Pine tree pollen, also visible on the ground, does not cause allergy problems.) The reaction for hay fever sufferers is red and watery eyes, sneezing, and itchy, runny and stuffy noses as the body tries to fight off the foreign allergen.
Fortunately, treatment for allergies is usually very effective. One of the best things you can do is avoid pollen by staying indoors as much as possible, closing the windows of your house and car, and using the air conditioning. Try over-the-counter antihistamines and/or decongestants. If these remedies are not sufficient to alleviate symptoms, your physician can prescribe nasal sprays such as corticosteroids and antihistamines, and/or oral medications. People with severe allergies resistant to medications may benefit from allergen immunotherapy, a series of injections that gradually decreases their sensitivity to the substances triggering their symptoms.
So let me assure the 20 percent of people with allergies that you don't have to suffer in silence this spring. If allergy season is affecting your quality of life, consult your physician or a board-certified allergist/immunologist.
Dr. Lockey is a Distinguished University Health Professor of medicine, pediatrics and public health at USF, where he directs the Division of Allergy and Immunology and holds the Joy McCann Culverhouse Chair in Allergy and Immunology.
The colder weather may have given allergy sufferers a brief reprieve, but spring allergy season already has arrived in the Tampa Bay area, bringing sneezing, sniffling and other symptoms that can make you feel miserable.
Various pollen-spewing trees are the major source of allergies that last pretty much year-round in our region - Australian pine, cedar and cypress species, bayberry and 11 species of oak. Australian pine blooms twice a year, in the fall (November through December), and then again in late winter (January) through spring (May). Bayberry blooms from late January to April and cypress and cedar species pollinate beginning in October and continue through May. Oak trees start pollinating in December, and the particles can be collected from the air as late as the end of April.
Some people incorrectly blame Florida's orange and punk trees - both bear conspicuous flowers - for their respiratory problems. But these trees are pollinated by insects, and only pollen spread by wind triggers allergic symptoms.
While high pollen counts can aggravate everything from asthma to skin allergies, hay fever or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is the most common spring allergy. People with spring hay fever can suffer symptoms from mid-February until the end of March or mid-April. The spread of oak tree pollen spikes in mid-March. The severity of symptoms depends on the species of tree that triggers your allergy, the amount of pollen in the air any given day, and other factors, including the weather and how much time you spend outdoors. On windy days and afterward, pollen counts are higher, while rain helps wash away the pollen and lower counts.
Pollen is measured in particles per cubic meter. Oak tree pollen counts can easily reach 3,000 or more particles per cubic meter of air - several times the amount considered high for trees. These naturally-occurring yellow allergens, dispersed on sidewalks, driveways and cars, are inhaled into the nose and lungs and cause an abnormal immune response in people genetically predisposed to allergies. (Pine tree pollen, also visible on the ground, does not cause allergy problems.) The reaction for hay fever sufferers is red and watery eyes, sneezing, and itchy, runny and stuffy noses as the body tries to fight off the foreign allergen.
Fortunately, treatment for allergies is usually very effective. One of the best things you can do is avoid pollen by staying indoors as much as possible, closing the windows of your house and car, and using the air conditioning. Try over-the-counter antihistamines and/or decongestants. If these remedies are not sufficient to alleviate symptoms, your physician can prescribe nasal sprays such as corticosteroids and antihistamines, and/or oral medications. People with severe allergies resistant to medications may benefit from allergen immunotherapy, a series of injections that gradually decreases their sensitivity to the substances triggering their symptoms.
So let me assure the 20 percent of people with allergies that you don't have to suffer in silence this spring. If allergy season is affecting your quality of life, consult your physician or a board-certified allergist/immunologist.
Dr. Lockey is a Distinguished University Health Professor of medicine, pediatrics and public health at USF, where he directs the Division of Allergy and Immunology and holds the Joy McCann Culverhouse Chair in Allergy and Immunology.
Allergy alert issued for very high counts of eastern red cedar pollen in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City physicians issued the first allergy alert of the season Wednesday, citing very high counts of eastern red cedar pollen.
The pollen count is the highest it’s been in two years, said Dr. Richard Hatch with the Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic, which monitors pollen levels for the National Allergy Bureau.
The pollen season for eastern red cedar will continue through March, he said, about the time other trees start pollinating and causing allergy problems.
“It looks to be a high tree pollen year” Hatch said.
For persons with allergies or asthma, high pollen can produce severe symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing and shortness of breath.
Persons effected should take over-the-counter or prescription medicines or see an allergy doctor.
Staying inside under air conditioning can ease symptoms, as can showering and changing clothes after being outdoors.
Jan 30, 2009
Effect of fermented milk-based probiotic preparations on Helicobacter pylori eradication
Effect of fermented milk-based probiotic preparations on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of fermented milk-based probiotic preparations on Helicobacter pylori eradication.
Design:
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Data sources:
Electronic databases and hand search of reviews, bibliographies of books and abstracts and proceedings of international conferences.
Review methods:
Included trials had to be randomized or quasi-randomized and controlled, using fermented milk-based probiotics in the intervention group, treating Helicobacter-infected patients and evaluating improvement or eradication of H. pylori as an outcome.
Results:
The search identified 10 eligible randomized controlled trials. Data were available for 963 patients, of whom 498 were in the treatment group and 465 in the control group. The pooled odds ratio (studies n=9) for eradication by intention-to-treat analysis in the treatment versus control group was 1.91 (1.38-2.67; P<0.0001) q="5.44;" p="0.488)." q="13.41;" p="0.144)." p="0.41;" q="68.5;">
Conclusion:
Fermented milk-based probiotic preparations improve H. pylori eradication rates by approximately 5-15%, whereas the effect on adverse effects is heterogeneous.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of fermented milk-based probiotic preparations on Helicobacter pylori eradication.
Design:
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Data sources:
Electronic databases and hand search of reviews, bibliographies of books and abstracts and proceedings of international conferences.
Review methods:
Included trials had to be randomized or quasi-randomized and controlled, using fermented milk-based probiotics in the intervention group, treating Helicobacter-infected patients and evaluating improvement or eradication of H. pylori as an outcome.
Results:
The search identified 10 eligible randomized controlled trials. Data were available for 963 patients, of whom 498 were in the treatment group and 465 in the control group. The pooled odds ratio (studies n=9) for eradication by intention-to-treat analysis in the treatment versus control group was 1.91 (1.38-2.67; P<0.0001) q="5.44;" p="0.488)." q="13.41;" p="0.144)." p="0.41;" q="68.5;">
Conclusion:
Fermented milk-based probiotic preparations improve H. pylori eradication rates by approximately 5-15%, whereas the effect on adverse effects is heterogeneous.
Efficacy and safety of 5-grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy tablets in patients with different clinical profiles of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
The optimal dose of grass pollen tablets for sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in allergic rhino conjunctivitis patients was previously established in a multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 628 adults. Patients were randomized to receive once-daily 5-grass pollen sub lingual tablets of 100 IR (index of reactivity), 300 IR or 500 IR, or placebo starting 4 months before the pollen season.
Objective
The aim of this complementary analysis was to determine whether 300 IR 5-grass pollen SLIT-tablets is effective in different subtypes of patients who are allergic to grass pollen. Methods
Different subgroups could be identified regarding comorbidities (with or without asthma during the grass-pollen season), sensitization (mono/polysensitization) and symptom severity. An additional exploratory analysis was performed within four subgroups based on pre-treatment assessment: Group 1=high specific IgE; Group 2=high symptom scores; Group 3=high skin sensitivity; Group 4=any of Group 1, 2 or 3. Results
Asthma and sensitization status were not significant covariates as the average Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score (RTSS) was identical for patients with and without grass-pollen asthma, as well as for mono- and polysensitized patients. Across the four subgroups, average RTSSs (± SD) for the optimal dosage (300 IR) were 3.91 ± 3.16, 3.83 ± 3.14, 2.55 ± 2.13 and 3.61 ± 2.97, for subgroups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.ancovashowed that in Group 1 average RTSS did not differ significantly with different doses of SLIT. In Groups 2, 3 and 4, doses of 300 IR and 500 IR were significantly more effective than 100 IR and placebo . All doses of SLIT administered in this study can be considered safe in the patients investigated.
Conclusions
The risk-benefit ratio validates the use of 300 IR tablets in clinical practice in all of these patient subgroups, regardless of severity profile, sensitization status and presence of asthma.
Objective
The aim of this complementary analysis was to determine whether 300 IR 5-grass pollen SLIT-tablets is effective in different subtypes of patients who are allergic to grass pollen. Methods
Different subgroups could be identified regarding comorbidities (with or without asthma during the grass-pollen season), sensitization (mono/polysensitization) and symptom severity. An additional exploratory analysis was performed within four subgroups based on pre-treatment assessment: Group 1=high specific IgE; Group 2=high symptom scores; Group 3=high skin sensitivity; Group 4=any of Group 1, 2 or 3. Results
Asthma and sensitization status were not significant covariates as the average Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score (RTSS) was identical for patients with and without grass-pollen asthma, as well as for mono- and polysensitized patients. Across the four subgroups, average RTSSs (± SD) for the optimal dosage (300 IR) were 3.91 ± 3.16, 3.83 ± 3.14, 2.55 ± 2.13 and 3.61 ± 2.97, for subgroups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.ancovashowed that in Group 1 average RTSS did not differ significantly with different doses of SLIT. In Groups 2, 3 and 4, doses of 300 IR and 500 IR were significantly more effective than 100 IR and placebo . All doses of SLIT administered in this study can be considered safe in the patients investigated.
Conclusions
The risk-benefit ratio validates the use of 300 IR tablets in clinical practice in all of these patient subgroups, regardless of severity profile, sensitization status and presence of asthma.
Jan 28, 2009
Allergy
Allergy - a disease characterized by a modified (high) sensitivity of the human body or animal to the factors of the environment. Allergy symptoms vary greatly and depend on what organs and systems of the body exposed to the allergen.
The treatment of allergy is a fairly difficult task.
For the treatment of allergies are usually applied:
1. Anti -
2. chromoens (chrome-glycane ).
3. The most modern way to treat allergies can be considered ASID
The treatment of allergy is a fairly difficult task.
For the treatment of allergies are usually applied:
1. Anti -
2. chromoens (chrome-glycane ).
3. The most modern way to treat allergies can be considered ASID
Jan 26, 2009
Why Allergy Meds Worsen Restless Leg Syndrome - Histaminergic Clinical And Autopsy Abnormalities In Restless Legs Syndrome
Johns Hopkins Researchers at Neuroscience 2008 - People with restless leg syndrome often have found that sleep-inducing allergy drugs worsen their symptoms. Now, researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered a possible reason for that and help explain why RLS in general interferes with sleep but doesn't seem to result in daytime drowsiness. The common thread, the researchers say, is that histamine receptors - proteins found on the surface of some cells that are triggered by histamine - in the brain work to modulate nerve responses.
When activated, histamine receptors stimulate alertness or wakefulness.
To sort out the relationship they suspected, the researchers first gave RLS patients either a true sedative or diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in many allergy medications that tames histamine and induces sleepiness. They found that while sedatives had little to no effect on RLS, diphenhydramine made the RLS as much as three to four times worse. The team then looked at autopsied brains from RLS patients for possible differences in histamine receptor location and found that the substantia nigra, the part of the brain implicated in RLS, contained a higher number of histamine-3 receptor proteins, suggesting that this molecular pathway is more active in people with RLS.
"Five out of six patients in our study showed this elevated number of histamine receptor proteins," says Richard Allen, Ph.D., a research associate in neurology at Hopkins.
"The histamine system appears to alter the balance of the nervous system so that one is not sleepy in the daytime, even with sleep loss, which might explain why RLS patients can get by on so little sleep. This also suggests that histamine receptors might be a new target for study and therapy of RLS."
When activated, histamine receptors stimulate alertness or wakefulness.
To sort out the relationship they suspected, the researchers first gave RLS patients either a true sedative or diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in many allergy medications that tames histamine and induces sleepiness. They found that while sedatives had little to no effect on RLS, diphenhydramine made the RLS as much as three to four times worse. The team then looked at autopsied brains from RLS patients for possible differences in histamine receptor location and found that the substantia nigra, the part of the brain implicated in RLS, contained a higher number of histamine-3 receptor proteins, suggesting that this molecular pathway is more active in people with RLS.
"Five out of six patients in our study showed this elevated number of histamine receptor proteins," says Richard Allen, Ph.D., a research associate in neurology at Hopkins.
"The histamine system appears to alter the balance of the nervous system so that one is not sleepy in the daytime, even with sleep loss, which might explain why RLS patients can get by on so little sleep. This also suggests that histamine receptors might be a new target for study and therapy of RLS."
Food Allergy And Intolerance
One of the busiest weeks at the start of the year is about to hit Allergy UK. Since Christmas and the New Year, the volume of calls from people suffering with symptoms which could be related to food have been steadily climbing.
The majority of people contacting us will be suffering food sensitivity, a true food allergy affects only a small number of the population, in the region of 2% but for this 2% it is unbelievably difficult particularly as a mistake could be life threatening.
With the food allergy and intolerance awareness week people who have been silently suffering wondering what could be causing their problems will often decide to telephone and just check out what they could possibly do to identify the cause of their symptoms and what to do about it.
Thousands of people suffer from food related illnesses and symptoms such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliac Disease, Migraine, Eczema , joint pains etc. yet are unaware of how they should manage their conditions and this is where Allergy UK can help.
Whether suffering from food allergy or food intolerance life is severely impacted making social events a nightmare, reducing productivity at work and limiting achievements in education. However there is good news in that due to the increased awareness of the problems, that in the region of 45% of the population suffer, increased attention is being paid to producing special 'free from' food which is a million miles away from the tasteless food of a few years ago.
In a recent survey carried out by Allergy UK many people mentioned specific supermarkets and the 'free from' foods they produce and we want to know more, so we are currently carrying out an online vote on both the above websites, on the shopping habits of those with food allergy and intolerance problems. We suspect from comments made to us, that shoppers will completely change their regular store if they discover a particular supermarket has a range of 'free from' foods that suit them.
We want to know whether this is really the case, whether ease of finding the product, price etc. are major factors. We want to hear from people with food problems about the services they want and expect to be provided by the supermarkets. Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Awareness week with your help will enable us to do this.
The majority of people contacting us will be suffering food sensitivity, a true food allergy affects only a small number of the population, in the region of 2% but for this 2% it is unbelievably difficult particularly as a mistake could be life threatening.
With the food allergy and intolerance awareness week people who have been silently suffering wondering what could be causing their problems will often decide to telephone and just check out what they could possibly do to identify the cause of their symptoms and what to do about it.
Thousands of people suffer from food related illnesses and symptoms such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliac Disease, Migraine, Eczema , joint pains etc. yet are unaware of how they should manage their conditions and this is where Allergy UK can help.
Whether suffering from food allergy or food intolerance life is severely impacted making social events a nightmare, reducing productivity at work and limiting achievements in education. However there is good news in that due to the increased awareness of the problems, that in the region of 45% of the population suffer, increased attention is being paid to producing special 'free from' food which is a million miles away from the tasteless food of a few years ago.
In a recent survey carried out by Allergy UK many people mentioned specific supermarkets and the 'free from' foods they produce and we want to know more, so we are currently carrying out an online vote on both the above websites, on the shopping habits of those with food allergy and intolerance problems. We suspect from comments made to us, that shoppers will completely change their regular store if they discover a particular supermarket has a range of 'free from' foods that suit them.
We want to know whether this is really the case, whether ease of finding the product, price etc. are major factors. We want to hear from people with food problems about the services they want and expect to be provided by the supermarkets. Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Awareness week with your help will enable us to do this.
Living With Nut Allergy
The incidence of nut allergy is on the increase in Western societies, as is the attention it receives from the public and from the media, yet little research has been carried out on the impact of living with the condition.
A University of Leicester research project is now to look at the views and experiences of children and their families living with nut allergy, which accounts for the majority of severe food-related allergic reactions. Peanut allergy, which currently affects around 1 % of children, is the most common food trigger of anaphylaxis.
Funded by MAARA (Midlands Asthma and Allergy Research Association), Dr Emma Pitchforth, of the University's Department of Health Sciences, is carrying out a qualitative study involving interviews with children and their parents. Depending on the age of the child, they may be interviewed separately or with their parents.
The two-year research project is being carried out with colleagues Dr David Luyt and Dr Emilia Wawrzkowicz, consultant paediatricians involved in the management of childhood allergies.
From these investigations, the team hope to understand better the impact on family and everyday life of living with these allergies. They will be looking at sources of information and strategies families use to cope.
The interviews will be audio-recorded (with permission) and the resulting transcriptions will help the researchers to identify recurring themes. All data is anonymous and confidential.
Dr Pitchforth commented: "First allergic reactions to nuts usually develop in children at a young age and do not resolve as they get older. This means that for those affected nut allergy is a permanent, potentially life-threatening condition.
"Clinical management of nut allergy typically involves educating children and their families to avoid all products containing nuts. They need to learn to recognise early signs of allergic reaction and to administer self-injectable epinephrine when they need to.
"The number of deaths resulting from nut allergy is extremely low, but it is a risk and patients are told to avoid all types of nuts and their traces, and to carry an 'Epi-pen' at all times, in case they suffer an anaphylactic shock."
University Of Leicester
A member of the 1994 Group of universities that share a commitment to research excellence, high quality teaching and an outstanding student experience.
- Ranked top for student satisfaction in England (jointly with Oxford) among mainstream universities (average score of 4.4 out of 5 for overall satisfaction)
- Ranked as a Top 20 university by The Sunday Times University Guide, The Guardian University Guide and the UK Good University Guide
- One of just 23 UK universities to feature in world's top 200- Shanghai Jiao Tong International Index, 2005-07.
- Ranked in top 200 world universities by the THES (Times Higher Education Supplement)
- Short listed University of the Year in 2007 by The Sunday Times and Short listed Higher Education Institution of the Year - THES awards 2005 and 2006
- Ranked top 10 in England for research impact by The Guardian
- Students' Union of the Year award 2005, short listed 2006 and 2007
Founded in 1921, the University of Leicester has 19,000 students from 136 countries. Teaching in 18 subject areas has been graded Excellent by the Quality Assurance Agency- including 14 successive scores - a consistent run of success matched by just one other UK University. Leicester is world renowned for the invention of DNA Fingerprinting by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys and houses Europe's biggest academic Space Research Center.
90% of staff are actively engaged in high quality research and 13 subject areas have been awarded the highest rating of 5* and 5 for research quality, demonstrating excellence at an international level. The University's research grant income places it among the top 20 UK research universities. The University employs over 3,000 people, has an annual turnover of £184m, covers an estate of 94 hectares and is engaged in a £300m investment programme among the biggest of any UK university.
A University of Leicester research project is now to look at the views and experiences of children and their families living with nut allergy, which accounts for the majority of severe food-related allergic reactions. Peanut allergy, which currently affects around 1 % of children, is the most common food trigger of anaphylaxis.
Funded by MAARA (Midlands Asthma and Allergy Research Association), Dr Emma Pitchforth, of the University's Department of Health Sciences, is carrying out a qualitative study involving interviews with children and their parents. Depending on the age of the child, they may be interviewed separately or with their parents.
The two-year research project is being carried out with colleagues Dr David Luyt and Dr Emilia Wawrzkowicz, consultant paediatricians involved in the management of childhood allergies.
From these investigations, the team hope to understand better the impact on family and everyday life of living with these allergies. They will be looking at sources of information and strategies families use to cope.
The interviews will be audio-recorded (with permission) and the resulting transcriptions will help the researchers to identify recurring themes. All data is anonymous and confidential.
Dr Pitchforth commented: "First allergic reactions to nuts usually develop in children at a young age and do not resolve as they get older. This means that for those affected nut allergy is a permanent, potentially life-threatening condition.
"Clinical management of nut allergy typically involves educating children and their families to avoid all products containing nuts. They need to learn to recognise early signs of allergic reaction and to administer self-injectable epinephrine when they need to.
"The number of deaths resulting from nut allergy is extremely low, but it is a risk and patients are told to avoid all types of nuts and their traces, and to carry an 'Epi-pen' at all times, in case they suffer an anaphylactic shock."
University Of Leicester
A member of the 1994 Group of universities that share a commitment to research excellence, high quality teaching and an outstanding student experience.
- Ranked top for student satisfaction in England (jointly with Oxford) among mainstream universities (average score of 4.4 out of 5 for overall satisfaction)
- Ranked as a Top 20 university by The Sunday Times University Guide, The Guardian University Guide and the UK Good University Guide
- One of just 23 UK universities to feature in world's top 200- Shanghai Jiao Tong International Index, 2005-07.
- Ranked in top 200 world universities by the THES (Times Higher Education Supplement)
- Short listed University of the Year in 2007 by The Sunday Times and Short listed Higher Education Institution of the Year - THES awards 2005 and 2006
- Ranked top 10 in England for research impact by The Guardian
- Students' Union of the Year award 2005, short listed 2006 and 2007
Founded in 1921, the University of Leicester has 19,000 students from 136 countries. Teaching in 18 subject areas has been graded Excellent by the Quality Assurance Agency- including 14 successive scores - a consistent run of success matched by just one other UK University. Leicester is world renowned for the invention of DNA Fingerprinting by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys and houses Europe's biggest academic Space Research Center.
90% of staff are actively engaged in high quality research and 13 subject areas have been awarded the highest rating of 5* and 5 for research quality, demonstrating excellence at an international level. The University's research grant income places it among the top 20 UK research universities. The University employs over 3,000 people, has an annual turnover of £184m, covers an estate of 94 hectares and is engaged in a £300m investment programme among the biggest of any UK university.
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