[Allergy & Asthma Corner]

True or False?

1) Fragrances are allergens which may trigger asthma and allergic nasal problems.

2) There is nothing you can do about getting exposed to fragrance in the work place since you can’t control other people.

3) Allergy shots may help people with allergy to pollens and dust mites, and intolerance to fragrance.

4) Some fragrances may cause a contact dermatitis similar to poison ivy.

5) Fragrance free products for cleaning are becoming more difficult to find.

6) There are some people that may have a severe asthma attack after getting a whiff of a person’s cologne.

7) Some people may not be allergic to any indoor or outdoor triggers but yet have severe problems from fragrance, fumes and odors.

Answers are in the Answer Widget (to the left, in the Navigation Bar)

I have posted an article about fragrance on MyAllergyNetwork.com:

www.healthcentral.com/allergy/c/3989/21634/rhinitis-fragrances

Tell me what you think by pressing the comment link on either site.

I am very interested in your comments.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has revised recommendations regarding maternal dietary restriction during pregnancy to prevent the development of allergic diseases. They have as well revised the time recommended for introducing solid foods in infancy.

Here are 7 points:

1) There is not adequate evidence to support restrictions of high risk foods (shellfish, nuts, peanuts) or other foods thought to trigger allergy during pregnancy or lactation (while breast feeding).

2) Infants at high risk for allergy (family history of allergic rhinitis, allergic eczema or asthma) should have exclusive breast feeding (BrF) for the first 4 months in order to decrease the risk of allergic eczema (atopic dermatitis) for the first two years.

3) Exclusive BrF for the first 3 months may protect against wheezing early on but not after 6 years of age.

4) Infants with high risk for allergy problems may experience a delay in developing allergic eczema if they are fed with extensively hydrolyzed formulas (e.g. Nutramigen and Alimentum)

5) Soy based formula appears to have no significant role in preventing allergy.

6) There is no evidence that delaying the introduction of solid foods beyond 4-6 months has a protective effect regarding allergic development.

7) There is no evidence that dietary restriction after 4-6 months of age will protect against allergy.

For many years I have advised parents and future parents to avoid high risk foods during the last two trimesters of pregnancy and while breast feeding. I have also recommended delaying the introduction of high risk foods during the first few years of life.

Perhaps I will stop…, perhaps.

Want another review on this issue? Go to:

www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/resourcespre.php?id=108&title=restricting_diet_to_prevent_food_allergies

A Hookah water pipe with two hoses.

Hookah Bars are popping up around many U.S. college campuses and urban cities attracting a growing number of young people age 17 to 25. "Hookah" is the name of the water pipe that is used to smoke the flavored tobacco, "shisha", specially made for the Hookah.

How much do you know about Hookah and Hookah smoking?

True or False:

1) Hookah bars allow for young teenagers to hang out in social settings previously off limits because of alcoholic beverages (Hookah bars generally don't serve alcohol).

2) Many Hookah smokers are convinced that Hookah smoking is safer than cigarette smoking.

3) Hookah tobacco has some tar and nicotine but most is filtered out by the water in the base.

4) Hookah smoking often takes place over 20 to 90 minutes, in small groups of people.

5) Many parents, college deans and faculty are completely unaware of their children and students participating in this growing trend.

6) Hookah smoking poses very little risk to addiction or subsequent cigarette smoking.

7) Passive exposure (just being in the same room with people that are Hookah smoking) does not place one at risk for lung disease.

8) Hookah bars in Illinois and many other states have taken advantage of a legal loophole regarding the state smoking ban.

I have a more comprehensive review on Hookah smoking on:

People with asthma and allergy problems are at increased risk from Hookah or any type of smoking. (I know this is true)

Answers to the above True / False statements are in the answer widget (Navigation Bar)

I am very interested in your thoughts on Hookah, Hookah bars and Hookah smoking.