Researchers May Have Found Key to Peanut Allergy Cure

Food allergies affect around 15 million children in the United States. A team of Australian researchers may have made progress in finding the cure to peanut allergies. Around 15 million children in the United States are allergic to food — meaning about two allergic kids are in every classroom. In a relatively small study, scientists from the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute gave 30 allergic children small daily doses of peanut protein with a probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) in increasing amounts over 18 months. They gave a control group of 30 allergic children a placebo. “Astoundingly, researchers found over 80 percent of children who received the oral immunotherapy treatment were able to tolerate peanut [sic] at the end of the trial, compared to less than 4 percent of the […] Read More

Are You Allergic to Rain?

By Dr. Mercola Dust mites, animal dander, molds, and pollen are among the most common environmental triggers of asthma attacks and allergy symptoms. For some, however, a spring or summer thunderstorm may lead to a flare-up of symptoms. Research shows an association between thunderstorm activity and worsening of allergy and asthma symptoms; one study found a 3 percent increase in emergency-room visits for asthma attacks in the 24 hours following thunderstorms.1 As the researchers explained: “While a three percent increase in risk may seem modest, asthma is quite prevalent… and a modest relative increase could have a significant public health impact in the population.” What Causes Thunderstorm Asthma? The phenomenon, known as “thunderstorm asthma,” isn’t so much an issue of people being allergic to rain. […] Read More