Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an IgE-mediated inflammatory disorder of the nasal passages caused by the overreaction of the body’s immune system to inhaled allergens. Airborne allergens such as pollens, animal dander, mould and mites, interact with specific IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells within the nose. The IgE-allergen interaction […]
Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma
In Australia, it is estimated 10% of the population has asthma and between 15-20% has allergic rhinitis. Over 75% of individuals with asthma suffer from coexisting allergic rhinitis, and approximately 10% of individuals with allergic rhinitis, have concurrent asthma (NACA, 2012). Asthma and allergies are closely linked. – Allergens are the most common of all […]
Allergic Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterised by reversible airway narrowing with obstruction of airflow to the lungs. Asthma is very common, affecting 1 in 4 children, 1 in 7 teenagers and 1 in 10 adults in Australia (ASCIA, 2010). Individuals with asthma have hyper-responsive airways, which overreact to stimuli that do […]
Cat Allergy
Cat allergy is the most common of pet allergies. The cat allergen is produced within the salivary and sebaceous glands, and as a result found mainly in cat saliva and skin flakes. As fastidious groomers, cats deposit the allergen on their fur when licking themselves. The cat allergen binds itself to hairs, dust particles and […]
Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is a skin condition in which direct contact with an allergen triggers a cell mediated allergic response and the development of localised itchy, red rashes on the skin. The rashes typically present a few days after contact with the allergen and persist for as long as there is contact with the allergen. […]
Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis
Patch tests are commonly used to aid in the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. A patch test may assist in identifying the specific substance or substances causing allergic inflammation of your skin. Patch testing involves applying small amounts of various allergens onto small squares on a larger patch, and the adherence of the patch or […]