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Top tips for happy and healthy eyes this Autumn

As the season changes, so do our healthcare needs as many people struggle with irritating allergies. With cooler temperatures, dry air and an increase in pollen often being synonymous with autumn and spring, for many people, leaving the house means having irritated eyes. Luckily, leading Ophthalmologist, Dr. Jacqueline Beltz has shared her essential tips for eye care during autumn with OverSixty, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the change of seasons without jeopardising your vision. 1. Keep your sunglasses handy While the sun is usually not as intense in autumn as it is during summer, Dr Beltz says that using sunglasses can benefit your eyes in many ways. “ Not only do they shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they also guard against wind and debris,” she said. 2. Increase your lubricant eye drops Dr Beltz said, “The drop in temperature and the dryer air can contribute to discomfort and dryness in your eyes, so consider increasing the use of lubricant eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.” By keeping up your eye drops in autumn, you can prevent further damage to your eyes in the long run. 3. Clean your eyelashes daily According to Dr Beltz, keeping up with good health and hygiene along the eyelid margins is essential, especially during the autumn months. “Cleanse your lashes daily and use a warm compress to optimise the quality of your tear film. This helps in preventing irritation and supports overall eye health.” 4. Consider a humidifier To ensure a more comfortable environment for your eyes, Dr Beltz recommends adding moisture to the air can help alleviate dry eyes. She said, “Combat the dry indoor air by using a humidifier in your room, especially while you sleep.” 5. Be proactive with allergies If you are prone to allergies, Dr Beltz said it's best to always be prepared ahead of time. “Autumn allergies are a reality, with triggers like pollen, mould, and dust prevalent during this season,” she said. “If you experience red, itchy, or swollen eyes, consider antihistamine eye drops. Keep your hands clean and avoid rubbing your eyes.” 6. Revitalise your eye makeup While replacing your eye makeup is important all year around, the addition of allergens makes it even more important to Change mascara and non-cleanable products like liquid eyeliner at least every three months. “Especially if you have sensitive eyes, makeup products can harbour bacteria, leading to increased eye irritation.” “Refreshing your eye makeup products to options that are designed to be better suited for dry eyes or eye sensitivity.” If you are <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/embracing-the-art-of-beauty-without-compromise">prone to sensitive eyes</a>, consider trying the OKKIYO <a href="https://www.okkiyo.com/products/protect-and-preserve-mascara#xd_co_f=NzdiNzdlNTctNTA1MS00NTBkLWE1MGEtNjRkMGE2OTI1N2Vj~">Prioriteyes Mascara</a>, which was developed by Dr Beltz to prioritise both style and eye health. While these tips for eye health can seem simple and seemingly unimportant, Dr Beltz assures that by following these tips, you will make a world of difference for your eye health overall. She said, “Implementing these simple tips can make a significant difference in keeping your eyes comfortable and vibrant throughout the season.” Image credits: Getty Images

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Do you think you have a penicillin allergy? You might be wrong

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/winnie-tong-1468274">Winnie Tong</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jacqueline-loprete-1468275">Jacqueline Loprete</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Penicillins are the most prescribed class of antibiotics in Australia. Originally derived from a fungus, penicillin antibiotics such as amoxicillin are used to treat common infections, including chest, sinus, ear, urinary tract and skin infections. Penicillins are effective against a wide range of bacteria that cause common infections. But their activity is not so broad as to impact on good bacteria in our gut like other antibiotic classes do. They’re also cheap and readily accessible. Up to <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772829322000376#bib1">20%</a> of Australians admitted in hospital say they have a penicillin allergy. But not everyone who thinks they’re allergic to penicillin actually is. Research from <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772829322000376?via%3Dihub">our team</a> and others suggests that if we assess all these patients, up to 90% are not allergic to it. <h2>Why does it matter?</h2> People who mistakenly think they’re allergic to penicillin may not get the most effective or safest antibiotics to treat their infection. They are also at greater risk of developing <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S009167491301467X">multidrug-resistant infections</a> or “superbugs”. This is because the antibiotic will kill off the bacteria that are susceptible to it, but the resistant bacteria are left behind to proliferate and cause further infection. People who receive second-line antibiotics are more likely to have complications, such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S009167491301467X">antibiotic-induced gut infections</a>. Second-line antibiotics tend to have a wider range of activity, killing both the bacteria causing infection, and the good bacteria required to keep our gut in balance. This allows bugs like Clostridium difficile, which normally lives in our gut but is controlled by other bacteria, to overgrow and cause inflammation. For the health system, using second-line antibiotics means longer, more complicated hospital stays. Hospital stays for patients with penicillin allergies cost up to <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01638.x">63% more</a> more than those without. It also results in greater costs for medications and greater resources required to treat the patient. <h2>Why do people think they’re allergic?</h2> People incorrectly believe they are allergic to penicillin for a number of reasons. They may have experienced side effects from penicillin, such as nausea or diarrhoea. But though unpleasant, this doesn’t mean an allergy. Others had a rash as a child, but this could have been due to the illness itself or an interaction between the virus and the antibiotic. An Epstein-Barr viral infection treated with amoxicillin, for example, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23589810/">causes</a> a fine, red rash. Some believe a family history of reactions to penicillin means they cannot take them. But there is no evidence penicillin allergy is inherited. If some time has passed between exposure, people can lose the allergic response. This is typically seen in adults who had a mild allergy as a child, but lose the response with time, so are said to have “grown out” of their allergy. Then there are people who have had a genuine and serious reaction to penicillin. This includes anaphylaxis, with profound swelling, breathing difficulties and low blood pressure, and severe life-threatening reactions such as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459323/#:%7E:text=Stevens%2DJohnson%20syndrome%2Ftoxic%20epidermal,in%20over%2080%25%20of%20cases.">Steven-Johnson’s syndrome</a>, which causes widespread blisters and wounds that resemble burns. <h2>Testing for penicillin</h2> When someone says they have a penicillin allergy, we first get them to explain what happened with the reaction, including to what antibiotic, in what context and how severe it was. Then we perform skin tests to further assess the person’s risk of reaction. If skin tests are negative, we can then give the patient the penicillin in question under supervision (a “challenge”) to see if they react. Some people can skip the skin tests altogether and go straight to the challenge if the history tells us they are at low risk of reacting. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772829322000376?via%3Dihub">Our study</a> followed 195 patients who reported a penicillin allergy across six Sydney hospitals. In the first phase, we assessed 85 people and found 82% weren’t allergic to penicillin. In the second phase, we assessed 110 people, of whom 69% weren’t allergic. This is slightly lower than research on the population as a whole, because we only looked at people who were referred for an allergy assessment. Many more patients carry an allergy label than those referred for testing. In our study, eight weeks after their test, just 54% of participants in phase one correctly knew their penicillin allergy status. Some allergic people believed they were not allergic, and many non-allergic people believed they were allergic. For phase two, we ensured people received a standardised letter outlining their results in addition to having a doctor or nurse explain them. This time, 92% were correct in their understanding when contacted eight weeks later. <h2>Reducing long waits for allergy tests</h2> Ruling out allergies among people who think they can’t have penicillin is time- and labour-intensive. The wait time from someone first being referred to an allergy clinic to having testing can be <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10026071/">up to two years</a>. And it’s usually not available outside major metropolitan hospitals. We need to improve access to testing and also look at when people can access allergy services. When a person is sick in hospital with a serious infection, it’s not the right time for testing. We also need to ensure the results of allergy tests translate to the real world so people know their true allergy status. The fragmentation of our medical records are a barrier to clear and effective communication of a patient’s true allergy status, and urgently need to be improved. <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/winnie-tong-1468274">Winnie Tong</a>, Clinical Immunologist & Allergist, Immunopathologist and Senior Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jacqueline-loprete-1468275">Jacqueline Loprete</a>, Postdoctoral fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-you-think-you-have-a-penicillin-allergy-you-might-be-wrong-212874">original article</a>.

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Do hypoallergenic cats even exist? 3 myths dispelled about cat allergies

Cats are great companions, but for some people their company comes at a cost. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091674921000038?casa_token=8de37wAiw_0AAAAA:nwC8PN6RhwxD6qJZYGby_3s35dK00fLeiIKplQwvyi7iUSnI7Pcpp8v7CSfj6TB-YfEOU2pMbWQ">Up to 1 in 5 people</a> have an allergic response to cats, and this figure is increasing. There are many myths about allergies to cats, but what is fact and what is fiction? And can you still have a cat if you’re allergic? Myth #1: People are allergic to cat hair There is an element of truth to this myth. However, rather than the hair itself, substances on the hair are the source of the allergy. Most people allergic to cats react to a protein called Fel d 1. This main cat allergen is produced in the glands of the cat, including the <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/sebaceous-gland">sebaceous</a> (oil-producing skin glands) and salivary glands. While Fel d1 is the main culprit, domestic cats have <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X211013016">eight different potential allergens</a>. The second most common is Fel d 4, also produced in salivary glands. Another type, Fel d 2, is similar to a protein found in other animals, and the reason a person might be allergic, for example, to both cats and horses. This similarity can also result in a child with milk allergy having an increased risk of being allergic to animals like cats. When cats groom themselves, they deposit the allergen in their saliva onto their hair. Sebaceous glands are close to the skin and can secrete onto the hair follicles. When you pet a cat’s fur, a reaction is set off, especially if you then rub your nose or eyes. But you don’t need to pet a cat to have an allergic reaction to them. Simply being around dander can be enough. Dander might sound like a dating app for pets, but it’s actually more akin to animal dandruff, and contains tiny scales from hair or skin. As dander particles are so small, they float in the air and we often breathe them in. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491005/original/file-20221021-21-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A grey cat licking its paw" /><figcaption>When cats groom themselves, the allergen is transferred from their saliva onto their fur. <a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Hd7vwFzZpH0">Eric Han/Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure> Myth #2: There are hypoallergenic cats There is no evidence that specific cat breeds do not cause allergies. However, if some breeds have less hair, or shed less hair, this may reduce exposure to allergens in the environment. For example, Sphynx cats are hairless, although they <a href="https://ddd.uab.cat/pub/tfg/2022/264236/TFG_amartinmore_poster.pdf">still produce Fel d 1</a>. In this way <a href="https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/hypoallergenic-cat-breeds/">some breeds might be considered “hypoallergenic”</a>, or cause fewer allergic reactions. However, there are no scientific studies to confirm this is the case. All cats produce Fel d 1, but the levels can differ by as much as <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/crispr.2021.0101">100-fold between individual cats</a>. This may explain why people with cat allergies notice they react more to some cats than others. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491006/original/file-20221021-24-dnas7u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A sphynx cat sitting on a green blanket" /><figcaption>Sphynx cats have little to no hair, but they still produce allergens. Jesus Vivas Alacid/Shutterstock</figcaption></figure> Myth #3: You have to re-home your cat if you have an allergy If you have a life-threatening allergy to cats, your only alternative might be to find them a new home. However, most people have less severe reactions and can manage symptoms successfully. Some things you can do to limit reactions include: <ul> <li> always wash your hands and avoid touching your face and eyes after handling your cat </li> <li> regularly clean surfaces and change litter to reduce dander </li> <li> wash your cat weekly with a pet-specific shampoo, if <a href="https://www.drmartybecker.com/wp-content/cache/wp-rocket/drmartybecker.com/fear-free/10-low-stress-tips-for-bathing-and-grooming-a-cat/index-https.html_gzip">your cat likes being bathed</a> </li> </ul> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491004/original/file-20221021-17-z42jq1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A tabby cat being washed" /><figcaption>If the cat is amenable to baths, it can be a good method to reduce the level of allergens. Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock</figcaption></figure> <ul> <li> restrict cats’ access to rooms you want to keep allergy-free, such as the bedroom </li> <li> get a vacuum specifically designed for reducing allergens, such as ones with a HEPA filter </li> <li> use air purifiers with HEPA filters. </li> </ul> Adopting a cat when allergic If you’re allergic and want to adopt a cat, make sure to spend some time with them first to assess your reaction. Ideally, pick a cat that doesn’t make you sneeze. If cats need to be re-homed, this does negatively affect their welfare. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4810051/">large study of RSPCA shelters in Australia</a> reported allergy as the reason for relinquishment in roughly 3% of cats out of 61,755 total relinquished between 2006 and 2010. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/491007/original/file-20221021-21-fanr5e.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A tabby cat sleeping in the sun on a windowsill" /><figcaption>Adopting a cat is a serious commitment. <a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/oA6zqMdnhjE">Roberto Huczek/Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure> You can also see your doctor about options for managing symptoms such as over-the-counter medications (such as antihistamines) and longer term solutions. For those with allergies who want to have their cat and their ability to breathe too, <a href="https://journals.lww.com/co-allergy/fulltext/2018/08000/does_evidence_support_the_use_of_cat_allergen.11.aspx?casa_token=Y7rh9GwOUjcAAAAA:VoRFLInOZf_E_oDk2uX0ZrkfrMDNklzrvx1Tl7PsS2MFoaTEu4bR-n7JCG0IjgiPYCImKnpzYVjX9SmnFxmlTuRyt2VvXg">another option is immunotherapy</a>, although there is limited evidence to support this treatment for cat allergies. Immunotherapy involves first identifying which specific allergen is causing the reactions, and then systematically delivering increasing levels of this allergen over several months in an effort to retrain the immune system to tolerate the allergen without a reaction. This may be especially beneficial for those with moderate to severe reactions. There is evidence <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/cea.12380?casa_token=aZ0yxtcV_2MAAAAA:zfNPJau3PSSvTr7I5HXWgISCZ8NZm_5Bnrh9eVdZyoeU8V4e_jESrdXMy3Aw4kdtHHBZBSeVA3sJb4LS">exposure to dogs and cats early in life can reduce at least some forms of allergy</a>. Evidence is still conflicting, though, and probably depends on genetics and other environmental factors. What we do know is that pet cats provide companionship and joy to many, and understanding the causes and treatment of pet allergy can only help both cats and humans. Writen by Susan Hazel. Republished with permission from <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-hypoallergenic-cats-even-exist-3-myths-dispelled-about-cat-allergies-191662" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image:<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/191662/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> Getty Images

Family & Pets

Pets can suffer from allergies too

Spring has well and truly sprung and if you’re suffering from some seasonal sniffles, spare a thought for you pet, too. Did you know dog and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies just as you do? “Pets can definitely suffer from seasonal allergies but the allergic response is slightly different in pets when compared to people,” says Felicia Tam, who is the PAW by Blackmores veterinarian. Dr Tam says don’t expect pets to get a bout of hayfever though as “pets are much more likely to get itchy skin and have ‘allergies’ after coming into contact with allergens such as dust mites or pollens.” Signs that your dog has a seasonal allergy Pet allergies most often take the form of skin irritation or inflammation, and according to Dr Tam, the main sign to look for is “constant itching or rubbing in your dog”. But Dr Tam reminds that allergies can look different from pet to pet. “Details like seasonality and location, age and breed can provide clues on what your dog is allergic to, whether it is something in the environment like dust mites or even the food he or she is eating,” she says. Dr Tam recommends using this helpful 10-point itch scale tool to assess your dog’s itch level. This will help you assess any improvement or deterioration from normal or after treatment. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/pets-can-suffer-from-allergies-too-graph_500x705.png" alt="" width="500" height="705" /> Allergies should be cause for concern Like us humans, allergies in pets can range from mild to severe. If not adequately controlled or managed, allergies can be a cause for concern for pet owners. As Dr Tam reminds, “an itchy dog is definitely an uncomfortable dog,” adding, “dogs will continue to scratch as long as they are itchy so can do a lot of damage to their skin if the cause of their itch isn’t addressed.” If you believe your dog has an allergy, pay a visit to your vet. It will not only give you peace of mind but the vet will be able to help you manage your pet’s allergies. “Some allergies, such as allergies to fleas or food can be easily managed by ensuring flea control is applied on time or specific foods are fed. Other allergies can be more difficult to manage but most pets can be kept comfortable as long as their owners are on board with their pet’s special needs,” says Dr Tam. How you can help your pet with seasonal allergies Dr Tam uses a concept called the “itch threshold” when thinking about our itchy pets. “The additive effect of multiple factors in the environment can tip your pet over the itch threshold,” she says. In order to stay under the itch threshold, Dr Tam recommends owners: <ul> <li>Make sure flea treatments are applied on time</li> <li>Pets are bathed regularly to make sure that the allergen load on the skin doesn’t build up</li> <li>Provide ingredients such as omega-3 and omega-6’s either topically or via supplementation to support the skin barrier to reduce the access of allergens to the immune system</li> </ul> Image: Getty Images

Family & Pets

5 silent signs you’re being exposed to mould

<h2>The damaging effects of moul</h2> Sneezing, coughing, feeling down and tired? While these sensations might make you think cold or fall allergy symptoms, you may want to keep an eye on how you feel over time. If they tend to linger or get worse whenever you’re at home, this could be a sign that you’re being exposed to mould. We spoke with Michael Rubino, a mould and air quality authority as well as author of The Mould Medic, an Expert’s Guide on Mould Removal. Rubino points out that in addition to respiratory issues, mould exposure has actually been linked to early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s in previous research. “We spend 90% of our time indoors,” he says. “We’re learning new things every day about all the effects our homes can have on our health, but all signs are kind of leading into the same place – that if we want to improve our health, the air we breathe has a very profound effect on it.” It’s true: especially if you haven’t been paying attention to the sneaky spots mould grows, being exposed to mould over time can lead to serious consequences. While routinely cleaning is extremely important for controlling the mould in your home, also be aware of these silent signs of mould exposure before any illness gets worse. <h2>You may experience allergy-like symptoms</h2> While allergies are growing more common, allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and throat, stuffy nose, skin irritation and rashes are also early signs of mould exposure – also known as mould toxicity. “Usually it starts off with unusual allergies,” says Rubino. “They notice they’re getting sick more frequently; maybe their nose is stuffy [or] they’re having allergic-type symptoms.” Rubino says these mould exposure symptoms can pop up with various timelines – sometimes immediately, or sometimes with delayed reactions. If you’re experiencing chronic allergy-like symptoms while you’re at home, talk with your doctor. <h2>You may have trouble breathing</h2> According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to mould can also trigger asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. This can be a common symptom of mould exposure even for those who don’t experience allergies on a seasonal basis. The CDC also points to previous research that found exposure to mould can make any pre-existing asthma worse. <h2>You may feel fatigued</h2> Let’s face it: fatigue is a common symptom for lots of us. But Rubino points out that feeling fatigued is also a common result of exposure to mould at home. A 2013 study published in Toxins found exposure to different kinds of mould – especially mycotoxins, the kind of mould that can grow on food as well as under warm and humid conditions within the home – can cause feelings of chronic fatigue. <h2>You may experience brain fog</h2> Along with fatigue, being exposed to mould can also cause feelings of brain fog, which results in feeling sluggish and even forgetful. Rubino points out that it is typically a result of inflammation the body is experiencing when exposed to mould: “You start to experience gut issues due to the inflammation that mould and toxins can cause. Gut inflammation can lead to brain inflammation which then can cause a whole host of neuropsychiatric symptoms.” Experts point out that mould is an irritant to the body that can cause an inflammatory response. Just as one example, one 2009 neuropsychology study suggested that when the brain is chronically inflamed due to mould exposure, this can even lead to long-term cognitive impairment. <h2>You may feel particularly anxious or depressed</h2> “We are seeing a lot of studies that show that [mould is] impacting people’s mental health [through] people’s anxiety and depression,” Rubino says. According to an article published through Environmental Health Perspectives, those who are exposed to damp, mouldy households have a 34% to 44% higher risk of depression. Further studies in recent years, such as one in 2020, have demonstrated that mould exposure can increase anxiety-like behaviour. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/5-silent-signs-youre-being-exposed-to-mould" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. Image: Shutterstock

Body

Allergic to cleaning? 13 ways to keep allergies in check when Spring cleaning

Wear gloves and a mask Before you start cleaning, put on a face mask and rubber gloves, recommends board-certified allergist Dr Neeta Ogden. The mask will help you avoid breathing in allergens, and the gloves will keep them away from your whole face. “Even quickly touching your eye or face can lead to allergens reaching your eyes and portals to your airway through the nose and mouth,” says Dr Ogden. Clean one window at a time Spring-cleaning is the time to hit spots you don’t clean every week, like windows. But keeping the panes open too long could let pollen, mould, and other allergens inside. “I would do one window at a time,” says Dr Stephen Kimura, an allergist and immunologist. “Open it, clean it, and shut it right away.” Keep the AC running as you go so the air can filter, he says. Let clothes dry inside No matter how much you love the idea of letting clothes dry in the natural sunlight, stay away from an outdoor clothesline. “If you’re pollen or mould allergic and have clothes out there, they will attract those pollens and you’ll be exposed in high quantities to those allergens,” says Dr Kimura. Any clothes that can’t go in the dryer should hang dry indoors. Pick the right vacuum Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is designed to keep dust in the vacuum instead of blowing back up into the air, says Dr Ogden. Also look out for new models with complete seal technology to keep even more allergens in, she suggests. “You definitely don’t want to go with a regular old vacuum,” she says. Leave carpet shampoo to the pros Shampooing a carpet obviously means getting your carpet wet. The problem is, dust mites love spots with more than 50 per cent humidity and might start gathering in the damp wood or padding under the carpet, says Dr Mark Aronica, an allergist. “It should be done by a professional cleaner, where things are cleaned up and dried as quickly as possible,” he says. Don't dust dry Dusting with a dry cloth could work against you, says Dr Ogden. “Dusting in and of itself is not very helpful if you’re just disseminating dust back in the air,” she says. She recommends using a damp cloth or a vinegar solution when wiping down surfaces to actually trap the dust. Pay attention to clutter Don’t ignore your usual decluttering when you’re spring cleaning. “Piles of books and magazines and things collect dust,” says Dr Kimura. Toss the junk while you spring clean to keep the allergens in your home low. Clean mould hands-off Mould can trigger allergies, so cleaning it out effectively can be a challenge. The last thing you want is to hover over the shower scrubbing away at the allergen, so Dr Ogden suggests using a product you can spray. “You can hold them away from yourself and spray into the shower,” she says. “You return in 15 minutes and run the shower, and that’s it.” Use a solution that’s 10 per cent bleach, which is strong enough to kill mould but weak enough for your allergies to tolerate, says Dr Aronica. Run a fan Opening windows to air out fumes will just bring allergens in, but running a fan can help. “Make sure you’ve got the exhaust hood running in the bathroom or kitchen to keep strong odours from bothering you,” says Dr Kimura. Use natural products Stick with fragrance-free cleaning products because scented options can make allergies worse. “It’s not a direct allergic reaction so much as an irritant to a nose that’s already inflamed or irritated,” says Dr Aronica. Use natural cleaning products when you can, like mopping with a vinegar and water solution, suggests Dr Kimura. Invest in a mattress cover Make sure you use an allergy cover on your mattress, pillows and quilt. “The covers are impermeable to dust mites,” says Dr Aronica. “What does accumulate during the week gets killed in the laundry.” Wash your sheets in the hottest setting, or at least 48.8°C, to kill any mites, he says. Give your dog a bath Spring-cleaning doesn’t have to mean your house only – make it an opportunity to give your cat or dog a good wash, too. “That cuts down on whatever pollen they have on their fur or coats, and also cuts down on dander,” says Dr Kimura. Clean our your dehumidifier A dehumidifier will help avoid mould at bay in basements – but only if you clean it regularly. “Rinse it out and use a weak bleach to kill mould spores,” says Dr Kimura. Make sure to refresh it during your spring-cleaning chores. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/allergic-to-cleaning-13-ways-to-keep-allergies-in-check-when-spring-cleaning?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

Popular product pulled from ALDI shelves over allergy fears

ALDI has issued an urgent recall for a popular salad and has pulled it from the shelves over fears that it could contain an undeclared ingredient that could cause allergic reactions. The 500g Fresh Salad Co Thai coconut wild rice prepared salad has been recalled because it could contain cashews, with Food Standards Australia expressing concern that consumers with a cashew allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if they eat it, per <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/food-warnings/aldi-pulls-thai-coconut-rice-salad-due-to-undeclared-cashews/news-story/29063456fff4e456a53d59177ac00b14" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. The product was on sale at ALDI stores across NSW, the ACT, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/recall-salad.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Image: Food Standards Australia Anyone with a cashew allergy or intolerance who purchased the salad shouldn’t eat it and instead return it to any ALDI store for a refund of the purchasing price if it has one of the following use-by dates: <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 3, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 4, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 5, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 6, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 7, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 8, 2022 </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> Use by July 9, 2022 </li> </ul> Any consumers who are concerned about their health should seek medical advice. Image: Getty Images

Food & Wine

No link found between caesarean birth and food allergies

While babies born through caesareans may lack some gut bacteria that would otherwise be gained through vaginal births, recent research has consistently shown that there is little evidence for caesarean births being responsible for asthma and allergies. A recent study by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne, confirmed no link between caesarean births and food allergies during the first year of life. This research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, looked at 2,045 infants who underwent skin prick testing and an oral food challenge to test for allergy status. In this group, of the 30% that were born by caesarean, 12.7 % had a food allergy, compared to 13.2% born vaginally, meaning there was no statistically significant difference between birthing methods. “We found no meaningful differences in food allergy for infants born by caesarean delivery compared to those born by vaginal delivery,” says Rachel Peters, who led the study. “Additionally, there was no difference in likelihood of food allergy if the caesarean was performed before or after the onset of labour, or whether it was an emergency or elective caesarean.” A potential link between caesarean births and allergies had long been suspected because of the difference in early microbial exposure compared to vaginal delivery. “The infant immune system undergoes rapid development during the neonatal period,” says Peters. “The mode of delivery may interfere with the normal development of the immune system. Babies born by caesarean have less exposure to the bacteria from the mother’s gut and vagina, which influences the composition of the baby’s microbiome and immune system development. However, this doesn’t appear to play a major role in the development of food allergy.” These findings will assist caregivers to better evaluate risks and benefits of caesarean birth, and provide reassurance to parents that such interventions do not lead to an increased risk of food allergy in their babies. One in 10 infants, and one in 20 children over the age of five years in Australia, have a food allergy, one of the highest rates in the world. This research provides further good news to parents and children: 30% of peanut allergies and 90% of egg allergies naturally resolved by six years of age. These infants should be targeted for early intervention trials, such as oral immunotherapy. “Prioritising research of these and future interventions for infants less likely to naturally outgrow their allergy would yield the most benefit for healthcare resources and research funding,” says Peters. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/caesarean-no-food-allergy-link/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cosmosmagazine.com</a> and was written by Qamariya Nasrullah. Image: Shutterstock

Caring

Could nuts in schools be making a comeback?

A controversial new national strategy has been released to help schools prevent anaphylaxis. The <a rel="noopener" href="https://nationalallergystrategy.org.au" target="_blank">National Allergy Strategy report</a> was released on Thursday, ands suggests removing the blanket food bans in place at schools and childcare centres. Rather than imposing the bans, it is recommended that further education, awareness and understanding of food allergies and anaphylaxis are the key to prevention. According to the report, up to one in 20 school-aged children in Australia have food allergies. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, which can begin within minutes of a person being exposed to a product or item they are allergic to. The most common food allergies in children include peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat and some types of fish. The report states that it is the school's responsibility to “communicate about anaphylaxis management with the school community to help raise awareness and provide information about current school policies”. “It is NOT recommended that schools ‘ban’ food, and as such schools should not claim to be free of any allergen (eg, ‘nut-free’). “An ‘allergy aware’ approach which focuses on implementing a range of appropriate risk minimisation strategies is recommended.” Some risk minimisation measures include creating 'allergen-restricted zones', so that kids eating messy eggs meals, grated cheese or drinking milk are not sitting close to children with allergies to those products. Despite these measures, the report also outlines the importance of those with allergies "not being isolated from others". The report recommends that school peers learn what the symptoms of an allergic reaction are so they can alert staff, but also in an effort to reduce bullying of children over their food allergies. National Allergy Strategy co-chair Maria Said told the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-07/food-allergy-guidelines-recommend-education-not-bans/100520428" target="_blank">ABC</a> that bans in schools don't work. “When people focus on a ban, it can’t be policed,” she said. “This is improving care for children and teens at risk of anaphylaxis, but also increasing safety for staff and people working in schools and childcare,” she said. Image credits: Shutterstock

Caring

ALDI product recall over nut allergy fears

ALDI has asked its customers to take care after the supermarket recalled a popular product due to an “undeclared allergen”. Back to Basics Green Curry Kale Chips 60g, available at ALDI stores across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia, contain a nut allergen without any warnings on the packet. “Any consumers who have a cashew allergy or intolerance may have a reaction if the product is consumed,” Food Standards Australia and New Zealand wrote on its website. The company that distributes the product, DJ&A Pty Ltd, said the recall was applicable to packets of kale chips with a Best Before date of 14/02/2022, 15/02/2022, and 30/03/2022. “Consumers who have a cashew allergy or intolerance should not consume this product and should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.” <img style="width: 469.6673189823874px; height:500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841781/kale-chips.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ba8f6f9e060549138c7094e656e66a18" /> The popular chips are available in three flavours: Honey Mustard Kale Chips, Vegan Cheese Kale Chips, and Green Curry Kale Chips. But, the recall only applies to the Green Curry flavour. ALDI has since removed the product from its shelves and is offering customers a refund if they return the product. “On rare occasions, questions regarding a product’s quality, safety or errors in packaging or shipment do arise in the retail world,” the German retailer said on its website. “ALDI has a plan to swiftly and effectively remove such products from the store. “Any product that does not meet the government’s and our own standards in any of these areas will be efficiently removed from sale and we will notify customers via a Product Recall alert.” Images: Yahoo

News

Completely natural ways to nip spring allergies in the bud

If spring’s blossoms have left you red-eyed and runny-nosed, don’t rush straight to the medicine chest. Many drugs simply treat the symptoms of allergic reactions, which can often be easily prevented in the first place. Here are a few natural ways to keep your allergies at bay. <ol> <li> Avoid pollen </li> </ol> Most plants pollinate in the early hours of the morning, so try to postpone outdoor activity to the afternoon. Also, try taking a quick shower and changing your clothes every time you come home to rinse off stray pollen. <ol start="2"> <li> Find the triggers in your home </li> </ol> Mould, dust mites and pollen in your house can all inflame allergies. Use a diluted bleach solution to clean mould in basements, garages and on old patio furniture. <ol start="3"> <li> Avoid using window fans to cool rooms </li> </ol> They can suck pollen indoors. <ol start="4"> <li> Turn on the dehumidifier </li> </ol> You should keep humidity levels below 50 percent to kill dust mites, but above 30 percent to avoid making your home too dry. <ol start="5"> <li> Improve the air indoors</li> </ol> Invest in a good air filter and change it every two to three months. <ol start="6"> <li> Stay contained in the car</li> </ol> Keep windows closed when driving. If it’s hot, use the air conditioner instead. <ol start="7"> <li> Consider your diet</li> </ol> Eat foods rich in omega-3s to aid with allergies. These include fish, eggs, walnuts and flaxseed oil. <ol start="8"> <li> Love your laundry</li> </ol> Wash bed linens at least once a week in 50 degree-plus water. That’s how hot it should be to kill dust mite eggs. <ol start="9"> <li> Don a mask</li> </ol> Wear a mask while doing housework, which can stir up allergens. <ol start="10"> <li> Get wrapping</li> </ol> Bedroom items that can’t be washed, such as pillows, mattresses and box springs, should be covered in tightly woven, hypoallergenic dust-mite covers. Stuffed animals and throw pillows should be eliminated or kept to a minimum. <ol start="11"> <li> Pet protection</li> </ol> Clean your pets. Wipe off their paws when they come home and wipe down their fur after they’ve been outside. <ol start="12"> <li> Rinse and repeat. </li> </ol> Rinse out your nose with a simple saline solution. Clear the pollen from your passages using a Neti pot or a spray bottle. <ol start="13"> <li> Turn to herbs</li> </ol> Instead of drugs, take a few herbs. To alleviate a runny nose and sinus congestion, try freeze-dried stinging nettles. Eyebright can soothe red, itchy, watery eyes. And the supplement quercetin, a bioflavonoid often found packaged with Vitamin C, can also be an effective antihistamine. Butterbur can alleviate symptoms of grass allergies. This article first appeared on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/allergies/zap-spring-allergies-with-these-natural-remedies" target="_blank">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a rel="noopener" href="http://readersdigest.com.au/subscribe" target="_blank">here’s our best subscription offer</a>.

Body

Sydney restaurant refuses to remove “offensive” viral Facebook post

A burger restaurant in Western Sydney has doubled down on a controversial Facebook post promoting its new dessert after thousands of people signed a petition to have it removed. Downtown Brooklyn in Penrith has come under fire after it posted a promotion for its peanut butter and chocolate dessert Reese’s Bowl on Tuesday. “Get those Epipen’s ready, because this is going to be worth it!” the post read. “Loaded with Ice Cream and drizzled in Peanut Butter and Chocolate, it sure screams, get me to the hospital ASAP!” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FDBPenrith%2Fphotos%2Fa.513981688798552%2F1072529359610446%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=500" width="500" height="554" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> The post sparked widespread backlash, with people asking for the post to be removed. “Disgraceful. The people who thought this one up need to visit the emergency department and watch someone having an anaphylactic attack,” one wrote. “This looks absolutely delicious, I would love to tuck into it BUT your choice of words in advertising is horrifying,” another commented. “It is not a joking matter and certainly not something to use as an advertisement.” “This is exactly the sort of media that leads to the ‘a little bit won’t hurt’ mentality and lack of care in kitchens that could kill someone. Not an acceptable way to sell desserts,” one added. A day after the promotional post was published, the restaurant issued a response to the criticisms. “We’re sorry people no longer know how to take a joke,” the restaurant said, claiming the “boss” also has nut allergy. “We’re sorry our Boss is Anaphylactic. We’re sorry her word’s that stemmed this post was, ‘…jab me now and call an ambulance cause I want to try that shit!’. We’re sorry she found it highly amusing. We’re sorry we won’t ever delete the post.” The restaurant also addressed a petition asking it to remove the “offensive” post, which has been signed by more than 3,000 people at the time of writing. “The boss wants to print it out and pin it on her office wall,” it said on a Facebook post. Since then, Downtown Brooklyn’s controversial post has made headlines, with features in British and American media outlets as well as KIIS FM’s Kyle & Jackie O Show. “We hope that our lightened dark sense of humour has brought about a new light of understanding allergies and spread the awareness. Whether this has been taken positively or negatively, we did the job to get that global reach,” the restaurant wrote. “P.S. If you actually do have an allergy, and didn’t get the joke, please don’t eat this.”

Food & Wine

Alarm bells: ALDI investigating "deadly" mistake

ALDI is investigating a snack product sold at stores across Australia after complaints emerged that the item was incorrectly labelled. A Victorian mother lodged a formal complaint with the supermarket chain after she bought a packet of “Natural Almonds” from ALDI’s homebrand Oh So Natural at a Melbourne store, only to find later that it was filled with peanuts. In a post shared on a Facebook allergy group, the woman wrote the “package states almond though it’s packed with peanuts”. Fellow shoppers expressed their outrage at the mispackaged peanut product, saying that the mistake could have grave consequences for unsuspecting customers with a peanut allergy. “That’s a recall right there,” one wrote. Another commented, “Deadly.” <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnewsfeedmediaofficial%2Fposts%2F404433246866220&width=500" width="500" height="491" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> An ALDI Australia spokesperson told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/food-warnings/aldi-investigating-packaging-mistake-after-customer-complaint/news-story/c72763e66b34282195af2adc2495b734">news.com.au</a> that the Food Authority had been alerted after the customer “claiming to have purchased a mislabelled product” reached out to the retailer. “As the product is labelled ‘almonds’ and it is claimed to contain peanuts, we are moving at pace to validate this claim,” the spokesperson said. “Since receiving this customer contact, our immediate action has been the review of all products in our stores and the stock in our warehouses.” The supermarket said they have not discovered another case. The item in question has not yet been recalled. The spokesperson said a recall will be “immediately” announced if any further evidence to substantiate the woman’s claim is found.

Caring

Shellfish allergies: Can they be treated?

Seafood platters? Bouillabaisse? Arroz de Marisco? Seafood paella? Oysters Rockefeller? Lobster Thermidor? Dining out with friends, a romantic meal, celebrating Christmas or a holiday on a wind-swept coast with these seafood dishes on your table are enjoyable moments. But have any of you, your friends or family experienced swelling of lips or eyelids, itchiness and rashes developed over your face or body, or even difficulty in breathing just a few minutes after eating shrimp, lobster, crab, clam, mussels, oysters or scallops? If yes, you could well have a shellfish allergy. What is shellfish allergy? Shellfish allergy is a type of hyper-immune response mediated by <a href="https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immunoglobuline_E">Immunoglobulin E</a> (IgE), an antibody produced by B cells. When someone who is allergic eats some shellfish, the allergens – primary <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropomyosin">tropomyosin</a>, a muscle protein – bind with IgE. This allergen-IgE complex then cross-links on mast cells. These cells play a key role in the inflammatory process, by which they contain many granules rich in inflammatory mediators like <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histamine">histamine</a>. Histamine can increase the permeability of the blood capillaries, exert effects on mucous glands and bronchila tubes, and is a central mediator of allergic reactions like itching. A lifelong condition As designated by the United States <a href="https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/Allergens/ucm106890.htm">Food Allergen Labelling and Consumer Protection Act</a>, crustacean shellfish are one of the top eight allergens alongside with milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soybeans and fish accounting for 90 per cent of food-related allergic reactions. Unlike allergies to egg and cow’s milk for which children often gradually acquire <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11882-016-0627-4">natural tolerance</a>, shellfish allergies usually <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11882-016-0627-4">persist throughout life</a>. Shellfish is the leading offending food in the United States, Canada, Portugal, and in the Asia-Pacific regions, including <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18808390">Hong Kong and Taiwan</a>. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24372074">multi-centre survey</a> conducted in Europe, on the other hand, reported 4.8 per cent of adults with IgE sensitisation to shrimp and in some areas like Zurich, the sensitisation rate can be up to 7 per cent. Poor diagnosis Despite such a high impact, diagnosis and treatment of shellfish allergy remains suboptimal. The standard clinical diagnostic involves a thorough review of a patient’s clinical history followed by <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-tests/about/pac-20392895">skin prick test</a> (SPT) and measurement of shellfish-specific IgE level. A SPT reaction spot that is 3mm or more in diameter and an IgE level of greater than or equal to 0.35 kUA/L which stands for kilo unit of allergen-specific IgE per litre, are commonly defined as a positive diagnosis of a shellfish allergy. However, the rapidly growing number of diagnoses have highlighted concerning the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21651567">shortcomings of these conventional procedures</a>. SPT and IgE measurement with shellfish extract have low specificity of only 50 per cent, meaning that 50 per cent of people with a positive result in these tests may never experience clinical symptoms of shellfish allergy. <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M_qeE5BsynY"></iframe></div> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9">Skin prick tests are usually efficient to determine allergies but also present several shortcomings (Imperial College London).</div> Although reactions to all sorts of shellfish is common, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18498545">reports</a> have suggested species-specific allergic reactions – for example, you may be able to eat one species of prawn even if you are allergic to another. However, because tests cannot identify cross-reactivity, patients are often suggested to avoid all types of shellfish if they have allergic reactions to one type of shellfish. The oral food challenge, a test that involve giving increasing amounts of a food to a patient to determine if he or she has a food allergy, remains the gold standard. But it is resource-intensive, time-consuming, costly and risky. Subjects’ reluctance due to a fear of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30298065">side effects</a> preclude the implementation of this procedure in clinical settings. Treatment could be improved “Active” treatment options that would desensitize shellfish-allergic patients are unfortunately not yet available. Patients are recommended to avoid shellfish that trigger symptoms, educated to read food labels to avoid accidental consumption, take antihistamines to alleviate mild symptoms, and use epinephrine auto-injector – a hand-held device that delivers epinephrine to relax the airways by intramuscular injection – in case of an anaphylactic reaction. However, none of these first-line measures cures the disease. Food desensitisation and tolerance induction could be achieved by “re-educating” the immune system through giving small doses of the offending food and increasing it over time. However, existing interventions have reservations and limitations: the efficacy in developing tolerance is debatable; the adherence of patients is poor as the treatment is lengthy (2 to 5 years to “complete”); there are risks such as developing allergic side effects; and they’re costly, running between US$800 and $1,000 per year. Our research team therefore focused our effort to address these shortcomings through investigating the value of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26610061">peptide-based oral immunotherapy</a>, by which these peptides are short fragments of tropomyosin with molecular nature of modifying the immune system, and also by constructing hypoallergens of shrimp <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25365343">tropomyosin</a> and hypoallergen-based vaccines. Hypoallergens are modified from tropomyosin to be less than normally allergenic. Using a small DNA molecule to counter the allergy With the lower IgE reactivity, hypoallergens are of lower risk in triggering allergic reactions. We also adopted the concept of <a href="https://www.livescience.com/37247-dna.html">DNA</a> vaccination – the injection the DNA sequence of the hypoallergen in a small circular piece of bacterial DNA. When taken up by body cells, this piece of circular DNA is used by the cells’ machinery to produce the hypoallergen protein. Because these proteins are regarded as foreign, the immune system is alerted to trigger immune response. The continual production of the hypoallergen protein by the vaccine and body cells therefore “educates” the immune system as in the conventional immunotherapy but achieved with fewer shots. This combinatorial approach offers the advantages of improved vaccine stability, relative ease of large-scale manufacture, reduced shots and treatment duration, and thus a lower cost of immunotherapy. <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8h4FVAJ0Ifs"></iframe></div> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9">Dr. Wai explaining her hypoallergene-DNA vaccine project.</div> From our <a href="https://patents.google.com/patent/US20170107265A1/en">animal experiments</a> three shots of this hypoallergen-DNA vaccine resulted in the decrease of IgE level by 70 per cent, accompanied by the increase in the number and activity of immune cells with regulatory functions. This suggests that this vaccine may be a valuable treatment for inducing immune tolerance against shellfish allergy achievable with much fewer injections and within shorter time period. However, the only FDA-approved plasmid, pVAX1, has limited immunogenicity in human, meaning that DNA vaccines constructed using pVAX1 has limited capacity in provoking immune responses in the body of a human. Engineering next-generation vaccines with optimised plasmids and studying their effects and mechanism would be our next steps, and we hope to provide a promising option in the future. Until then, be cautious with that lobster. Written by Christine Wai, Post-doctoral researcher, Axa research fund fellow, Chinese University of Hong Kong. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/shellfish-allergies-can-they-be-treated-112143">The Conversation</a>.

Food & Wine

Masterchef’s Adam Liaw shares $7 allergy-free snack recipe

Masterchef winner Adam Liaw has gone viral for a $7 recipe that will create a week’s worth of lunchbox treats. The father-of-two took to Twitter to share his recipe of chocolate-covered breadsticks. Titled “Fat Pocky”, Liaw said the recipe is free from nuts, eggs and dairy, and only requires five minutes to make. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> I am going to write a recipe for something that you can make 25 portions of in 5 minutes that can keep unrefrigerated for 8 hours and contains no dairy, nuts or eggs. I don't know what it is yet but I will make it work for the good of us all. — Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamliaw/status/1108493281296437248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote> There are three main ingredients involved, Liaw outlined: 25 plain breadsticks, 375g dark chocolate and a pack of sugar strands or nonpareil, altogether costing $7. Explaining the method, the 40-year-old wrote: “Just microwave the chocolate for 1 minute, then blasts of 30 seconds until it's melted. Probably 3-4 minutes all up.” After the chocolate is completely liquefied, “Put the chocolate into a glass and then just dunk the bloody things [i.e. breadsticks] in there. “Shake off as much chocolate as you can. You'll need to top up the glass with a teaspoon or so of chocolate every 2-3 sticks. Then lay them on a tray of baking paper.” For decoration, Liaw recommended sprinkles or other edibles such as dried mango. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> Then you're just scattering them with some sprinkles. <a href="https://t.co/C7nGmXFfFM">pic.twitter.com/C7nGmXFfFM</a> — Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamliaw/status/1108602980654178304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2019</a></blockquote> Liaw also gave some tips for the aftermath. “You end up with a full glass of melted chocolate,” he warned. “Just pour that onto a sheet of baking paper and spread it out. Wait for it to harden then break it up and put it in a Ziploc bag for next time.” The recipe came after Liaw responded to a joke on how parents are expected to create costumes or treats for “some school celebration” at the most unexpected times. “No kidding, but my son has been at school for exactly ONE TERM and this has already happened about 9 times,” he wrote. The series of tweets has received thousands of likes and retweets. “This is freaking brilliant,” a mother responded. “Thank you for saving my life. Was about to send my kids to boarding school to avoid this issue once again,” another woman jokingly commented. One simply wrote, “You are an international hero.” Would you try Liaw’s recipe? Let us know in the comments.

Food & Wine

Chezzi Denyer opens up about near-death experience: “Tell Sailor I love her”

Chezzi Denyer has opened up about her near-death experience, which came back to mind after witnessing her daughter Sailor’s <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/chezzi-denyers-warning-to-parents-i-fully-encourage-people-to-get-their-children-tested/" target="_blank">severe allergic reaction</a>. In an interview with <a href="https://www.mamamia.com.au/grant-denyer-wife/">Mamamia</a> published on Friday, the mother-of-two said she nearly lost her life to anaphylaxis shock when she was 32. Chezzi said she was vomiting and struggling to breathe so severely that she mouthed to husband and broadcaster Grant Denyer, “Tell Sailor I love her.” In an Instagram post, Chezzi explained, “I arrive at hospital close to death, unable to breathe with swollen lips, eyes closed over and swollen tongue.” She revealed that if she had arrived at the hospital five minutes later, she “wouldn’t have survived”. “It caused me a lot of grief,” she said. “I received counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder. I thought I was gone.” After extensive testing, it was revealed that Chezzi was reacting to cat hair from the carpet of her home from previous owners, which was exacerbated by the wattle tree outside her window and a glass of wine she had for dinner that night. Sailor, who was 18 months old at the time of the incident, showed signs of allergies later on. Last week, Chezzi shared on Instagram a picture of Sailor’s arms after she was tested for allergies. “Unfortunately her reactions are worse than 3 years ago,” Chezzi wrote. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuXODH6F-nl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuXODH6F-nl/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Any parent with a child with allergies knows what this photo is about. Allergy testing. It hurts. It’s scary. It’s hard to watch for a Mum. It’s itchy, irritating. It’s frustrating. But, it can be life saving. Yes, allergies can be fatal. And the number of people developing serious allergies in Australia is skyrocketing.. And really, we have no idea why. It’s petrifying for parents. Living on edge that one small cross contamination with a nut, a grain, a fruit, a chemical could kill your child in an instant. Part of my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was related to me myself having an anaphylactic reaction when Sailor was 18months old. And they still haven’t been able to tell me exactly what caused it. Only that my histamines were through the roof because the previous owners of the house we bought had cats. I had eaten and drunk things that day that pushed my immune system over the threshold, and boom I arrive at hospital close to death, unable to breathe with swollen lips, eyes closed over and swollen tongue. They cut my clothes off me and put the paddles on my chest and at the same time gave me a large shot of Adrenalin. And in 6 hours I was released home under the guidance of an Allergist who tried to work out how all of a sudden at the age of 32 I had such a severe reaction. It was terrifying. As my Husband drove me to hospital, I was throwing up and struggling to breathe. And it happened so quick. It was so unexpected. Thankfully, my Husband was able to be calmed by my Sister Linda who knows firsthand about allergies due to serious allergies with her eldest daughter. Her advice to Grant at that time, and Grant’s quick thinking and driving skills saved my life that day. I remember it well.. But this post isn’t about me, it’s about my little Sailor and every other child and parent dealing with allergies.. These are Sailor’s little arms pricked with different drops of various things we suspect she could be allergic to. And unfortunately her reactions are worse than 3 years ago. She’s very allergic to grass we have around our house. She’s also now developed a reaction to peanuts for the first time. Also Oranges and Avocados. So we’ll carry an Epi-pen...</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/chezzidenyer/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> ｃｈｅｚｚｉｄｅｎｙｅｒ</a> (@chezzidenyer) on Feb 26, 2019 at 3:05pm PST </div> </blockquote> Previously, Sailor had been found to get reactions to other food items. "She wanted some of Grant's paleo cereal and she had a moderate reaction to cashew,” Chezzi told Mamamia. “Her face swelled up, she had puffy eyes and hives on her lips.” Chezzi returned to the allergy specialists after Sailor reacted to watermelon when eating at a hotel buffet recently. “Her histamine levels were out of control,” Chezzi said. “They were all elevated, which I guess partly we now know, is because she is allergic to two particular grasses around our house. So that made the perfect storm for her. She's now also allergic to peanuts, avocado and oranges, which she wasn't before.” Other parents have praised Chezzi for her Instagram post, which put the spotlight on the seriousness of having allergies. “A lot of parents go through it and I take my hat off to them,” she told <a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/2019/02/27/13/13/chezzi-denyer-grant-denyer-allergy-daughter-test" target="_blank">9Honey</a>. “It’s warmed me to see all the beautiful comments from people telling me about their own experiences … It seems to be getting a lot worse.” <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt4CwhjF_x7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt4CwhjF_x7/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ｃｈｅｚｚｉｄｅｎｙｅｒ (@chezzidenyer)</a> on Feb 14, 2019 at 12:30pm PST </div> </blockquote> Paediatric allergist Dr Preeti Joshi told Mamamia that allergies can develop in some people over time. She recommended checking for allergies with regular testing. “It depends on the age, the allergy they have and any other problems present,” Dr Joshi said. “If you have a teenager who has an established peanut allergy you might only need to go back every one to two years. If you have a little baby or a child and things are changing quite rapidly, we know the majority of younger kids can grow out of allergies – so that might be more of a six months to one year kind of check in.” According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, keeping a record of symptoms could help in identifying the allergens that cause a reaction. People looking for information and advice on their allergies can contact Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia on 1300 728 000.

Body

Study finds baby wipes connected to childhood food allergies

A new study in the US has found that the use of baby wipes may promote childhood food allergies by disrupting the skins natural protective barriers. However, this will only happen if the infant carries certain genetic mutations that affect the skin. The study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found that a combination of environmental and genetic factors must coexist for a food allergy to develop. The factors that can cause a food allergy include baby wipes leaving soap on the skin, exposure to dust and food, and genetics that alter skin absorbency. Lead author of the study and professor of allergy-immunology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Joan Cook-Mills, said, “This is a recipe for developing food allergy.” “It’s a major advance in our understanding of how food allergy starts early in life,” Professor Cook-Mills said. Professor Cook-Mills said the evidence shows that up to 35 per cent of children with food allergies also have atopic dermatitis and much of that is explained by at least three different gene mutations that reduce skin barrier. To conduct the study, researchers used baby mice with dermatitis and exposed their skins to food allergens like peanuts. The peanuts alone did not have any impact. Then researchers thought about what babies have their skin exposed to in their younger years, such as household dust, soap through baby wipes and food allergens. “They may not be eating food allergens as a newborn, but they are getting them on their skin. Say a sibling with peanut butter on her face kisses the baby. Or a parent is preparing food with peanuts and then handles the baby,” explained Professor Cook-Mills. The researchers repeated the experiment but applied sodium lauryl sulfate, a common soap found in baby wipes, to the skin of the mice before exposing them to common food and other allergens over a two-week period. After being fed eggs or peanuts, the mice developed a rash at the skin exposure site as well as allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. It is believed the soap in the wet wipes disrupts the top layer of skin, which is made of lipids (fats). Professor Cook-Mills warned that parents should limit the use of baby wipes on infants. “Reduce baby’s skin exposure to the food allergens by washing your hands before handling the baby,” she added.

Caring

13-year-old Melbourne boy dies after eating hospital meal

On October 22, 2015, 13-year-old Louis Tate was admitted to Frankston Hospital after suffering an asthma attack. He was treated for his attack, but just 24 hours later, he was dead. Louis asked for a breakfast of Weet-Bix and soy milk, and despite informing the staff of his allergies, went into anaphylactic shock after his meal. His mother, Gabrielle Catan, called the hospital that morning to check in on her son, and a nurse told her he was complaining of a tingling in his mouth. “I thought because he was in hospital, the medical staff would know exactly how to take care of him," Gabrielle Catan told the Melbourne inquest into Louis’ death. “I didn’t feel I had to say anaphylaxis was a life-threatening condition.” According to Irene Fisher, who served Louis his breakfast, the nurse looking after him told her about his allergies, but there was no notation on the kitchen whiteboard as per hospital protocol. The tragic death has devastated the boy’s family, with his father Simon Tate saying in a statement that it was made even worse by the fact it could have been prevented. “His death has changed our lives and we continue to struggle every day with the emptiness, loss and circumstances,” he said. “He was in hospital, at a place where he should have been safe. Yet despite us providing clear and concise communications about his food allergies, he died. “Our hope is that this inquest not only provides us with the many answers we need and deserve, but that it closely examines food safety and anaphylaxis management protocols at Frankston Hospital.”

Caring

5 foods that fight allergies

While the majority of people rejoice at the arrival of spring, many Kiwis will stock up on tissues, antihistamine medications and close their windows tight, bracing themselves for allergy season. For hay fever sufferers, pollen triggers symptoms in the lower airways as well as the nose, making it difficult to breathe and causing itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a scratchy or sore throat. Between the years 2000 and 2010, the wholesale turnover of medications to treat hay fever doubled. Averaging at a price of about 50 cents per tablet. Relief, it seems, doesn’t come cheap. Alternatively, here a five foods with natural antihistamines that can provide treatment for spring allergies without the nasty price tag. 1. Onions Onions are rich in bioflavonoids, which are classed as anti-oxidants. They contain quercetin – an effective, natural antihistamine that can reduce swelling in the lungs and nasal passages. 2. Water Generally, the better hydrated you are, the more allergens will be diluted in your cells, minimising their histamine effect. Allergy expert Susanne Bennett, founder of the Wellness for Life Centre in Santa Monica, has a <a href="http://www.nextavenue.org/best-foods-manage-your-seasonal-allergies/" target="_blank">simple trick</a> for sufferers: Take your weight, divide it in half and drink that number of ounces of water each day during hay fever season. 3. Kiwi fruit Kiwis contain exceptional quantities of vitamin C, which is a natural anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. It also protects against secondary respiratory conditions such as asthma, that may arise from the excess pollen in the air. 4. Pineapple Pineapples contain bromelain, which is an enzyme that decreases nasal congestion and inflammation of mucous linings. 5. Ginger tea Apart from being a delightfully relaxing brew that aids digestion, ginger tea works to break up chest congestion and loosen phlegm. It also strengthens the immune system. What do you usually do to treat hay fever? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/your-bed-sheets-could-be-making-you-sick/">Your bed sheets could be making you sick</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/05/clear-blocked-nose-instantly/">How to clear a blocked nose instantly</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/02/tips-to-beat-hay-fever/">3 tips to beat hay fever</a>

Body

4 myths about allergies that will shock you

Sally Bloomfield, Honorary Professor at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, debunks four persistent myths about allergies. Allergies are on the rise across the developed world and hay fever and eczema have trebled in the last 30 years. Yet allergies are an area of much confusion and concern. Although one study found 38 per cent of people think they have a food allergy, in fact only 1-5 per cent do, and allergists commonly report spending most of their consultations refuting firmly held beliefs that have no scientific foundation. Theories about allergy – some from medical research and some from lifestyle “gurus” – have led to conflicting information, making it hard to know what to believe. Because of this, Sense About Science worked with me and a number of allergists, immunologists, respiratory scientists and pharmacists to produce Making Sense of Allergies, a guide tackling the many myths and misconceptions about allergies. One common myth – something that I work on – is the link between allergies and exposure to microbes. So here is a hygiene and allergy reality fact check: Do fewer childhood infections mean more allergies? No. Although a link between allergies and microbes is largely accepted, the idea that more infections during childhood reduces the chance of developing allergies is now discounted. This idea came from the hygiene hypothesis, proposed in 1989, which theorised that the 20th century’s increase in allergies was due to lower rates of infection in early childhood. This hypothesis was based on observations that larger family size protected against hay fever, while smaller families were thought to provide insufficient infection exposure because of less person-to-person infection. Exposure to a normal range of microbes during the first months after birth is critical to developing the immune system, but there is no evidence that “regular” infections are important to boost general infection immunity or prevent allergies. Are allergies up because of modern obsessions with cleanliness? No. Our microbiomes, the population of microbes that live in and on our bodies, have altered from previous generations. This is not because of cleanliness, but because we interact with less diverse microbial environments than those of our largely rural ancestors. The idea that excessive cleaning has created “sterile” homes is implausible: microbes are rapidly replaced by organisms shed from us, our pets, raw foods and dust. This understanding has come from the “old friends” mechanism, a refinement to the hygiene hypothesis that offers a more plausible explanation for the link between microbial exposure and allergies. It proposes that exposure to the diverse range of largely non-harmful microbes or parasites that inhabit our world are important for building a diverse microbiome that is vital for sustaining a well regulated immune system that doesn’t overreact to allergens like pollen. These “old friends” have co-evolved with humans over millions of years. By contrast most infectious diseases only emerged over the last 10,000 years as we came to live in urban communities. Old friend microbes are still there, but we have lost contact with them due to lifestyle and public health changes over the past two centuries. Improved water quality, sanitation and urban cleanliness have massively reduced infectious disease, but inadvertently deprived us of exposure to these microbes. Changes in microbial content of food, less breastfeeding, more caesarean sections, urban rather than rural living and increased antibiotic use have also reduced early life old friends interaction. Will relaxing hygiene reverse the trend in allergies? No. We now know that relaxing hygiene will not reunite us with our old friends, but carries the risk of increased exposure to other microbes that can cause old and new diseases. Because it was originally called the “hygiene” hypothesis, and because the terms hygiene and cleanliness are used interchangeably, people often assume that “being less clean” implies being less particular about hygiene. At the same time that allergies have increased, the threats of global pandemics and antibiotic resistance have increased, and hygiene is key to containing these threats. Protecting against infection is not about how clean our homes look or how often we shower, it’s what we do to stop germs spreading. By using “targeted” hygiene practices such as hand washing, food safety and toilet hygiene, while encouraging everyday interactions with our microbial world we maximise protection against infection, while maintaining exposure to old friends. Are synthetic chemicals linked to rising allergies? No. Excessive use of cleaning and personal care products and antibacterials is sometimes said to be linked to allergies because it deprives us of microbial exposure. Antibacterial products are perceived to exacerbate this. However, because evidence suggests that general day-to-day home cleaning has no impact on microbial levels, it is unlikely to impact on our human microbiome. By contrast targeted disinfectant use, for example while preparing food, can reduce infection risks. Many people believe that “man-made” chemicals are more likely to cause allergic reactions, leading to many synthetic substances in products being replaced by “natural alternatives”. However, the most common allergic reactions are to naturally occurring allergens, in foods such as eggs, milk and nuts, in common garden plants such as primroses and chrysanthemums, and things in the environment such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Some natural replacements for synthetic substances could actually increase the risk of allergic reactions. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/four-myths-about-allergies-you-thought-were-true-but-arent-42855" target="_blank">The Conversation.</a><a href="https://theconversation.com/four-myths-about-allergies-you-thought-were-true-but-arent-42855"> </a> Related links: <a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/08/cures-from-the-kitchen-cupboard/">8 kitchen cupboard cures for common ailments</a> <a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/08/professor-tim-spector-diet-book/">Why calorie counting is a waste of time</a> <a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/07/top-health-worries-of-60-year-olds/">Top 10 health worries when you’re 60-plus (and how to beat them)</a>

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Top tips for happy and healthy eyes this Autumn

Do you think you have a penicillin allergy? You might be wrong