So in Cape town there are 3 prevalent moulds – Alternaria , Cladosporium and Aspergillus. They can all be diagnosed on Skin Prick Tests easily (Don’t forget the 4 day antihistamine washout period prior to coming.) Implications: Mostly an issue if you have asthma – prevalence of ABPA (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is 1-2%). It’s higher […]
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Fungal species commonly found indoors include Cladosporium, Alternaria and Aspergillus (THESE ARE ALL AVAILABLE TO BE TESTED AT THE ALLERGY CLINIC (MediSpa Cape Town). Consultation is R700 and Skin Pricks are charged at R45 a prick).SKIN PRICKS ARE INEXPENSIVE AND ACCURATE- ANTIHISTAMINES SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN 4 DAYS PRIOR TO ENSURE A VALID TEST). Children […]
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The bacteria in the gut microbiome may produce the same NEUROTRANSMITTERS that are found in the CNS Dietary components such as probiotics may directly affect the intestinal epithelium and this may result in altered behaviour independently of changes in microbiota. Studies have shown that an ANTIOXIDANT rich diet is associated with a lower […]
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Clinical History : This is Natalie . She is 26 years old and loves her cat and her boyfriend . She stays in a flat in Vredehoek. She reports constant sneezing and nasal congestion . She feels like she might be allergic to her own house. Specific IgE Blood test results (antibodies to allergens […]
Read MoreThere are various moisturisers on the market in the chemists. It is better to receive advice from a medical expert about which ones work and will help . Epimax is an effective emollient that will restore the skin barrier in eczema or with dry skin that is itching. An intact skin barrier is less likely […]
Read MoreA gentleman Mr X visited me the other day in the surgery and as he was due to depart for a holliday at a seaside retreat in Mauritius he wanted to revisit and episode of anaphylaxis he experienced about 10 years prior when his throat closed up and he had difficulty breathing after eating calamari. […]
Read MoreThe food allergy epidemic has occurred over a short period of time thus this gives hope to those who seek to prevent it as the trigger may be modifiable. Food allergy prevention is therefore important . This is demonstrated for the reduction of specific allergies e.g. Latex where latex allergy was minimized by restricting the […]
Read MoreEgg allergy occurs in about 2 % of people and is often present in the first year of life. There may be an association between egg allergy and eczema. Most reactions to egg are caused by the proteins in egg white . Symptoms of egg allergy include flushing , tingling of the mouth , urticaria(hives) […]
Read MoreSchool is where our children spend the majority of their time. Allergic conditions affect 25 percent of school going children .Allergies may be a barrier to learning and may affect the millions of bright young eager minds that present themselves daily to days full of learning and new adventures. Athsma is on elf the […]
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Where do atopic dermatitis (eczema ) symptoms appear : Small children : Eczema usually appears on the face, elbows or knees. In older children : The rash usually appears on the face and neck , shoulder girdle, hands and in the flexures ( behind the knees , inside the elbows) Severity grading : […]
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