House dust mite
The house dust mite gets its name from its habitat - household dust. This mite has been associated with a range of respiratory and dermatological allergies, such as asthma and eczema. The house dust mite gets its name from its habitat - household ... [... more]
Better Health |
Lactose intolerance - Better Health Channel.
Lactose intolerance is when a person has difficulty or is unable to digest milk sugars. People with this problem do not have enough of the enzyme lactase. Five per cent of Caucasians and up to 75 per cent of non-Caucasians living in Australia ... [... more]
Better Health |
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a fungus that commonly grows on rotting vegetation. Some people with asthma are allergic to Aspergillus and develop allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). The symptoms include wheezing and blood-stained sputum. Aspergillus ... [... more]
Better Health |
Hives explained
Hives (urticaria) is a skin rash characterised by circular weals of reddened and itching skin. It is an allergic reaction, which means the immune system responds to a substance as if it were toxic. Treatment options include medications and ... [... more]
Better Health |
Food additives
Food additives are chemicals that keep food fresh or enhance its colour, flavour or texture. Some people are sensitive to food additives, but this is much rarer than is commonly believed. Food additives are chemicals added to foods to keep them ... [... more]
Better Health |
Hay fever - Better Health Channel.
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, is common in spring because it is often caused by an allergy to grass pollen. However, hay fever can occur at any time of the year. Symptoms include a running nose, sneezing and itchy, watering eyes. Hay ... [... more]
Better Health |
Latex allergy
Many products are made from latex including rubber bands, balloons and condoms. Between one and six per cent of people are allergic to latex: either to the proteins found naturally in the substance or to the industrial chemicals added during ... [... more]
Better Health |
Asthma and allergens - Q & A
Plants of all sorts, including trees, grasses and weeds, produce pollen that can aggravate asthma; airborne moulds can also trigger attacks. These triggers can irritate the airways and make asthma worse. Reducing exposure to things that trigger ... [... more]
Better Health |
Food allergy and intolerance
Some people are sensitive to particular foods like nuts, shellfish and cereals. The symptoms of food allergy include wheezing, stomach upsets and skin rashes. They are caused by an immune system response or some other chemical reaction in the ... [... more]
Better Health |
Asthma and allergens
People with asthma generally find their symptoms increase if they are exposed to certain triggers. These may include allergens such as pollen, animal fur or mould. Different people are sensitive to different allergens. Managing your asthma ... [... more]
Better Health |
Food allergies
Many people believe they are allergic to one food or another. Many people believe they are allergic to one food or another. The truth is that food allergies are uncommon. Perhaps five per cent of Australians have a mild food allergy; severe cases ... [... more]
NineMSN Health |
Sick building syndrome (SBS)
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is the term used to describe a range of symptoms thought to be caused by the office or home environment. The causes of the syndrome are still unclear. A recent UK study has concluded that the condition does not ... [... more]
Better Health |