House dust mite
The house dust mite has been associated with a range of respiratory and dermatological allergies, such as asthma and eczema. The main component of dust is shed skin flakes, which is the mite's preferred food source. Areas around the home that are ... [... more]
Better Health |
Reactions to food - food allergies
Foods can cause a wide variety of reactions in children. A food allergy can be life-threatening in some rare cases. Most reactions are less severe. Foods are often blamed when they are not the cause of the problem, so it is important to get any ... [... more]
Child & Youth 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]
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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. Hay fever can occur at any time of the year as an allergic reaction to dust mites, mould and animal fur or hair. Symptoms ... [... more]
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Allergy testing
Allergy testing determines which particular substances or allergens provoke an allergic reaction. The procedure may include skin and blood tests or special diets. Allergy symptoms include skin rashes, swelling, sneezing, asthma and nausea. ... [... more]
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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]
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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. The most common trigger is an infection but ... [... more]
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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 rare. Reactions to food additives include hives or diarrhoea, other digestive disorders and ... [... more]
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Lactose intolerance - Better Health Channel.
Lactose intolerance is when a person has difficulty or is unable to digest milk sugars from dairy products. It is rare for Caucasians to develop lactose intolerance. The condition is more comon among Australian Aborigines and people from Asia, ... [... more]
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Latex allergy
Latex allergy is when people are allergic to either to the proteins found naturally in latex or to the industrial chemicals added. Products made from latex including rubber bands, balloons and condoms. Latex-free condoms and diaphragms are ... [... more]
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Food allergy and intolerance
Food allergy is an immune response while food intolerance is a chemical reaction. Symptoms of food allergy include wheezing, stomach upsets and skin rashes. Symptoms of food intolerance are similar to food allergy, but can be associated with ... [... more]
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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. People with asthma are ... [... more]
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