ALLERGIES, rhinitis (congestion, runny nose, post nasal drip) and asthma.
Self help:
The Complete Guide to Food Allergy and Intolerance - Professor Brostoff and Linda Gamlin
British Allergy Foundation- 0208 303 8525
National Asthma Campaign - 0207 226 2260
COT Report on Adverse Reactions to Food and Food Ingredients- 020 7972 5023 or akosua.adjei@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Health and Safety and Occupational Asthma
Firstly remember that dealing with potential allergens and irritants is demanding and stressful - particularly with children who do not necessarily wish to co-operate. Even worse - they may well have a genuine craving for the very product they are sensitive to.
Allergens to suspect in asthma and rhinitis;
-Infection- especially viral
-Salt and MSG - reduce salt eaten. MSG is commonly found in tinned and packet soups, convenience foods and Chinese food.
-Irritants - smoke from cigarettes, bonfires, incinerators - perfume and strongly scented flowers - house hold chemicals - industrial fumes, esp. containing sulphur dioxide.
Note sulphur dioxide is a gas given off in small amounts by some preservatives - it may then be inhaled when eating. Preservatives which give off sulphur dioxide include; sodium sulphite sodium hydrogen sulphite sodium metabisulphite potassium metabisulphite calcium sulphite
Foods and drinks where these preservatives are often used; dried fruits, wine, beer, cider, fresh sausages, cod, restaurant, take away and cafeteria food eg chips. Prepared salads, avocado dip, shrimps, prawns and lobster.
Look for the E numbers E220-227 on packaged food
-non specific triggers- cold air, exercise, fear, anger, stress - can trigger attacks in individuals where the bronchi (air ways ) are already sensitised.
-multiple triggers don't forget that there may be more than one trigger- food may be one cause and inhalants or contactants another. Foods may make the bronchi more sensitive, so that an airborne allergen then triggers an attack. In such cases, the food alone may not bring on an asthma attack.
-pollen mostly causes hay fever. Some people find that certain foods can heighten sensitivity to pollen.
-house dust mite- most people are allergic to the faecal pellets (droppings) . House dust mites thrive in old sofas and armchairs, mattresses and carpets. Sunshine and dry air are it's greatest enemies - so it prefers fitted carpets cleaned with a vacuum cleaner , to loose rugs or carpets that are taken outside , beaten and left to hang in the sun. Damp weather favours the mite - are symptoms worse? Shampooing a carpet can stir mites up and provoke an attack.
-moulds damp buildings, raking up fallen leaves, handling compost, spending time in the green house, cellar or conservatory etc. House plants, Christmas Trees, Damp straw, hay, domestic humidifiers are other possible sources.
-pet dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, hamsters, mice etc. symptoms may not occur for up to a year after the pet is acquired.
-laboratory animals-
-feathers pet birds, feather-filled pillows, eiderdowns, duvets and cushions can all cause symptoms - but be careful it isn't a house dust mite allergy.
-glues and resins- especially epoxy
-solder and colophony
-wool, cotton and other textiles fibres are common in the air in most homes.
-barn mites in stored grain
-flour, grain dust, sawdust and other inhaled particles- bakers, food processors, farmers and farm workers
-glutaraldehyde- nurses, dark room technicians
-airborne food particles or droplets
-animal urine
-foods
If food intolerance is causing asthma / chronic cough it will usually be associated with other symptoms - such as pain in the abdomen, diarrhoea, eczema or rhinitis
Symptoms that CAN be linked with food intolerance include: -head ache, migraine, fatigue, depression / anxiety, recurrent mouth ulcers, aching muscles, nausea, vomiting, stomach / duodenal ulcers, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, wind, bloating, joint pain, water retention, rhinitis (congestion or runny nose), wheezing, coughing, eczema, urticaria (nettle rash or hives), and hyperactivity.
Elimination Diet (seek professional advice before using an elimination diet)
: All, or most of the commonly eaten foods are avoided for one to three weeks. Most patients will be sensitive to between 2 and 5 foods - so that avoiding the most frequent offenders eg. wheat, milk, eggs, citrus fruits, yeasts, chocolate and additives is often sufficient. If an improvement in health occurs, then the foods are re-introduced individually and their effect assessed. It is common to feel worse initially - but better by day 6 or 7.
-yeast alcoholic drinks, over ripe fruits, breweries and bakeries -food additives - note that colourings used in foods may also be present in medicinal drugs.
-Drugs Antibiotics and aspirin are the common culprits. Trace amounts of antibiotic may be present in meat, eggs or milk.
-Paints, Air fresheners, aerosols, natural gases and fumes from cavity- wall insulation household chemicals may act as an allergen or an irritant. They can contribute to both asthma and rhinitis. Isocyanates are found in spray paints and other metal and electrical processes.
Spray kitchen / bathroom cleaner is easily inhaled
Air fresheners are actually DESIGNED to fill the air with vapour!
-industrial fumes, dust or other air borne particles in the work place eg. building work etc
-latex latex particles in the air eg. from balloons, motor vehicles may be a source of allergic reaction
-wood dust- wood workers - especially hard wood
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. PrivateFamilyDoctor strongly advises all users with health problems to consult a doctor.