Questions tagged [allergies]
A term for the biological antigen-antibody reaction which causes various symptoms ranging from rashes to anaphylaxis in sensitized people who encounter certain particles. Can also refer to the study of these interactions, treatment of afflicted patients, intensity of reaction, and study of reaction prevalence in a given population.
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Do beeswax candles "purify" the air?
It's a common claim on sites promoting beeswax candles over paraffin or soy candles that they "purify" the air and reduce allergies and asthma (Cleanup Expert,Ebeehoney, Pathways Arts, ...
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Is plastic significantly less likely to cause allergies than metal, paper, acrylic or bamboo
This infographic did the rounds a while back:
The left column indicates the material the straws are made of.
Amongst other things, it claims that the following materials have Allergy Risks:
Metal
...
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Does sugar deplete enzymes, allowing partially digested protein into the blood, and triggering an immune response?
I've seen this identical statement quoted in several non-technical publications, without any citation other than the author. For instance:
“Processed sugar is a major source of inflammation in the ...
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Does sensitatization require less allergens than elicitation?
In Evidence that Food Proteins in Vaccines Cause the Development of Food
Allergies and Its Implications for Vaccine Policy Vinu Arumugham claims:
It has been demonstrated that a smaller ...
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Is the microorganism buildup in bedsheets harmful?
According to business insider, the New York University microbiologist Philip Tierno claims that bedsheets should be washed once a week and that mattresses should be changed more frequently because ...
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Do food proteins in vaccines cause the development of food allergies?
Vinu Arumugham writes in the article Evidence that Food Proteins in Vaccines Cause the Development of Food
Allergies and Its Implications for Vaccine Policy published in the Journal of Developing ...
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Does aluminium hydroxide provoke allergies?
A German documentary released on the German channel Arte a few years ago makes the claim that aluminium hydroxide, when ingested alongside some foods, can induce allergies to those specific foods, ...
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Can children with peanut allergies be triggered by the mere presence or smell of peanuts nearby?
I've heard this claim a lot (usually by schools who take a lot of measures to prevent peanut exposure in the classrooms and lunch area, or by parents of allergic children), but is there any scientific ...
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Do UV furnace filters kill germs and reduce allergens?
A repair guy was selling me on a new furnace today, and one of the options was a fancy filter system. Instead of the usual air filter, there is a filter with a big UV light behind it like this one. ...
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Does Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) exist?
A recent article from Daily Mail cited the case of a woman claiming to be allergic to Wi-Fi, and that it could even kill her. This claim sounded ridiculous and absurd to me. Quoting parts of the exact ...
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Does diet affect the intensity of allergies?
I had a recent discussion where it was claimed that one's diet has a huge effect on the intensity of allergic reactions.
I was wondering if food which is unrelated to one's allergies (e.g. eating ...
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Do cat owners have a lower chance of developing allergies?
The following is from http://blog.petspyjamas.com/getty-dog-owners-vs-cat-owners-unbelievable-facts/9/:
9. Cat owners have a lower chance of developing allergies
When cats enthusiastically rub ...
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NAET - is it a hoax or does it have any merit?
Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques seems to claim to be able to heal almost anything.
It primarily focuses on allergies as the core of all issues. It seems to talk of meridians in human ...
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Are delayed food allergies a recognized medical condition?
My parents went to a nutritionist, who tested their blood and diagnosed them with a dozen of 'delayed food allergies'. They are told that consuming any quantities these substances (which include tea, ...
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Does breastfeeding affect the risk of Adult Onset Allergies
A radio program over the weekend had a doctor who stated that people who were breast fed as babies were at a greatly reduced risk of adult onset allergies and that the vast majority of patients she ...
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Can sunglasses reduce the symptoms of hayfever?
My mother always relayed this one to me: put sunglasses on and your eyes won't itch so much. I always laughed at this as being an old wives tale, however there seems to be plenty of anecdotal advice ...
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Do probiotic bacteria prevent or ameilorate dust mites in beds?
I was offered a bed. The seller claimed that the bed has probiotic bacteria in it. It contains special living bacteria that will eat germs and sweat.
Wow.
Does that really work?
If so, I'll buy.
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Is the "Electromagnetic Field Sensitivity" study reliable?
Until recently, I have only heard about studies proving electrosensitivity being entirely a nocebo effect.
Now I just found out about a study:
Electromagnetic Field Sensitivity, William J. Real et ...
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Do air purifiers remove allergens?
I am allergic to House dust mites. There are some air purifiers on the market that suppose to "clean" the air and reduce allergens. I have been really skeptical concerning these devices. Recently I ...
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Can women give their children certain allergies by eating certain foods while pregnant?
I've heard anecdotes time and time again from people with allergies that their parent ate a lot of the food they're allergic too while pregnant. Is there any known correlation?
Alright, let's jazz up ...
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Homeopathic Sinus Pain/Allergy Relief
I suffer from occasional sinus pain and headaches. Upon hearing this, a pharmacist friend of mine immediately recommended I take a "drug" that has proven to work wonders for her sinus problems. It ...
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Is AllergyEZ a validated treatment for allergies?
My girlfriend is excited about an allergy treatment she's about to undergo. The product is sub-lingual allergy drops with the brand name "AllergyEZ." She's told me that her allergy doctor has told ...
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Are many allergies caused by too much hygiene?
One hears it once in a while that many allergies are due to people overly concerned with hygiene. The rationale is that growing up in a near-sterile environment will leave your immune system confused ...
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Has there been a dramatic rise in food allergies?
There's been a lot of reports in the media that there's been a large rise in the number of allergy-related health problems over the past decade. Some reports claim that there has been a 265% increase ...
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Can locally produced honey help to build an immunity to hayfever?
I suffer quite badly in the summer months with hayfever and I've been told by numerous people that eating a spoonful of locally produced honey a day in the months leading up to summer will help me ...
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