
Pollen counts
The University of Cape Town’s lung institute has warned that South Africans can expect higher levels of allergic rhinitis (AR)…

Topical treatments for allergic conjunctivitis
The increasing occurrence of allergic conjunctivitis has created an ever-greater demand for effective treatments. But not all AC drugs are…


Choosing the right drug for SAC management
Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and similar ocular allergies are extremely prevalent and are some of the most commonly encountered conditions in…


Saluting saline rinses and sprays
Simple saline is a wonderful non-medicated addition to the management of many conditions involving the nose and the chest, from…

Stopping the sneeze
Histamine may induce an increase in the proliferation of Th1 cells and in the production of interferon and may block…

Quercetin and allergies
Allergies and allergic symptoms are rising have been rising in prevalence for decades, but there is growing dissatisfaction towards available…


Inhaler use crucial to treatment
Studies have shown that between 28%-68% of outpatients and 62%-86% of inpatients misuse inhaler devices. This is associated with poor asthma…

Ectoine: allergy’s alternative medication of choice?
Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis are among the most common conditions treated in general practice, yet growing numbers of patients are…


Much ado about urticaria
The World Allergy Organization and several European dermatology and immunology societies joined forces in 2016 to revise and update the…

What you need to know about urticaria and angioedema
Urticaria and angioedema are common health problems. They often occur together (in 40% of cases) but may also occur separately…

Inhalant allergens predicting allergy to animals
Sensitisation to furry animals seems to be on the increase globally and it appears that sensitisation in early childhood can…

Use of rupatadine in allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria
Rupatadine is a novel non-sedating H1-antihistamine that also has additional antagonist effects on PAF. It is a second generation antihistamine…

What is new in component testing?
A better understanding of allergen components and their role in the mechanisms of sensitisation and tolerance induction leads to a…

The skin as an entry point for allergens: Evidence and interventions
SPECIALIST FORUM SEPTEMBER CPD: Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a common skin disorder characterised by a dry, itchy, inflamed skin in…


Allergies in children
MEDICAL CHRONICLE AUGUST CPD 2 of 4: 40% of South African allergy sufferers are children, so knowing how to treat…

Antihistamine that tackles inflammation
Histamine is clearly not the only mediator involved in the inflammatory process. There is an emerging view that drugs that…