CPD Portal
Stopping the sneeze
Histamine may induce an increase in the proliferation of Th1 cells and in the production of interferon and may block humoral immune responses by means of this mechanism.
Quercetin and allergies
Allergies and allergic symptoms are rising have been rising in prevalence for decades, but there is growing dissatisfaction towards available therapies among doctors and laypeople alike. Naturally-occurring compounds like quercetin provide a safe, effective alternative.
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 control and more frequent emergency department visits.
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 weary of traditional pharmacological therapies. Enter ectoine, a naturally produced treatment just as effective as pharmaceuticals.
Much ado about urticaria
The World Allergy Organization and several European dermatology and immunology societies joined forces in 2016 to revise and update the diagnostic criteria and treatment of urticaria. The guideline was published last year.
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 (50% have urticarial alone, while 10% have angioedema alone).
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 precede respiratory allergy in adolescence.
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 which demonstrated no adverse cardiovascular effects in clinical testing.
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 more targeted management of inhalant- and food allergy.
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 an age-typical distribution. Atopic dermatitis is very often the first ‘step’ in the allergic march, preceding food allergy and respiratory allergy manifestations.
Allergies in children
MEDICAL CHRONICLE AUGUST CPD 2 of 4: 40% of South African allergy sufferers are children, so knowing how to treat and identify common allergies in children is vital.
Antihistamine that tackles inflammation
Histamine is clearly not the only mediator involved in the inflammatory process. There is an emerging view that drugs that can inhibit a broader range of inflammatory agents may prove to be more effective in providing symptomatic relief in both allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria.
