Food Allergy

Food allergies can cause many different symptoms, affecting any body system.  They are an immune mediated reaction (antigen-antibody interaction to a food or a food additive).  Traditional allergists recognize only IgE mediated (immunoglobulin E-a type of antibody traditionally associated with allergy) reactions as an allergic reaction.  These are immediate reactions that occur very rapidly after eating the food.  Reactions may include hives, asthma, rhinitis, eczema, swelling of the lips and face, or anaphylactic shock (serious rapid onset allergic reaction affecting multiple body systems).  Foods causing these symptoms need to be avoided.  Should this type of reaction occur, treatment is with epinephrine.

Many other reactions to foods may be cell mediated or IgG mediated (immunoglobulin G - a special type of antibody) and largely outnumber IgE reactions.  They are not considered an allergy by traditional medicine because they are not IgE mediated.  They are spoken of as a food sensitivity or intolerance.  They may include less dramatic symptoms and symptoms may delayed by hours or even days.  However, symptoms may be serious and uncomfortable.  Foods to which there is a sensitivity/intolerance can sometimes be eaten without causing symptoms as long as exposures are minimal, and the foods are not eaten too often.

Pinkeye

The technical term for pinkeye and itchy, swollen, runny eyes is conjunctivitis.  The  white of the eye is red and is a symptom common to all forms of conjunctivitis.  The three most common forms of conjunctivitis are viral, bacterial, and allergic.  Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and is usually related to exposure to flowers and pollen.  The eye will be watery, itchy, red, and swollen, and both eyes can be affected.  There is usually very little discharge.  

While both are contagious, bacterial conjunctivitis does not spread as easily as viral conjunctivitis.  In viral conjunctivitis there is usually a watery discharge, swelling, and possible light sensitivity. A recent cold or contact with an infected person are common precursors.  The virus can live for several weeks on surfaces touched by an infected person (even computer keyboards).  The discharge of bacterial conjunctivitis is thicker with more mucus.  Often an affected eye is stuck closed with mucous on awakening in the morning. Only bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops.  The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children do not need to stay home for 24 hours after starting antibiotic eye drops, but can return to school.

For any type of conjunctivitis, immediately discard used tissues.  Do not share towels, pillows. or anything coming in contact with the eyes or hands.  Wet washcloth compresses applied to the eyelids every hour can be soothing.  Cold compresses may be used, but for bacterial conjunctivitis, warm compresses may be better.  A heated rice bag can be placed on top of a wet wash cloth.  USE A FRESH WASHCLOTH EACH TIME.  Nonpreserved artificial tears may also be helpful.  Once opened, they should be kept in the refrigerator.  The vial must be discarded after the pinkeye resolves.  Do not use antihistamine eye drops, such as Visine. 

Blurred vision and significant pain are indications for consulting a physician for identification of conjunctivitis type and treatment required.

CLOSE OUT ON BOOKS

Dr. Krohn has published several books and products under the name K and T Books, as well as allergy reference and medical books produced by Hartley & Marks. She is no longer going to produce these books and products, and Hartley & Marks is no longer publishing their books. The following items are available and when they are gone, will no longer be obtainable from her. The list below is what is available from her office now.

Allergy Relief and Prevention                                                   1 copy of first edition  $19.95

     Guide to treatment and self-care                                           2 copies of ___edition $24.95 each

Finding the Right Treatment                                                      2 copies of ___edition $24.95 each

      Reference guide to options offered

      by modern and alternative medicine

Rotation isn’t Just for Tires!                                                      48 copies of 2^nd edition

      A “how to” rotation diet cookbook                                            Original price $24.95

      Tool for handling food allergies/sensitivities                             Sale price $14.00  

      Guidance in learning food rotation

      Many recipes, some sample diets

Food Dot Chart-double sided laminated                                     41 copies

      Cross-reference dot chart for                                                    Original price $19.90

      allergic substances found in food                                             Sale price        $14.00

Pollen Dot Chart-double sided laminated

      Cross-reference for allergenic substances in pollen             34 copies

      Rapid way of determining substance in pollen                          Original price $15.40                                                                   

                                                                                                          Sale price $9.00

Phenolics and Other Allergens, Volume IV                                15 copies

       Source book presenting many substances and their                  Original price $104.00

       health effects and allergy symptoms caused in humans.           Sale price $60.00

      It presents “imponderables” including heat, cold, altitude,

      humidity,draft, motion, vibrations, noise, color, wind,

      weather, electromagnetic phenomenon, and others.

     Detailed information is presented about each subject as

     well as effects on humans and treatment possibilities.

Practitioners and patients may purchase.  All Sales Final.

Ear Infections

Ear infections can be a cause of ear pain.  Otitis media is the term used for middle ear infection.  Common in childhood, otitis media occurs infrequently in adults.  Many children have recurrent ear infections that often occur after a cold or upper respiratory infection. Inflammation of the Eustachian tube prevents normal fluid drainage from the middle ear, which serves as a growth media for bacteria.  Secondhand tobacco smoke may predispose a child to middle ear infections.  Frequently eaten foods or allergies can alter the tissue resistance of the ear, setting up conditions for an infection.  Milk is a prime suspect.  Wheat, egg, peanut, soy, and corn can cause fluid behind the eardrum, which predisposes the child to ear infections.

Eustachian tube dysfunction plays a role in ear infections.  The Eustachian tube drains both fluid and mucus from the middle ear into the nose.  The Eustachian tube in children is short, straight, and may not drain well, resulting in mucus accumulation in the middle ear.  If the mucus becomes thick and glue-like, the condition is known as glue ear. Fluid behind the eardrum without infection can be very painful, but the pain may come and go.  Hearing loss, delayed development of speech and language skills, and problems with gross motor skills and balance may result.

Because typical symptoms overlap other conditions, a physician should be consulted, particularly in the case of recurrent ear infections.

Earache

Although they can occur at any time of the day, most parents have had the experience of a child crying in the night from the pain of an earache.  There are many things that can cause earache (otalgia), and it may not be associated with ear disease.  Conditions such as an impacted tooth, sinus problems, inflamed tonsils, teething pain, TMJ, and infections in the nose and throat may play a role.

Ear pain may originate from the external, middle, or inner ear, but it is not always possible to tell the location of the pain.  External ear pain can be caused by trauma, swimmer's ear, or foreign bodies in the external ear.  Dental disease can cause ear pain as can other diseases.  Ear pain may also be a side effect of contagious illnesses such as colds, coughs, or eye problems like conjunctivitis.  When babies discover their ears they may pull at them until they hurt, causing mothers to fear their baby may have an ear infection. 

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (term used in the United States, Canada, and Japan), APAP, or paracetamol (term used elsewhere) is a widely used OTC pain reliever and fever reducer.  A mild analgesic commonly used for the relief of headaches and other minor aches and pains, it is also a major ingredient in numerous cold and flu remedies.  While it is used to treat inflammatory pain, it is not classified as an NSAID because its anti-inflammatory action is quite weak.  Tylenol (OTC name) is acetaminophen and because it does not reduce inflammation it is not very helpful for people with arthritis or aching joints to use. 

It is imperative that acetaminophen be taken in recommended doses.  It is generally safe for use at these recommended doses, but even small overdoses can have serious health consequences.  It may be more toxic in overdose than other OTC painkillers, but may be less toxic when used chronically at recommended doses.  Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver and side effects are multiplied if consumed with alcoholic drinks or when fasting. 

Overdoses can cause potentially fatal liver damage.  Severe kidney damage is also a possibility.  Symptoms of overdose begin several hours after ingestion and include nausea, vomiting, and pain as acute liver failure starts.  If an overdose is suspected  taking activated charcoal given within one hour of acetaminophen ingestion may treat the overdose.  Acetylcysteine should be given the acetaminophen levels are high.  Treatment within 10 hours of ingestion reduces the risk to the liver.

Painkillers

Painkillers or analgesics are used to achieve analgesia or relief from pain.  These drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems.  The type of pain determines the analgesic choice.  There are several classes of analgesic drugs.  Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are both nonprescription and prescription. COX-2 inhibitors are prescription drugs derived from NSAIDs.  Another important class of analgesics is opioids, which are narcotics and require a written prescription and include morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone.  There can also be pain relief benefit from classes of drugs that are not normally classed as analgesics, such as tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants.

Most people take something when they have pain of any kind. There are analgesics or pain killers that are over-the-counter (OTC).  There is some confusion about dosage on these agents.  Patients tend to think that because these drugs are OTC that they are totally safe in all amounts, but they are not.  The most common OTC NSAIDs are aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and others), and naproxen sodium (Aleve).  Many times physicians are not contacted for a painkiller and pain control until and unless the patient receives no relief from OTC medications. "Letting the pain get ahead," or allowing it to be untreated can make it more difficult to bring under control.  Being absolutely pain free may not be a realistic goal, but pain can usually be regulated so it does not interfere with daily life.