National survey identifies higher risk of food allergies among children, males, non-Hispanic blacks and people with asthma Food allergies are more common among people with asthma and may contribute to asthma attacks, according to one of the most comprehensive surveys of food allergies ever undertaken. Andrew H. Liu and his colleagues also report that food allergies are more prevalent among children, males and non-Hispanic blacks.
"Our study suggests that food allergies may be an important factor, and even an under-recognized trigger for severe asthma exacerbations," said Dr. Liu. "People with a food allergy and asthma should closely monitor both conditions and be aware that they might be related." Read the article on Elements4Health.com

Chlorine kills germs in swimming pools, but it may also contribute to risk for asthma and nasal allergies. Children with allergic sensitivities (atopy) who have spent more time in chlorinated pools have a higher risk of asthma and nasal allergies, such as allergic rhinitis and hay fever, researchers from Belgium report in the Sept. 14 issue of Pediatrics. Read the original article on WebMD.

ScienceDaily (May 20, 2009) — The inactivated flu vaccine does not appear to be effective in preventing influenza-related hospitalizations in children, especially the ones with asthma. In fact, children who get the flu vaccine are more at risk for hospitalization than their peers who do not get the vaccine, according to new research that will be presented on May 19, at the 105th International Conference of the American Thoracic Society in San Diego. Read the original article.

 Medscape has reported the results of 3 studies presented during the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting: 
1.- Anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention (ASHMI)
2.- Food Allergy Herbal Formula (FAHF)-2
3.- Traditional Chinese medicine 
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