asthma & respiratory

A blog about respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD and lung cancer and associated conditions and topics.

Guest blogger

19 Nov

The most common respiratory diseases and how to avoid them

From influenza to the common cold, and bigger problems such as pneumonia, there’s a wide range of ailments and diseases that affect the respiratory system. Some of them are just symptoms of underlying conditions, whereas others are diseases by themselves. …

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talkhealth

2 Jun

talkhealth meets…Ruth Holroyd, blogger and founder of What Allergy

What made you decide to start What Allergy? Starting the blog was a bit of an accident really. I wanted to do something but wasn’t sure what. Originally, I planned to create a website with reviews and safe places to …

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Rex Garratt

22 Apr

Air pollution linked to mental health issues

Air pollution linked to mental health issues

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Helen Barnshaw

7 Nov

Keeping your immune system strong

The colder months have now arrived, and we’re experiencing more colds & flu virus’ ? than ever. ? Although scientists don’t yet understand why we are more susceptible to this in the winter months, we do know that the cold …

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Emma Hammett

1 Nov

Flu – the new vaccine that’s good news for older people

Boots starts offering their vaccinations this week. This year there is an improved flu vaccine (which also boosts the immune system for older people) and this is the one we are being offered in the UK this coming winter. This …

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Bakasura

28 Oct

Cold and Flu Season Alert– wash your hands!

Autumn has definitely arrived and it is rather beautiful to witness the spectacle of Mother Nature as tree leaves change tones and shades of colour in slow mutation. However, it also poses its own challenges…a lot of wet noses around …

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Emma Hammett

2 Oct

The season of sniffles – common causes of breathing difficulties in young children and how to help

Autumn is the prime time for colds, coughs, sneezes and sniffles. As the weather steadily becomes colder and damper, existing breathing issues such as asthma can become unstable and need more careful management.    Added to which, infections and viruses such …

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Emma Hammett

4 Sep

Anaphylaxis and adrenaline auto-injectors a comprehensive guide

Anaphylaxis is an extremely severe allergic reaction. Reactions usually begin within minutes and progress rapidly, however, they can occur up to 2-3 hours after exposure and exercise can also initiate symptoms a while after exposure to an allergen. Common allergens …

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Dr Sufian Ali

11 Jun

What’s causing your cough?

Medicspot GP Dr Sufian Ali explain what's causing your cough?

Coughing is a natural reflux that helps keep your airways clear. In this post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the common causes of a lingering cough. While having a cough is quite normal and usually nothing to …

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Jo Jackson

1 May

How I got my asthma diagnosis

I started smoking at the age of 9. Yes, I am very ashamed of it now but we all know that peer pressure has far more influence than it’s given credit for. I smoked all through school, college and into …

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talkhealth

26 Apr

Eating late health risks, babies & screen time, e-cigarette risks & more

If you’ve missed out on all the latest health news this week (22nd April) then take a look at our round-up of this week’s top stories! Eating late could increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes & diabetes A recent …

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talkhealth

22 Feb

Health round up – exercise & weight loss, asthma & young people, PTSD

Hiit and short bursts of exercise aid weight loss

This week in the news about health (22 February 2019) we look at exercise and weight loss, young deaths in the UK from asthma and PTSD in young people. Short bursts of exercise is good for weight loss According to …

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talkhealth

4 Feb

Ask our experts your questions about allergies

allergies, hayfever, childrens allergy, anapylaxis

From today until 15 February 2019, we are running an Online Clinic on Allergies. Medical experts will be available to answer questions throughout this time. We are delighted that Green People and Imutest are sponsoring the clinic. The clinic is …

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talkhealth

11 Jan

NHS health plan, HRT, mental health, pollution, fibre & more

Mental health patients missing appointments are at risk

11 January 2019 – this week in health Each week, we look at the key health news. Below are just some of the health stories for this week. Find out quickly about the NHS long-term plan, HRT, mental health, asthma …

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talkhealth

14 Dec

This week in health – 14 December 2018

The temperature has suddenly dropped around the UK, which could have implications for the nation’s health services. Hospitals bed occupancy in the ‘red zone’ With Christmas Day less than two weeks away, health experts have already warned that hospitals are …

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talkhealth

11 Oct

Stoptober – Are you ready for the challenge?

Stop smoking

This month thousands of people are taking on the Stoptober challenge, Stoptober is a 28 day non-smoking awareness campaign run throughout October. It has been said that you are five times more likely to quit smoking after 28 days! Smoking …

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Guest blogger

7 Mar

Exploring The Major Health Risks That Are Associated With Tobacco

Did you know that each year in the United States more than 480,000 people die do to a tobacco related illness? When you factor all this up it means that 1 out of every 5 deaths in the United States …

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Betty Hutton

1 Mar

THE GREAT PRETENDER

My Freddie Mercury (again!) – originally by The Platters (way back) After receiving such great care from The Royal Derby Hospital, I completed an on-line form to be a Volunteer Patient, partly to ‘give back’ a little and also in …

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talkhealth

17 Feb

Should you take Vitamin D to combat colds and flu?

Yesterday (16 February 2017) it was widely reported on TV, in newspapers and across the Internet that taking Vitamin D could significantly reduce the incidence of colds and flu amongst the general population. In fact, some newsrooms went as far …

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talkhealth

11 Jan

Tickly coughs and dribbly noses

coughs_colds

It’s that time of year, and if you’re working in an office you’re probably surrounded by coughs and colds. A nasty cold bug started doing the rounds in the talkhealth office just before Christmas with about half of the team …

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Betty Hutton

21 Nov

‘WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER?’

Good old Freddie Mercury classic – ‘hitting the nail on the head’ brilliantly!  The one sure thing in life is that we’re all going to die – we’re all headed in the same direction – and yet it’s a subject …

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Betty Hutton

19 Oct

‘I’M STILL STANDING – (ME ‘N ELTON!)

… And Breathing! Reasons to be cheerful – thanks to Derby Royal Hospital I finally was given the correct diagnosis and, importantly, excellent treatment from the team of Consultants in the Respiratory Clinic, which means my breathing is the best …

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talkhealth

16 Mar

How will the 2016 Budget affect your health?

Sugar Tax

Today, George Osborne delivered his 8th budget as Chancellor. Tell us what you think of the 2016 budget. Do you think the Chancellor went far enough with his health initiatives? The key health-based initiatives announced are: A new Sugar Tax. …

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Michelle

18 Oct

Can we blame male trees for the dramatic increase in the rates of hay fever? Tom Ogren says ‘yes’!

Iochroma Cyaneum

The sex life of plants, including trees, is not simple. Some, known as perfect flowered plants, have their male and female parts in the one flower so are effectively self pollinating (roses or apples);  some, known as monoecious flowered plants …

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Michelle

5 Oct

Alert5 – a really useful app!

I have rather lost count of the number of ‘allergy’ apps that have been launched to help you do your ‘freefrom’ shopping. I am not entirely sure how successful any of them have been – but it always seemed to me …

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Dr Roger Goulds

21 Aug

E-cigarettes. I am confused.

Woman smoking with electronic cigarette

I admit I am a little out of touch with latest trends and e -cigarettes are no exception . I like many tried cigarettes in my teens but did not like them and never got the habit. I understand that …

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Deborah

28 Jul

Can you get hay fever later in life?

Symptoms of hay fever

This was a question posed today on the BBC2 Chris Evans Radio show and caught my attention as I drove into the talkhealth office this morning. One of Chris Evan’s colleagues says he’s just started getting hay fever this year …

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Dr Roger Goulds

29 Jun

Stay cool. It’s going to be hot.

Eczema: 5 dilemmas for parents in summer

A heat wave is forecast with temperatures rising above 30 degrees centigrade. Detrimental health effects of hot weather include dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke , which is a medical emergency and can be fatal. Generally the risk of these …

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Dr Roger Goulds

17 Jun

Asthma inhalers – A guide for patients

Asthma inhaler being used by boy in blue shirt

Following the article in yesterday’s Daily Mail I thought a brief explanation of what inhalers should be used when, might be worthwhile. Over my more than 30 years in General Practice the treatment of Asthma has improved dramatically. I feel …

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Guest blogger

15 Apr

FeNO: The 10-second breath test to help diagnose and manage asthma

VERO in Use

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions and, for sufferers, it can be terrifying if not managed properly. In the UK alone, 5.4m people are estimated to have the condition while, in the US, that figure is around …

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talkhealth

1 Apr

talkhealth members’ top 5 gynae issues

Helpline.Services. Phone on medical kit

In March, we ran our online clinic on gynaecology 2015. This clinic is always one of our most popular and covered over 65 gynaecology topics. If you missed out don’t worry – the clinic is still available for reference, so you …

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Phil

7 Jul

NHS Accident and Emergency Update

It has been some time since I last posted on Talk Health, the delay has simply been down to pressure of work and also I suppose partly a dearth of decent topics on which to expound. However I ended up …

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talkhealth

6 May

Shocking news head lines today

Boy Using An Inhaler

There are some big health stories in the news today after the long bank holiday weekend . As we all know health problems never abide by the Mon-Fri 9-5:30 rule and the more we educate ourselves about the issues we …

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talkhealth

21 Apr

talkhealth visit the Natural & Organic Product Show

Silicol Gel

          Last week talkhealth went to the very busy Natural & Organic Product Show up in Olympia.  We were so pleased to see so many friendly faces including Pravera, silicolgel and Salcura to name but a …

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Kayleigh Herbertson

19 Mar

The Things We Give Up For Our Conditions

It’s been a long time since I’ve breathed as confidently as I do now. My chronic pain condition seems to be fading away of its own accord and I’m left dumbfounded at the grip it has had on my life …

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talkhealth

19 Mar

Nutrition & Hydration Week 17-23 March

hydration1

Water  – did you know that it’s the best fuel for a healthy life – and in fact one of the most precious and important commodities in the world? Water makes up 2/3rds of our body and therefore it is …

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talkhealth

12 Feb

Smokers to get ready for battle on No Smoking Day

National No Smoking Day on 12 March 2014

Smokers in across the UK are being urged to prepare for battle and attempt to give up cigarettes for good on No Smoking Day which takes place on Wednesday 12 March 2014. One in five UK adults smoke (1), but …

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talkhealth

27 Jan

#talkhealth Twitter Chat – Should ecigs be banned for under 18’s?

Should ecigs be banned for under 18s?

Tonight is the first of our #talkhealth weekly Twitter Chats. Each Monday from 8-9pm we will be hosting a Twitter Chat based around a topical health news story of the week. Tonight it’s all about electronic cigarettes. “Should ecigarettes be …

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Janet

29 Nov

A welcome breakthrough for Cat Allergy

PetalCleanse - the pet allergy solution

Anyone allergic to cats will be pleased to hear of some new research into cat allergy and the recent arrival of Cat Allergy Desensitisation Drops that promise relief from the debilitating symptoms that come with this common allergy. When a …

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Guest blogger

5 Sep

The magical benefits of Salt for Asthma, COPD, Sinusitis and other respiratory and skin conditions

newsletter image

We are all familiar with the benefits of sea air and natural salt caves, but did you know that salt has also been used for over 200 years as a natural therapy for respiratory ailments and skin conditions? Salt therapy …

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Guest blogger

15 Aug

Thinking of taking your e-cigs on holiday? Check before you go

Case packed, passport in hand, Euros in purse/pocket – ready to go! The big question now is “Can I take my electronic cigarettes on holiday?” Well, it depends on where you go, as regulations vary from country to country. I …

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talkhealth

4 Jun

Government advert campaign about passive smoking

Government campaign about passive smoking on TV and online

People who smoke are being reminded of the dangers of passive smoking (second-hand smoke) in a Government advertising campaign  both via TV and online adverts. The latest research suggests that the NHS spends around £23m each year on children affected …

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Guest blogger

8 May

Asthma UK warns of ‘alarming variation’ in asthma hospital admissions

Asthma UK has expressed concern at shocking differences in the numbers of people being rushed to hospital with an asthma attack, depending on where they live. Asthma UK has launched its Compare Your Care campaign today to find out why …

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Guest blogger

5 Apr

Tobacco display ban deters younger smokers

One year on, 26% of ex-smokers aged 18-24 say the tobacco display ban spurred them on to quit. A new study of UK smokers and ex-smokers reveals response to Government interventions in this blog article.  The increasing cost and smoking …

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Jenny S

7 Mar

Hello, I am an eczema sufferer

hello

My name is Jenny and I have had eczema, asthma and hay fever since birth. I had been able to mostly manage my conditions by taking a steroid inhaler and applying hydrocortisone when it flared up. However it wasn’t until …

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Nicola Neal

19 Feb

Eating habits – Old versus New

Since starting my blog about my son and his food intolerances many people have contacted me with articles they have seen discussing theories surrounding nutrition and intolerance. A while back, my Mum also came across a thought provoking article which …

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Nicola Neal

14 Feb

Nalcrom (sodium cromoglicate) ? should we try it?

When Zac, my ‘intolerant child’ had his appointment at Great Ormond Street hospital, we were told of a drug that might help him – Nalcrom. The consultant, who I respect and trust, said he thought it was something we should …

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talkhealth

6 Feb

Online clinic on allergy NOW OPEN

The talkhealth / NHS Choices online clinic on allergy opened today. The clinic is supported by Action Against Allergy, the Allergy Academy and MedicAlert. Our panel of leading allergy specialists are waiting to answer all your questions about all aspects …

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MyItchyBoy

22 Dec

Exciting discoveries in Gran Canaria

Oatly in Gran Canaria

Earlier in December we were lucky enough to spend a lovely, sunny week in Gran Canaria.  This post is about a couple of the products we enjoyed discovering on this trip. As mentioned in the previous post, we were lucky …

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MyItchyBoy

22 Dec

Fun in December Sun

A holiday in December is always good I reckon, especially somewhere warm and sunny. We recently spent a week in Gran Canaria and we had a great time.  It was a great holiday for MyItchyBoy.  He was easily amused with …

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talkhealth

4 Oct

GPs failing to diagnose 75% of patients with occupational asthma

A new report published today in the scientific journal, Occupational Medicine, finds that many people who develop work related asthma are not correctly diagnosed by GPs. Work related factors cause one in ten cases of asthma in adults but an …

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AtopicGirl

24 Sep

101 Ways to Prevent Asthma, Allergies, Eczema and Hayfever

Okay, if you got here because you think I’m going to offer you advice on how to prevent anything, I’m not. The title is entirely facetious. If you’ve read my blog, you know that I don’t believe in cures for …

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Carol

22 Sep

INSOMNIA…NOOOOOOO – SLEEP-YEEESSSSSSS

How much sleep do you get? Not getting enough sleep isn’t good.Requiring too much sleep can be just as bad…either way something could be wrong with your health. Sleep has ALWAYS been one of my favorite pastimes,as a teen, I …

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Carol

19 Aug

AUTOIMMUNE OLYMPIADS

Well, the Olympics are over. Thank God! Now I can get some sleep. I was so sleep deprived. I could have won a gold medal in crankiness. I am in awe when I see the super-human type feats executed by …

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AtopicGirl

13 Aug

Vocal Lessons, the Olympics and Asthma

Well, the Olympics is finished, the Paralympics is about to begin and I am only two weeks of singing lessons away from singing at a wedding. Since you’re probably asking what an international amateur sport competition has to do with …

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Carol

23 Jun

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE

This week’s blog is dedicated to those who suffer from one or more autoimmune diseases. I take my hat off to you! Having to endure the daily struggles of your respective invisible illness is truly a heroic feat, and in …

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AtopicGirl

18 Jun

Atopy and Ocular Conditions

Why Your Optometrist Should Know That You’re Atopic Before I continue, I would like stress that nothing you read here should cause you to stop using your medications as prescribed. I am not a medical professional and I am not …

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AtopicGirl

1 Jun

Allergies, Atopy and Health Care Reform: Why You Should Care

I’ve written about why public relations matters for atopic and allergic people. This post will deal with why allergic and atopic people need to get involved with government relations, specifically health care policy. While this post is about the future …

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talkhealth

1 May

One in three people with asthma at highly increased risk of a potentially fatal attack

To mark this years World Asthma Day Asthma UK have published the results, so far from their Triple A: Avoid Asthma Attacks Test. They said “Thirty six percent of people with asthma are at a high risk of a potentially fatal …

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talkhealth

27 Apr

Online clinic on hay fever and environmental allergies with NHS Choices

talkhealth in partnership with NHS Choices, Action Against Allergy and The King’s College London Allergy Academy have today launched an Online Clinic on Hay Fever and Environmental Allergies. Clinical experts including Dr Adam Fox, Dr Helen Brough, Dr Joanna Lukawska and …

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Mark

10 Apr

Aqua Classes… Do they really work?

The benefits of Aqua Exercise. Warm water pressure helps to block pain receptors, making it ideal for persons post surgery. (back, hip, knee, shoulder etc) Water works to keep you buoyant meaning the exercise is less weight bearing. This means there …

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talkhealth

7 Mar

Operation to heat up lungs relieves asthma attacks

Ever since Michael Keenan’s brother, Joseph, who was seven years older than Michael, died from an asthma attack when Michael was 18, he’s been on a mission to help doctors find a cure. Michael was diagnosed with a severe form …

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talkhealth

13 Jan

Call the Midwife

A series of books written by former AAA patron, Jennifer Worth, have been transformed for the small screen. Call the midwife begins on Sunday 15 January at 8pm on BBC1. As an eczema, asthma and allergy suffer Jennifer decided to …

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Janet

12 Jan

Am I allergic to alcohol?

My friend Janey has just rung me in a right old state. She had a terrible Christmas and an even worse New Year’s Eve! Apparently every time she had a glass of anything alcoholic her eyelids swelled and itched, went …

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Janet

20 Dec

Allergy hazards at Christmas

Xmass Tree

Christmas Tree Allergy We’ve been warning AllergyBestBuys customers to the allergy problems posed by indoor Christmas trees for years. Now scientists confirm that the traditional fir or spruce, left in a warm room, releases mould spores that can trigger watery …

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talkhealth

16 Dec

Are you allergic to Christmas?

Christmas may be a time for goodwill to all men…but it can also be a time of red noses, sore throats, coughs and sneezes! And for many people, the unwitting cause of their symptoms could be Christmas itself. Studies have …

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Deborah

13 Dec

23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?

A Doctor-Professor answers the old question “What is the single best thing we can do for our health” in a completely new way. Dr Mike Evans explains …. Dr Evans is founder of the Health Design Lab at the Li …

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Anna B

8 Dec

Eczema and Immunology – The Sleeping Secret …..

Hello everyone, it has been a while since my last blog and much has happened in the household of the girls of 82! As you are all aware my little angel Issi-May who suffers very badly with her eczema on …

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talkhealth

25 Nov

Feeding fish to babies could prevent breathing problems

Feeding salmon and cod to a baby before it reaches 9 months old could prevent breathing problems such as wheezing later on in life. A recent study showed that half of babies in a trial who weren’t fed fish developed …

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talkhealth

24 Nov

New machine could help asthma sufferers

A new machine that filters air whilst you sleep and removes irritants and allergens such as dust mites and pet hair has been revealed. The Protexo machine also produces a stream of filtered, clean air to the sufferer thus minimising …

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Janet

22 Nov

Mould spore test results shock

Crikey, I wasn’t expecting this. The mould spore count in the MouldCheck petri dish showed a level between Poor and Very Poor. Which means that there is an unacceptable amount of mould spores in my Dad’s flat that could be …

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talkhealth

16 Nov

Lives at risk due to UK air pollution

The government’s failure to meet EU standards on air pollution is “putting the health of UK residents at risk”, says the Environmental Audit Committee. Committee chair Joan Walley MP said “It is a national scandal that thousands of people are still …

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talkhealth

16 Nov

Winter asthma triggers

Winter and cold air can be a major trigger of asthma.  Many people with asthma find that when they inhale cold, dry air they develop wheezing and become short of breath.  Also those that suffer with exercise-induced asthma should be …

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Deborah

14 Nov

UK air pollution puts lives at risk

The Environmental Audit Committee has said that the Government has failed to meet the EU standards on air pollution. Bad air quality costs the UK £8.5-20bn each year and lowers life expectancy for many by years. The government’s has made …

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talkhealth

10 Nov

Global warming could increase allergies

A new investigation has been launched to assess the impact global warming could have on allergic diseases. The project is funded by the European Commission and will include researchers from the University of East Anglia. It is the first investigation to focus …

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talkhealth

9 Nov

Paracetamol linked to worsening asthma symptoms

A new study by Dr John McBride has found a link between acetaminophen, which is marketed as tylenol and paracetamol, and asthma. It was discovered that paracetamol could worsen asthma symptoms in children and adults and may lead to new …

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Anna B

6 Oct

Do I Really Need Botox….?

Hi Everyone I am a little jaded tonight hence my question around Botox , I can’t believe just how much my face has dropped over the duration of this week. At one point today I actually thought I would need …

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talkhealth

4 Oct

New free scheme launched called New Medicine Service (NMS)

A new scheme funded by the NHS has been launched for those prescribed a new medication for an pre-existing, long-term condition or when newly diagnosed. The initiative is based around consultations with your local pharmacist to support you over the …

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talkhealth

29 Sep

British Lung Foundation supports aspiring physicians to progress research into lung diseases

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is providing bursaries for respiratory physician ‘rising stars’ to attend important international conferences, where new research can be shared and collaborations can be formed. This activity is vital to ensure the continuation of cutting-edge research …

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talkhealth

20 Sep

Eating yogurt during pregnancy may lead to asthma and hay fever

A recent study has found that eating low-fat yogurt whilst pregnant may increase the risk of the child suffering with asthma or hay fever. Researchers suggest that it could be due to non-fat related nutrient components and that women who …

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talkhealth

16 Sep

Non-drug asthma treatment

It has been announced that a new non-drug treatment could help to reduce the symptoms of severe asthma. The treatment, bronchial thermoplasty, works by heating the airways in the lungs which will destroy part of the muscle lining and therefore …

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talkhealth

17 Aug

Online clinic on eczema

Nottingham Support Group for Carers of Children with Eczema (NSGCCE) and British Skin Foundation (BSF) have teamed up with NHS Choices and talkhealth to present an Online Clinic on Eczema. Clinical experts will be available to answer all your questions …

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Deborah

15 Jul

Anxiety during pregnancy

Childhood asthma linked to depression during pregnancy, inner-city African-American, hispanic families at risk. Anxiety, stress and depression during pregnancy may lead to a greater risk of asthma for your child. Study results are published in the July issue of Annals …

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Deborah

8 Jul

NHS Choices Online Clinics

talkhealth are proud to be collaborative partners with NHS Choices. Each month talkhealth hosts exclusively ‘Online Clinics on …’ partnering with NHS Choices and a national charity associated with the clinic’s topic. The clinics are run across all talkhealth websites …

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Deborah

7 Jul

Vitamin A deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency does not increase the risk of asthma, according to new research published online in the European Respiratory Journal. In developing countries, vitamin A deficiency is particularly common and previous research has shown that it harms the development …

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Deborah

7 Jul

Air pollution

Asthma UK comment: Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Policy at Asthma UK says: ‘What is particularly interesting about this new research is that a link has now been made with long-term exposure to air pollution and worsening asthma symptoms. …

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Deborah

7 Jul

16 to 30s worst at skin cancer prevention, new research reveals

16 to 30-year-olds are the worst at protecting their skin in the sun, despite melanoma being the second most common cancer in this age group, according to a new study out this week. The research, due to be released at …

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Deborah

27 Jun

Childhood pets

“Having a pet in the house during the first year of a child’s life could halve the risk of them becoming allergic to the animals, a study suggests,” reported the Daily Mail. This story is based on a study that …

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Deborah

6 Jun

Online Clinic on Skin Cancer & Sun Safety

SKCIN (The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity) has teamed up with NHS Choices and talkhealth to present an Online Clinic on Skin Cancer & Sun Safety.  SKCIN is the only national skin cancer charity. Clinical experts will be available to …

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Deborah

6 Jun

Jennifer Worth – Patron of AAA

Mrs Jennifer Worth, who died on May 31 aged 75, joined Action Against Allergy in 1995 and agreed to become a patron last year. This was some small measure of acknowledgement for the many generous ways in which she helped …

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Deborah

3 Jun

How to apply sunscreen

An expert explains, in an NHS Choices video, why it is important to protect your skin from sunburn to help avoid skin cancer. She also gives advice on how to apply sunscreen correctly and what to look out for when …

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Deborah

2 Jun

An online clinic on Hay Fever

Last month a lively and informative forum for people suffering from Hay Fever was held in conjunction with patient support charity Action Against Allergy, the Allergy Academy, NHS Choices and other leading experts.  Although the forum is now closed it …

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Deborah

27 May

Bedding

A large proportion of asthma sufferers are affected by house dust mites. It is, therefore, important to concentrate on reducing, as far as possible, contact with dust mites. One main area where dust mites are plentiful is in the bedroom. …

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Deborah

26 May

Free samples & offers

FREE samples and offers that are available across our talk sites. Be up to date on our offers by joining FREE today one of our sites – it is very easy and quick, just click here … Welcome Packs – …

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Deborah

20 May

An Open Clinic on Hay Fever – NOW OPEN!

From Friday 2o May until Thursday 26 May only, patient support charity Action Against Allergy is teaming up with NHS Choices and talkhealth to present an open clinic on hay fever. Clinical experts from King’s College London Allergy Academy will …

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Deborah

13 May

Inhalers – relievers and preventers

One of the most widely used treatments for asthma is the use of inhalers (also known as puffers).  Inhalers contain a solution of medicine and a propellant which is used to create a fine spray that can be breathed in.  …

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Deborah

12 May

Action Against Allergy – information

The symptoms of allergy and allergy-related illness come in many different forms, from a mild irritant to a severely debilitating chronic condition. About one in three of us suffers allergy for all or part of our life and although there …

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Deborah

5 May

Allergic asthma treatments

A major breakthrough in creating effective new treatments for allergic asthma has been discovered by Asthma UK funded scientists at King’s College London. The discovery is the culmination of over fifteen years of Asthma UK-funded research, and the findings are …

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Deborah

3 May

Poster downloads for patients, sponsors and the media

talkhealth invites you to download copies of its pdf posters.  The posters are a mixture of future events to be run on the sites and the talkhealth conditions such as eczema, acne, allergy, psoriasis, menopause and asthma. From this page …

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Deborah

21 Apr

World Asthma Day – Tuesday 3 May, 2011

World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. This year’s theme is “You Can Control Your Asthma” … For more information follow this link …

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Deborah

20 Apr

House dust mite vaccine

Currently, people allergic to house dust mites must continually clean their environments to remove the microscopic creatures from soft furnishings to avoid an allergic attack. Medications can bring relief for some sufferers, but must be taken regularly. Others respond less …

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Deborah

11 Apr

Paracetamol in pregnancy

“Pregnant women who take paracetamol could be increasing the risk of their child developing asthma,” the Daily Express has reported. The news is based on a review that systematically combined the findings from six previous studies examining whether paracetamol use …

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Deborah

11 Apr

Hay fever symptom checker

With the hay fever season just starting, NHS Direct has developed a new online tool to help people tackle the symptoms that can make the spring and summer months miserable for sufferers. Long-time hay fever sufferers are likely to be …

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Deborah

8 Apr

An open clinic on Hay Fever

From 20-26 May 2011 patient support charity Action Against Allergy has teamed up with NHS Choices and talkhealth to present an Open Clinic on Hay Fever.  You will have the opportunity to post your questions to our panel of clinical …

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Deborah

1 Apr

Farm microbes

Children who grow up on farms are less likely to suffer from asthma than other rural children. A large-scale study now indicates that this may be due to differences in the spectrum of microbes the two groups are likely to …

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Deborah

31 Mar

Food allergy in children

There has been a huge increase in the occurrence of food allergy in children in the UK over the last 20 years and about 1 in 20 children are now affected. The NHS has published new NICE guidelines on the …

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Deborah

31 Mar

Hayfever: importance of starting preventative treatment

A recent study from Japan has highlighted the importance of starting preventative treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and allergic conjunctivitis well before the pollen season starts.  The study reveals that it is advisable to start hayfever treatment well before …

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Deborah

25 Feb

The allergy & gluten free show 2011

This year’s show will take place at Olympia, London from 6-8 May 2011.  It is the UK’s largest annual gathering of people suffering/living with allergies, skin conditions such as eczema, migraines, coeliac disease, hay fever, asthma, food intolerances and chemical …

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Deborah

16 Feb

Forum for Parents of Allergic Children – 18-25 February 2011

Patient support charity Action Against Allergy has teamed up with NHS Choices and talkhealth to present an online forum for parents of children with food allergy and intolerance. Clinical experts in paediatric allergy from King’s College London Allergy Academy will …

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talkhealth

2 Jul

Gene Mutation May Make Some People More Prone to Asthma

People with asthma appear to have subtle differences in a gene that encodes a protein responsible for deciding whether particular immune cells live or die, new research reveals. A Johns Hopkins team examined the gene controlling the protein — known …

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talkhealth

18 Jun

Exercise Might Aid Asthma Control

Adults whose asthma is not fully controlled by medication might gain some benefits from adding an exercise routine to their lives, a small study suggests. Exercise can trigger asthma symptoms in some people, but there is also evidence that physically …

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talkhealth

19 May

FREE Health Fact Sheets

We’ve now launched a range of FREE downloadable Fact Sheets on our sites. Visit each of our sites for the relevant Fact Sheets: www.talkeczema.comwww.talkallergy.comwww.talkasthma.comwww.talkmenopause.comwww.talkpsoriasis.comwww.talkacne.com We will be adding more Fact Sheets over the coming months. +1435   

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talkhealth

12 Jan

Scientists Crack Peanut Code in Children

Clinicians and scientists at UHSM (University Hospital South Manchester), the University of Manchester, and Phadia AB in Uppsala, Sweden have developed a new and significantly more accurate blood test for peanut allergy, which predicts whether an allergic reaction to peanuts …

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talkhealth

12 Nov

NHS Allergy Tests

Last week, Alice had her allergy tests redone in hospital. The results were very interesting. As you will see, she no longer has to be concerned about her food allergies, but her allergy to grass pollen and dust mites is …

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