Allergy is a hypersensitive disorder of the immune system. Allergic reactions occur to normally harmless environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever,asthma attacks, food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as waspsand bees.
Headlines Around the Web
Glaxo cuts consumer brand portfolio
Mar 16, 2012 - Independent
Vital Signs: Atchoo! How to battle dust-mite allergies
Aug 19, 2011 - MarketWatch
Thermo Fisher to pay €2.47bn for Phadia
May 20, 2011 - Financial Times
Global warming means longer allergy seasons: study
Feb 22, 2011 - France24
Knowing your allergies can save your life
Feb 02, 2011 - MarketWatch
Glaxo buys Chinese drugmaker for $70 mn
Dec 07, 2010 - Business Standard
J&J Recalls Benadryl, Motrin From Wholesale, Retail Locations
Nov 23, 2010 - Business Week
Articles About Allergy
H7N9 Virus: Human-to-Human Transmission Possible – Study
By IBTimes AU
The bird flu strain H7N9, which had so far infected 131 and killed 36 in China, could be passed on between humans through the air and close contact. (11:21 am)
Bird 'Poops' Used in Facial Powder at High-Class Spa? Can it Transmit Infectious Disease such as 'Bird Flu'?
By IBTimes AU
Droppings from a type of bird called Nightingale are used frequently for facials at high-class spas and allegedly to do softening, brightening and nourishing of the face. But how does it smell after? Can infected Nightingale transmit diseases such as... (May 17)
MORE TOPICS: AVIAN INFLUENZA, BIRD FLU
Rotavirus Cure: India Develops Low-Cost Vaccine for Children, Mass Production Expected in 8 Months
By IBTimes AU
A low-cost diarrhoea vaccine for children has been developed by India, enabling parents all over the world to avail of a cheaper alternative medicine that could cure and save their children from the deadly Rotavirus. (May 16)
MORE TOPICS: INDIA, GLAXOSMITHKLINE, INFECTION
16-Year-Old Boy Dies of Anaesthesia Overdose During Liposuction
By IBTimes IN
A 16-year-old boy died on Wednesday evening at a multispecialty hospital due to an overdose of anaesthesia. (Mar 21)
C-Section Babies Have Abnormal Immune Function
Children delivered by C-section are significantly more likely to have abnormally reactive immune systems that make them prone to asthma and allergies, according to a study conducted by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital and presented at the annual me... (Mar 18)
U.S. baby's cure from HIV raises hope, new questions
By Reuters UK
The remarkable case of a baby being cured of HIV infection in the United States using readily available drugs has raised new hope for eradicating the infection in infants worldwide, but scientists say it will take a lot more research and much more se... (Mar 05)
MORE TOPICS: CALIFORNIA, UNITED NATIONS, AIDS, INFECTION
US Baby's HIV Infection Cured through Early Treatment
By Reuters
A baby girl in Mississippi who was born with HIV has been cured after very early treatment with standard HIV drugs, U.S. researchers reported on Sunday, in a potentially ground-breaking case that could offer insights on how to eradicate HIV infection in its youngest victims. (Mar 04)
Italy at the Polls: Six Leaders Fight for Parliamentary Prize
By IBTimes UK
Berlusconi, Monti, Bersani, Beppe, Ingroia and Giannino: The six men who want to run Italy. (Feb 22)
Down with Flu? Scientists Want to Study Your Germs
By Health Canal
Feeling feverish? Have a cough, cold or sore throat? This winter, experts at the University of Rochester Medical Center want to study your germs. (Dec 12)
17-Year-Old Dies After Drinking Poppy Tea – 5 Things to Know About the Poppy Crop
By IBTimes AU
A 17-year-old male from southern Tasmania was found dead at his home after drinking tea made from poppy heads. An inspector suspects the young man brewed an unregulated amount of poppy heads. (Nov 29)
MORE TOPICS: PENNSYLVANIA
