Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
The digestive enzymes that are discharged into the mite feces are the most
bothersome of the dust-mite allergens. Less potent allergens are found in the
mite bodies. The mite's tiny fecal pellets disintegrate to form a very fine
powder that can easily float into the air when
disturbed. This commonly occurs during vacuuming, making
the bed, turning in bed while sleeping, or walking on the
carpet. When an allergic person inhales these particles,
asthma or nasal allergy symptoms may occur. There is also
evidence that allergic eczema can be aggravated by this
exposure.
Allergy
facts
Each dust mite lives for approximately 30 days and
produces about 20 fecal pellets per day. During that time,
females may have added 30 new dust mites to the population.
About 10% of the population is allergic to dust mites. About
80% of asthmatic children are allergic to dust mites.
Can cockroaches cause allergic symptoms?
Over the past decades, cockroaches have become
recognized as a powerful indoor allergen. Cockroach
allergy can be a major factor in serious asthma and nasal
allergy. Cockroaches tend to be very troublesome in inner-city areas, multifamily dwellings, and around areas of food
preparation.
Cockroaches are among the oldest of all living species
(about 350 million years old). The three species of
cockroaches that are commonly found in the United States
are Blatella germania (German), Periploneta americana
(American), and Blatella orientalis (Oriental). (The genus
name for the American cockroach, periploneta, is derived
from the Greek word, planetes, which means wanderer.)
Cockroaches are hardy, adaptable creatures that thrive
in areas where food and water supplies are plentiful. They
may be found around dripping faucets and kitchen areas.
They do stray, however, to other areas and can commonly be
found in children's bedrooms where food is often eaten.
The major cockroach allergens are found in their digestive
enzymes, saliva, and body parts. As is the case with dust-mite allergens, these microscopic particles become airborne
when disturbed by motion in the room.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
Asthma is a common disorder in which
chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness,
cough and wheezing.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical antiinflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
Mold exposure may cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to molds. Symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, runny nose, wheezing, coughing, redness of the eyes, and rash. Prevent mold growth by keeping indoor humidity low, between 30%-50%, using bathroom fans when showering, repairing plumbing leaks quickly, and using an air conditioner during humid seasons.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children's health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health and community health.
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