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.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by reversible inflammation of
the airways (bronchi). In asthma, white blood cells infiltrate the walls of the
airways, increased mucus accumulates within the airways, and the muscles
surrounding the airways tighten (constrict or "twitch"), resulting in an
overall narrowing of the airways. This narrowing of the airways is responsible
for the shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness patients with asthma
experience during their attacks. Occupational asthma is a type of asthma that is
caused by exposure to a particular substance in the workplace. Occupational
asthma is not the same as previously diagnosed asthma that is worsened by being
at work (this condition would be called work-aggravated asthma).
There are two main types of occupational asthma: one type caused by an agent
that stimulates the body's immune system that then triggers asthma
(immune-mediated); and another where the agent directly irritates the airways
(irritant-induced). Immune-mediated occupational asthma typically has a period
of time (latency period) between the workplace exposure and the beginning of
symptoms. This latency period can be from a few weeks to several years. In
contrast, irritant-induced occupational asthma usually causes symptoms
immediately after exposure.
A severe form of irritant-induced occupational asthma is called reactive
airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS). This is a condition where the patient
suffers a single exposure to a very high concentration of a noxious chemical,
usually a gas. A person suffering from RADS will have shortness of breath and
chest tightness severe enough to seek medical attention within 24 hours of the
exposure. After recovery from the initial massive exposure, the patient will
likely have airways that remain excessively responsive or "twitchy" to stimuli
from the agent that caused the initial symptoms or other agents. Almost all
patients with RADS will have excessively responsive airways for three months, and
50%-60% will still have excessively responsive airways 18 months later.
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
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.
Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.
Sinus infection (sinusitis) signs and symptoms include headache, fever, and facial tenderness, pressure, or pain. Treatments of sinus infections are generally with antibiotics and at times, home remedies.
The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
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.
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.
Smoking is an addiction. More than 430,000 deaths occur each year in the U.S. from smoking related illnesses. Secondhand smoke or "passive smoke" also harm family members, coworkers, and others around smokers. There are a number of techniques available to assist people who want to quit smoking.
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.
Allergy involves an exaggerated response of the immune system.
The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections.
Allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction.
IgE is the allergy antibody.
Allergies can develop at any age.
Your risk of developing allergies is related to your parents' allergy history.
Introduction
In this review you will learn how allergy relates to the
immune system. You will begin understanding how and why
certain people become allergic. The most common allergic
diseases are discussed briefly in this article.
What does an allergy mean?
An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is
exaggerated because these f...
Asthma RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the