Allergy Testing

Need a home yeast infection test? Well, do you have discharge? Itching? Skin rashes? Unexplained symptoms? Then you probably have a yeast infection.

And believe it or not, but food allergies can play a huge role in your yeast infection. So when looking for a home yeast infection test you should consider an allergy testing kit also.

Curing your food allergies can be a huge step in an overall cure program for your yeast.

Using The Allergy Test

One can also identify hidden food allergies using skin tests or blood tests (e.g., the ELISA/ACT or IgG RAST blood test). The drawback to skin testing is that it's designed to detect immediate reactions to foods. Since over 90 percent of food allergies are of the delayed-onset type, skin tests cannot identify the vast majority of food allergies.

Blood tests measure antibodies in the blood directed at specific foods. Results can be misleading, however, if you're taking cortisone, acetylsalicylic acid, antihistamines, or other drugs.

To do this test, all that's needed is a single drop of blood. Food allergy home testing kits allow you to test for up to 100 foods through a drop of blood taken from the fingertip. You can obtain this in the privacy of your home without consulting a doctor. So when you are suffering from a yeast infection determined by a home yeast infection test you can decide to take an allergy test to find out if it would be beneficial to take further steps in limiting your allergies.

York Laboratories in England accepts such blood samples from all over the world. The lab then processes the blood to determine the level of antibodies against specific foods. Positive test results are close to 100 percent accurate, but there may be false negatives (i.e., the test may miss up to 20 percent of allergies).

You'll receive a report back from the lab within a few weeks. It will provide a list of the reactive foods and a book advising on rotation diets and alternatives to common food allergies. Testing costs vary from $200 to $500, depending on the number of foods being tested.

If you have the burning, itching, discharge, tiredness, rashes, and unexplained symptoms then you probably have a yeast infection. There isn't a home yeast infection test you can take but if you have those symptoms there are cure programs available.

When you think of Dachshund health issues, back problems and obesity are probably the first thing that come to mind, but they are not the only problems Dachshunds have. Along with many other breeds Dachshunds have skin problems, their owners desperately wanting to stop their Dachshunds scratching.

What Causes Dachshund Scratching?

It is important to find the cause of the scratching and treat the underlying problem as failure to do so can result in long term, costly problems. Common causes of Dachshund scratching are:

Parasites - Parasites, including fleas and ticks, can all cause itching and result in scratching. Owners should use monthly flea and tick prevention and should regularly check their Dachshunds skin for ticks and signs of fleas (either the fleas themselves or black "flea dirt"), treating them if necessary. Even Dachshunds that have been given prevention can sometimes get fleas and ticks. Other parasites include chiggers, gnats and mites, some of which cause intense itching, skin inflammation and loss of hair.

Infection - Skin infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, or yeast. If your Dachshunds skin looks red, has sores, lumps or bumps, or is greasy and smells then you should have them checked out by your veterinarian.

Allergies - Allergies cause a lot of Dachshund scratching problems. Allergies are commonly to to something in their food, in the environment (dust, pollen), or to fleas. A visit to your vet is recommended to find the cause of the scratching. Often this involves treating for parasites, a diet change and possible allergy testing and medication if the scratching continues.

Neurogenic - Dachshunds may suddenly start licking, chewing or scratching at part of their body. The cause for this often unknown, but thought to be possibly a result of boredom, anxiety or some minor abrasion that has caught their attention. They will lick, chew and scratch incessantly, causing lesions that never fully heal. The classic example of this is a lick granuloma, often found on the lower leg. Owners can try increasing their Dachshunds exercise and mental stimulation, but may need to seek the help of a veterinary behaviorist.

Nutritional - A dogs coat should be soft, shiny and have no thinning or bald patches. Dachshunds whose diet is not complete can get a coarse, brittle coat, their skin becoming dry, flaky, reddened and irritated. Supplements can be added, but it may be more worthwhile to look for a higher quality food.

Environment - Dachshunds who spend a lot of time outside, either in the water or digging in dirt may scratch a lot. This is due to the dirt and water drying and irritating their skin, including their ears which can retain water and lead to ear infections. If your Dachshund spends a lot of time outdoors you should bathe them when you return home and should clean their ears to remove any water.

Veterinarian Visits

If simple home care does not stop your Dachshund scratching, you will need to take your Dachshund to the vet. They will examine your dog and find the underlying cause and treat it appropriately using medications, baths, or diet changes. If your Dachshund has neurogenic scratching the solution may be harder to find. Your vet may initially have your dog wear an elizabethan collar (plastic cone) to stop them getting to the area, and break the chewing habit. Ultimately they may need to refer your Dachshund to a veterinary behaviorist for specialist treatment.

A common question people have is "How do I know if I have a nut allergy?", and people often expect to have formal peanut allergy testing by their doctor. This may not always be necessary.

The history is the most important factor here. If someone consistently gets symptoms of an allergic reaction - a rash, facial swelling, difficulty breathing - shortly after being exposed to nuts then that is very suggestive of a reaction and formal peanut allergy testing may be unnecessary unless there is doubt as to what substances are involved. It should be noted that reactions are unpredictable, and it is possible for someone to have a mild reaction at first and then a much more severe reaction the next time, so you should never 'taste test' food, and an apparently mild allergy to nuts should be taken seriously as they do have the potential to develop over time.

Peanut allergy testing can be worthwhile even in situations where an allergy seems very likely as it allows monitoring over time; this is more useful in children who some proportion may outgrow the disease, although that is rather controversial.

More formal medical testing involves Skin Prick Tests (SPT) and IgE tests (a blood test). Looking at the skin prick test first, a needle is used to introduce a small amount of the substance just under the skin, and the size of the lump raised is used as an indication of the degree of allergic response to it. Interpretation of this test can be a little subjective, and it can be affected by medications such as antihistamines. Studies have been done to identify the sizes of lump that mean that a significant allergic reaction is likely.

IgE testing measures the levels of antibodies in the blood to allergenic substances, such as peanut protein. This is not affected by antihistamines, and produces a count of antibodies which is divided into a 'grade' from 0-6, with 0 being no significant number of antibodies and 6 being a large amount. Sometimes the actual number of antibodies is given instead.

However, both skin prick tests and IgE peanut allergy testing give an indication of the likelihood of a reaction, and it doesn't necessarily mean that a reaction will be a severe one, even if someone has a grade 6 IgE to peanut.

Finally, if results don't mesh with the history, a formal challenge can be done in hospital. These involve a small amount of the substance being touched to the skin, and then to the lip, then a drop being consumed, then more, and so forth. This is done very slowly over a period of hours, and the test is abandoned if a reaction clearly occurs. These should only be done in hospital because, as mentioned before, there is a risk of a significant reaction. They are more commonly used to prove that someone can now eat a food safely.

In summary, the history is the most important factor in determining if someone is likely to have an allergic reaction to a substance. Blood tests or skin prick tests can be used to give an indication of the likelihood of a reaction but not necessarily how severe the reaction is. Food challenges are used to identify if someone has grown out of an allergic reaction to a substance, and should only be performed in supervised conditions such as in a hospital.

You may not know you have gluten intolerance - but you should be highly suspect if you have elevated liver enzymes.

Gluten intolerance, largely a genetic disorder can cause many health challenges. People who suffer with bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, fatigue, weight gain, bone or joint pain, dental enamel defects, depression, infertility, anemia, alopecia areata (hair loss), migraines, multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or any of the dozens of other symptoms should suspect their malady to be connected to gluten intolerance.

Elevated liver enzymes may indicate inflammation or damage to cells in the liver. Inflamed or injured liver cells leak higher than normal amounts of certain chemicals, including the enzymes made in the liver, into the bloodstream, which can result in elevated liver enzymes on blood tests. Two common liver enzymes regularly tested in most blood chemistries include AST (aspartate transaminase) and ALT (Alanine transaminase).

AST (aspartate aminotransferase), which was previously called SGOT, can also be elevated in heart and muscle diseases and is not liver specific. The normal range of AST is 0 to 45 U/L

ALT (alanine aminotransferase), which previously was called SGPT, is more specific for liver damage. The normal range of ALT is 0 to 45 U/L

Besides these two enzymes, the liver produces other enzymes, which are special protein based molecules that help necessary chemical reactions to take place. Liver enzymes trigger activity in the body's cells, speeding up and facilitating naturally occurring biochemical reactions, and maintaining various metabolic processes within the liver.

I regularly see patients who have high liver enzymes of "unknown etiology", which simply means the cause has not been discovered. One common sign of gluten intolerance is elevation in liver enzymes. Elevated liver related enzymes can lead to additional damage to other parts of the body outside the liver if the cause of the elevated enzymes is not discovered.

I challenged a patient of mine who has had elevated liver enzymes as long as she can remember to get properly tested for gluten intolerance. You probably guessed right - she was gluten intolerant. This patient agreed she should eat gluten free the rest of her life. In one month on a proprietary specialized dietary healing plan, her liver enzymes came down into the normal range, the first time since her liver enzymes have been tested many, many years ago!

Unfortunately most doctors still use tests that are outdated and inaccurate for gluten sensitivity testing. At Johnson Chiropractic Neurology and Nutrition we use the most advanced, state-of-the-art testing gluten intolerance. The tests we use include testing for genes that predispose one to celiac sprue and gluten intolerance (I found I have one of each), as well as a special test that measures ones sensitivity to several components (epitopes) of wheat. Until very recently (January, 2011) testing for Gluten Sensitivity has only been against one component of wheat; alpha gliadin. Through extensive research Cyrex Labs, pinpointed the twelve components of wheat that most often provoke an immune response. You will want to learn more about this specialized testing, especially if you have unexplained elevated liver enzymes.

Allergic Rhinitis is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways, giving rise to symptoms such as runny nose, blocked nose and sneezing. These symptoms are very familiar to most of us, and are most commonly due to infections (such as in the common cold, influenza or bacterial rhinosinusitis) or allergies (as in allergic rhinitis discussed in this article).

Allergic rhinitis is also commonly referred to in the West, as "hay fever". Hay fever, is in fact, a misnomer, because hay is not the usual cause, and there is no fever associated with the condition. Hence, the preferred, and more accurate term is "allergic rhinitis."

THE SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include nasal congestion, clear runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, as well as tearing of the eyes. Sometimes, a post-nasal drip can occur and this can lead to coughing, especially at night and on lying down.

Loss of smell occurs commonly and this may be associated with a loss of taste. With severe nasal symptoms, the superficial blood vessels in the "Little's area" can sometimes burst, resulting in nose bleeding (see article on "epistaxis").

Allergic rhinitis is often associated with other "allergic" conditions, such as asthma, allergic conjunctivitis and eczema. There is also usually a family history of atopy (allergies).

THE CAUSE

An allergic reaction occurs when the body's immune system attacks a usually harmless substance (known as an "antigen") which the body comes into contact with. Both genetics and environmental factors may contribute to the predisposition to allergies.

When an antigen presents itself to the body's immune system, it is treated as a foreign "invading force", and the body mounts its defense to protect itself. The immune system produces a substance known as Immunoglobulin E (or IgE for short), to fight off the invaders. In an allergic person, this immune response is somewhat exaggerated, with an excessive amount of IgE being produced.

As it is in most battles, innocent bystanders also get unwittingly targeted. And so it is in this case, the innocent bystanders being the body's mast cells, which also end up getting injured. Injury to these so called mast cells result in chemicals, such as histamine, being released. It is these chemicals that cause the itching, swelling and leakage of fluid from the cells. They are also responsible for the contraction of the smooth muscles lining the airways which give rise to shortness of breath and wheezing seen in asthma.

Common allergens include:

• Dust mites
• Cockroach parts
• Animal dander
• Mould
• Pollen

MANAGEMENT

Allergic rhinitis is managed like most other allergic conditions ie. identify and avoid the offending allergens, and manage the symptoms. The most effective way of reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, is complete allergen avoidance. This, however, can often prove to be difficult.

Someone having symptoms of allergic rhinitis should consult their doctor/specialist. Sometimes, by taking a detailed history, doctors are able to identify possible allergens. Because identification of allergens is important and is not always easy to pinpoint, skin testing is often needed to identify the specific substance causing the allergy.

1. Allergen Avoidance Tips:

Dust Mites:

House dust mite is a universal allergen. Whilst there is no single most effective method, the following steps, in combination, can help reduce exposure to mite allergens.

• Encase pillows, mattresses etc with allergen-proof, anti-dust mite covers.

• Wash all bedding and stuffed toys in hot water (exceeding 60 degrees Celcius) once a week.

• Avoid carpets, thick curtains and stuffed toys where possible.

• Use vacuum with integral, HEPA filters.

• Keep all clothing in drawers/closets to reduce dust collection.

• Clean all surfaces with a damp cloth regularly.

• Regularly change and clean air conditioner filters.

• Keep clutter under control.

Animal Dander:

Avoid keeping animals that shed fur. Animal dander is a well known trigger for allergic rhinits. If you already own an animal or are keen on keeping one, keep your pet away from your bedding and bathe your pet regularly.

Air Pollution:

Most studies show an association between air pollutants and the exacerbation of allergic conditions. During periods of haze, patients with allergic conditions should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.

Smoking:

Avoid smoking and exposure to second hand smoke.

Insect Control:

Many homes have cockroaches and other insects which may potentially trigger allergic rhinitis.

• Use cockroach baits and traps.

• Insecticides may be used, but not in the presence of those who have allergies. Ensure that rooms are adequately aired before entering them.

Occupational Triggers:

The range of occupational sensitizers is very large and complex, and will require assessment by a specialist.

Food And Food Additives:

True food allergies are uncommon, and exhaustive testing for food allergies is usually impractical.

2. Medication:

Anti-histamines - these drugs do not block the release of histamine, but instead block the effect of histamine on the tissues. 1st generation anti-histamines (such as chlorpheniramine) are effective, but have the side effects of mouth dryness and drowsiness. 2nd generation anti-histamines (such as loratadine, cetirizine) have a slower onset of action, are longer-acting and are more expensive. They have the benefit of being less or non-sedating.

Decongestants - shrink the swollen nasal mucous membranes and make it easier to breath. These may come in oral preparations or as nasal sprays. Decongestants cause the so-called "rebound effect" if taken for too long. This rebound effect refers to the worsening of symptoms when the drug is discontinued, and it occurs because of tissue dependence on the drug.

Steroids - these are available in oral form or as nasal sprays. Oral steroids, such as prednisolone, have a rapid onset of action, but are limited by their short duration of action, and the side-effects of prolonged steroid therapy. Steroid nasal sprays, on the other hand, are safe and effective, but needs to be used regularly over time for their theraputic effect to build up. Improvement in symptoms of allergic rhinits are usually seen only after about one to two weeks of regular use of steroid nasal sprays. Steroids are very effective because they halt the formation of inflammatory chemicals produced by the body's immune system.

Cromolyn and Ipratropium nasal sprays are also sometimes prescribed to help control symptoms.

Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, meaning that it blocks the action of leukotrienes, another chemical involved in allergic reactions. It has been approved for use in both asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Immunotherapy - immunotherapy, also known as allergy desensitization, treats the root cause of the problem, the hypersensitivity of the body's immune system to a particular antigen. This is done by stimulating the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the known allergen. It works by gradually "desensitizing" the body by reducing the strength of the IgE and its effect on the mast cells. Allergy immunotherapy usually requires frequent treatment sessions at the specialist clinic and takes several months to a year to become effective.

3. Surgery:

Surgery does not cure allergic rhinitis, but is sometimes required to correct a physical defect in the nose or sinuses which can make allergic rhinitis more difficult to treat. This is considered as a treatment option when medical treatments have failed.

Possible surgeries include removal of nasal polyps and correction of a deviated nasal septum. Surgery may also be required to manage the complications which sometimes arise with allergic rhinitis. These would include drainage of fluid from the middle ear and drainage of sinuses.

Although surgery does not cure allergic rhinitis, you may need it to fix a physical defect of the nose or sinuses. Problems such as these can make allergic rhinitis more difficult to treat. You and your doctor should not consider surgery unless other treatments have failed.

Some people may think a better description of Austin would be the allergy capital of the world. With cedar, mold, pollen, ragweed and a seemingly endless list of allergens provide a year round cause of the sniffles, teary eyes and general suffering. Allergies are not only limited to vegetation, they are increasingly linked to foods, clothes, medicines, and Austin's abundant population of fire ants, bees, wasps and also household pets. Allergic reactions vary from the mild to very serious and if not caught in time, can also be fatal. It is very important to know the different type of allergic reactions and their causes so that preventative measures can be taken to avoid complications if left untreated.

Allergies are caused by the activation of white blood cells called mast cells and basophils such as ImmunoglobulinE (IgE, an antibody) in response to exposure to normally harmless environmental elements. Testing the skin to determine the presence of IgE levels is one method to check the level of allergic reaction, and treatment varies from allergen avoidance to prescription of anti-histamines, steroids, and immunotherapy in order to desensitize the body's response to the allergen. Here some of the more common causes of allergies:

Food Allergy-There are many people who react to a long list of foods such as soy, peanuts, shellfish, cow's milk etc. Reaction to food allergies can range from mild to severe. A reaction is triggered when a protein or a fragment of a protein is mistakenly identified by the body's immune system as potentially harmful.This can cause the body to go into anaphylactic shock, requiring immediate medical treatment. Milder reactions include an upset stomach, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Common treatments are avoidance, immunotherapy, and the use of self-injectable epinephrine.

Clothes Allergy- The increased use of different types of dyes in clothing is leading to a growing number of allergies to fabrics such as nylon and polyester. Common symptoms may be red rashes, swelling, itching, and in more severe cases, eczema. Cotton and silk clothing leads to the fewest complaints of irritation. There are many remedies for relieving most irritation, usually involving topical creams.

Medicine Allergy - Many people are allergic to drugs like codeine, antibiotics, and sulfa drugs, and almost any drug can cause an adverse reaction. The first time a new drug is ingested, there may not be any reaction. The second time, the body produces IgE, and adverse reactions are common. The symptoms appear both externally as well as internally, and include digestive problems, or a rash. Severe reactions can be fatal. Seek immediate medical help if the person is experiencing a severe allergic reaction.

Respiratory Allergy/ Asthma - Allergens like dust, mold, mildew, pollen, etc. can cause inflammation of the air passages, causing difficulty in breathing. Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, teary eyes and itchy throat. The best way to prevent such kinds of allergies is to maintain hygienic conditions in and around your home and have minimum contact with dust. Several medications, as well as inhalers, can reduce the amount of discomfort experienced.

Skin Allergy- People with sensitive skin have an allergic reaction to many things like jewelry, cosmetics etc. as soon as they come in contact with their skin. Symptoms include itching, redness, blistering and swelling of the affected area. To prevent such reactions, all direct contact with the objects should be avoided.

Insect Sting Allergy - People usually are prone to allergic reactions on being stung by insects like bees, ants, wasps etc. The insects inject poison into your body, resulting in immediate pain, itching and swelling at the site of the insect sting. As with food allergies, the first sting may not produce a strong reaction, but the second bite is likely to be worse than the previous one. Immediate medical attention would be required given the person's reaction to the bite. Minor reactions are often harmless.

Allergic reactions are the body's way of reacting to food, an insect bite, pollen and any other substance that it perceives as a threat. Sometimes, that response is overwhelming and immediate medical treatment should be obtained. With proper medication, allergies can easily be countered, yet they could be life threatening if ignored.

Don't ever think that all research is for the advancement of science. Some research actually impedes progress and makes us go backward. Have you heard about the latest breakthrough on testing a home for mold with a single dust sample? It is based on DNA analysis of the concentrations of 36 species of mold. Sounds very scientific indeed. But is this test practical to test a home for mold? We say it is not.

As a result of a research project, EPA researchers devised a scale to assess a home for mold, called ERMI©, for EPA Relative Moldiness Index. Then, the EPA patented their so-called "new technology," and now the dust sample test along with the ERMI scale is touted as "the standard" for the field of mold testing.

Some background - The EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD), together with the Case Western Reserve University Medical School, conducted a five-year study in the Cleveland area on the effect of mold exposure on children. Their results show that the incidence of asthma in children in mold-remediated homes was extremely low compared to their previous "moldy" home environment. Wow! What a revelation, it took five years to find that out. They should simply have asked us (or you) and we could have told them and spared the taxpayers the cost of such a useless study. No real harm done here, except for 5 million dollars down the drain. Mind you, we are not disputing the obvious results. What is more alarming is that the test they developed for that particular study is now being touted as the latest breakthrough in testing homes for mold. Now, that is damaging! As seasoned mold inspectors we feel that this is going to hinder the progress in accurately assessing a home or building for mold.

Research biologist, Stephen Vesper from the U.S. EPA/Office of Research and Development (ORD)/National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), recaps two studies as follows:

Susceptibility to Asthma Controlled by Modifying the Environment

In a just-completed, five-year study in Cleveland-area, water-damaged homes of asthmatics, EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) researchers, in collaboration with Case Western Reserve University Medical School, established that specific molds were statistically more common in water-damaged homes. When the molds were removed from these homes, the children had a significant decrease in asthma symptoms and symptom days. The result was a statistically significant tenfold reduction in the use of medical interventions (i.e., emergency room visits or hospital admissions) for children living in these homes.

In a just-completed study in Cincinnati, the relationship between mold concentrations and the development of wheeze and/or rhinitis in infants was tested. To measure exposure risk, EPA scientists developed the EPA relative moldiness index© or ERMI© based on the measurement of the concentration of 36 species of molds in floor dust samples by using EPA's patented "Mold Technology." The ERMI© values were used to accurately predict the risk for infants developing respiratory illness.

By applying these findings and techniques, we should be able to reduce the asthma burden in the US, reduce the use of medical care, and save lives.

We will spare you the details, but in a nutshell here is how this new patented ERMI© testing works:
A mold inspector collects a dust sample using a cone-shaped HEPA filter trap by vacuuming a specific area of a carpet (or tile or linoleum) in the living room and the main bedroom and the sample is sent to a lab for analysis. You can either combine the two locations or take separate samples, which doubles the cost of the analysis.

We recently had a telephone conversation with Dr. Vesper where he stated that all homes in the US have mold! We say he is mistaken. Unless there is a water or moisture problem causing mold to grow, mold does not grow inside a home, because it simply cannot grow without moisture! Dr. Vesper does not like to say that a home has a mold problem; he prefers to call it "mold burden" and that the range goes from low to high.

The sample is analyzed and the results compared to a national database of homes in the United States and an ERMI© score is derived. For example:

• An ERMI© score of - 4 means that a given home (client) is in the 25% of homes in the US that have a "low mold burden".


• An ERMI© score of 0 means that a given home (client) has an "average mold burden".


• An ERMI© score of 5 or higher means that a given home (client) has a "high mold burden".

So, let us say you plan to buy a two-story home where there is carpet upstairs in the bedrooms, and all rooms downstairs are tiled - living room, dining room and kitchen. A dust sample is collected upstairs in the master bedroom and the tiles in the living room are vacuumed. Results show an ERMI© score of "0". So, we tell you that a score of "0" is average, and according to the EPA it's an "average mold burden." Will you be satisfied with that? Read on.

Although the results of the first project seemed obvious (if you remove mold the wheezing symptoms go away) we question the validity of the dust test and the ERMI© scale. Let us look at the second project: "Relative Moldiness Index as Predictor of Childhood Respiratory Illness". We find several flaws in that study.

If you were satisfied earlier knowing that your ERMI© score was average, that study reveals that a score of -4.29, yes "-4.29" can predict the incidence of illness. Holy smoke!! Americans are doomed if more than 75% of our homes have enough of a "mold burden" to make us sick! And, if this is true, what is the point of doing any testing at all?

FLAW NUMBER 1

Improper sample selection of "moldy" and "non-moldy" homes
First, the homes were classified as either "moldy" or "non-moldy" based on the following criteria. The paper states:

"A "moldy home"(MH) had at least one of the following: water damage history, visible mold/water damage, or moldy odor. A "non-moldy" home (NMH) had none of these."

Any experienced mold inspector knows that a visual home inspection is not enough to assess a home for mold, and we cannot rely on our nose to establish whether a mold problem is present. We must also collect air samples. By taking several air samples we can find out 1) how many spores are in the air in a particular room and 2) the species (genera) that are present and their respective amounts of spores. That tells us right away whether there is a mold problem and where.

We certainly cannot rely on a "nose test" because an air test may indicate a mold problem even though neither the occupants nor us could detect a "moldy odor". Alternatively, on several occasions we have been called to homes because the occupants smelled an odor that they attributed to mold. Our tests revealed normal levels of mold spores, but volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in new building materials, such as cabinetry or carpet were the culprits, and produced the odor.

We conclude that the samples in that study were improperly selected. Assessing the air quality with air tests would have established scientifically beforehand whether homes had a mold problem or not. Also, the study does not say whether the visual inspections were conducted by "home inspectors" or "mold inspectors." It only says that the onsite visits were performed by a "trained two-person teams."

FLAW NUMBER 2

If Plan A does not work, go to plan B

"The Wilcoxon test performed on the mold concentrations for homes grouped by the inspection process into NMH versus MH showed that no species was significantly different in concentration between these two groups of homes."

" . . . homes were reclassified into "more moldy homes" (MMHs) and "less moldy homes" (LMHs).

It is not proper to choose different groups half way through the study and massage the data with statistics to come up with something meaningful simply because the two original groups, non-moldy homes and moldy homes, did not work out.

FLAW NUMBER 3

The ERMI© scale seemed to have been derived solely with less moldy and more moldy homes.
Referring to the y-coordinate of ERMI© scale "Percent of Homes in the US", are we to believe that the data representing homes in the US came only from "less moldy homes" and "more moldy homes"? If so, this scale is not representative of homes in the U.S. and is flawed if the "no moldy homes" have been totally omitted.

FLAW NUMBER 4

Improper control of variables of homes with smokers and non-smokers. The researchers state:

". . . major mold/water damage was observed through home inspection and survey in only 5% of the homes, yet 19.6% of the infants developed wheezing and 49% developed rhinitis at age one. Therefore, most cases of illness were not predictable on the basis of a home inspection. These predictions could have been complicated by other exposures, such as smokers living in the home."

Indeed, it has long been recognized that children are affected by cigarette smoke. This variable should have been taken into account by selecting only homes with non-smokers.

The researchers added:

" . . . an immediate and obvious improvement to predicting risk of respiratory illness would be to include additional information to the RMI in the predictive model like smoking in the home, pets, dust mites, or other indicators that could be taken from the home survey. Adding these factors to the logistic model might improve the prediction of illness even more."

Why didn't they think of that prior to conducting this $5 million study?

FLAW NUMBER 5

The study was biased - The introduction of the research paper indicates that a parallel study of air tests was conducted but the body of the paper hardly mentioned the comparative results. It states:

"A parallel study did not find any associations between the total mold spores count and rhinitis or allergen sensitization. However several associations emerged when mold species were identified." "However, the methods used in that study are very time consuming and not highly standardized."

We certainly agree that individual species (or genus) (not the total spore count) should be taken into account as well as their individual amounts of spores and their ratios to be compared to levels found in an outside sample. In addition, the research paper fails to say that air tests are both qualifying (identification of genera) and quantifying (amount of spores).

Researchers made a biased judgment by saying that collecting air tests are "very time consuming and not highly standardized". We disagree - air test results can be obtained immediately in a lab if you live near a laboratory or as little as one day if the samples are sent overnight to a laboratory. It takes a minimum of five to ten days to get the result from an ERMI© test dust sample. It certainly would have been nice if researchers could have also included the results of air samples as comparison. And, what do the researchers mean by 'highly standardized?" They talk about standardization when their research is flawed!

FLAW NUMBER 6

Questionable molds found in both moldy and non-moldy homes
Table 1 found in "Relative Moldiness Index as Predictor of Childhood Respiratory Illness" shows Stachybotrys and Chaetomium mold to be present in both "Moldy homes" and "Non-moldy homes".

We have recapped the information to show the average of mold concentrations for Stachybotrys and Chaetomium as follow:

Stachybotrys: Moldy homes: 3.3; Non-moldy homes 2.3

Chaetomium: Moldy homes: 2.9; Non-moldy homes 2.0

It is known that Stachybotrys mold grows in a wet environment and Chaetomium mold is grows on, among other things, drywall that is wet or has been wet! Both types of mold are often found together in a home with mold problem. How can the researchers explain this?

If we poked around further into the study we would, no doubt, find other flaws. The study does look impressive with all kinds of statistical analyses, but if you read it carefully there are many holes. With statistics all kinds of things can be derived, but massaging the data is not proper. By removing the group of "Non-moldy homes" (NMHs) and then using two groups "More moldy homes" (MMHs) and "Less moldy homes" (LMHs), researchers found something to report. At a score of -4.29 they found a correlation between the incidence of illness in a home with (enough) mold between the "less moldy" and the "more moldy homes." Give us a break!!! There is no doubt that this study will impress many people because it is based on DNA analysis and many people will accept it at face value and not read it carefully. With all its bells and whistles, we say that ERMI© dust sample testing is flawed.

Until a better tool comes along we will continue to use the traditional method of collecting air samples in different parts of the home with an outside control, and collecting surface samples if mold-like substance is visible. Air samples are not perfect, and things can always be improved but, in our opinion, they give us a better picture than one or two dust samples that are supposed to be representative of the entire home. ERMI© testing does not tell us precisely if and where a mold problem exists. Air tests can. If you had a score of 5 or 10 that would tell you that there is a serious mold problem somewhere (pardon me "high mold burden"). But, we would have to go back to the house and guess what . . . we would have to collect air samples to find the location of the problem. So, why not collect air samples in the first place? Besides, spore trap analysis is very fast, and you could get same day results if you wanted to, while dust sample analysis takes five to 10 days. Clients do not have money to waste on some fancy DNA testing that does not tell them whether a mold problem exists in their house and if so, the location of mold contamination.

Researchers are in their ivory tower and do not have a clue of real situations or budgetary concerns of the average homeowner. Clients want to know three things from a mold inspector:

1. Do I have a mold problem?


2. If so where is it?


3. How do I get rid of it??

This ERMI© scale was designed for a specific study. In our opinion the application of the ERMI© test should not be extrapolated and touted as the "latest technology" to evaluate a home or building for mold, especially because the study was questionable in the first place. Several U.S. laboratories now perform this analysis, and novice and unaware mold inspectors started performing the test for clients. ERMI© testing appears "scientific" because it involves DNA analysis, and thus it sounds impressive for the majority of people. It can identify the species of mold, such as "Aspergillus penicillioides" or "Cladosporium cladosporioides", or "Cladosporium herbarum" while an air test identifies the genus "Penicillium/Aspergillus", or "Cladosporium." We say that knowing the genus of mold is usually enough to assess a home for mold, knowing the species does not really add anything to the testing.

The EPA would have you believe that all homes have a mold problem. A prominent laboratory (not the one we use) states the following in their ERMI© report:

"Mold accumulates in homes over time and can be found in carpet dust and other accumulation sites."

This is misleading - mold does not accumulate in homes over time. This would mean that older homes have more mold than newer ones. This is not true. During the Florida hurricanes of 2004 we found that most of the mold problems came from homes less than 5 years old. We won't go into detail here as why this was the case.

Mold is found everywhere on earth and the amount of mold spores fluctuates day by day according to the weather and geographical location. However, if a greater amount of mold spores is found inside a home and/or if the genera are different than the outside it means that a source of mold is growing inside.

It is worth repeating - mold is the result of a water or moisture problem. Mold grows when three things are present - a surface to grow on, organic food, and water. Water being the only thing we can control. Without a source of moisture mold cannot grow. Period!

Dr. Shoemaker, M.D. who treats patients who have been exposed to mold thinks highly of the ERMI© testing, but he warns: "No sampling can replace the skill of the experience mold inspector in investigating mold problems." What Dr. Shoemaker does not know is that the best mold inspector could miss a mold problem by performing only a visual mold inspection. It is essential to collect air samples in different parts of a home. Then the laboratory results will tell us the amount of mold spores per cubic meter and the genera compared to spores found in an outside sample. With this information we get a picture of what is going on and where. Like air testing, the ERMI© test is a tool to detect a mold problem, but the dust test gives less practical information than the traditional air tests. The score representing the "mold burden" is too vague. If the ERMI© score is elevated, it does not tell the client the location of the problem. Consequently more testing would be required, specifically air tests in various rooms, which would increase the overall cost of testing for the client.

The subject of mold is not well understood and this is why we wrote a book on mold: MOLD MATTERS - Solutions and Prevention, to educate home and building owners about mold from A-to-Z and to teach mold prevention. Much research is needed especially on the effects of mold on health. Since mold affects people differently, there are many people who are not taken seriously when they complain of various symptoms after being exposed to a moldy environment. Research on the effect of mold on health is long overdue and more research should be done in this area.

If researchers come up with better testing that give us more information than air testing in terms of pin-pointing the location of a hidden mold problem (that wall, rather than the other three), and quick turn around analysis, we will jump on it. In the meantime, we feel that the so-called "new technology" of ERMI© testing makes us go backward. It gives us less practical information, it is too vague, and it ends up being more costly to homeowners than air tests. Finally, because the meaning of the ERMI© score is vague, it has the potential of implicating mold inspectors in lawsuits. When mold inspectors get sued because it is found later that a serious mold problem was developing at the time of ERMI© testing, researchers will be far away in their ivory towers and mold inspectors will be by themselves fighting lawsuits against them.

Metal allergy refers to a type of hypersensitivity reaction of the body against metal substances. One of the most common types of metal allergy is skin allergy against nickel especially in women who are using cheap jewelries that are made from nickel or with high nickel alloy. It has been said that 10 percent of the population unknowingly suffer from some sort of metal allergy. This cell-mediated type of hypersensitivity reaction can irritate the skin, causing rashes, eczema and inflammation with every close contact with a metal allergen.

Orthopedic patients who have implants in them may suffer from metallic allergies in one way or the other and may manifest the same signs and symptoms of cell mediated hypersensitivity reaction. These manifestations will only stop when the implants made of metal are removed.

Back in the Victorian era, the aristocratic women of Europe were fond of white creams to make their faces powdery white. This back then was trend of beauty and refinement. However, this powder caused poisoning because the powder itself was made of lead. For women who used this on themselves who had suffered from lead poisoning also suffered severe cases of metal allergy from using lead.

Metal undergo a process called corrosion. Corrosion is a process of metal deterioration, gnawing away layers of metal from the metals surface. Rusting is the most common type of corrosion that leave no visible marks on the metal surface.

When two kinds of metal are in close contact with each other, or when these metals are subjected to a friction, these metals corrode more easily. In patients who have undergone total hip replacement friction takes place upon moving. The site where there friction may occur between two different metals is the taper junction. It is during corrosion that metal allergies take place.

Another factor that facilitates the process of corrosion of the metal is when the piece of metal is divided into small particles. These particles then corrode more easily when they fuse with other metal substances. The byproducts of corrosion may enter the circulation that may cause metallic toxicity such as cobalt and chrome.

The history of determining the type of metal allergy id detected through tests to determine the type of metal allergen. It is through a test called patch testing that metallic salts are mixed with non allergenic ointments to be placed on the skin and be tested for 48 hours. It is a simple and inexpensive, however, the implications of the test may not be enough to precisely determine the main cause of allergy. Several medical experts believe that that the test is not accurate when it comes to studying the development of allergies in patients with artificial implants made of metal. This test, however, can detect common metal allergies such as cobalt, nickel, mercury, silver, lead, chromate and other metallic alloys.

Whenever a positive response comes up that implicates metal allergy, it is necessary to be given detailed information regarding the specific type of allergy that came out positive. You should stay away from any type of allergen or an further contact with them. To make sure that you do not ingest or apply anything that has metal that you are allergic to, it is a good idea to read the ingredients and substances labels carefully. Using barriers like gloves if and when its possible can decrease your exposure to allergies as well. Finally, in any diagnostic procedure that is invasive, inform your physician immediately before these procedures are done.

Many of us are aware about the allergens that cause sneezing or irritation or any form of reaction. They may be dust, pollens, a scent or just about any object. Sometimes, these allergies may form a reaction on the skin, like blisters, rashes, redness or swelling and one needs to know what causes these inflammations. Patch testing is a kind of skin test for allergy to identify whether a particular substance coming in contact with the skin, can cause irritation or inflammation.

Patch testing - the allergen skin test - is also known as contact dermatitis and is categorized into irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis happens when an allergen or irritant substance is in contact in sufficiently high concentration for a long time. It happens due to direct contact with the skin and does not involve the immune system. Allergic contact dermatitis includes an allergen specific to an individual. Allergy is hypersensitivity to a specific substance and includes the immune system. Avoidance of contact with the allergen will make the rash on the skin disappear.

This allergy testing helps to differentiate between the kinds of contact dermatitis. The test includes applying of various test substances to the skin for 48 hours with the help of an adhesive tape and then examined for an allergic response. This helps to determine which allergens develop specific reactions and aggravate dermatitis. This skin test for allergy helps to decide which allergens are harmful and should be avoided.

Patch testing is generally done if one suffers from recent dermatitis or unusual eczema. Usage of medication on face, hands, legs, anal or genital region preceding the development of dermatitis leads to the suspicion of that particular medication aggravating the condition. Patch testing is the only way one can determine the specific substance that causes the aggravation and then one can start avoiding contact with it.

If the patch testing results are positive, one should collect information about the source of allergen and start avoiding it religiously. One should also lookout if any other product contains the same source or ingredients and start using the substitutes not containing allergens. One may also use barrier creams and protective clothing.

The latest medical news was a research exposing the increase in the number of allergic contact dermatitis. The reason stated behind it is the cosmetic allergens. There has also been news in the patch-testing field of the development of a revolutionary skin patch by French inventors that can cure people of life-threatening allergies. It works by desensitizing or numbing the sufferer by releasing small doses of allergic substances which elicits reaction from the immune system.

Ever feel short of breath from little physical activity, despite being in decent shape? Does your child suffer from coughing episodes without any perceivable trigger? You or your loved one may be developing asthma, and should seek asthma testing and consultation for this difficult, but manageable respiratory disease.

For a rudimentary understanding of what asthma is, the classic definition is a chronic inflammatory disease that obstructs airflow due to a variety of triggers and causes. Though prognosis is generally positive, asthma can have debilitating consequences and create serious complications when compounded with other illnesses.

If you do not have asthma, there is a simple exercise to get the feel for what it may be like to struggle with a respiratory disease. Try breathing through a straw for a length of time. The restriction of airflow to your lungs is similar to the constriction of airflow caused by an asthma attack. For the asthmatic, an attack can happen at anytime due to one of several common triggers.

While asthma can be genetic, certain environmental factors or irritants can cause asthma attacks. The most common of these triggers are allergies and air quality. Allergic reactions are immune system response to normally harmless substances, usually through the symptoms shortness of breath and inflammation. Environmental factors include presence of allergens, or the quality of air in regards to irritants such as cigarette smoke and pollen. The combination of all of these factors contributes to the prevalence and severity of asthma and asthma attacks.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be asthmatic, scheduling an asthma testing should be the immediate first step in treating the disease. With very simple procedures, today's asthma doctors can run tests that will effectively isolate the allergens that can trigger your respiratory problems in under an hour. Treatments are varied and can include anything from steroidal inhalants that halt inflammation, to injections that weaken allergic reactions that induce asthma attacks.

Being proactive and seeking a consultation is the first step to health and wellness. As stated before, asthma isn't a death sentence; but ignoring asthma can lead to serious health complications. Statistics show that nearly a quarter of emergency room visits are asthma related, and asthma has a hand in over 10,000 deaths every year in the United States. Protect yourself and your family by consulting an asthma doctor about allergy and asthma testing, while it's still manageable.