ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nuts are one of the most common foods causing allergic reactions in children and adults although an allergic reaction to macadamia nut has been reported only once previously. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of macadamia nut-induced allergic reaction. METHODS: Skin prick test with macadamia nut was performed in a private practice office. RESULTS: The results demonstrated type-I hypersensitivity reaction with macadamia nut. CONCLUSION: Macadamia nut ingestion can cause immediate-type allergic reactions.
Subject(s)
Food Hypersensitivity/etiology , Nuts/adverse effects , Adult , Food Hypersensitivity/diagnosis , Humans , Male , Skin TestsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nebulization of beta-agonists is preferred as a mode of treatment in moderate to severe asthma. Few studies, however, have compared its use in this population using an ultrasonic versus a jet nebulizer. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare bronchodilator responses to albuterol between an ultrasonic and a jet nebulizer in moderate to severe asthma. METHODS: Fifteen stable, moderately to severely asthmatic patients were randomized to receive the ultrasonic or jet nebulizer for 2 weeks. They were then crossed over for an additional 2 weeks. Albuterol was the agent used. The bronchodilator response was measured at baseline, and up to four hours after treatment with each nebulizer. Daily peak flows were then done for 2 weeks. RESULTS: The maximal percentage of increase in FEV1 at 30 minutes using the ultrasonic nebulizer was 39.9 +/- 8% (P < 0.001) versus 25.1 +/- 7.6% (P = .005) using the jet nebulizer. There were no other differences between the ultrasonic and the jet nebulizer in FEV1 or FVC during the 4-hour spirometry. During the home trial, the difference in evening PEFR between the jet nebulizer (69.05 +/- 14.9 L/min) and the ultrasonic nebulizer (90.11 +/- 18.7 L/min) was significant (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the ultrasonic and the jet nebulizer produced comparable bronchodilator responses to albuterol in stable moderately to severely asthmatic patients.
Subject(s)
Albuterol/administration & dosage , Albuterol/therapeutic use , Asthma/drug therapy , Bronchodilator Agents/administration & dosage , Bronchodilator Agents/therapeutic use , Nebulizers and Vaporizers , Adolescent , Adult , Blood Pressure , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nebulizers and Vaporizers/classification , Patient Satisfaction , Peak Expiratory Flow Rate , Pulse , Spirometry , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
A child who had had meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b, and then had meningococcal meningitis, was found to have familial deficiency of the beta subunit of the eighth component of complement. The child had not received the H. influenzae type b vaccine. If this deficiency is discovered, we recommend that family members be screened, regardless of their health status.