A Netherlands study reveals that food allergy may induce bronchial asthma more frequently than has been recognized in the past. (Annals of Allergy 55(2)387, August, 1985) Copyright 1985 Phylis Austin

Asthmatics are often given medication by inhalers to relieve bronchospasm (contraction of the smooth muscles of the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, which narrows the respiratory airways). Some asthmatics react adversely to some of the inert ingredients or propellent gases the inhalers contain, and suffer worsening of the symptoms the medication is given for. (Annals of Allergy 55:25-27, July, 1985) Copyright 1985 Phylis Austin

Cold compresses have been used for headache relief for many years. A study conducted at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine revealed that about 50 percent of patients who used a cold pack received immediate pain relief. Interesting, migraine patients had the greatest pain relief. (Internal medicine News 18(7)3, September 1-14, 1985)
Copyright 1985 Phylis A Austin

Nine-year-old children who had been breast-fed were compared with a similar group who had not. The breast-fed children showed better neurological development. It may be that the longer-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk may produce this benefit (The Lancet 344:1319-1322, November 12, 1994)
Copyright 1994 Phylis A Austin

Some migraine sufferers have achieved relief with the application of an elastic band about the head. Dr. Nazhiyath Vijanan of the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, provides his patients with a headband secured with velcro, under which they place rubber discs over the areas of greatest pain. Sixty of sixty-nine headaches improved with the use of the bands for 30 minutes. The bands used in the study were 4-5 cm wide and 60-65 cm long. Discs were 1 cm thick and 3 cm wide. Some patients developed scalp tenderness and were unable to use the headbands. (Internal Medicine News 25(156)5, August 1, 1992)
Copyright 1992 Phylis A Austin

Many people report increased numbers of migraine headaches occurring over the weekend. A study from London suggests that these people may be suffering from caffeine-withdrawal migraines, as they consume less caffeine than during the week. (Cephalgia 12(2)99-100, April 1992)
Copyright 1992 Phylis A Austin

Diabetics often suffer associated kidney disease. Earlier studies have shown that a high protein diet accelerates the development of kidney damage. A recent study suggests that a vegetarian diet may be adequate to slow the progression of the disease. Apparently vegetarian protein does not have the same adverse effect that animal protein diets. (Diabetic Medicine 8:949-953, 1991)
Copyright 1991 Phylis A Austin

Indoor air pollution increases the risk that children will develop both asthma and otitis media (earache). (Laryngoscope 101:293- 296, March 1991) Copyright 1991 Phylis Austin

A study at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Clinic at Ohio State University demonstrated that epileptic patients who exercised regularly had fewer seizures than those who did not exercise. (Journal of Medicine 20(2)171-176, 1989)
Copyright 1989 Phylis A Austin

The daily intake of 2.6 gm of omega-3 fatty acids may improve arthritis symptoms sufficiently to reduce the requirement for arthritis medications. (Arthritis and Rheumatism 37:824-829, June 1994). A previous study has shown improvement over the long-term with the omega-6 fatty acids (evening primrose, borage, and black curraant oils)
Copyright 1994 Phylis A Austin