Abstract
This paper will analyze the two articles "Pollution and Asthma" by Pat Musto, RN, as well as "Outdoor Air Pollution and Children's Respiratory Symptoms in the Steel Cities of New South Wales" by Peter Lewis. By understanding two different views on the causes for allergies, we can see how they compare and contrast in their methods of research.

Abstract
This paper presents an in-depth discussion of allergies, including current and projected treatment options. The first recognition and identification of allergies is described as well as the development of medication to treat symptoms. Additionally, the different types of allergies are detailed, and how their various reactions are seen in humans. The paper concludes by describing the medication and treatment options for allergy sufferers. This includes a scientific discussion of drug interactions and a discussion of allergy management.

From the Paper
"Statistics say that almost half of the American population suffers from some allergic reactions and 50% of them show in the eye area (Myers 2005). Quite often, these reactions, which appear in the eye area, are due to exposure to new particulates, pollution, and genetic factors. The allergic response starts when the body's immune system reacts to the substance, called immunogen or allergen. The reaction can be innate or acquired in time. The mast cell appears linked to chemotaxis, vasodilation and anti-coagulation. Mast cells help control vascular permeability and repair injured connective tissue. ....."

Tags:allergies, allergins, antigen, asthma, medication

Abstract
The paper provides a thorough critique of a quantitative nursing study "The Prevalence of Latex Allergy Among Health Care Workers in Bolu" that examined the prevalence of latex allergy among healthcare workers in Turkey. The paper is of the opinion that the data provided by Ozkan and Gokdogan is both concise and relevant to nursing. The paper concludes that although there are some deficiencies in the data provided, there is ample evidence to suggest that the authors have done a comprehensive job in both conducting the research and examining the data.

Outline:
Introduction
Review of the Article
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Initial analysis of the article requires some assessment of the title, abstract and overall confidence in the report. The title is clearly and concisely articulated and reflects the central focus of the investigation. Variables under investigation as well as the population sample studied--healthcare workers in Turkey--are included in the title. Additionally, the title appears to be of an appropriate length."

Tags:population, sample, data, research

Abstract
This paper presents brief introductions on aromatherapy and allergies and the various nursing aspects and implications on the uses of aromatherapy as a treatment for allergies.

From the Paper
"An allergy is defined as the sensitivity of an individual to something, which may or may not altogether cause a problem to that individual. There are various types of allergies, for example, allergy to dust falls under the heading of respiratory allergies. This may induce sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing or even asthma. Other symptoms of this type of allergy may be the occurrence of itchy eyes, mouth, and or sour throat. Another type of allergy is related to various foods, which may induce stomach aches, frequent indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, all of which show that the individual is sensitive to various foods. Other common allergies include that of skin, smells, and drugs. (Allergies, 2001)"

Tags:fragrance, oils, herbs, respiratory, asthma, chronic, pain

From the Paper
"The Treatment of Food Allergies
Food allergies are characterized by an abnormal or exaggerated immunologic response to specific food allergens resulting in disease (Sampson et al., 1992, 2840). The incidence of food allergy or hypersensitivity is difficult to determine. By some estimates, 4% of infants and 1% of adults are sensitive to some foods or food additives (Cerrato, 1992, p. 73). These numbers translate into millions of cases of hives, eczema, and asthma--along with migraine headaches, insomnia, and a variety of other associated symptoms (Cerrato, 1992, p. 73). The primary treatment for the affliction is dietary avoidance (Pastorello et al., 1989, p. 475). In addition, several drugs have also been used to modify food allergy symptoms (Sampson et al., 1992, p. 2844). Of all the various treatments each has its own..."

Abstract
This paper begins with the presentation of a flowchart highlighting the body's immune system response at the cellular level incorporating both the cell mediated and humoral immune systems. Following this, a discussion of the immune system's response to the presence of an allergen is discussed and how allergy treatments affect the immune system response.

From the Paper
"The human body has two main components to its immune system: the Cell Mediated Response and the Humoral Response. While both are unique responses of the immune system, there is strong interplay between the two. The following flowchart will present the immune system's response to attack. The presence of an allergen is not generally a life-threatening situation requiring a full immunological response, however, that is often exactly what happens. The following section will discuss the various components of the immune system that are involved in an allergic response and how treatment of allergies affects the immune system. In response to an allergen, the immune system mounts a defense. There is dispute in the medical community whether an allergen is actually a foreign substance or not (Dr. Danielle West, personal communication, January 17, 2006) however the key is how the immune system reacts to"

Tags:allergy, immune, cell, mediated

Abstract
This paper discusses how mold in the workplace, and in any business, is a serious concern that affects indoor air quality and possibly employee health. Toxic mold has been linked to numerous illnesses and ailments, including respiratory problems and neurobehavioral and pulmonary impairments. The paper further discusses that although many molds are not harmful, the presence of toxic mold, which emits mycotoxins into the air in an indoor environment, can be dangerous. This is especially true where individuals already have an allergy or sensitivity to them.

From the Paper
"Toxic mold is thought to contribute to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), possibly causing symptoms in multiple users within one affected building. Employees in a "sick building" are more likely to develop SBS because of long-term or frequent exposure to toxic mold, creating problems for employees and employers alike. Prevention is the best way to avoid mold-related health concerns. "

Tags:office, mold, air

Abstract
This paper explains that direct-to-consumer advertising is considered to be a powerful marketing tool and to be a helpful service for patients who wish to be informed about their options and be active in their own treatment; however, direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription medications may hinder effective health care in several ways including reducing doctor-patient communication. The author concludes that the analyzed commercials for Allegra D to treat allergy symptoms and an unnamed cholesterol-fighting drug did adhere to the FDA guidelines. The paper states that these gimmicky commercials are not actually informative to the general public; they are simply a tool used by the medication companies to benefit from the consumerist impulses of the population.

From the Paper
"Direct-to-consumer advertising is a phenomenon of the past couple of decades. The FDA has set guidelines for drug companies to follow that are intended to prevent consumers from being taken advantage of by misleading advertisements. All commercials must use words that common people can understand, without using advanced or complicated vocabulary that would require higher education or specialized training to decipher. Most of these commercials have to state a great deal of information about the product, including intended uses and common side-effects, as well as providing means for consumers to get more information about the product that would include all of the labeling that the FDA requires for the drug. However, the commercials that were observed were exempt from these guidelines because they were brief "reminder" or "help-seeking" ads."

Tags:information, understandable, gimmicky, consumerist, direct-to-consumer

Abstract
The paper begins with a general overview of air pollutants and the discovery of "sick building" syndrome. Next the paper focuses the pollutants known as on MVOC's - microbial volatile organic compounds, studying their impact on human beings. It looks at the effects of molds on human health; namely, allergy, infection, irritation of the mucous membrane and sensory, or toxicity. It looks at the products of mold called mycotoxins, and their influence on health. The paper then turns to discuss analysis techniques, listing eight reasons why sampling is difficult. It also records criteria for ensuring the reliable measuring of indoor air VOC's. The third section of the paper deals with the growth and metabolism of indoor fungi and bacteria, focusing on the breeding and multiplying of molds. The paper concludes with a discussion on what can be done to minimize the problem and on the processes involved in treating a "sick building".

Table of Contents
Introduction
MVOCs as Indoor Pollutants and Their Impact on Human Beings
Analysis Techniques
Growth and Metabolism
Conclusion: What Can Be Done

From the Paper
"Air pollution pertains to substances and gases in the air that threaten health and life. Among these are pollutants and irritants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide; particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic substances and some natural substances, like pollen. But most of the pollution comes from the by-products of industrialization fossil fuel combustion, transportation, transportation, power plant emissions and those from other industrial processes. The burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity alone is the greatest source of air pollution in the USA. These outdoor pollutants can undermine health and cause environmental disturbances, such as acid rain, and are toxic."

Tags:indoor, air, pollution, molds, mycotoxins, fungi, bacteria

Abstract
For years, chocolate has been looked down upon as unhealthy, deemed a candy, slapped with myths and fallacies and prohibited from small children. This paper attempts to prove otherwise by showing how chocolate has been shown to lift depression, help your heart and aid alertness among other benefits and if used properly, chocolate can be a delicacy and a medicine. It examines all aspects of chocolate possible from its production from the cocoa bean, to physiological effects on the brain and body to side effects such as obesity and dental problems.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
A Brief Review of Cocoa
The Cacao Tree (Theobrom Cacao)
What is in the Cocoa Bean?
Making and Eating Chocolate
State of the Art of Cocoa
Is Cocoa Good for You?
Burden of Proof
Chocolate as a Fat
Effects on Blood Lipids
What is OK?
Chocolate, Health and Disease
Chocolate Craving
Migraine
Toxicity
Immune Function
Allergy
Other Disorders
Behavior
Antioxidants
Caffeine
Dental Caries
Migraines
Obesity
Serum Cholesterol
Heart Health
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Cocoa takes it a step further though. Not only does it provide energy for our actions. It supplies chemicals for our personalities and moods. Modern psychology leads us to believe that every thought, every idea that pops into our head is simultaneously a biological reaction. This biological reaction takes the form of chemical processes within our brains. Our mind then interprets these chemical compounds as thoughts, ideas, smells, tastes, touch, etc. Our thoughts, or chemicals compounds within our brain can determine how we feel, our motivation, our goals, our entire lives hinge upon our thoughts, for what are we but what we do. And before we do anything, we must think it. We must have considered it at some point or been subconsciously predisposed to an action or idea."

Tags:cacao, tree, cocoa, bean, fat, migraine, toxicity, craving, health, disease