• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.15-25
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• 2005

Purpose: Recently there are scientific evidences for the health effects of Asian dust-storms. Particularly in 2002, the daily average of $PM_10$ exceeded 600 and 700 $\mu{g}/m^3$ in March and April respectively. We examined the effects of Asian dust‐storms on perceived symptoms and preventive behaviors among children, adults, and elders. Method: The subjects of this study were 425 children, 444 adults and 60 elders. A questionnaire survey was carried out on the children and the adults by teachers and on the elders by interviewers to obtain information on demographic variables, perceived symptoms and preventive behaviors, previous respiratory disease, environmental tobacco smoke, and proximity between the house and the road during Asian dust-storms. We analyzed using descriptive statistics, $X^2$ test and multiple logistic regression models. After adjustment for potential confounders, we estimated the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the children and the elders for perceived symptoms and preventive behaviors. Result: The elders had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms than the other groups. The children had a significantly higher prevalence than the adults in getting URI (1.51), coughing (1.68), rhinorrhea (1.46), fever (2.39) and medication for allergy or asthma (1.90). The children had better behaviors than the elders in closing windows (3.57), taking less outdoor recreational activity (2.59) and staying home (2.60). Conclusion: This study suggested that children and elders are susceptible to the effects of Asian dust on health. Health educators should inform these populations about the influence of Asian dust and provide health education for preventive behaviors.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.187-195
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• 1995

Hwamunsok(mat with flower design) is a special product of Kanghwa, which is made up of cyperus exaltatus. According to Allergy, cyperus exaltatus is one of the inhalant allergens and provokes respiratory symptoms and signs. There have been few reports about respiratory allergic disease or contact dermatitis occurring in farmers who cultivate the cyperus exaltatus or manufacture Hwamunsok with it. We studied the relationship between allergic symptoms and exposure to cyperus exaltatus. First, we questioned 141 voluntaries living in Kangwha on the symptoms of contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Secondly, open tests with cyperus exaltatus were done to permitted 73 voluntaries. Patch tests with the European standard series(23 antigens) were only done to exposure 49 subjects to cyperus exaltatus. The results were as follows : 1. As the manifestation rate of allergic symptoms by age, its of 60 years old over in male showed 333 per 1,000 persons. Its of 50 years old in female showed 412 per 1,000 persons. Those age groups in both genders exhibited the highest manifestation of allergic symptoms than all other age groups. Also, if age and sex were adjusted with the rural population of Kanghwagun('93 base population), the manifestation rate of allergic symptoms in male showed 283 per 1,000 persons. Its in female and totals of study populations showed which is each 206 and 234 per 1,000 persons. Specially, it showed that statistics significantly(p=0.002), exposured subjects by cultivation of cyperus exaltatus & manufacture of Hwamunsok have experienced symptoms of contact dermatitis more frequently than unexposured subjects. Secondly, it tested statistics significantly that the risk factor as manifestation of allergic symptoms was the exposure of cyperus exaltatus's allergen(p=0.024). The manifestation risk of allergic symptoms in exposure groups was 3.73 times higher than unexposured subjects. Thirdly, positive reactions in open tests with cyperus exaltatus were higher in exposured subjects than non-exposured subjects. After 72 and 96 hours, positive reactions in open tests were all 10 subjects(20.4%). Also, after 1 week, positive reactions were 8 subjects(16.4%). In conclusion there is a close relationship between contact dermatitis and exposure to cyperus exaltatus while cultivating it and manufacturing Hwamunsok. Therefore, various studies should be continued and a health education program undertaken on contact dermatitis with those who were be engaging in Hwamunsok's manufacture.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.14-24
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of food allergies and find out food allergens. Methods: Questionnaires were completed by 2,415 subjects in D city, among whom 452 subjects believed that they had food allergy. Skin prick tests were performed on these subjects. The data were analyzed using SAS Version 9.0 and ${\chi}^2$-test. In addition, several recent studies were reviewed. Results: The prevalence rate of food allergic symptoms was 25.6% in males and 25.8% in females, respectively. The positive rate of skin prick tests among those who were allergic to any of 14 food items was 21.4% in males and 14.7% in females(p=0.018). Therefore, it was estimated that the prevalence rate of food allergy was 5.0% in males and 3.6% in females. It was shown that the major food allergens were hop, shrimp, lobster, oyster and egg(whole) in males, and egg(whole), hop, oyster, and pork in females, respectively. The prevalence in recent studies ranged from 1 to 35%. Major food allergens were milk, egg, nuts, fish, shellfish crustacean and fruits/vegetables. Conclusions: In order to provide effective care for food allergy, it is essential to find out the prevalence of food allergies and food allergens.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.12-24
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• 2008

Background and Objective : Chungsangboha-tang (CSBHT) has analgesic, sedative, anti-convulsive and anti-histamine effects, so it alleviates the symptoms of asthma. For the comparison of anti-inflammatory effect(s) on CSBHT, PD098059 was used as a negative control. Materials and Methods : This study emphasized THP-1 cells, which had been well characterized as a human monocytic leukemic cell line. The cells resemble monocytes with respect to several criteria and can be differentiated into macrophage-like cells by treatment with PMA. By using the MTS assay, it was possible to prove the safety of CSBHT. Results : Results shows that the CSBHT did not affected cell survival within $10^{1}$ ng/ml to $10^{5}$ ng/ml. Especially, $10^{5}$ ng/ml CSBHT treated cells show 70% deduction of $TNF-{\alpha}$ gene expression against that of LPS treated group. Furthermore, $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and $TNF-{\alpha}$ levels are down-regulated when treated with CSBHT with concentrations up to 100 ug/ml on monocyte-derived macrophages. Interestingly, CSBHT-treated samples showed that overall transcriptional activities were down-regulated to 20% of that of PD098059 ($TNF-{\alpha}$ inhibitor). At protein level, the expression of $TNF-{\alpha}$ showed similar results as that of transcriptional activity. Results show that the protein level decreased more in the CSBHT-treated group (487 ${\pm}$ 87 pg/ml) than in the LPS-treated group (703 ${\pm}$ 103 pg/ml). In addition, the protein level of IL-8 in the CSBHT treated-group (9.84 ${\pm}$ 3.28 ng/ml) decreased similar as the expression of the control and PD098059-treated groups. Conclusion : CSBHT affects immune response, especially allergic responses and suppression of inflammatory reaction. The results provide us an alternative way to care for clinical inflammatory diseases, not only asthma but also the other possible general inflammatory and allergic diseases.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.453-463
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• 2007

Backgrounds : Glutathione-s-transferase (GST) is a kind of phase II metabolism enzyme and plays an important role in the detoxification of various toxic chemicals. It was reported that the genetic polymorphism of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes may be responsible for asthma development and susceptibility to allergy. Traditional oriental medicine uses a unique diagnostic technique. differentiation-syndrome. to analyze signs and symptoms of patients synthetically. Through differentiation-syndrome. asthma patients can be divided into two groups: the deficiency syndrome group (DSG) and the excess syndrome group (ESG). Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible association of GST gene polymorphism with clinical phenotype by differentiation-syndrome of bronchial asthma patients. Materials and Methods : One hundred and ten participants were evaluated by pulmonary function test. Patients with 53 DSG and 31 ESG by differentiation-syndrome were assessed for genetic analysis. GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results : GSTM1 gene deletion was detected in 43.4% of individuals in the DSG and in 38.71 % in the ESG. The distribution of GSTM1 polymorphism between DSG and ESG was not significantly different [$x^2$=0.1767, p=0.6742; OR(95% CI)=1.2139(0.4915-2.9979)]. The proportion of GSTT1 null genotypes was 41.51% in the DGS and 45.16% in the ESG. The distribution of GSTT1 polymorphism between DSG and ESG was also not significantly different [$x^2$=0.1065, p=0.7442; OR(95% CI)=0.8618(0.3525-2.1065)]. In the combined analysis of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes, the frequency of both null type of GSTM1/GSTT1 genes was not significantly different from both positive type of GSTM1/GSTT1 genes[$x^2$=0.0768, p=0.7817; OR(95% CI)=1.2000(0.3303-4.3602)] Conclusions : These results indicate that polymorphism of the GST gene might not be associated with the symptomatic classification of DSG and ESG by differentiation-syndrome in Korean asthmatics.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.12
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• pp.501-506
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• 2011

Purpose: A high level of air pollutants can increase the number of patients with allergy-related diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR). To analyze the association between air pollution and allergic disease, we investigated 2 areas in Korea: Incheon, an industrial area, and Jeju, a non-industrialized area. Methods: Second grade students at elementary schools (11 schools in Incheon and 45 schools in Jeju) were examined in a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was used and a skin prick test was performed. The levels of $NO_2$, $CO_2$, $O_3$, particulate matter (PM) $PM_{10/2.5}$, formaldehyde, tVOCs, and dust mites in the classrooms and grounds were determined. Results: The levels of outdoor CO, $PM_{10}$, and $PM_{2.5}$ were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). The levels of indoor CO, $CO_2$, $PM_{10}$, $PM_{2.5}$ were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). The prevalence rates of AR symptoms at any time, AR symptoms during the last 12 months, diagnosis of rhinitis at any time, and AR treatment during the last 12 months were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). The prevalence rate of wheezing or whistling at any time, and wheezing during the last 12 months were significantly higher in Incheon (P<0.01). Conclusion: We found that the children living in Incheon, which was more polluted than Jeju, had a higher rate of AR and asthma symptoms compared to children in Jeju. To determine the effect of air pollution on the development of the AR and asthma, further studies are needed.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.297-300
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• 2010

To evaluate whether active components produced by solid fermentation of Phellinus baumii and Ephedra sinica have potential in ameliorating allergic symptoms in mice, we tested anti-allergic activities in a dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic mouse model. DNFB-induced allergic symptoms werereduced to about 50% of control levels by active components produced by solid fermentation of Phellinus baumii and Ephedra sinica, as evaluated by measuring the width of epidermal swelling. H&E staining also revealed that these active components markedly reduced allergic symptoms in the epidermis of the ear. The results indicate that active components produced by solid fermentation of Phellinus baumii and Ephedra sinica have the potential to ameliorateallergic symptoms, and may be useful biomaterial(s) in the neutraceutical or cosmeceutical industry.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.208-216
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• 2016

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to report the effectiveness of Soshiho-tang on the patients who suffered from atopic dermatitis with gastrointestinal disorders.Methods : We diagnosed the symptoms and the signs of the patients who suffered from atopic dermatitis with gastrointestinal disorders as Soshiho-tang syndrome(嘔而發熱) according to 'Treatise on Cold Damage Disease(傷寒論)'. Patients are treated only with Soshiho-tang. The severity of Atopic dermatitis was evaluated by SCORAD index, visual analogue scale(VAS) and pictures. Gastrointestinal disorders(mainly food allergy, indigestion) were evaluated by patients' subjective complaint.Results : After the treatment, not only the severity of atopic dermatitis but gastrointestinal disorders were also improved.Conclusions : Soshiho-tang has improved the symptoms of Atopic dermatitis with gastrointestinal disorders in this study.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.53-65
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• 2023

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report two cases of breast cancer patients whose side effects after Tamoxifen were treated with traditional Korean medicine. Methods: Two breast cancer patients underwent Tamoxifen after breast-conserving surgery, and both were treated with traditional Korean medicine. Subjective discomfort symptoms were evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale. Adverse events were assessed using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Version 5.0. Results: After treatment with traditional Korean medicine, the discomfort symptoms that occurred after Tamoxifen, such as osteoarthritis, hot flushes, and cold sweat, all gradually improved. In addition, no hematologic, hepatic, or renal side effects were observed from the traditional Korean medicine treatment. Conclusion: This case study suggests that traditional Korean medicine may contribute to the improvement of side effects caused by Tamoxifen and enhance the quality of life of patients.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.20-26
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• 2008

The objective of the study which utilised population based data was to determine the respiratory condition of elementary school children in Gangneung. From October 9th to December 14th, 2006, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) including Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratoy Volume in I Second $(FEV_1)$ were conducted on the target group of children using a spirometer. The prevalence of asthmatic symptoms was 29.8% among boys and 39.6% among girls. By using logistic regression, we found that family history of allergic rhinitis (OR=3.90, CI=1.05-14.51), experience of allergic conjunctivitis (OR=4.67, CI=1.54-14.16) and atopic dermatitis (OR=2.86, CI=1.17-7.05) significantly increased the asthmatic symptoms. Also, a family history of asthma and food allergy were associated with asthmatic symptoms. In relation to housing and environmental risk factors, residences under the ground (OR=3.59, CI=1.35-9.51) and big-size dolls (OR=2.71, CI=0.86-8.53) significantly increased the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms. For PFT, above four families, exposure of passive smoking and pets significantly reduced FVC in both groups (p<0.05). In girls, a big-size doll was significantly associated with decreased lung function (FVC and $FEV_1$). In boys, using bed significantly reduced $FEV_1$. Also, the risk of asthmatic symptoms was found to increase when the house has been built for 5 years or more, the house is close to a road $({\leq}100m)$, a gas/Kerosene heater or carpet is utilized within the house. However, their differences were not significant. It is concluded that genetic factor such as a family history of respiratory disease, allergic symptoms and housing risk factor are related to asthmatic symptoms. These results were worth noting because the findings will help address risk factors related respiratory symptoms especially in relation to housing and environment.