Articles tagged with Allergies
A nationwide survey of children's health shows significant disparities in healthcare for minority kids, including unequal access to medical services, higher rates of asthma, hearing and vision problems, diabetes, and dental care. These disparities may have long-term effects on the health of these populations.
A new TB drug, SQ109, has been given special status by the US and European regulators for its potential to combat drug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. The orphan designation will accelerate clinical testing of the drug, which may lead to simpler and more effective treatment regimens for the disease.
People with a history of allergies have a nearly third lower risk of developing certain brain cancers, such as glioma. Meanwhile, genetic studies identified three locations on human chromosome 8q24 associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Dr. Thomas E. Wellems is being honored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) for his groundbreaking research on malaria treatment and resistance to chloroquine. His work has significantly impacted malaria treatment, leading to a decrease in death rates in Africa and Asia.
A recent study led by McGill University found that breastfeeding does not offer protection against childhood asthma and allergies. The research, which followed 13,889 children from birth to age 6½, revealed an increased risk of positive allergic skin tests among breastfed infants.
Researchers at LIAI demonstrated that retinoic acid regulates inflammation in laboratory mice, affecting pro-inflammatory T cell lineages. This finding suggests a new avenue of therapies using retinoic acid to treat autoimmune diseases.
The NIAID Research Agenda for Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) and Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) Tuberculosis (TB) identifies six critical areas for investigation, including new diagnostics, therapy, and vaccines. The agenda aims to close gaps in understanding MDR/XDR TB and improve clinical management, particularly for people with HIV/AIDS.
A survey of European parents found that cows' milk allergy affects not only the child but also the entire family unit, causing stress, guilt, and sleep deprivation. The condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including skin rashes, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems, making it challenging for families to cope.
A study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to cat allergens at home increases the frequency of allergic sensitization in young children. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 children born between 1997 and 1999 and found that even brief contact with cat hair can lead to sensitization.
Researchers have developed a new diesel exposure model that improves accuracy in assessing air pollution risks, particularly for children. The model takes into account complex factors such as elevation and traffic volume to create 'buffers' around specific sample sites.
Two trials found HIV acquisition rates to be 53% and 51% lower in circumcised men compared to uncircumcised men in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. The Lancet published the findings on adult male circumcision as a prevention strategy for HIV.
A new study by Cincinnati researchers found that children of allergy sufferers are more likely to develop allergic sensitization at a younger age. The study suggests reevaluating skin testing practices for airborne allergens in infants under 4 or 5 years old.
Researchers found that histamine receptor overactivation may cause low blood pressure during exercise recovery, leading to fainting. Antihistamine use before exercise significantly reduced post-exercise hypotension in a study.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded a $998,325 grant to Berkeley Lab's Kenneth Raymond to develop new agents for large-scale radiological treatment. The goal is to test these agents with animals and proceed to clinical trials within 18 months.
The NIAID has awarded five grants totaling up to $4 million to fund the development of products that eliminate radioactive materials from the human body. The goal is to accelerate the development of previously identified compounds into effective products for licensing in the strategic national stockpile.
Patients with allergic rhinitis experience more difficulty sleeping and sleep disorders compared to those without allergies. Allergic rhinitis affects about 20-50% of the population, contributing to snoring, breathing problems, and sleep apnea.
The study found that childhood allergy prevalence increased globally, with higher rates in Asia-Pacific and India. The prevalence of eczema was highest in young children, while hayfever showed increases across both age groups.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered an association between allergic rhinitis and the development of Parkinson's disease. The study found that people with allergic rhinitis are 2.9 times more likely to develop Parkinson's, highlighting a potential link between inflammation and the disease.
Infants exposed to 20 or more cigarettes a day are three times more likely to develop allergic rhinitis by their first birthday. Environmental tobacco smoke puts harmful particulates in the air that can lead to serious allergic conditions like asthma.
A study of over 6,600 children found that those raised in Steiner schools had lower rates of allergic symptoms and diagnoses compared to non-Steiner peers. Early antibiotic use and vaccinations were linked to increased allergy risks.
The updated practice parameter provides new definitions for acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis, as well as guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics should be used judiciously, and referral to an allergist/immunologist is recommended for patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis.
Patients under the care of an allergist reported significantly fewer asthma control problems, less severe symptoms, and higher satisfaction with their care. This study suggests that specialist care can lead to better outcomes for patients with chronic asthma.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends regular assessment of asthma control to ensure patients receive optimal treatment. This approach helps identify changes in medication effectiveness and environmental triggers.
A new focus for asthmatics aims to control the condition, rather than letting it control them. Asthma treatment should be individualized and tailored to achieve target symptom control, with regular visits to doctors for reassessment and medication adjustment.
Researchers have identified a protein in the smallpox virus that elicits a strong human antibody response, providing potential protection against the lethal virus. The discovery could lead to the development of an effective treatment for smallpox, offering immediate protection to individuals at risk.
The study found a cellular protein called HVEM acts as an 'off and on switch' for immune responses, enabling communication between T lymphocytes and other cells. This discovery could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases by mimicking HVEM's action.
Rokach's research focuses on designing and synthesizing radio- and photo-affinity ligand molecules to bind to the disease-causing enzyme, which contributes to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. The grant will support his work on identifying the structure of the enzyme.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that oxidative stress from pollen is as important as antigen exposure in triggering severe respiratory inflammation. Antioxidant substances may help forestall allergy or asthma attacks, and longer-lived antioxidants could be effective in treatment and prevention.
Research suggests that certain genetic variations associated with asthma and allergies may lower the risk of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common type of brain cancer. The study found that individuals with specific polymorphisms on two genes, IL-4RA and IL-13, had a lower GBM risk.
Plant pathologists warn that SBS is a complex problem requiring objective inspections for possible causes. Mold growth and dust are two of the main contributors to SBS, necessitating the expertise of more plant pathologists and mycologists.
Dr. Albert Z. Kapikian receives the Sabin Gold Medal for developing the first licensed rotavirus vaccine, saving millions of lives worldwide. His pioneering work in electron microscopy and virus characterization has been widely recognized by NIAID Director Anthony Fauci and H.R. Shepherd.
Researchers found that high levels of oxygen can exacerbate lung inflammation in mice by triggering the release of adenosine, a molecule that protects against tissue damage. The study suggests that adenosine substitutes may be useful in preventing lung damage in patients with acute lung inflammation.
A recent study by Dr. Irene Leal-Berumen and colleagues reveals that asthma patients' immune systems exhibit distinct responses to allergens depending on the presence or absence of allergic rhinitis symptoms. The findings have significant implications for the development of personalized treatment therapies.
A recent study found that indoor allergen levels vary significantly across the country, with cockroach allergens exacerbating asthma symptoms in inner-city children. Exposure to dust mite allergens was not found to have a significant impact on asthma symptoms.
A NIAID-sponsored clinical trial is enrolling healthy adults to assess the immune response and safety of the Fluarix vaccine, which has been distributed in over 70 countries. The trial will provide valuable information on the vaccine's efficacy before it can be licensed for use in the US.
Researchers found a link between chronic allergic stimulation and an increased risk of leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults. Childhood eczema also appeared to increase the risk of this condition, although its impact is still relatively rare.
The NIAID has formed a clinical consortium to improve the success of organ transplants by identifying genetic factors and developing new immunosuppressive drugs. The consortium aims to minimize complications and increase long-term survival rates for transplant patients.
Dr. Fauci is scheduled to deliver a lecture on the pathogenic mechanisms of HIV disease, highlighting the paradoxical nature of immune cell activation and viral replication. He will present new data on how immune cells can inadvertently facilitate virus persistence.
Researchers at FSU have developed sensitive techniques to detect minute traces of nuts in seemingly nut-free processed foods. The findings could help protect sensitive consumers and improve food industry practices.
A Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center study found a positive association between autism and immune system disorders, including respiratory and skin allergies. Autistic children were less likely to have asthma compared to their non-autistic peers.
Researchers at Cornell University Institute for Health and Productivity Studies estimate that presenteeism costs companies up to 60% of total worker illness expenses. Common conditions such as allergies, headaches, and mental health problems incur significant on-the-job productivity losses.
A recent study found that children who experienced fewer fevers in their first year were less likely to develop allergies by age 6. Researchers discovered that fever-inducing infections involving the eyes, ears, nose, or throat appeared to be associated with a lower risk of developing allergies.
Researchers discovered that a viral infection can redirect the immune response away from pancreatic beta cells, reducing autoaggressive CD8 T cells. This approach could lead to new treatments for type 1 diabetes by utilizing proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines produced during viral infections.
Researchers found that green tea catechin EGCG effectively prevents HIV from binding to human T cells, a breakthrough in the fight against HIV. Further research is needed to explore the potential clinical application of EGCG as an anti-HIV drug.
The award recognizes journalists who raise public awareness about allergic diseases, recognize allergists as experts, and provide medically accurate information. Eligible entries must have been published or broadcast between September 1, 2002, and August 31, 2003.
A new study has identified a special type of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) that can be diagnosed with a tryptase blood test and treated successfully with imatinib. The disease, characterized by an overabundance of white blood cells called eosinophils, can cause severe organ damage and is often fatal.
The XPERT TM study shows Xyzal significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. Long-term treatment reduced co-morbidity, lost productivity, and economic savings.
A study published in the April 2003 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that asthma hospital visits doubled between 1978 and 1990, but stabilized afterwards. Controller medication use increased, particularly inhaled corticosteroids, while reliever medication use decreased. The data suggests that asthma treatment is becomin...
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that allergy specialist care can significantly reduce emergency room visits for asthma. Patients receiving adequate inhaled corticosteroid therapy (at least four canisters per year) and/or allergy specialty care had a lower risk of hospitalization, with 27% showi...
A new study confirms that cat exposure increases the risk of persistent wheezing and asthma in children whose mothers have asthma. In contrast, exposure to cats is protective for children without a family history of asthma, reducing the risk of wheezing by 40%.
A study found that approximately 40% of rejected lungs might have been suitable for transplantation, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of donor selection criteria. This could lead to an increase in the number of available lungs for transplantation, addressing a potential shortage in lung transplantation.
A recent study suggests that higher carbon dioxide levels could lead to an increase in pollen production, resulting in more severe allergies. This shift may also alter competitive relationships among plants and favor the growth of weedy species.
A volunteer's death during a medical research study highlights the need for improved safety measures and enhanced ethical oversight. The Canadian Medical Association Journal article emphasizes the importance of learning from such incidents to prevent future tragedies.
Researchers identified genetic basis of two rare disorders, familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome (FCAS) and Muckle-Wells syndrome, linked to mutations in the cryopyrin protein. The study sheds light on the role of cryopyrin in orchestrating immune defenses and may lead to a better understanding of related autoimmune diseases.
Dr. Tramont takes helm of DAIDS, a successful program critical to understanding HIV causes and creating antiretroviral drugs, with a focus on building on its legacy
Research found that a poor diet, particularly low intakes of vegetables and vitamin E, significantly increases the risk of wheeze in children with asthma symptoms. The study suggests that a Western diet may be an important contributing factor to the rising prevalence of asthma and allergies in developed countries.
A national survey found that over 45% of US homes have bedding with dust mite allergen concentrations exceeding 2 micrograms per gram of dust, a level associated with allergy development. The study also revealed that 17% of household occupants reported cockroach infestations in the year prior to the study.
A study of over 33,000 patients found that more patients switched to Allegra from Claritin than vice versa during the spring and fall of 1997 and 1998. The results also showed that Allegra was effective in reducing symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and had a similar side-effect profile to placebo.
A study of 2283 children aged 8-10 found that those living on farms were 3 times less likely to develop hay fever and asthma. Regular exposure to microbial antigens in stables may play a role in developing immune tolerance.
Scientists found a biochemical link between IgE antibody levels and immune cell receptor count, stanching allergic symptoms. When the drug reduced IgE, new receptors sprouted on immune cells, confirming this link.