Articles tagged with Allergies
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.
A study published in the British Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children with severe allergies are more likely to experience behavior problems such as aggression, depression, and irritability. Genetics accounts for over 70% of the relationship between allergies and behaviors like depression and aggression.
Researchers at UNC Health Care found that allergy increases susceptibility to otitis media, a common ear infection in young children. Antihistamine treatment may help alleviate symptoms.
A recent study found that cockroach allergen exposure is a significant contributor to asthma morbidity among inner-city children. Children who were both allergic and heavily exposed to cockroach allergen were more likely to experience severe asthma symptoms, including hospitalizations and lost sleep.