Bad air causes rise in allergies, study shows

Allergies and asthma are on the rise - and researchers
blame pollution, second-hand smoke and other factors.

Pollution among the factors causing more allergies among children - and figures are set to rise

Three-quarters of parents with at least one child under the age of three report that the child has allergies, a study shows - and researchers warn the figure will grow.

Some 58 per cent of the youngsters had eczema or a skin allergy, 32 per cent had rhinitis or hay fever and 25 per cent airway allergies such as asthma.

Some of the children suffered more than one type of allergy.

The findings of the survey by the Allergy Association, commissioned by the University of Hong Kong, were based on interviews with 511 parents.

Only 30 per cent of the children were believed to have inherited the condition from their parents - meaning the rest might be down to factors such as pollution, exposure to second-hand smoke, Cesarean delivery or not being breastfed exclusively in their first six months.

"We have seen many more allergy cases in this generation than the last," said Dr Marco Ho Hok-kung, chairman of the association.

"I believe the number is only going to rise in the future, in keeping with the global trend. It is vital to understand the risk of allergies and take preventive measures."

Allergies could affect the long-term growth of infants, said Ho. Some research suggests that infants who develop an allergy before the age of two have a 24 per cent increased risk of developing emotional problems later in life.

Families with children suffering from allergies often have to devote a lot of effort to preventing exposure to allergens such as peanuts, milk or seafood in meals and dust mites at home.

According to the World Health Organisation, 40 to 50 per cent of children across the globe are bothered by one or more types of allergy.

Ho said if either parent had an allergy, there was a 30 per cent chance of their child inheriting it. This increased to 50 per cent if both parents were sufferers. And in general, every child has 5 to 15 per cent chance of developing an allergy even if neither parent has the condition.

Paediatrician Dr Alfred Tam Yat-cheung said risks could be attributed to environmental factors such as pollution and exposure to second-hand smoke. They could be reduced by giving birth naturally and feeding the babies only breast milk in their first six months, he said.

Source: South China Morning Post

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Got migraines and allergies? Your headaches are likely worse than fellow migraine sufferers

People with migraine who also battle allergies and hay fever (rhinitis) endure a more severe form of headaches than their peers who struggle with migraine, according to researchers from the University of Cincinnati (UC), Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University and Vedanta Research.

About 12 percent of the U.S. population experiences migraine, which is three times more common in women than men. Allergies and hay fever—also known as allergic rhinitis—are quite common as well, affecting anywhere from a quarter to half of the U.S. population. They produce symptoms such as a stuffy and runny nose, post nasal drip and itching of the nose.

The study is one of the first tying the relationship of rhinitis—irritation and inflammation of the nasal mucus membrane caused by allergic and non-allergic triggers—to the frequency of migraine headaches, says Vincent Martin, MD, professor of medicine in UC’s division of general internal medicine, co-director of the Headache and Facial Pain Program at the UC Neuroscience Institute and lead author of the study.

"We are not sure whether the rhinitis causes the increased frequency of headaches or whether the migraine attacks themselves produce symptoms of rhinitis in these patients,” Martin says. "What we can say is if you have these symptoms, you are more likely to have more frequent and disabling headaches.”

The researchers analyzed data from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study. A 2008 questionnaire was filled out by nearly 6,000 AMPP Study respondents from across the country who have experienced migraine. To define rhinitis, participants were asked the question, "Do you suffer from nasal allergies, seasonal allergies or hayfever?”

Rhinitis occurred in two out of three people with migraine in this study. The researcher say that the fact that rhinitis occurred in more than half of these individuals emphasizes that these disorders are intimately linked.

Based on the results, researchers found the odds of experiencing more frequent headaches for individuals with rhinitis and migraine was 33 percent greater than those battling migraines without rhinitis.

"The nose has largely been ignored as an important site involved in the initiation and exacerbation of migraine headache,” says Richard Lipton, MD, professor of neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University and co-director of the Montefiore Headache Center and principal investigator of the study. "If rhinitis exacerbates migraine, as these results suggest, treating rhinitis may provide an important approach to relieving headache in people with both disorders.”

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For more stories on health, allergies, pollution and improving your indoor air quality visit www.allerair.com or call to speak to an air quality expert about improving the air in your home 1-888-852-8247.

Why you may get an allergy as your holiday gift; especially if you have asthma

Photo: M.Bartosch

When we think of the onset of new allergies we mostly think spring sneezing or fall wheezing, but the winter holidays can also spur new allergies, especially in people with asthma.

“Allergies can strike at any age in life, with symptoms disappearing and resurfacing years later,” says Leonard Bielory, MD and fellow with the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Travel seems to be one of the reasons why people suddenly develop allergies around the holidays. As we visit our friends and relatives we may be exposed to airborne pollutants we're not used to. For example, while visiting a relative with cats, a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes can occur. Some college students returning home may also be suddenly allergic to a pet they didn’t have a reaction to before.

More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. According to ACAAI, allergies tend to run in families. If both parents have allergies, their children have a 75 percent chance of being allergic. If only one parent is allergic, or if a relative has allergies, the child has a 30 to 40 percent chance of having an allergy.

If you have asthma, it's estimated that 60 to 85 of sufferers will be afflicted with at least one allergy.

“During the holiday season you’re going to be exposed to allergens,” said allergist Dr. Myron Zitt, M.D., past president of the ACAAI. “Be aware of where the problems lie so you can deal with them. And then, have a good time!”

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Allergic to Gummy Bears? You may have a reaction to the flu shot

Photo M.Bartosch

Do marshmallows make your tongue swell? Gummy bears make you itchy? If you’ve answered yes and are allergic to gelatin, you will want to take some precautions when getting the flu shot. While the vaccine is recommended for those six months of age and older, a case report presented at this year's American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting notes that individuals with a gelatin allergy can have a mild to severe reaction from the shot.

“Gelatin is used in the flu shot, as well as other vaccines, as a stabilizer,” said Stephanie Albin, MD, an allergist and ACAAI member. “Because it is found in the vaccine, those with a known allergy to gelatin can experience allergic reactions, such as hives, sneezing and difficulty breathing.”

There is a misconception about allergies and the flu shot, with many believing those with an egg allergy should not receive the vaccination. But last month, ACAAI published an update that found even those with a severe egg allergy can receive the vaccine without special precautions.

“Gelatin reactions can cause hives, swelling, itchiness, shortness of breath and a severe life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis,” explained Dr. Albin. “Because of this, precautions should be taken, such as having a board-certified allergist administer the vaccine in a person with known gelatin allergy in case a reaction occurs.”

Gelatin can contain proteins derived from cow, pig or fish. Gelatin can be found in a variety of foods and pharmaceuticals, including gummy vitamins, marshmallows and candy.

“Gelatin allergy is very rare,” said allergist Richard Weber, M.D., ACAAI president. “Many food intolerances can be mistaken as allergies. Those who believe they might have an allergy should be tested and diagnosed by an allergist before taking extreme avoidance measures or skipping vaccinations. The flu shot is an important vaccine and can even be life-saving for individuals that are at an increased risk for severe side effects associated with the flu.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends receiving an annual flu shot, especially for high risk age groups as children and the elderly. The vaccination can be given either as a shot or a nasal spray, both of which can contain gelatin.


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Children with allergy, asthma, milk intolerance may be at higher risk for ADHD

The number of children being diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder (ADHD), allergy and asthma is increasing in the United States. And according to a new study, there might be a link between the growth of these three conditions.

The study, published in the August issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), found there is an increased risk of ADHD in boys that have a history of allergy or asthma.

"ADHD, a chronic mental health disorder, is most commonly found in males, while asthma is also more common in young boys than girls," said Eelko Hak, lead study author. "We found there is an increased risk of ADHD in boys with a history of asthma and an even stronger risk associated with milk intolerance."

Researchers in the Netherlands and Boston studied 884 boys with ADHD and 3,536 boys without the disorder. Of the children with ADHD, 34 percent had asthma and 35 percent had an allergic disorder. The study suggests medications used to treat these conditions may be associated with an increased ADHD risk.

"Further research is needed to understand why there appears to be an increased risk of developing ADHD in children with allergy and asthma," said Gailen Marshall, MD, editor-in-chief of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Medications for these conditions far outweigh the risks, and can be life-saving in some conditions. Treatment should not be stopped, unless advised by a board-certified allergist."

According to the ACAAI, allergy and asthma often run in families. If both parents have an allergy a child has a 75 percent chance of being allergic. If neither parent has allergy, the chance of a child developing an allergy is only 10 to 15 percent. Allergists also know allergies and asthma are linked. An estimated 60 to 80 percent of children with asthma also have an allergy. While the cause of ADHD is unknown, this disorder is also thought to run in families.
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Smoke exposure puts infants with family history of asthma/allergies at higher risk for severe infection

More evidence has surfaced that supports the war on smoking, especially if smokers have an infant in their household. A study published today in the June issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), found that infants with a family history of allergic disease with lower respiratory tract infections, who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk for longer hospital stays.

An estimated 20 to 30 percent of otherwise healthy infants develop lower respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis, annually. Of these, three percent are hospitalized.

"Respiratory infections in infants are common, but if the infant has a family history of respiratory issues such as asthma, they are at higher risk for infection and hospitalization," said allergist Meghan Lemke, MD, ACAAI member and lead study author. "Our research found that infants with a family history of allergic disease who are also exposed to secondhand smoke had a 23 percent longer hospital stay than those without secondhand smoke exposure."

Researchers examined 451 mothers and infants enrolled in a study focusing on childhood asthma and atopic disease outcomes associated with viral respiratory infections. In this group, 57 percent of infants were exposed to secondhand smoke. While 36 percent had a mother with atopic disease and an allergy, and 68 percent had an immediate relative with an allergic disease.

"Infants that are hospitalized for bronchiolitis have up to a 30 percent chance of developing persistent wheezing or asthma within the first decade of life," said allergist James Sublett, MD, chair of the ACAAI Indoor Environment Committee. "Secondhand smoke is extremely harmful to children with asthma and other respiratory illnesses, and has been shown to contribute to uncontrolled asthma."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and 70 that can cause cancer.

"Secondhand smoke can trigger asthma attacks in small children, which can be life-threatening," said Dr. Sublett. "It is critical that parents and other family members never smoke around children, young or old, especially inside of the home and car where smoke can linger."

Seven million American children have asthma, a disease that is a leading cause of missed school days and 456,000 hospitalizations in the United States annually. Asthmatics under the care of a board-certified allergist have a 60 to 89 percent reduction in hospitalizations.

"Dustless" school chalk found to trigger allergy symptoms and asthma in those with milk allergy

Photo:  Anusorn P Nachol/freedigtalphotos.net

Many of today’s school teachers opt for dustless chalk to keep hands and classrooms clean. But according to a study published in the May issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), this choice in chalk may cause allergy and asthma symptoms in students that have a milk allergy.

Casein, a milk protein, is often used in low-powder chalk. When milk allergic children inhale chalk particles containing casein, life-threatening asthma attacks and other respiratory issues can occur.

“Chalks that are labeled as being anti-dust or dustless still release small particles into the air,” said Carlos H. Larramendi, MD, lead study author. “Our research has found when the particles are inhaled by children with milk allergy, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath can occur. Inhalation can also cause nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose.”

Milk allergy affects an estimated 300,000 children in the United States, according to the ACAAI. Although it has been believed the majority of children will outgrow milk allergy by age three, recent studies contradict this theory, showing school aged children are still affected. However, 80 percent of children with milk allergy will likely outgrow it by age 16.

“Chalk isn’t the only item in a school setting that can be troublesome to milk allergic students,” said James Sublett, MD, chair of the ACAAI Indoor Environment Committee. “Milk proteins can also be found in glue, paper, ink, and in other children’s lunches.”

Even in the wake of whiteboards, overhead projectors and tablets, chalk is a classroom staple that likely won’t become extinct anytime soon. Parents with milk allergic children should ask to have their child seated in the back of the classroom where they are less likely to inhale chalk dust, advises Sublett.

“Teachers should be informed about foods and other triggers that might cause health problems for children,” said Sublett. “A plan for dealing with allergy and asthma emergencies should also be shared with teachers, coaches and the school nurse. Children should also carry allergist prescribed epinephrine, inhalers or other life-saving medications.”

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Does your child have a pollen allergy?

Photo: Chris Roll/freedigitalphotos.net

When warmer weather starts to roll in, most kids are ready to shake off cabin fever and get outside to play. It’s also the time when trees and plants are pollinating − a bad combination for a child with a pollen allergy.

“Spring is a problem for lots of people with allergies because it’s when trees and other plants start releasing pollens into the air,” said Joyce Rabbat, MD, pediatric allergist at Loyola University Health System and assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. “There are different types of allergies, but if you notice that your child has more symptoms and reactions during the spring it’s a clue that they have a pollen allergy.”

According to Rabbat, allergy symptoms include:
• Itchy eyes
• Sneezing
• Stuffy and/or runny nose
• Coughing
• Asthma

“It’s great to get kids outside and exercising, but if your child has outdoor allergies just be sure to keep an eye on them in case of a reaction,” Rabbat said. For children with allergies to pollen, symptoms most likely will be worse on dry, windy days. Rabbat suggests the following to help limit reactions.

• Check pollen counts and try to spend less time outside when the counts are high. Loyola has an official allergy count you can follow on Twitter @GottliebAllergy
• Keep windows and doors closed, especially on high count days, to limit the amount pollen that settles onto furniture and carpet
• Use the air conditioner to filter pollens from the air inside your house
• When children come in from outdoors have them wash their face and hands; consider having them take a shower and change their clothes to get pollen off the body.

“If your child is active outdoors or in sports, make sure he or she takes allergy medication before heading outside,” Rabbat said.
Rabbat warns parents to keep an eye out for asthma symptoms as many children who deal with allergies have allergic asthma as well.

Allergic asthma symptoms include:
• Couging
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Feeling a tightness in the chest

“Often treating children’s allergies helps to control their asthma as well. Kids may need to take an allergy medicine before going outside, or they may need daily allergy medication. It’s also important to get ahead of your allergy symptoms. Once allergies are flaring, they become more difficult to treat. If you are on a good medication regimen before the pollens peak, it makes for a much more enjoyable season,” Rabbat.
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2013 list of the most miserable U.S. cities for allergy sufferers...

Photo: Stewart Miles

Just in time for this year's pollen-apocalypse, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released their 11th annual ranking of the most miserable U.S. cities to live in if  you suffer from seasonal allergies.

Jackson, MS, claimed the top spot , followed by Knoxville, TN (#2) and Chattanooga, TN (#3).

Residents across the United States can actually expect more severe allergy conditions this year as an unusually wet winter and early warm temperatures lead to earlier tree pollination and higher levels of pollen and outdoor mold. Cities predicted to face a more challenging spring allergy season compared to one year ago include: Buffalo, NY (rising 10 spots to #15 out of 100 cities), Springfield, MA (rising from #74 to #18), Richmond, VA (rising from #46 to #22), Detroit, MI (rising from #50 to #26) and Toledo, OH (rising from #57 to #29).

"Severe weather patterns can bring higher temperatures, higher pollen levels and increased exposure to outdoor mold, resulting in spring allergies that can peak stronger and last longer," said Bill Berger , MD, Allergy and Asthma Associates of Southern California.

Recent hurricanes, severe storms and tornadoes can also affect the severity of spring allergies. The increased presence of mold in areas damaged by floods can trigger allergic reactions. Major urban areas and locations with significant construction may also see an increased risk for severe allergies, because pollen from weeds proliferates in places with development projects. Finally, ground-level ozone pollution can affect allergy symptoms.

This year's ranking shows that nasal allergies are a problem nationwide, especially in southern states. Overall, 15 of the top 25 cities on this year's ranking are in the South. These findings are consistent with research showing that spring now arrives 10 to 14 days earlier than it did just 20 years ago, bringing with it increased pollen counts.

An interactive map of 100 cities, resources about diagnosis, prevention and treatment options, resources for physicians, and more information on the study methodology are available at www.AllergyCapitals.com.

Here are the top 10:

1. Jackson, Mississippi

2. Knoxville, Tennessee

3. Chattanooga, Tennessee

4. McAllen, Texas

5. Louisville, Kentucky

6. Wichita, Kansas

7. Dayton, Ohio

8. Memphis, Tennessee

9. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

10. Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

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Pollen exposure during pregnancy affects child's risk of early asthma

A woman’s exposure to high pollen levels late in pregnancy increases her risk of having a child with early asthma, according to a new study. 

The researchers at the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Umeå University in Sweden followed 110,000 pregnancies in the Stockholm area.

They found that high levels of pollen exposure during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy resulted in a significantly increased risk of hospitalization for asthma symptoms in the first year of life for a child. The analysis was adjusted for factors such as maternal smoking and pollen season.

They say there may be several reasons for the association. High pollen exposure of pregnant women with pollen allergies may trigger reactions and asthma symptoms that then affect the unborn child's immune system development. It is also possible that pregnant women with severe reactions to pollen suffer complications and sometimes give birth earlier than they otherwise would have done, which in itself increases the risk of respiratory problems in the child.

Kids Don’t Get a Christmas Break from Allergies

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, candles filling the air with the smell of cinnamon and beloved decorations making their yearly appearance really do help make the season bright. But for kids with allergies these holiday delights can make the atmosphere miserable and even deadly.

“During the winter months many parents think their kids get a reprieve from allergies. Unfortunately, allergens are around all year long. Dust mites, mold, food and pet allergies don’t take a Christmas vacation,” said Pediatric Allergist Joyce Rabbat, MD.
With all the holiday parties and family gatherings food allergies can be a real concern for parents.

“During the holidays it can be easy to be tempted by all the wonderful goodies that everyone else is eating. And so often it can be difficult to decipher what contains allergens and what does not,” said Rabbat. “Food allergies are especially dangerous because even small exposure to a food allergen can be devastating.”

Here are some tips if your holiday plans include a child with a food allergy.

1. If possible avoid the allergen in food preparations.
“There are lots of alternatives that can be substituted into favorite holiday recipes,” said Rabbat.
2. If you just can’t change the recipe make sure you prepare all foods without the allergen first. This will limit cross contamination.
3. Make sure after you’ve prepared a food with the allergen that you thoroughly clean all utensils used and the surface areas that were exposed to the allergen.
4. When serving the meal try to have an allergy-free area to reduce the risk of accidental exposure.
“If food with an allergen is spilled on the table and the child touches it and/or ingests it, the child could have a serious reaction. Having allergen-free serving areas helps minimize the chance that serving utensils are used in both allergen-containing dishes and allergen-free dishes,” said Rabbat.
5. Make sure everyone who has come in contact with an allergen washes his or her hands and face before interacting with a child with an allergy.

“Parents need to understand that no matter how hard someone tries to keep the festivities allergen-free there is always a possibility of exposure so come prepared with medications,” said Rabbat.

She suggests adults seek medical attention if they notice a child has any of these symptoms:
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Swelling
• Throat swelling/closing
• Coughing
• Dizziness
• Change of color (pale or blue)
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Still, food allergies aren’t the only ones that impact kids over the holidays. Live Christmas trees, holiday plants, dust and mold from old decorations and even pets can cause an allergic reaction. But, according to Rabbat, one of the often-overlooked triggers are scented candles and air fresheners.

“Stay away from artificial scents in air fresheners and candles as these can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma symptoms. They might smell nice, but don’t smell nearly as good as cookies baking in the oven. So, enjoy the real scents of the holidays instead,” said Rabbat.

VIDEO: Woman's allergies were really a leak in her brain

This story might have you second guessing your doctors. Despite numerous medical professionals telling her her constant runny nose was due to allergies, a woman from Tucson says she was convinced there was more to it and she was right....her brain was leaking...

(Starts after a commercial)



It won't prevent a brain leak, but improving your indoor air quality can have a big impact on allergy symptoms. An AllerAir air purifier for allergies will remove airborne dust, allergens, pollen as well as the odors and chemicals that other air purifiers leave behind. Connect with us to learn more www.allerair.com

iPhone v.s Blackberry – One may actually cause an allergic reaction

This is one feature you didn't consider in your android vs. Blackberry vs. iphone debate.

“Approximately one-third of all Blackberries contain nickel...,” said allergist Tania Mucci, M.D., lead author of a new study. "Neither cobalt nor nickel was detected in iPhones or Droids."

Both metals can cause an allergic reaction including dry, itchy patches along the cheek bones, jaw line and ears.

Blackberry die-hards with known metal allergies are advised to avoid prolonged conversations, text messaging and handling their phones if they begin noticing symptoms.

Nickel is actually one of the most common contact allergens, affecting 17 percent of women and 3 percent of men.

News worse for flip phones

If you're still holing on to your old flip phone the news is worse. Roughly 91 percent contained nickel and 52 percent tested positive for cobalt.

Symptoms of nickel and cobalt allergies can include redness, swelling, itching, eczema, blistering, skin lesions and occasional scarring. For sufferers that are glued to their phones, the allergists suggest plastic phone cases, wireless ear pieces and clear film screens to decrease allergic reactions.

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Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Experts agree that reducing exposure is the quickest route to allergy relief. Consider a indoor air purifier for allergies with HEPA and carbon filtration. A good quality air cleaner can reduce airborne allergens by 99.97% (particles 0.3 microns and larger) and reduce airborne chemicals, gasses, and odors for cleaner indoor air.

Photo: freedigitalphotos.net

Chemical released in the body during allergic reaction may play important role in cancer treatment

Source: Dal News
 
“The chemical called histamine has a profound effect on the immune system,” explains Dr. Jean Marshall, head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Dalhousie. “Our research will look at the impact histamine may have on the spread of tumours. It’s the first time our lab will be looking at histamine in the context of cancer.”

Mast cells in the body release histamine when they detect a foreign antigen. Dr. Marshall explains that these cells are colloquially known as the “body’s burglar alarm” because of their ability to warn the immune system early in the case of a potential threat. The histamine itself is what causes redness, itchiness and some of the other symptoms of an allergic reaction.

There is literature indicating that individuals with some types of allergies may be more protected from cancer than those without allergies. Dr. Marshall's team of researchers will investigate whether or not higher-levels of histamine released in the body or drugs taken to combat histamine’s actions have anything to do with that.

The potential of unconventional research

Dr. Marshall’s research is a bit unconventional, given that drugs meant to block the effects of histamine are currently widely prescribed to help minimize the side effects of chemotherapy. But that’s exactly why it was recently awarded a grant developed specifically to support unconventional concepts, approaches or methodologies that address problems in cancer research.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s brand new Innovation Grant aims to celebrate and encourage innovation in the cancer research field. Dr. Marshall’s research project will receive just over $180,000 in funding as part of the new grant.

“We are delighted that Dr. Marshall’s research project has been chosen for funding,” says Barbara Stead-Coyle, CEO of Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Division. “Nova Scotia has a tremendously talented research community, important research is happening right here at home.”

“Canadian Cancer Society locally has been very, very supportive. They’ve gone above and beyond in terms of supporting research and trainees here in Nova Scotia,” says Dr. Marshall. “This research is important because ultimately we want to find better ways to prevent and treat cancer.”

Combat Winter Allergies

Spring and summer are not the only seasons that bring misery to those with allergies. The winter months can be brutal for people sensitive to mold spores and dust mites.

Dr. William Reisacher, director of The Allergy Center in the Department of Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, says, "During the winter, families spend more time indoors, exposing allergic individuals to allergens and irritants like dust mites, pet dander, smoke, household sprays and chemicals, and gas fumes -- any of which can make their lives miserable."

Dr. Rachel Miller, director of allergy and immunology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, adds, "Mold spores can cause additional problems compared to pollen allergy because mold grows anywhere and needs little more than moisture and oxygen to thrive. During the holiday season it is especially important to make sure that Christmas trees and holiday decorations are mold-free."



Source: NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center 

People With Allergies May Have Lower Risk of Brain Tumors

freedigitalphotos.net

New research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that there’s a link between allergies and reduced risk of a serious type of cancer that starts in the brain. This study suggests the reduced risk is stronger among women than men, although men with certain allergy profiles also have a lower tumor risk.

The study also strengthens scientists’ belief that something about having allergies or a related factor lowers the risk for this cancer. Because these tumors, called glioma, have the potential to suppress the immune system to allow them to grow, researchers have never been sure whether allergies reduce cancer risk or if, before diagnosis, these tumors interfere with the hypersensitive immune response to allergens.

Scientists conducting this study were able to analyze stored blood samples that were taken from patients decades before they were diagnosed with glioma. Men and women whose blood samples contained allergy-related antibodies had an almost 50 percent lower risk of developing glioma 20 years later compared to people without signs of allergies.

“This is our most important finding,” said Judith Schwartzbaum, associate professor in the College of Public Health’s Division of Epidemiology at Ohio State University and lead author of the study. “The longer before glioma diagnosis that the effect of allergies is present, the less likely it is that the tumor is suppressing allergies. Seeing this association so long before tumor diagnosis suggests that antibodies or some aspect of allergy is reducing tumor risk.

“It could be that in allergic people, higher levels of circulating antibodies may stimulate the immune system, and that could lower the risk of glioma,” said Schwartzbaum, also an investigator in Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Absence of allergy is the strongest risk factor identified so far for this brain tumor, and there is still more to understand about how this association works.”

Many previous studies of the link between allergies and brain tumor risk have been based on self-reports of allergy history from patients diagnosed with glioma. No previous studies have had access to blood samples collected longer than 20 years before tumor diagnosis.

The current study also suggested that women whose blood samples tested positive for specific allergy antibodies had at least a 50 percent lower risk for the most serious and common type of these tumors, called glioblastoma. This effect for specific antibodies was not seen in men. However, men who tested positive for both specific antibodies and antibodies of unknown function had a 20 percent lower risk of this tumor than did men who tested negative.

Glioblastomas constitute up to 60 percent of adult tumors starting in the brain in the United States, affecting an estimated 3 in 100,000 people. Patients who undergo surgery, radiation and chemotherapy survive, on average, for about one year, with fewer than a quarter of patients surviving up to two years and fewer than 10 percent surviving up to five years.

The study is published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Schwartzbaum and colleagues were granted access to specimens from the Janus Serum Bank in Norway. The bank contains samples collected from citizens during their annual medical evaluations or from volunteer blood donors for the last 40 years. Norway also has registered all new cases of cancer in the country since 1953, and personal identification numbers enable cross-referencing those cases with previously collected blood samples.

The researchers analyzed stored samples from 594 people who were diagnosed with glioma (including 374 diagnosed with glioblastoma) between 1974 and 2007. They matched these samples for date of blood collection, age and sex with 1,177 samples from people who were not diagnosed with glioma for comparison.

The researchers measured the blood samples for levels of two types of proteins called IgE, or immunoglobulin E. This is a class of antibodies produced by white blood cells that mediate immune responses to allergens. Two classes of IgE participate in the allergic response: allergen-specific IgE, which recognizes specific components of an allergen, and total IgE, which recognizes these components but also includes antibodies with unknown functions.

In each sample, the scientists determined whether the serum contained elevated levels of IgE specific to the most common allergens in Norway as well as total IgE. The specific respiratory allergens included dust mites; tree pollen and plants; cat, dog and horse dander; and mold.

The researchers then conducted a statistical analysis to estimate the association between elevated concentrations of allergen-specific IgE and total IgE and the risk of developing glioma.

Among women, testing positive for elevated levels of allergen-specific IgE was associated with a 54 percent decreased risk of glioblastoma compared to women who tested negative for allergen-specific IgE. The researchers did not see this association in men.

“The longer before glioma diagnosis that the effect of allergies is present, the less likely it is that the tumor is suppressing allergies.”

However, the relation between total IgE levels and glioma risk was not different for men and women, statistically speaking. For men and women combined, testing positive for elevated total IgE was linked to a 25 percent decreased risk of glioma compared with testing negative for total IgE.

The analysis for effects on glioblastoma risk alone suggested a similar decreased risk for both men and women combined whose samples tested positive for high levels of IgE, but the findings were considered borderline in terms of statistical significance, meaning the association could also be attributed to chance.

“There is definitely a difference in the effect of allergen-specific IgE between men and women. And even results for total IgE suggest there still may be a difference between the sexes. The reason for this difference is unknown,” Schwartzbaum said.
What the study does provide evidence for, however, is the likelihood that the immune systems of people with respiratory allergies could have a protective effect against this type of brain cancer. The ability to investigate this association over four decades between blood sampling and tumor diagnosis gave the researchers better insight into the relationship between allergies and tumor risk, Schwartzbaum said.

For example, a positive test for elevated concentrations of total IgE was associated with a 46 percent decreased risk for developing a glioma 20 years later compared to samples testing negative for elevated IgE, according to the analysis. That decreased risk was only about 25 percent in samples that tested positive for high levels of total IgE taken two to 15 years prior to diagnosis.

“There may be a trend - the closer the samples get to the time of diagnosis, the less help the IgE is in decreasing the risk for glioma. However, if the tumor were suppressing allergy, we would expect to see a bigger difference in risk near the time of diagnosis,” Schwartzbaum said.

Schwartzbaum plans to further analyze the serum samples for concentration of cytokines, which are chemical messengers that promote or suppress inflammation as part of the immune response, to see if these proteins have a role in the relationship between elevated IgE levels and lowered tumor risk.

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Cleaner indoor air reduces the risk of respiratory irritation. AllerAir air purifiers for allergies and asthma remove 99.97% of common airborne allergens as well as chemicals and odors. Connect with us to learn more www.allerair.com or on twitter @allerair. 

Hay Fever, Asthma Combination Linked to Lower Risk for Death From Colorectal Cancer

People who suffer the double whammy of having both asthma and hay fever -- have a 17 percent lower risk for dying from colorectal cancer, according to a new study.

“Having both of these conditions could indicate that you are more likely to develop allergy-related immune responses that lower your risk for developing fatal colorectal cancer,” said Eric Jacobs, Ph.D., strategic director of pharmacoepidemiology at the American Cancer Society.

People with only allergies or only asthma had little reduction in risk for fatal colorectal cancer.

Jacobs and colleagues believe that the lower risk for fatal colorectal cancer among people with both hay fever and asthma may be a result of atopy, which is the general predisposition to develop allergic responses, including those that cause allergies and asthma. According to Jacobs, it is possible that individuals with atopy may sometimes mount an allergic-like response against colon cancer cells as well.

Future research could evaluate whether an association exists between other measures of atopy, such as blood levels of the immunoglobulin E antibody, and risk for developing or dying from colorectal cancer. If such an association is found, there could be implications for development of vaccines to stimulate anticancer immune responses in patients with colorectal cancer.

“If allergy-related immune responses are lowering colorectal cancer mortality in some individuals, that would imply that a similar kind of response might be inducible by a vaccine,” Jacobs said.

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Cleaner indoor air reduces the risk of respiratory irritation. AllerAir air purifiers for allergies and asthma remove 99.97% of common airborne allergens as well as chemicals and odors. Connect with us to learn more www.allerair.com or on twitter @allerair.

There may be an upside to allergies and asthma; protection against skin cancer

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered a molecule involved in asthma and allergies that seems to make mice resistant to skin cancer.

The molecule, called TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin), is produced by damaged skin and activates the immune system. Chronic low levels of TSLP are suspected in making the immune system oversensitive to what should be a harmless environment, leading to the skin rashes and overproduction of mucus common in allergies and asthma.

“But at extremely high levels, TSLP appears to train the immune system to recognize skin cancer cells, and target those cells for elimination,” says Raphael Kopan, PhD, the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Developmental Biology. “These experiments demonstrate that there is a way for a natural molecule to help immune cells recognize and reject tumors, at least in the skin.”

The study appears online Oct 15 in Cancer Cell.

These findings are surprising because most current evidence suggests that the allergic inflammation and release of TSLP increases — not decreases — the risk of tumor development.

The disparity may be explained by the amount of TSLP that is produced. The mice that were resistant to skin tumor growth had blood levels of TSLP that were 1,000-fold higher than normal. And levels in the skin — where it is made — may be even higher.

“This is an example of where hyper-vigilance of the immune system may end up paying dividends,” Kopan says. “Not only does it respond aggressively to an innocuous allergen, but it begins to monitor, survey and destroy cells that are mutant.”

The results are supported by another study in the same issue of Cancer Cell also showing TSLP prevents skin cancer in mice.

Allergy News: The fall sneezing capitals of the U.S. : Louisville, Wichita, Knoxville, Jackson, McAkllen...

Fall is a time to enjoy beautiful colors and autumn weather outdoors. But for 40 million Americans with seasonal allergies, this time of year brings an unwelcome harvest: trillions of pollen particles traveling through the air right into your eyes, nose and mouth. Allergic rhinitis – also called nasal allergies, seasonal allergies or hay fever – is among the most common chronic diseases for children and adults, affecting more than 12 percent of the U.S. population.
 

The primary fall allergy trigger – ragweed pollen – causes itchy runny nose, nasal congestion, repeated sneezing, watery eyes, inflamed sinuses and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing. It can be more problematic if you also have asthma.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recently announced its 2012 Fall Allergy Capitals™ ranking, and Louisville, Kentucky, tops the list as “the most challenging place to live with fall allergies.” The annual report names 100 U.S. cities based on an analysis of three factors including pollen, allergy medications usage and the number of allergists per patient. See the full list at www.AllergyCapitals.com.

The Top 5 Fall Allergy Capitals this year are:

1. Louisville, KY
2. Wichita, KS
3. Knoxville, TN
4. Jackson, MS
5. McAllen, TX

“Everyone seems to be feeling allergies these days and fall is the most common allergy season after spring,” says Dr. Beth Corn, a Board Certified Allergist in New York City and a member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “No matter if it’s men, women or children, in the city, suburbs or the country, allergies don’t discriminate,” says Corn.

Renting vs. owning: How it may affect asthma

Renters are less likely to follow suggestions
to minimize exposure to allergens: Survey

Whether you rent or own your home can make a difference in the way you handle your asthma, a new survey suggests.

The survey of people with allergic asthma showed that homeowners are more likely to make the recommended changes to help minimize exposures to allergens that may affect their breathing.

Common asthma triggers in the home include dust mites, pet dander, pollen and mold.

Experts say that more than half of asthma sufferers in the U.S. have allergic reactions to environmental pollutants.

Making sure that asthma triggers in the home are under control can help manage asthma, but renters are less likely to make the effort than homeowners were, according to the study. While 91% of homeowners took steps to reduce exposures, only 63% of renters did.

Some of the recommendations may be impractical for renters, including the removal of carpeting, but others are easy to follow and can make a big difference, experts say.

Some recommendations to minimize exposures are

• Wash bedding in hot water to reduce dust mites
• Clean visible mold
• Reduce humidity to below 60% to prevent mold growth
• Avoid smoking in the home
• Wear a dust mask when cleaning
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
• Use an air purifier to reduce dust, allergens and other contaminants in the air
• Don’t allow pets in the bedroom

The study appeared in the August issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Source: WebMD

Air purifiers for asthma and allergy sufferers

Allergens and substances that can trigger asthma are often part of our ambient air, and they can be quickly and efficiently removed by a good air purifier.

Most air purifiers for asthma rely on a HEPA filter to remove up to 99.97% of fine particles down to 0.3 microns, which can cause inflammation in the lung tissue.

AllerAir's AirMedic+ Series
removes particles, chemicals
and other asthmagens.

AllerAir’s air purifiers for asthma and allergies go one step further. While they boast medical-grade HEPA filters with an efficiency rating of 99.97% at 0.3 microns, they also feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter to remove airborne chemicals, gases and odors that are also known to cause or aggravate asthma and allergies.

Optional UV germicidal filtration can help neutralize biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria and viruses.

Leaving an air purifier like the AirMedic+ Exec (which was recently chosen as the top pick for an asthmatic on a TV show on the OWN network – read the press release here) or a 5000 Exec on a low setting in the bedroom can make a huge difference in the air quality and the occupant’s well-being.

Contact AllerAir for more information.

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