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Topic of the Month: December 2004
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 In this month's topic you will learn: |
As 2004 comes to an end, the AAAAI is highlighting research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI) that has made an impact in the treatment/management of allergic disease. The JACI is the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the AAAAI.
Indoor Allergens
Perennial allergies are triggered by indoor allergens, including house dust mite droppings, animal dander, cockroach droppings and indoor molds.
Two notable studies from the JACI this year highlighted indoor allergens:
- Dog and cat allergen present in 100% of U.S. homes
Impact: The study found that although a dog or cat had lived in only 49.1% of the homes, dog and cat allergen was detected in 100% and 99.9% respectively. - National prevalence and exposure risk for mouse allergen in U.S. households
Impact: This new research shows the widespread prevalence of mouse allergens and indicated where risk is greatest in the home. This might help physicians assess patient risk for exposure and help them suggest avoidance techniques.
Peanut Allergy
Food allergens are the protein parts of food that are responsible for food allergy. The most common food allergens responsible for up to 90% of all allergic reactions are the proteins in cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts. Peanut and/or tree nut (e.g. walnut, almond and cashew) allergy affects about 3 million Americans, or 1.1% of the population (AAAAI statistics)
The following studies from the JACI shed new light on peanut allergy avoidance:
- Common household cleaning agents successful in eliminating peanut allergen
Impact: The study's findings provide a better understanding of the extent and likelihood of potential exposure to peanut allergen in various settings. - Avoiding peanuts may result in recurrence of allergy
Impact: Based on the study's results, researchers recommend that patients eat concentrated forms of peanut at least once a month after outgrowing their peanut allergy in an attempt to maintain their tolerance to peanut.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects more than 17 million Americans. Asthma is characterized by inflammation of the airways. The inflammation makes the airways smaller and therefore more difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs.
Listed below are two studies from the JACI that discussed developments in asthma prevention:
- Dietary intervention maybe decrease asthma symptoms
Impact: A diet including high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the development of cough in children with a high risk for asthma. - Breastfeeding reduces risk of asthma in first four years of life
Impact: Researchers found: - Four year olds who had been exclusively breast-fed for the first four months showed a lower risk of asthma.
- 9.1% of children exclusively breast-fed for less than 4 months had asthma, compared to 6.4% among children breast-fed 4 months or more.
Hygiene Hypothesis
The following studies provide support for the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that exposure to infections early in life decreases the risk of developing allergies. More information is needed about the types of infections that protect against allergies and the pathways by which they mediate their effect.
- Protection against allergic disease linked to early dog exposure
Impact: Exposure to dogs in the first year of life enhances the development of the immune system, which reduces allergic sensitization and atopic dermatitis - Early fever protects against allergies
Impact: Children who have a fever before age one are less likely to develop allergies at age 6-7 years.
President George Bush signed a new food labeling act in 2004 that will provide clear, consistent and reliable ingredient label information. The bill will come into effect January 1, 2006, and is referred to as The Food Allergen and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). The bill will benefit millions of Americans by ensuring all allergens are disclosed. To continue with this article click here.
For additional information, please visit the following links:
Indoor allergen tip brochure
Food allergy tip brochure
Asthma triggers and management
The Food, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Allergy & Asthma Advocate
Find an Allergist
This topic was reviewed on 11/29/2004 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI,
Patients & Consumers Web Editor.
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