"Chronic sinusitis is an often debilitating illness with symptoms comparable to those of serious medical diseases," says researcher Alexander C. Chester, M.D., a clinical professor at GUMC and practicing internist at Foxhall Internists based in Washington, DC.  

Chester says despite 15 years of advances about what is known of the illness, the information isn't making its way to internists because it has not been published in journals or other sources often reviewed by internists, who most often treat sinusitis.  

For instance, in a study published in the Head and Neck Surgery Journal, researchers have determined that extreme fatigue is more likely an indicator of a sinus infection.

Researchers of this study, said, “This is the first prospective analysis that demonstrates a correlation between the severity of CT scan evidence for rhino-sinusitis and the severity of patient reports of fatigue, sleep disturbance, nasal discharge or post nasal drip, nasal blockage and decreased sense of smell. An isolated headache and facial pain or pressure were less reliable predictors of a sinus infection.” 

Chester’s recent study concludes new information such as the importance of a CT scan study for physicians who care for patients with a chronic case of sinusitis. This "information gap" is evident for general practitioners with patients suffering from sinusitis. 

Traditional sources of information for physicians include journals, textbooks, board preparation review material, and Internet databases. Much of this information is provided, directly or indirectly, by the American College of Physicians, the nation's largest medical specialty society. 

"Internists who rely on traditional sources of information provided to their specialty may conclude that chronic rhinosinusitis is not an illness that is often associated with significant morbidity and that endoscopic sinus surgery is not an effective treatment," Chester says in a statement. 

Chester advises papers on chronic sinusitis be presented at general internal medicine meetings, but suggests that more studies, review articles, and evidence-based analyses need to be submitted to general medical journals for publication.   

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2010/08/17/Doctors-need-more-sinusitis-research/UPI-32811282018763/ 

http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=1220  

http://esciencenews.com/articles/2010/08/15/primary.care.doctors.get.little.information.about.chronic.sinusitis

A retrospective study to assess the impact of 48 portable HEPA filter units in the Singapore General Hospital was conducted. All patients with possible, probable, or proven invasive aspergillosis at discharge were included. Researchers used a standardized data extraction form and reviewed medical records, and radiographic, microbiological, and pathological reports.

In wards with portable HEPA filters, the incidence rate of fungal disease was 34.61 per 100,000 patient-days. This was reduced to 17.51 per 100,000 patient-days after installing portable HEPA filters. In wards with no HEPA filters, there was no significant change in the incidence rate during the study period. Portable HEPA filters were associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.49 (95% CI, 0.28-0.85; P = .01), adjusted for diagnosis and length of hospital stay. 

In conclusion, portable HEPA filters are effective in the prevention of Invasive Aspergillosis. The cost of widespread portable HEPA filtration in hospitals will be more than offset by the decreases in infections. 

In addition, some published evidence suggests that HEPA filtration also can significantly reduce infection rates of staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp, mycobacteria, and some viruses. 

 
Sources:

http://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(09)00946-8/abstract

http://130.88.242.202/medicine/Aspergillus/articlesoverflow/20129702.pdf

Over 80 percent of asthmatic patients show hypersensitivity to house dust mite allergens and more than 50 percent of these patients react specifically to Der p 7. Dust mite allergen may actually trigger asthma attacks and is one of the most important causes of asthma attacks worldwide. Exposure to dust mites may also cause the onset of asthma.

Der p 7 is especially important because its distribution is for all practical purposes worldwide.   

The authors suggest that Der p 7 may act similarly to another dust mite allergen, Der p 2, and potentially interfere with normal innate host defense signaling through Toll-like receptors. However, how Der p 7 functions in the dust mite, why it causes allergic reaction in humans, and why it is associated with asthma are still unknown.

More studies are necessary to answer these questions. 

The structures of these allergens are known and they can be produced as authentic recombinant allergens. There is also evidence that reactions are augmented by the biological activity of the key allergens, validating them as targets for vaccination. Collectively, these developments should facilitate the development of new diagnostics, improve immunotherapy, and allow vaccination with defined reagents. 

 
Sources:

Mueller GA, Edwards LL, Aloor JJ, Fessler MB, Glesner J, Pomes A, et al.

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2010/may/science-intramural.cfm

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/pubmed/20226507    

http://healthychild.org/issues/chemicalpop/Dermatophagoides_pteronyssinus,_D._farinae/  

http://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/abstract/S1471-4914(10)00059-6  
 

The beds of 14 children were tested with dust mite allergy bedding and washing all bedding with a solution proven as a dust mite killer. Beds occupied by the siblings of the 14 children were used as the control group and were not treated. Dust was vacuumed from beds and settled dust was collected and measured. The level of dust mite allergens in treated beds was immediately reduced almost 10-fold, and levels remained low over an extended period of time.

"Washing bedding in extremely hot water once a week and using dust mite allergy bedding are the easiest and most effective ways to reduce allergen levels in the home," said Michael Ruff, MD, spokesperson of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. "This study proves that even allergy and asthma sufferers living in areas with high humidity can benefit from hypoallergenic bedding."

Researchers from London’s Kingston University say that an untidy bed is healthy because house dust mites don’t thrive on it, thereby deterring allergens that trigger asthma and allergies. 

Researcher Dr. Stephen Pretlove said the goal of their research is to come up with healthy building and home designs that deter dust mites, which induce illnesses costing over $900 million to treat each year. The scientists developed a computer model to track how changes in the home can reduce numbers of dust mites in beds. The bugs’ population apparently lessens as a result of dust mite protection strategies used in the home. 

Pretlove said: “We know that mites can only survive by taking in water from the atmosphere using small glands on the outside of their body. Something as simple as leaving a bed unmade during the day can remove moisture from the sheets and mattress so the mites will dehydrate and eventually die.” 

In contrast, dust mites enjoy the humidity generated by all the breathing, perspiring, and drooling we do at night and feeding on all the skin flakes we produce. Those suffering from allergies and asthma now have proven ways to prevent allergens from affecting them. 

 
Sources:

http://gantdaily.com/2010/07/06/study-unmade-beds-keep-away-dust-mites/ 

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/411974

Miele commissioned Interbasic Resources (IBR), a recognized independent laboratory, to conduct an emissions test comparing their vacuum against four leading bagless brands. Two significant tests were performed. The first series measured vacuum cleaner emissions from the vacuum while running without any ASTM materials introduced into the system. The second test involved placing a device on the vent of the vacuum that measures dust particles emitted from each machine while ingesting ASTM materials. Each test was replicated three separate times according to the strictest scientific protocols. 

The scientific evidence proves the Miele vacuums capture and retain 99.99% of harmful pollutants, which is 21x better than their bagless rivals. "In fact, the particle emissions from Miele's vacuum was next to nothing," says Nadine Gast, Senior Product Manager for Miele.  "The results clearly demonstrate that Miele vacuums equipped with the AirClean™ Filter-bag™ are the best at eliminating dangerous fine particles released into the air when vacuuming."  

Gast explains, "[. . .] what the test doesn't show is just how many particles are released back into the air when the bagless vacuum bin is emptied. It's an indoor environmental disaster! If you can smell the dust after cleaning the bin, you are already inhaling fine lung damaging particles." A Miele vacuum with its unique spring-loaded collar locks shut when removed to trap particles and keep them out of the airstream.

While the information provided didn’t give the study’s protocol, the results showed that “children aged 3 years with high visible mold in the home during infancy were 7 times more likely to have a positive API than were those with no visible mold (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-12.6).”

Note: API stands for Asthma Predictive Index and is “a guide to determining which small children will likely have asthma in later years.”

Of other variables the study looked at, “mother's smoking was the strongest significant risk factor for the future development of asthma based on a positive API (aOR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.7-11.6).”

The conclusion of the study is simple: Environments in which there is high visible mold and the mother smoking during infancy are the greatest risk factors for children developing asthma.  

To help reduce your family’s exposure to mold and cigarette smoke, you can apply these strategies: 

1. Eliminate smoking in your home

2. Use an air purifier for asthma

3. Make sure your home has adequate ventilation

4. Keep indoor humidity levels low

5. Check for leaks and promptly take care of any found 

Resources:

http://allergynotes.blogspot.com/2009/04/mold-and-mothers-smoking-during-infancy.html 

In a new study featured in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology researchers, Stefan Zielen, MD; Peter Kardos, MD; Enzo Madonini, MD presented “the results of their study of the effects of adding immunotherapy (allergy shots) to an ICS regimen on the amount of ICS that kids with allergic asthma would need.” 

The study included 65 children, ages 6 to 17. All the children were allergic to dust mites that triggered their asthma symptoms and were being treated with ICS therapy which provided good asthma symptom control.  

In the 2 year study “half of the children received ICS (fluticasone propionate) only, and half received fluticasone propionate plus allergy shots (SCIT) made with a chemically modified dust mite allergen called an allergoid. During the winter periods of the study – the season when mite exposure is highest – doctors adjusted each child’s ICS dose down to the lowest possible amount that could still maintain good asthma control.” 

The findings proved to be great for children: those treated with a combination of allergy shots specifically for house dust mites and ICS “were able to reduce their ICS dose by 50% compared with less than a 30% decrease in the control group who received only ICS.” 

In addition to this, the children on the combination therapy also had “significant improvement in other asthma markers over the group receiving only ICS.” 

The authors’ conclusions suggest that this combination therapy is a more effective and safer strategy to produce good asthma control than the higher doses of ICS alone.

Allergy News Wire is reporting that Mold allergies are now rampant. Mold allergy typically increase during late summer and fall months.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the, “Number of ambulatory care visits (to physician offices, hospital outpatient departments, and emergency departments) with a primary diagnosis of allergic rhinitis: 13.1 million.” With numbers this high, it’s important to take note if you are a mold allergy sufferer. 

The problem is mold spores allergy – mold is a trigger for allergic rhinitis and asthma, and as mentioned above, mold’s peak season is late summer and fall.  

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found sufficient evidence to make a connection between indoor mold exposure to “upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition.”

For those sensitive to mold, or those who already have a mold allergy, the reactions may be more severe. And, for those with immune-compromised illnesses, and chronic lung illnesses, mold exposure may cause serious infections in their lungs.  

The IOM study also found suggestive evidence linking healthy people, specifically children, to respiratory illnesses from indoor exposure to mold. While further studies are need to determine the exact cause of mold and adverse health effects, there are some guidelines for limiting your exposure to mold and reducing mold spores allergy symptoms.

• Keep the humidity level in your home between 40% and 60%.
• Be sure your home has enough ventilation.
• Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing.
• Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
• Use an air purifier for asthma, and be sure to use an allergy HEPA filter.
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
• Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
• Remove carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider removing carpets from areas such as bathrooms and basements.
• To learn more about preventing mold in your home, visit http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldguide.html or see this Mold Control Guide 

Addtional Resources: 

 http://www.epa.gov/mold/preventionandcontrol.html

 http://www.nbc26.com/Global/story.asp?S=12900633

In a recent study highlighted in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, researchers Matthew A Rank MD, Peter Wollan PhD, Hirohito Kita MD, Barbara P Yawn MD, MSc “reviewed the medical histories of 1,100 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis to learn if there might be a seasonal pattern to sinus flare-ups.”

Chronic sinus infections, otherwise known as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), “is a condition in which the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses are inflamed and swollen, causing long-lasting symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain, headache, nasal discharge, and cough.”

Of the 1100 participating patients whose medical histories were reviewed as part of the study, 800 had a least one chronic sinus infection or CRS incident during the two-year study period. The finding discovered that during the winter months, the upper Midwestern United States patients were two times more likely to go to their doctor due to a CRS flare up compared to the non-winter months. 

The authors of the report stated that possible reasons for CRS flare ups during winter might be due to viral infections, poor air quality, air temperatures, air humidity, or exposure to indoor allergens and irritants. 

Petrochemical refineries produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that combine in the air and are heated by the sun to form ozone. Ozone is especially harmful to children, the elderly and people who suffer from respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. 

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology published a study in March of 2009, which concluded, “Exposure to particulate matter and volatile organic compounds arising from petrochemical plants but not from high traffic density was associated with worse asthma and respiratory health in children.” 

When airplane measurements of reactive chemicals made by the researchers were compared to reported levels by the industry, the levels were significantly underestimated.  

States like Texas with major ozone problems are required by the government to keep accurate records of air pollution episodes and develop plans for mitigation. Therefore, modelers need good numbers.  

The conflicting data is likely a problem of estimation and general industry practice. "There are tens of thousands of valves and fittings installed throughout the plants in most cases with an assumed -- not measured -- leak rate for each," Washenfelder, lead study author said.  

"There are a lot of discussions with the petrochemical industry on how to measure these things instead of relying on estimates," said co-author, de Gouw.  Researchers found the concentrations of ethene and propene, which both contribute to ozone formation, dropped by 52 percent and 48 percent respectively in recent years.

 
Both scientists see this study as a wake-up call for emissions monitoring.

Sources:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/197606.php 

http://www.airalliancehouston.org/air_pollution_101/  

 
The CDC reports that 10 percent of children in the United States today have asthma.  That number is up from 3.6 percent in 1980. Formaldehyde, styrene, and four other toxic substances were found in school cleaning supplies that all contribute to asthma.

 
Children are uniquely vulnerable to toxic exposures due to their small size, their play habits, and hand-to-mouth behavior. Children accidentally exposed to harsh, corrosive cleaners can suffer burns to skin and eyes, and inhaling the fumes can cause lung damage. Many cleaners contain ingredients known to cause asthma in otherwise healthy people, and an even larger number of these chemical can trigger asthma attacks.  

The federal government does not require health and safety testing of cleaning products or ingredients. It also does not require that cleaning products carry a list of ingredients. When compared to products that were "certified green," tests revealed that the green products released less than 20 percent of the pollution released by their conventional counterparts.

 
Based on its findings, EWG is urging the California state legislature to adopt the Clean and Healthy Schools Act which would require public schools to use certified green cleaning products. 
 
 
Additional Sources:

http://www.naturalnews.com/027848_cleaning_supplies_schools.html  

Alternative medicine and allergy home remedies includes Chinese medicine, acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, naturopathic treatments, holistic healing, kinesiology, chiropractic care, among other avenues of treating health issues that do not usually involve Western medicine or treatments. 

One of the more recent holistic healing services to hit the market is Golden Clear. According to the company’s site, Golden Clear is “powerful new approach that uses a simple and effective method to radically eliminate all symptoms of allergies—no needles, no drugs! 

This is quite a statement . . . and the site information states this product is non-invasive.  

Anyone suffering with allergy symptoms knows the drill: nasal and sinus congestion, nasal stuffiness, itchy nose and eyes, watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, and even wheezing, among other. Having safe alternative options for dealing with and reducing those miserable allergy symptoms, including asthma, is every allergy sufferer’s wish.  

What is Golden Clear? 

The company explains that the process consists of Bio Energetic Intollerance Elimination (BIE) which uses a lightweight state-of-the-art device (GSR-120 BIE Unit) that transmits a low electronic frequency directly onto various acupressure points.(1) It is used to work “bioenergetically” with people with a number of health issues, including allergies and intolerances, as well as multiple chemical sensitivities and autoimmune diseases. 

The gist of their process is similar to acupuncture and kinesiology in that its goal is to clear blocked energy pathways – in acupuncture these pathways are called meridians which go through the entire body, much like the body’s veins and arteries. When these blockages are cleared, the body can work its own natural healing magic and help restore health. 

With any new health endeavor, it’s essential to discuss any changes or addition to your health regimen with your doctor first.  

Sources: 

(1) http://goldenclear.com/treatment.html

(2) http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/thegoldenstar/business/99857759.html

GoldenStar.net

(3) http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/what_are_meridians#ixzz0whJeqoMu

Take a fish-oil supplement every morning.  It may sound unpleasant, but they actually have no identifiable taste.  Taken over a month long period, they have been proven to lower levels of leukotrienes in your body, which are known to cause allergic reactions. 

Eat a kiwi every morning.  Kiwis are chalk full of Vitamin C, as are oranges and grapefruit, which can help you fend off future allergy attacks.  Reports have shown that low levels of Vitamin C can leave us susceptible to allergic reactions.

Avoid foods that contain monosodium benzoate.  Monosodium benzoate can be found in juices, pickles, salad dressings, or olives, so make sure you read the labels on the food products that you purchase before consuming them.  Studies indicate that foods containing this additive have been known to cause allergy-like symptoms such as runny nose, itchy nostrils, sneezing, or stuffy nose.

If the house feels stuffy or humid, turn on your AC and keep it above 65 degrees.  Air conditioners don't just keep your home cool, but they filter out the air circulating throughout your home as well.  Turn it on a low level, and keep it above 65, so that your AC can clean out the allergens and mold-prone moisture in your home that could potentially spark an allergy attack.

Run the fan or open a window when showering.  This is a great idea especially if you like taking really hot showers.  The moisture from the steam settles on the surfaces of counters, walls, and shelves in your bathroom.  If this moisture is not dried, it can begin to mold, which will greatly increase the likelihood of your experiencing an allergic reaction.

Keep your shower curtain clean, or replace it every few months.  Your shower curtain is constantly moist and can easily begin to grow mold.  To keep you clear of allergy attacks sparked by mold, keep your shower curtain dry and clean or simply replace it as you see fit.

Wash your bed sheets every week in hot water.  Washing your bedding weekly will rid your sheets of microscopic dust mites that tend to spark allergy attacks.  As it gets colder, we tend to cuddle up in blankets more frequently.  Make sure you keep any blanket you use regularly, whether in the bedroom or in the living room, washed weekly to keep your entire home clear of allergy-inducing dust mites.

Kyle Simpson writes for ChristmasSongs.net, your comprehensive resource for the best in holiday music.

A substantial study including 13,000 newborns was conducted between 2004 and 2006 at Tel Aviv University in Israel by Yitzhak Katz, MD and his colleagues. The study focused on the causes and occurrence of CMA. The American Academy Of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in an article discussed this study and stated that the research has recognized “an actual prevalence of IgE-mediated CMA (the classic type of allergic response that is driven by the presence of IgE antibodies to milk proteins and causes immediate, potentially dangerous allergic reaction).” 

The results of the research revealed three separate periods during infancy when it is likely for CMA to occur.  Introduction of CMP between 1-14 days of life had a rate of occurrence of 0.05%. When an infant was introduced to CMP at a later period between 105-194 days of life the rate of occurrence drastically increased to 1.75%.  It seems that when newborns have early exposure to cow’s milk protein (CMP), it may offer protection from developing an allergy to cow’s milk.  Another finding of the study shows that classic CMA is occurring at a rate of 0.5%, which is actually less than was previously considered. In addition the research uncovered that soy may be a good alternative for infants suffering from IgE-CMA. 

The new findings are in opposition to the current recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). Presently, WHO advises that babies should be solely breast fed until the age of six months. Perhaps the guidelines should be reevaluated to include the introduction of cow’s milk at an earlier age. 

Additional Sources: 

http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(10)00688-3/abstract

http://www.aaaai.org/patients/jaci/content.asp?contentid=9976   

Of all children under the age of three in Europe and North America, between 6% and 8% of them have some kind of food allergy. Some reactions to food can be severe and are a major problem. 

However, more than two million children are wrongly diagnosed as having a food allergy and are being placed on potentially harmful diets. Studies have shown that up to 17 per cent of the people who think they are allergic to milk, when challenged with dairy products, only three per cent showed symptoms. 

The institute has decided, for the first time, to issue guidance about child food allergies for GPs (General Practitioners) to help them spot the signs of a possible allergy, and know when to do more tests. 

Unexplained rashes, wheezing, running nose, swellings, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and abdominal pain should all raise the possibility of a food allergy, the guidance said.

When doctors suspect a food allergy is responsible, they should take a detailed medical history asking about other family members with allergies, pets, household smoking habits and how long symptoms have persisted.  

Then, if an allergy is likely, tests can be conducted including avoiding the suspect food for a period of time, skin prick tests and blood tests to detect a hypersensitive immune system.  

The guidance advises against using allergy tests offered by non-medical practitioners, some of which include hair analysis and kinesiology. These tests frequently misdiagnose conditions in children. “This [research] implies that there are a lot of children (up to about 20 per cent) with wrongly self reported diagnoses of various food allergies who are not eating certain foods because they think they are allergic to them and have not had a confirmed diagnosis,” a spokesman said. “This impacts on their quality of life.” 

 
Sources: 

http://www.holycowallergy.com/v/3570/4F0I3  

http://info-wars.org/2010/08/11/two-million-children-wrongly-labelled-with-food-allergies-guidance/  

The release emphasizes that the new device from Sinus Dynamics™ is a “portable large volume powered atomizer that delivers the mist through the nasal passages entering the sinus cavity topically.” It comes with a rechargeable battery and has the capacity to combine multiple sinus medications, including antibiotics. The medications are delivered in 30 to complete treatment in one sweep.

Patients suffering from allergy symptoms, nasal or sinus inflammation, and sinus congestion are all too familiar with nasal sprays. There are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription nasal sprays such as saline solutions to keep the sinus passages moist; antihistamines to block histamine release; steroids to prevent or reduce inflammation that may arise from allergic reactions, and non-steroid medications such as Cromolyn. 

With allergies ever on the rise, and the need for medications to treat nasal and sinus problems, the new NasaTouch™ Portable Nasal Delivery Device may mean quick and easy help for sufferers. 

More Info: 

Sinus Pain Products

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/08/prweb4367544.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/cromolyn-sodium-nasal-spray

In a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers from Weifang Asthma Hospital and Weifang School of Medicine in China, along with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, reported that an oral combination of these three Chinese herbs could be as effective as conventional asthma medicines. The upside is ASHMI will not cause the serious side effects sometimes experienced with conventional medicines. For instance, commonly used Corticosteroids can increase susceptibility to infection and slow growth rates in children.  

91 patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma were admitted to the hospital for a four-week double-blind study. 45 of the patients received 20mg of prednisone per day and placebo capsules resembling ASHMI. Forty-six of the patients were given an herbal combination called ASHMI plus placebo tablets resembling 20mg of prednisone. 

The results were rather remarkable. ASHMI had a beneficial effect on both TH1 and TH2 cytokine levels and absolutely no adverse effects on adrenal function in the study participants. Additionally, the ASHMI group experienced significantly less gastric discomfort and no weight gain. The prednisone group experienced both significant weight-gain, and gastric discomfort. 

“ASHMI reduced total immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels, from approximately 850 to 500 kU/L in patients with allergic asthma,” reported co-investigator Laverne L. Brown, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Science at Mount Sinai Hospital.  "If we can find out what specific compounds in these herbs exert the greatest effect, we can isolate them and develop them for asthma. We wouldn't have to give the whole herb or other compounds that may not have the effect we want."  

 
Sources: 

http://www.azmacare.com/clear-breathing-with-chinese-herbs/  

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/589733 

http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=30254  
 
Asthma Image:

• FluMist, MedImmune Vaccines Inc.
• Fluvirin, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited
• Fluzone and Fluzone High-Dose, Sanofi Pasteur Inc.
• Afluria, CSL Limited
• Agriflu, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics
• Fluarix, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals
• FluLaval, ID Biomedical Corporation

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, food allergy is an emerging pathology; and egg allergy is the most frequent in childhood. As flu vaccine is cultured in egg, there are risks for those with egg allergies. Each of these companies has a slightly different list of ingredients. Check with your doctor to find out which vaccines he’ll be offering.  Go online to the companies’ website to check for ingredient proportions.   
 
In the recently released Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices it states, “Hypersensitivity reactions after receipt of vaccine are caused by the presence of residual egg protein in the vaccine. Although influenza vaccines contain only a limited quantity of egg protein, this protein can induce immediate hypersensitivity reactions among persons who have severe egg allergy. Persons who have documented IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to eggs might be at increased risk for allergic reactions to influenza vaccine, and consultation with a physician before vaccination should be considered.” 

Parents of children with egg hypersensitivity can opt for a program of desensitization. Egg-free vaccines are available, but not yet approved in the U.S.  Soon we may not have to make these tough choices. 
 
Sources:

http://www.acaai.org/patients/resources/allergies/Pages/flu-shots-egg-allergy.aspx  

According to the study, led by Dr. Robyn T. Cohen at Drexel University in Philadelphia and published in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, the children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy received less benefits from inhaled asthma medication than children whose mothers did not smoke during pregnancy.

The study noted the involvement of 1041 children aged 5-12 years of age. Each had a history and diagnosis of mild to persistent asthma and participated in the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) clinical trial of the effectiveness of inhaled asthma medications. The authors looked specifically at a connection between “parent-reported in utero tobacco smoke exposure” and reduced benefits of “inhaled corticosteroids used to treat asthmatic children.”

The findings “show that prenatal tobacco smoke exposure may be important in determining how well the asthmatic child responds to inhaled corticosteroids.” This new information adds to all previous evidence of the harmful and long lasting effects of prenatal smoke exposure and the importance of an Air Purifier for Asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids are an essential treatment for children and adults with asthma. Medicinenet.com explains: “Current maintenance therapy for asthma is directed primarily at airway inflammation. The application of topical inhaled steroids on the air passages is a very effective means of managing the chronic symptoms of asthma.” Reducing the effectiveness of these typical and important asthma medications is problematic to say the least for asthma sufferers.

Additional information at MedilinePlus states: “Lab research suggests that prenatal exposure to smoke can influence the development of the lung structure or the smooth muscles of the airways, which could affect the body's later response to asthma medications.” 

Additional Sources:

Best air purifier for smoke