Symptoms Of Allergic Disease Research Articles

Increased Serum Interleukin-10 Could lead to Allergic Disease Development in Helicobacter pylori Infected Adult

Some research reported a protective effect of increased IL-10 in the development of allergic disease in children with H.pylori infection. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of increased serum IL-10 levels and allergic disease symptoms in adult infected with H. pylori, furthermore we studied an association between ABO blood group with H. pylori infection. Methodes: Slide heamagglutination test was used to determine the blood group phenotype in 214 patients seropositiveH.pylori which they submitted to Azadi teaching hospital in Kirkuk city-Iraq for diagnosis and treatment, in addition serum levels of anti H. pylori antibody, IL-10, IL-4 and total IgE were assayed using ELISA kits for 70 patients, as well as for 20 healthy control. Results. The result showed significant increasing of the serum levels IL-10 and IL-4(P=0.000,0.003 respectively) and total IgE level (p=0.014) in H. pylori seropositive patients. Also the study showed higher incidence of H.pylori infection within O blood group of patients in compared with general population (p=0.000). Conclusion:H.pylori infection associated with increased IL-10 levels and IL-4 levels, and IL-4 production may responsible for the increase in serum IgE level and higher incidence of infection in O blood phenotype may considered as an etiological risk factor for the development of H. pylori infection.

Chemical Additives from the Composition of Plastic Products and Other Materials in Establishing Diagnosis for Alergy Disease

Many of the chemical additives in the plastic products, besides the possible safety problems that may arise during the production process, have negative effecty, too, on the environment and human health. Plastic is a synthetic polymer. The polymers include starch, latex and cellulose, combined with different substances and chemicals, used in various formulas, the polymer is included in the naylon. At high temperatures such as microwave oven temperature, polymers can migrate from the packaging plastic in food. In most cases, establishing the diagnosis of allergic disease is a complex and difficult operation. This difficulty is primarily related to the polymorphism of the clinical manifestations accompanying allergic reactions, the existence during the evolution of these conditions, of long clinical asymptomatic latencies, as well as due to numerous subjective and objective symptoms that overlap with those caused by the allergen, complicating and altering the clinical picture. Allergies are an abnormal reaction of the body to allergens and develop in two stages. After the first contact with the allergen, the IgE antibodies are produced, and the second contact produces the allergic reaction. The produced antibodies will release the chemical mediators (histamine, prostaglandine, etc.) which cause an inflammatory response, vascular changes and irritation of the tissues, with the appearance of symptoms specific to allergy: redness, rash, itching, edema, etc.The so complex symptom of allergic diseases comprises several systems and organs at the same time, and the existence of over-additive phenomena makes it impossible to have characteristic clinical symptoms of allergic diseases that allow their identification only by clinical examination. However, this does not mean that the clinical exam and the analysis of the various objective and subjective symptoms presented by the patient is of no importance in establishing the diagnosis and recognizing the allergic character of the disease.The study includes a number of patients studied at the Galati Allergy Clinic. Specific immunotherapy known as desensitization or anti-allergic vaccination, is designed to fight the causes of allergies that occur when the immune system misinterprets harmless substances. Clinical examination results are complemented by allergen and specific antibody research; skin tests are the most common method for allergen detection.

Intranasal Administration of IL-27 Ameliorates Nasal Allergic Responses and Symptoms

Background: Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is an initiator of the Th1 response and inhibits inflammatory responses. In a mouse model of asthma, administration of IL-27 reduced eosinophil numbers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and airway hyperresponsiveness. However, it is unclear whether administration of IL-27 can inhibit symptoms of allergic diseases and allergic rhinitis as a therapeutic agent. Therefore, we investigated the in vivo effect of IL-27 on nasal symptoms and allergic rhinitis. Methods: Mice sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) antigen received intranasal administration of IL-27. Results: Intranasal administration of IL-27 significantly suppressed the number of sneezes and nasal rubbing movements, the number of eosinophils, OVA-specific T-cell responses in cervical lymph nodes, production of IL-4 and IL-5, and OVA-specific IgE in sera, compared with the administration of PBS alone. The production of IL-10 and IL-35, the percentage of CD25+Foxp3+ cells, and the gene expression of Foxp3 in mice that received intranasal administration of IL-27 were also significantly higher than those in mice that received only PBS. Conclusions: This study showed, for the first time, that intranasal administration of IL-27 inhibited nasal allergic responses and symptoms even after the establishment of allergic rhinitis and suggested that IL-27 is useful as an intranasal therapeutic agent.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Pentaherbs formula and Its Influence on Gut Microbiota in Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is a highly prevalent airway inflammatory disease, which involves the interaction between the immune system, environmental and genetic factors. Co-relation between allergic asthma and gut microbiota upon the change of diet have been widely reported, implicating that oral intake of alternative medicines possess a potential in the management of allergic asthma. Previous clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies have shown that the Pentaherbs formula (PHF) comprising five traditional Chinese herbal medicines Lonicerae Flos, Menthae Herba, Phellodendri Cortex, Moutan Cortex, and Atractylodis Rhizoma possesses an anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory potential through suppressing various immune effector cells. In the present study, to further investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of PHF in allergic asthma, intragastrical administration of PHF was found to reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, airway wall remodeling and goblet cells hyperplasia in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma mice model. PHF also significantly suppressed pulmonary eosinophilia and asthma-related cytokines IL-4 and IL-33 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. In addition, PHF modulated the splenic regulatory T cells population, up-regulated regulatory interleukin (IL)-10 in serum, altered the microbial community structure and the short chain fatty acids content in the gut of the asthmatic mice. This study sheds light on the anti-inflammatory activities of PHF on allergic asthma. It also provides novel in vivo evidence that herbal medicines can ameliorate symptoms of allergic diseases may potentially prevent the development of subsequent atopic disorder such as allergic asthma through the influence of the gut microbiota.

Allergy-related disorders (ARDs) among Ethiopian primary school-aged children: Prevalence and associated risk factors.

BackgroundThere has been a noticeable increase in the prevalence of allergy-related disorders (ARDs) in the modern era. Urbanization is believed to be a major environmental risk factor for the onset of ARDs but data from low- to middle-income countries is limited.ObjectiveOur purpose was to assess the prevalence of ARDs and atopy among a population of rural Ethiopian school children and identify environmental and lifestyle factors associated with such disorders.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study on 541 school-children. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to the mothers of each participant provided information on demographic and lifestyle variables. Questions on allergic disease symptoms were based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) core allergy and environmental questionnaire. Skin prick test for common allergens German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and dust mite (Dermatophagoides) was performed to define atopy. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the odds ratio between ARDs and atopy with specific environmental and lifestyle habits.Results541 children responded to the survey questions: the majority of participants were female (60.3%) and aged 10–15 years-old. The prevalence of any ARD was 27%, while the rates of ever-having eczema, rhinitis, and wheeze was found to be 16.8%, 9.6%, and 8.6% respectively. Only 3.6% (19 school-children) tested positive for any skin sensitization. Analysis of associated factors for ARDs found that a family history of allergic disorders (AOR: 2.80; p-value<0.01), use of insecticides (AOR: 2.05; p-value<0.01), and wearing open-toed shoes (AOR: 2.19; p-value = 0.02) were all significantly associated factors. Insecticide use, river-bathing, and infection with intestinal parasites were found to be significantly associated factors for atopy. Other potential risk factors such as frequent use of soap, bacterial infection, and household crowding had no statistical significance.ConclusionOur study suggests that the prevalence of skin sensitization and ARDs in rural populations of developing countries is still relatively low. We identified several possible risk factors for further investigation. Overall, the significance of identified risk factors appears to indicate that genetic predisposition and exposure to environmental pollution are more important to the etiology of ARDs and atopy than specific lifestyle behaviors.

The nationwide program of allergic disease prevention as an implementation of GARD guidelines in Poland.

In 2006, the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) was established. The GARD strategy is based mainly on activities aimed at implementing preventive tasks at a local and global level. In Poland, the National Health Program (NHP) is the strategic document describing the tasks of governmental and local administration in the field of public health. One of the activities under the NHP is a project to carry out mass allergy screening (of children and adolescents at school age) and to organize an information and education campaign. In 2017-2018, the screening will cover a group of at least 10,000 children and adolescents at school age (6-18 years of age) in 10 of 16 voivodships in Poland. In the study, the e-health tool for early pre-medical risk assessment of allergic diseases was used. The algorithm determines the risk of bronchial asthma (BA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) based on a series of 38 questions on the symptoms of allergic diseases. In order to assess the effectiveness of the screening test (algorithm) a validation study was carried out before screening. Moreover, the algorithm was calibrated on the basis of the obtained results. The screening is accompanied by a nationwide information and education campaign carried out by means of new media. A total of 1,008 children and adolescents participated in the validation study. In outpatient examination AR was diagnosed in 46.4% and BA in 11.2%. In the case of AR, the sensitivity of the calibrated version of the algorithm was 0.852 and the specificity was 0.840. In the case of BA, it was 0.841 and 0.912, respectively. In 2017, 1,512 people used the screening tool, of which 1,472 respondents went through all stages of the assessment. BA positive AR result (probably sick) was found in 19.5% of respondents and BA in 8.4%. The use of e-health tools in mass screening and new media to conduct information and education campaigns allows for the reduction of costs and for efficient implementation of activities. It is important to popularize the use of this type of solutions both at national and local level.

Pre skin prick testing: A curfew required on herbals too

BackgroundAllergic diseases are hypersensitivity disorders induced by an allergen specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated response; Skin PrickTest (SPT) remains the gold standard for the in vivo assessment of IgEs. Many drugs are known to have anti histaminic effects and as such need to be stopped prior to the testing. However, the role of alternative system of medicine and other herbal remedies remains controversial in this regard. ObjectivesTo study the effect of alternative system of medicine and other herbal remedies on the results of SPT. MethodsThe patients having a strong history and clinical symptoms of allergic diseases like allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and chronic urticaria were subjected to skin prick testing. ResultsThere were six patients whose SPT results were negative although history and clinical symptoms suggested otherwise. On probing the drug intake of the patients prior to the testing, it was observed that the patients had taken certain herbal medications which interfered with the allergy testing and gave false negatives. ConclusionIt is for the first time that a study has reported the significant effect of alternative medicine and other herbal supplements in suppression of skin prick test results. Therefore it is extremely important to ask properly the history of intake of alternative medicine and other dietary herbal ingredients and then insist on its abstinence for 10 days before SPT. A protocol wherein the allergist recommends to stop the use of any regional herbs prior to allergy testing will be the right step in improving the results of allergy testing and preventing false positives.

Is Allergen Immunotherapy in Children Disease Modifying? A Review of the Evidence.

Although evidence supports a beneficial effect of allergen immunotherapy on the symptoms of allergic respiratory disease and food allergy, it is not clear whether immunotherapy modifies the natural history of these conditions. In aeroallergen immunotherapy, studies suggest that prevention of asthma can be attained. Less evident is the ability of immunotherapy to prevent new allergen sensitizations and more studies are needed to test whether immunotherapy can continue suppressing airway symptoms after treatment discontinuation. In food allergen immunotherapy, there is evidence that unresponsiveness to a food challenge can be sustained in some treatment recipients, but little knowledge exists as to the dose and duration of treatment that can optimize this effect. Suggestive evidence exists that allergen immunotherapy can modify allergic disease in children, but definitive studies are lacking. More research in the field is required.

THE INFLUENCE OF EXPOSURE TO ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE ON THE PREVALENCE OF ALLERGIC DISEASE SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN

Introduction: Prenatal and postnatal smoke exposure is generally considered to be a strong risk factor for the development of respiratory symptoms and asthma, particularly in early life. The children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke had statistically significant higher prevalence of symptoms of allergic diseases.&#x0D; Objective:The aim of this study was to determine the influence of environmental tobacco smoke exposure on the prevalence of allergic diseases symptoms in children aged 6 to 15 years in Republic of Srpska.&#x0D; Methods: Our study was conducted as a cross-sectional study and included 3,000 children aged 6 to 15 years from 13 primary schools in Republic of Srpska. The allergic diseases symptoms and environmental tobacco smoke exposures were assessed by questionnaire, which was completed by the parents.&#x0D; Results: Maternal smoking during pregnancy was reported by 9,2% participants. Children were classified into two groups according to smoking status of householders: none (54,8%), and &gt; 1 (45,2%). Children were not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (62,9%) or they spent a short time in these rooms (&lt; 1 hour 17,4%; 1-5 hours 14,4%; &gt; 5 hours 5,3%) in our study. Children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke were reported a higher prevalence of wheezing (9,5%), allergic rhinitis (28,0%) and eczema (6,9%) than unexposed children (7,7%, 21,4% and 3,9%, respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: In summary, our results support the need for public policy to protect children from environmental tobacco smoke exposure in their environment. Additional studies are needed to clarify the association betweenenvironmental tobacco smoke exposure and childhood allergic diseases.

The Association Between Ambient Air Pollution and Allergic Rhinitis Inception and Control

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis as well as other allergic diseases has been increasing for at least five decades. A possible cause of this increase could be the exposure of genetically predisposed individuals to a constantly changing indoor and outdoor environment. Two of the changes strongly implicated in the sensitization process and in the triggering of symptoms of allergic diseases are air pollution and global warming induced by climate change, factors which are closely related to each other. Environmental pollutants may act on a developing immune and respiratory system, which increases the possibility of a negative impact on the structural and functional maturation of the respiratory system, and on the immune response in children. The increase in allergic respiratory diseases appears to be related with an increase in the atmospheric concentration of gases and respirable particulate matter. This article summarizes the main consequences of the complex relationship that exists between allergic rhinitis, environmental pollution, and climate change and presents some potential measures aiming at modifying some aspects of this intriguing relationship to achieve a clinical benefit in patients suffering from allergic diseases, especially allergic rhinitis.

Characterization of children younger than five years with suspected allergic diseases

Symptoms of allergic diseases are a common cause of consultation during childhood. To describe the profile of a population of Colombian preschool children seen in an allergology department and assess possible risk factors. Descriptive, cross-sectional study of patients younger than 5 years who were assessed for one year. A complete medical history was obtained and allergology workup was carried out with skin prick tests as appropriate for each case. Risk factors were assessed by means of multivariate analysis. A total of 674 patients were included, out of which 382 (52.7%) were males. Median age was 34 months. The reasons for consultation were cough or recurrent wheezing (54.3%), rhinitis (48.7%), and eczema (32.2%). Skin prick tests were performed with aeroallergens in 299 patients (48%) and with food in 170 (27%), with positivity being found in 114 (38%) and 16 (9.4%), respectively. Main sensitizers were dust mites and egg. A direct association was found between eczema and prematurity (OR = 0.496; 95 % CI = 0.289-0.823)], between recurrent cough/wheezing and family history of allergy (OR = 1.837; 95 % CI = 1,306-2,586), and between recurrent cough/wheezing and history of bronchiolitis (OR = 2.646; 95 % CI = 1.812-3.886). Respiratory symptoms represented the main cause of consultation. Dust mites were the most commonly identified allergens. Family history of allergy and bronchiolitis.

Patterns of sensitization to inhalant and food allergens among pediatric patients from the Moscow region (Russian Federation)

The immunological profiles of human specific IgE (sIgE) and specific IgG4 (sIgG4) vary by genetic predisposition, living conditions in different geographical locations and patient’s age. The aim of our study was to analyze sIgE and sIgG4 patterns and their age-dependent changes in patients from the Moscow region. For identifying sIgE and sIgG4 profiles the blood samples from 513 patients aged 6 months to 17 years who were showing symptoms of allergic diseases were analyzed using microarrays containing 31 allergens. The highest sIgE prevalence was observed for birch pollen (32%) among pollen allergens, cat dander (24%) among indoor allergens, and egg whites (21%) among food allergens. The most common sIgG4 response was developed toward egg whites (80% of patients). Age-related elevation was identified for patients with increased sIgE to pollen allergens and indoor allergens (cat or dog dander and house dust mites). For each allergen, the proportion of cases with significant levels of sIgG4 appeared to increase with patients’ age. The data on allergen-specific sIgE and sIgG4 prevalence show both general trends and some local special aspects that are indicative for the Moscow region. This information should be useful in terms of epidemiology of allergic diseases.

Prenatal omega-3 LCPUFA and symptoms of allergic disease and sensitization throughout early childhood – a longitudinal analysis of long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

Background Randomized controlled trials of prenatal omega (ω-3) long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation are suggestive of some protective effects on allergic sensitization and symptoms of allergic disease in childhood. Due to the nature of the atopic march, investigation of any effects of this prenatal intervention may be most informative when consistently assessed longitudinally during childhood.Methods Follow-up of children (n = 706) with familial risk of allergy from the Docosahexaenoic Acid to Optimize Mother Infant Outcome (DOMInO) trial. The intervention group received fish oil capsules (900 mg of ω-3 LCPUFA) daily from <21 weeks’ gestation until birth; the control group received vegetable oil capsules without ω-3 LCPUFA. This new longitudinal analysis reports previously unpublished data collected at 1 and 3 years of age. The allergic disease symptom data at 1, 3 and 6 years of age were consistently reported by parents using the "International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood" (ISAAC) questionnaire. Sensitization was determined by skin prick test to age specific, common allergen extracts.Results Changes over time in symptoms of allergic disease with sensitization (IgE-mediated) and sensitization did not differ between the groups; interaction p = 0.49, p = 0.10, respectively. Averaged across the 1, 3 and 6-year assessments, there were no significant effects of prenatal ω-3 LCPUFA supplementation on IgE-mediated allergic disease symptoms (adjusted relative risk 0.88 (95% CI 0.69, 1.12), p = 0.29) or sensitization (adjusted relative risk 0.97 (95% CI 0.82, 1.15), p = 0.76). Sensitization patterns to common allergens were consistent with the atopic march, with egg sensitization at 1 year strongly associated with house dust mite sensitization at 6 years, (p < 0.0001).Discussion Although there is some evidence to suggest that maternal supplementation with 900mg ω-3 LCPUFA has a protective effect on early symptoms of allergic disease and sensitization in the offspring, we did not observe any differences in the progression of disease over time in this longitudinal analysis. Further investigation into the dose and timing of ω-3 LCPUFA supplementation, including long-term follow up of children using consistent outcome reporting, is essential to determine whether this intervention may be of benefit as a primary prevention strategy for allergic disease.Conclusion Maternal supplementation with 900 mg of ω-3 LCPUFA did not change the progression of IgE-mediated allergic disease symptoms or sensitization throughout childhood from 1 to 6 years.Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN); DOMInO trial ACTRN12605000569606, early childhood allergy follow up ACTRN12610000735055 and 6-year allergy follow up ACTRN12615000498594.

The Association between Diet and Symptoms of Allergic Diseases in Children Aged from 8 to 12 in Public Schools in Beirut and Mount Lebanon

Background: The prevalence of allergic diseases including asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema, has increased in the Western world in recent decades, particularly in children, becoming a major public health problem in the whole world. Therefore, the objective of this 12 months study is to evaluate the relationship between eating habits and the symptoms of allergic diseases in children. Methods: This cross-sectional epidemiological observational study was conducted among children (n=3104) in various public schools in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. A self-administered questionnaire, based on the “International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ)” was used to evaluate the children's eating habits. The study took place between February and April 2016. The data collected were coded, entered and then analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: The prevalence of symptoms of asthma, rhino conjunctivitis, and eczema during the past 12 months reported 7.8%, 11.4% and 4.1%, respectively. The onset of allergic diseases symptoms, especially asthma, seems to be reduced by the consumption of certain food products, such as raw and cooked vegetables, grains, fish, dairy products, and fresh fruit juices. On the other hand, “salt” was associated with an increased risk for all studied allergic diseases. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the relationship between a certain diet and the symptoms of allergic diseases during 12 months. Conclusion: This study explicates the association between eating habits and allergic diseases. Indeed, some foods belonging to the Western diet can be considered as risk factors, while others belonging to the Mediterranean diet proved to be protective. This leaves the door open to further studies from a different perspective.

Presence of symptoms associated with allergic diseases by consumption of foods in children's before and after of six months old in Barranquilla - Colombia

In this research, it was determined whether the presence of symptoms associated with allergic diseases is related to food consumption in children before and after 6 months of age, considering studies that indicate that the early intake of food by children Can be a predisposing factor to allergic diseases, was carried out by means of a descriptive cross sectional modality in public and private schools of the District of Barranquilla at primary level through the instrument ISAAC questionnaire. We obtained 1520 surveys answered by the parents of the minors of children between 6 and 7 years old, 47% male and 53% female. Of the food items of the present study, eggs, fish and cow's milk, those presenting significant values in relation to the presence of allergic diseases symptoms were: fish for asthma with a p value <0.05, and an OR: 2.40 in other foods could not be established by a significant relationship between the allergy condition and its consumption. There is currently no universal consensus and this study also does not conclude whether early ablation and food intake before 6 months of age may lead to the presence of allergic disease symptoms, it is recommended to continue the recommendations of the World Health Organization and initiate food intake into the child's diet after six months.

Quality of Life of Patients Subjected to Specific Allergen Immunotherapy

&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; At present, allergic diseases are some of the most common chronic diseases affecting all spheres of human life. The only form of causative treatment of allergic diseases, apart from elimination of the sensitizing factor, is the specific allergen immunotherapy. The symptoms of allergic diseases can cause a number of consequences, including reduction of patient activity, negatively affect social relationships, ways of spending free time, and also cause sleep disorders. Assessing the quality of life in allergic diseases provides us with knowledge of the patient’s psychological and social functioning, and is a valuable addition to the review of the effectiveness of treatment for allergic diseases, allowing us to assess the patient’s overall well-being. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Aim of the study:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients using specific allergen immunotherapy. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Material and methods:&lt;/b&gt; 128 subjects were included in the study, but 100 questionnaires were used for the analysis. The study group was comprised of patients undergoing specific allergen immunotherapy over the age of 18 years. In this paper a diagnostic survey was used as a research method. The tools used are the standard questionnaire SF-36 and the questionnaire survey. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; In the present study, it was observed that the overall quality of life of people affected by allergic diseases, as measured by the SF-36 questionnaire, can be assessed as quite good. Respondents subjected to specific allergen immunotherapy consider this method of treatment positively influencing their health as they reduce the symptoms of allergies. As many as 91% of the respondents think that specific immunotherapy affects them to reduce the symptoms of allergies. It has also been shown that the length of therapy has no effect on reducing the symptoms of allergies. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; The overall quality of life of patients is quite good, best evaluated in the domains of physical fitness, limitation of activity caused by emotional problems and changes in health status. Researchers positively evaluate the effect of immunotherapy on their health as it reduces the symptoms of allergies. Respondents have little knowledge about how to prevent exposure to allergens. Despite a positive assessment of the effectiveness of immunotherapy, the vast majority of respondents feel the need for additional antihistamines.

Increase in atopic sensitization rate among Dutch children with symptoms of allergic disease between 1994 and 2014.

The prevalence of symptoms of allergic diseases has increased significantly during the last decades. However, studies into time trends of atopic sensitization among children are limited and have focused on aeroallergen sensitization. We aimed to investigate time trends in the prevalence and degree of atopic sensitization to inhalant and food allergens among children (0-17years) with symptoms of allergic disease. Sensitization data of all children tested in our clinical laboratory during 1994-2014 were analyzed. Sensitization was detected using the ImmunoCAP system and defined as a specific IgE level of ≥0.35kU/L. Trends in sensitization rates to 5 food and 5 aeroallergens for different age categories were investigated with logistic regression, adjusted for age and sex. Sensitization data of 18199 children were analyzed. Between 1994 and 2014, a steady and statistically significant increase in overall sensitization rate was found (from 40.5% in 1994 to 48.9% in 2014, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.01 per year, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00 to 1.01, P=.003). This increase in sensitization rate was mainly explained by increasing aeroallergen sensitization among 4- to 11-year-old children (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.02, P<.001). We found no increase in sensitization rates to food and aeroallergens in other age categories. The degree of sensitization did not change significantly during the study period (all tests P>.15). We observed a statistically significant increase in sensitization rate between 1994 and 2014 among children with symptoms of allergic disease. This was mainly explained by increasing aeroallergen sensitization among 4- to 11-year-olds.

Impedance-Based Living Cell Analysis for Clinical Diagnosis of Type I Allergy.

Non-invasive real time evaluation of living cell conditions and functions are increasingly desired in the field of clinical diagnosis. For diagnosis of type I allergy, the identification of antigens that induces activation of mast cells and basophils is crucial to avoid symptoms of allergic diseases. However, conventional tests, such as detection of antigen-specific IgE antibody and skin tests, are either of low reliability or are invasive. To overcome such problems, we hereby applied an impedance sensor for label-free and real-time monitoring of mast cell reactions in response to stimuli. When IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells cultured on the electrodes were stimulated with various concentrations of antigens, dose-dependent cell index (CI) increases were detected. Moreover, we confirmed that the impedance sensor detected morphological changes rather than degranulation as the indicator of cell activation. Furthermore, the CI of human IgE receptor-expressing cells (RBL-48 cells) treated with serum of a sweat allergy-positive patient, but not with serum from a sweat allergy-negative patient, significantly increased in response to purified human sweat antigen. We thus developed a technique to detect the activation of living cells in response to stimuli without any labeling using the impedance sensor. This system may represent a high reliable tool for the diagnosis of type I allergy.

Cannabis-Associated Asthma and Allergies.

Inhalation of cannabis smoke is its most common use and the pulmonary complications of its use may be the single most common form of drug-induced pulmonary disease worldwide. However, the role of cannabis consumption in asthma patients and allergic clinical situations still remains controversial. To review the evidence of asthma and allergic diseases associated with the use of marijuana, we conducted a search of English, Spanish, and Portuguese medical using the search terms asthma, allergy, marijuana, marihuana, and cannabis. Entries made between January 1970 and March 2017 were retrieved. Several papers have shown the relationship between marijuana use and increase in asthma and other allergic diseases symptoms, as well as the increased frequency of medical visits. This narrative review emphasizes the importance to consider cannabis as a precipitating factor for acute asthma and allergic attacks in clinical practice. Although smoking of marijuana may cause respiratory symptoms, there is a need for more studies to elucidate many aspects in allergic asthma patients, especially considering the long-term use of the drug. These patients should avoid using marijuana and be oriented about individual health risks, possible dangers of second-hand smoke exposure, underage use, safe storage, and the over smoking of marijuana.

Association between infection with Helicobacter pylori and atopy in young Ethiopian children: A longitudinal study.

Epidemiological evidence from developed countries indicates that Helicobacter pylori infection correlates with a reduced risk of atopy and allergic disorders; however, limited data are available from low-income countries. We examined associations between H.pylori infection in early childhood and atopy and reported allergic disorders at the age of 6.5years in an Ethiopian birth cohort. A total of 856 children (85.1% of the 1006 original singletons in a population-based birth cohort) were followed up at age six and half years. An interviewer-led questionnaire administered to mothers provided information on demographic and lifestyle variables. Questions on allergic disease symptoms were based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) core allergy and environmental questionnaire. Serum samples were analysed for total IgE levels and anti-H.pylori cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) IgG antibody using commercially available ELISA kits. Stool samples were analysed for H.pylori antigen using a rapid immunochromatographic test. The independent effects of H.pylori infection (measured at age of 3, 5 and 6.5years) on prevalence and incidence of atopy and reported allergic disorders (measured at age of 6.5years) were determined using multiple logistic regression. In cross-sectional analysis, current H.pylori infection at age 6.5years was inversely, though not significantly, related to prevalence of atopy and "any allergic condition" at age 6.5years. However, detection of H.pylori infection at any point up to age 6.5years was associated with a significantly reduced odds of both atopy and "any allergic condition" (adjusted OR AOR, 95% CI, 0.54; 0.32-0.92, P=.02, and .31; 0.10-0.94, P=.04, respectively). In longitudinal analyses, H.pylori infection at age 3 was inversely associated with incidence of atopy (AOR, 95% CI, 0.49; 0.27-0.89, P=.02). Furthermore, among H.pylori-infected children, those with a CagA+ strain had a more pronounced reduction in odds of atopy (AOR=0.35 vs 0.63 for CagA+ vs CagA-), and this reduction reached borderline significance. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that early exposure to H.pylori is inversely associated with atopy and allergic conditions. A possible modest protective association against atopy was observed in those infected with a more virulent CagA+ strain of H.pylori.