Treatment Of Hay Fever Research Articles

The impact of COVID-19 on hay fever treatment in Japan: A retrospective cohort study based on the Japanese claims database.

Hay fever (HF) presents with various symptoms, including allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis, and requires cross-organ treatment. This study assessed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on HF treatment trends. This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the JMDC database collected between January 2018 and May 2021. Patients with HF were identified based on the relevant International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision diagnosis codes and the prescription of HF-related medications. The treatment approaches were compared during the cedar and cypress pollen allergy season (January to May in Japan) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2018 and 2019, and 2020 and 2021, respectively). This study included 2,598,178 patients with HF. The numbers of prescribed HF-related claims in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 were 3,332,854, 3,534,198, 2,774,380, and 2,786,681 times, respectively. Oral second-generation antihistamine prescriptions decreased by >10% from 2019 to 2020, with a <10% change in the subsequent year. Anti-allergic eye drop prescriptions also decreased by >10% from 2019 to 2020 but increased by >10% from 2020 to 2021. Compared with 2018, 2019, and 2020, the number of claims in the rhinitis symptoms dominant group was significantly decreased in 2021 (p<0.001, all). In contrast, the number of claims in the eye symptoms dominant group and the rhinitis and eye symptoms dominant group increased in 2021 compared with that in 2018, 2019, and 2020 (p<0.001, all). Changes in HF treatment and related outcomes could be attributed to lifestyle modifications resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures, such as limiting outdoor activities and adopting mask-wearing practices may have influenced HF symptoms, preventive behaviors, and the overall approach to treating HF.

Assessment of the Allergenic Potential of Urban Woody Flora of Rostov-on-Don

Introduction. Plant pollen causes various allergic reactions in humans, including respiratory diseases, immune system disorders, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and hay fever. These diseases affect up to 30% of the world's population. In large cities, trees and shrubs used in landscaping are significant sources of allergenic dust. Despite this, the greening of cities worldwide often occurs without considering the allergenic properties of plants. With the development of proteomics, it has become possible to assess the degree of allergenicity of proteins that make up plant pollen in detail. Based on this information, a scale of potential allergenicity for woody plants has been developed. The aim of this study is to assess the allergenic potential of woody plants in the urban flora of Rostov-on-Don.Materials and Methods. The object of the study was trees and shrubs used in the landscaping of Rostov-on-Don. The analysis of floristic data was based on the materials obtained during field work in 2023 on the territory of Rostov-on-Don. The author also used the lists of the city's dendroflora compiled between 2007 and 2022. The assessment of the potential allergenicity of woody plant species was conducted on a five-point scale, with 0 indicating plants that did not pose an allergic hazard, 1 indicating a low allergenicity level, 2 indicating a medium class, 3 indicating a high level, and 4 indicating a very high level of allergenicity.Results. In the flora of woody plants in Rostov-on-Don, 61 species of potentially allergenic plants were identified, posing varying levels of danger to human health. The share of all types of potentially allergenic woody plants was 30% of the total number of urban woody flora species in the city. The most powerful sources of allergenic pollen included nine species (Fraxinus Excelsior, Betula Pendula, B. Verrucosa, Platycladus Orientalis, etc.), which posed the greatest threat of hay fever and other allergic reactions. As a rule, these were typically wind-pollinated plants that produced maximum amounts of pollen. The list of potentially allergenic species included a significant number of adventitious species (24 species), which made it difficult to control their spread. A taxonomic analysis of potentially allergenic species was carried out at the order level, for which specific protein reactions were identified and detailed approaches to the prevention and treatment of hay fever were developed. The orders Pinales and Fagales form the bulk of allergenic pollen in the winter-spring period.Discussion and Conclusion. For the first time, studies were conducted on the allergenic activity of urban woody flora in the southern regions of Russia. An assessment of their allergenic potential allowed us to determine the level of threat of allergic reactions in humans. The greatest danger comes from both allergenic and invasive species that can spread actively and increase in numbers. Representatives of the Pinales and Fagales orders have proven to be significant sources of allergenic pollen, as they often have high ornamental qualities and play a prominent role in design projects. In some cases, it may be possible to replace these cultures with less allergenic alternatives, such as representatives of the Rosales order, to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Mechanisms of desensitization with oral immunotherapy and epicutaneous immunotherapy.

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) are emerging therapies for food allergy. With several recently published exploratory trials and randomized controlled clinical trials that support these procedures, there is a clear progress and interest toward making these treatment options available for allergist/immunologists and patients with food allergies entrusted to their care. However, there still remain many questions and concerns to be addressed before these procedures can be fully understood. The purpose of the present report is to trace some of the important historical milestones in the development of OIT and EPIT that have contributed to their evolving clinical application to the treatment of food allergy, to describe some of the current understandings of the immunologic mechanisms by which these procedures elicit desensitization, and to provide some areas for future inquiry and research. An extensive research was conducted in the medical literature data bases by applying terms such as food allergy, desensitization, tolerance, unresponsiveness, Treg cells, allergen immunotherapy (AIT), oral immunotherapy (OIT), and epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT). OIT and EPIT take their origins from AIT (also called desensitization), a procedure first reported for the treatment of hay fever over a 100 years ago in which slowly increasing doses of a specifically relevant allergen were administered until a maintenance dosage was achieved when the patient was free of symptoms. OIT and EPIT differ from AIT in certain aspects including the route of administration of the allergen as well as their relative shorter period of sustained unresponsiveness. The origins and important historical landmarks that have been made in the field of food allergy immunotherapy are presented in the context of the immunologic mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of these disorders. Although considerable progress has been made in recent years toward making these treatment options available for allergist/immunologists and patients with food allergies, there still remain many questions and concerns to be addressed before these procedures can be fully understood, which can be illuminated by future research.

Novel Benzylamine Derivatives: Synthesis, Anti-Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Evaluation and Predicted ADMET Properties

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), a disease caused by the bacillus bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the major contributors of ill health in the world. TB is ranked in the top 10 causes of death globally and it is the leading killer associated with a single infectious agent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global number of deaths associated with TB have been slowly declining with 1.3 million in reported 2016 and 2017, and 1.2 million reported in 2018 and 2019. Objective: The synthesis, characterisation, biological evaluations, and the prediction of ADMET properties of the novel benzylamine derivatives. Methods: Commercially available reagents and solvents were purchased from Sigma Aldrich and Merck (South Africa). All chemicals were used as received, unless otherwise stated. The synthesised crude compounds were purified by flash silica gel column chromatography (5 – 30% ethyl acetate in hexane). The successful formation and purity of the synthesised compounds was confirmed by NMR, HRMS and melting point. Results: The respective organic compounds were synthesised by treating 3-ethoxysalcyladehyde, 5-bromo-3-ethoxysalcyladehyde, 5-chloro-3-ethoxysalcyladehyde with various aromatic amines and the products were obtained in good to excellent yields. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of all the products showed the appearance of the methylene signals ranging from 3.88 – 4.68 ppm and 42.25 – 52.57 ppm respectively. Additionally, most compounds showed anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis activity that ranged between 20 and 28 µM. Conclusion: A total of 36 compounds were synthesised and successfully biologically evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37RV strain. All compounds showed activity against Mtb at concentrations of &gt; 20 µM &lt; 28 µM with the exception of compound one that was active against Mtb at higher concentration (MIC90 &gt; 125 µM).

Formulation and In-Vitro Evaluation of Buclizine Buccoadhesive Tablets

Buclizine is an antihistamine that is used to treat motions sickness, especially to prevent and treat symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, etc. It may also be used either alone or in a combination with other medicines for the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions. These dosages form make close contact with buccal mucosa, avoid first- pass metabolism, increase absorption and patient compliance, results in an enhanced drug bioavailability. Buccal adhesive tablets were prepared by direct compression. Carbopol 940 and Sodium Alginate was used in different ratios and also in combination. Formulated 10 batches were evaluated for physical parameter, swelling studies, bioadhesion studies, and in-vitro drug release and in-vitro drug permeation. Bioadhesion studies were carried out to determine mucoadhesive potential of prepared tablets. Tablets were evaluated for in-vitro drug release for 6 hrs, using USP type II method and. From these results it can be concluded that formulation batch F6 was most promising comprising of 1:4 ratio of Sodium Alginate. The best fit model for the optimized batch F6 was zero order having R value 0.9889 and K value is 0.2542. Keywords: Buclizine, Carbopol 940, Sodium Alginate, buccal tablet, in-vitro drug permeation

GRAZAX®: a sublingual immunotherapy vaccine for Hay fever treatment: from concept to commercialization

ABSTRACT Allergen immunotherapy has been used for more than 100 y, but only recently underlying immunological mechanisms have started to be understood. New Allergy vaccines are now considered to be full pharmaceutical products, that should comply with general as well as specific pharmaceutical legal framework. GRAZAX® is the first global allergy vaccine developed in compliance with the new legal environment and is thus a reference for developing new allergy vaccines. Here, we provide a rationale description of GRAZAX®, providing a sequential description of its pharmaceutical and clinical development. With more than 25 clinical trials, involving more than 8000 patients, including as well three 5-y prospective clinical trials, GRAZAX® is a key product to understand the unique position of allergen-specific immunotherapy as a disease-modifying intervention.

The efficacy of allergen-immunotherapy in patients with pollen allergy in the Central and Western regions of Ukraine considering the specifics of their sensitization

Various sorts of weed plants with allergenic properties are extended on the territory of Ukraine. Weed’s distribution has regional characteristics. Clinically significant weed allergens are found in pollen from wormwood, ragweed, quinoa, plantain, and thistle. The main treatment for hay fever is allergen immunotherapy. The modern development of molecular diagnostics makes it possible to clearly identify the main allergen of weed pollen and, on this basis, offer the patient a personalized choice of allergen immunotherapy with the possibility of predicting its effectiveness. In order to determine the characteristics of sensitization to weeds in patients of the Central and Western regions of Ukraine and to evaluate the effectiveness of sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT), 1.400 patients from 3 to 65 years of age were examined in these regions. Patients were evaluated general laboratory and instrumental studies, skin prick-tests (SPT), level total serum and specific IgE and component studies. A two-year course of immunotherapy was performed using sublingual allergens of wormwood and ragweed. Evaluation of the effectiveness of SLIT was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). According to the results of the study, positive SPT for mugwort was detected 1.2 times more often among patients in the western regions compared with the central regions. Regarding sensitization to ragweed, on the contrary, it was 3.2 times more often observed in patients of the central region. Component diagnostic data confirmed the results of SPT. Patients taking SLIT showed significantly lower VAS (P &lt; 0.05) compared with patients receiving symptomatic therapy. The regional characteristics of sensitization to various types of weeds were found. Latent sensitization to ragweed is increasingly found in patients in the western regions of Ukraine. Use in patients with AR and/or BA SLIT with standardized allergens is an effective and safe treatment method that allows you to quickly control symptoms.&#x0D;

春季花粉症患者のいびきと日中の眠気に関する質問票調査

Bothersome symptoms of hay fever impair not only patients' quality of life but also their labor productivity and learning efficiency. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) caused by hay fever is thought to be one of the reasons for these impairments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of springtime hay fever and EDS by using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included information about age, sex, height, weight, severity of hay fever, treatment for hay fever, smoking and alcohol consumption habit, history of drug use for sleeping, existence of snoring, and Japanese version of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. After excluding responses containing insufficient data, responses from 1,734 patients were considered as eligible. By performing logistic regression analysis, we analyzed the effect of the aforementioned parameters on the comorbidity of EDS and snoring. The odds ratio (OR) to comorbid EDS was significantly higher in the moderate and severe hay fever groups than in the asymptomatic hay fever group (moderate: OR=1.76, p=0.014, severe: OR=2.53, p<0.001). Also, OR to comorbid snoring was significantly higher in the severe hay fever group than in the asymptomatic hay fever group (severe: OR=1.90, p=0.001).

Allergen-specific immunotherapy: is it vaccination against toxins after all?

IgE-mediated allergies, in particular allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma, have reached epidemic proportions, affecting about one-third of the population in developed countries. The most effective treatment for allergies is specific immunotherapy (SIT), which involves the injection of increasing doses of an allergen extract to allergic individuals. The current form of SIT was first introduced in 1911 and recently celebrated its 100th birthday for the treatment of hay fever. The concept of this therapy at the time was straightforward, as it was believed that pollen contained toxins against which the patient could be vaccinated. However, the understanding became blurred with the discovery that IgE antibodies were the effector molecules of the allergic response. Subsequent research focused on the idea that SIT should induce tolerance keeping the IgE antibodies at bay. In this review, we will discuss the various hypotheses for the mechanism of SIT and we will put forward the concept that allergens may be viewed as 'protoxins' which need to be activated by IgE antibodies. Within this framework, protoxin-neutralizing antibodies are the key effector molecules while a shift to Th1 or Treg cells mainly contributes to the efficacy of SIT by helping B cells to produce neutralizing IgG antibodies.

Влияние антигистаминных препаратов второго поколения на когнитивные функции детей с поллинозом

Relevance. Allergic pathology in particular, a hay fever, can lead to decrease in cognitive functions at children. Earlier it was established that antihistamine preparations of I generation influence cognitive functions of patients. Т he patients with this nosology receive for a longtime courses of antihistamine preparations of II generation, so the analysis of influence of different AH preparations of II generation on cognitive activity of children with a hay fever is necessary. P urpose . Studying of influence of II generation antihistamine preparations in a complex with the specific allergen immunotherapy on cognitive functions at children with a hay fever. Patients and methods. Using the psychophysiological computer complex «Psihomat» the condition of cognitive functions was established. In total the 81 child with a hey fever were investigated. The persons under consideration were divided on subgroups depending on antihistamine which they received. For the patients in the main group of investigation the cognitive functions have been studied in 3 points. Results. The patients had changes in the attention and psychomotor activity more often, than in other conitive activity. It is not obtained distinct data on characteristic contribution of antihistamine preparations of a second generation in improvement of cognitive activity as a whole at complex treatment of hay fever with specific allergen immunotherapy. Antihistamine preparations (desloratidine and cetirizine) are improved by indexes of visual and space perception at children with a hay fever. From the 3 antihistamine preparations the cetirizine has the most carried out positive effect concerning the psiho-motoric activity in the combined ASIT. Conclusion. Padding express researches in the field are necessary for receiving the definite answers to problem questions.

Vapours, gargles, darts and bougies: Victorian ENT treatments

Sir Morell Mackenzie (1837-1892), the pre-eminent early laryngologist in the UK, is nowadays perhaps better remembered for his role in the management of the Crown Prince of Germany in 1887, than for his major contribution to the development of laryngology as a specialty. In this article we focus upon his text The Pharmacopoeia of the Hospital for Diseases of the Throat (fourth edition), and attempt a comparison of Victorian ENT treatments with today's management of ENT diseases. Some of these Victorian treatments bear a resemblance to modern day practices. Others have not withstood the test of time, in particular: silver nitrate sticks for syphilitic ulcers of the larynx (not epistaxis); nebulised sulphuric acid, which was used as a stimulant; nasal bougies, including scotch pine and lead acetate; chloroform vapour for the treatment of hay fever; 'London paste', a non-surgical treatment for the reduction of the tonsils, (which was perhaps the Victorian equivalent of coblation); and zinc chloride darts, which were plunged into intractable goitres. Some of these remedies bear no resemblance to today's evidence-based practices, while other treatments (such as silver nitrate) are still in common use. In Victorian times, however, Mackenzie's books were widely read throughout Europe and were the standard references for a specialty in its infancy. The Pharmacopoeia was published in 1872, and major advances in medicine have been made since then. We have no way of knowing which treatments in today's British National Formulary will still be in use in 140 years.

Food and Drug Administration reclassification of allergens for diagnosis and treatment: now is the time to be heard

Allergen-specific immunotherapy has been practiced for more than a century, [1] Noon L. Prophylactic inoculation against hay fever. Lancet. 1911; 1: 1572-1573 Abstract Scopus (1116) Google Scholar with the first allergen extracts being prepared in a noncommercial setting in laboratories associated with allergy treatment clinics. 2 Cooke R. The treatment of hay fever by active immunization. Laryngoscope. 1915; 25: 108-112 Crossref Google Scholar , 3 Cohen S.G. Frankland A.W. Dworetzky M. Noon and Freeman on prophylactic inoculation against hay fever. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003; 111: 1142-1150 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (9) Google Scholar Subsequently, allergen extract manufacturers started to provide the allergen solutions needed to formulate immunotherapy extracts or vaccines. Initially, conditions and methods of preparation were variable, but as US agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), began examining these companies and manufacturers started to invest in better production and quality control technologies, the conditions of the preparation of allergen extracts have improved markedly. A more detailed discussion on how the manufacturing of the allergen extracts evolved and how this industrial process was supervised by the Hygienic Laboratory of Public Health and Marine Hospital Service and since 1972 by the FDA, can be found in a recent publication. [4] Slater J.E. Menzies S.L. Bridgewater J. et al. The US Food and Drug Administration review of the safety and effectiveness of nonstandardized allergen extracts. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012; (Epub ahead of print) PubMed Google Scholar

The relationship between exposure to microbial volatile organic compound and allergy prevalence in single-family homes

Microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) are a type of VOCs produced by microorganisms. Exposure to 1-octen-3-ol, one of the known MVOCs, has been reported to reduce nasal patency and increase nasal lavage myeloperoxidase, eosinophil cationic proteins, and lysozymes in both experimental and field studies. We reported in a previous paper that 1-octen-3-ol exposure at home is associated with mucosal symptoms. In this study, our aim was to investigate the relationship between asthma and allergies and MVOC exposure in single-family homes. The subjects were 624 inhabitants of 182 detached houses in six regions of Japan. Air samples were collected using diffusive samplers, and the concentrations of eight selected MVOCs were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in selected-ion-monitoring mode. Each inhabitant of each of the dwellings was given a self-administered questionnaire. Among the 609 subjects who answered all of the questions about allergies, history of the medical treatment for asthma, atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and allergic conjunctivitis within the preceding two years was 4.8%, 9.9%, 18.2%, and 7.1%, respectively. A significant association between 1-octen-3-ol (per log10 unit) and allergic rhinitis odds ratio (OR): 4.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.71 to 9.80 and conjunctivitis (OR: 3.54, CI: 1.17 to 10.7) was found after adjusting for age, sex, tobacco, wall-to-wall carpeting, signs of dampness, history of treatment for hay fever, and other potentially relevant environmental factors. No relationships were found between any MVOCs and asthma or atopic dermatitis after the adjustment. The levels of MVOCs and airborne fungi were only weakly correlated. These results are consistent with previous studies that have associated higher levels of 1-octen-3-ol exposure with increased irritation of nasal and ocular mucosae. Although the indoor-air concentrations of 1-octen-3-ol found in this study were relatively low, we conclude that exposure to MVOC may be related to rhinitis and conjunctivitis.

Homeopathic Galphimia glauca for hay fever: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials and a critique of a published meta-analysis

Homeopathic preparations of Galphimia glauca (GG) are sometimes recommended for the treatment of hay fever. While an earlier meta-analysis reached a positive conclusion regarding the use of GG for hay fever, limitations of this study warrant reanalysis. The aims of this article were to (1) systematically review the evidence from randomised placebo-controlled trials for or against the notion that GG is effective for hay fever, and (2) critically evaluate the reliability of the published meta-analysis of GG for hay fever. All 11 studies included in the meta-analysis were considered. Electronic literature searches were conducted to locate further relevant trials. Only randomised, placebo-controlled studies were included. Four randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were found to be in favour of homeopathic GG over placebo, though all RCTs were conducted and published by the same research group. Even though findings of the review seem to suggest efficacy, important caveats prevent any firm conclusions being made; it also casts doubt on the reliability of the conclusion of the published meta-analysis.

Antihistamines: their properties and use in hay fever

AbstractA concise guide to the properties of oral and nasal antihistamines and their current recommended place in the treatment of hay fever. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd

PEMERIKSAAN FARMAKOGNOSTIK DAN SKRINING KOMPONEN KIMIA HERBA SURUHAN (Peperomia pellucida L.(Kunth).) ASAL KOTA MAKASSAR

Peperomia pellucida is tradisional medicine used for treatment of hay fever, hipotensi, diuretic, and stomatichum in Sulawesi Selatan, This research aimed to get data of morphology, anatomy and also data of physis and chemical from Suruhan for development of its for drug. Sample extraction with methanoll 95%, physis data included content water soluble extractive 8,68%, dilute etanol soluble extractive 15,04 %, total ash 4 %, water insoluble ash 2,75%, acid insoluble ash 4,24%, identification by using chemical analysis to the powder of herb resulted alkaloid, steroid, tannin, lignin, pati, aleuron, and profil of TLC is steroid. Identification of morphology showed that Suruhan was Herb, wet bark, leaf simple, cordatus, strongly green, flowers are very small in dense spikes. Assay anatomy to bark showed closed collateral vessel bundle, calsium oxalate crystal, transverse section of leaves indicated that epidermis with stomata type is anisositik, hypodermis, palisade, spons, vesicle bundle, and calsium oxalate crystal. Key Words : Identification, Piperomia pellucid

Allergen-specific immunotherapy with pollen allergoids in the treatment ofhay fever in children

Background. The research of effective methods of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) with good tolerability is important in children with allergic disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate effectiveness and safety of ASIT with pollen allergoids for hay fever treatment in children. Methods. 71 patients 5 to 17 years old with diseases caused by tree pollen sensitization: allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in 36 patients, rhinitis combined with pollen asthma in 17, combined with atopic dermatitis in 1, and pollen asthma in 17, were included in the study. 2 courses of subcutaneous ASIT out of flowering season were conducted in every child using commercially available pollen allergoids. ASIT effectiveness was assessed using 4-point scale where 4 points represents complete disease remission, and 1 point represents lack of effectiveness. Local and systemic side effects were registered as parameters of ASIT safety. Results. Total dose of allergen was 13 768 PNU after the 1st course of ASIT, and 12 700 PNU after the 2nd course. Effectiveness of the 1st course of ASIT was 4,0 points out of 4,0 and of the 2nd course - 4,0 points. Local side effects (infiltration larger than 25 mm, itching and oedema in injection site) in 19,7% patients and systemic side effects (allergic rhinitis exacerbation, urticaria) in 11,3% patients were stopped after allergoid dose adjustment. Conclusion. ASIT with pollen allergoids is effective for hay fever treatment in children. Children with bronchi al asthma are at higher risk for adverse events and need individual dose adjustment.

Nature Inspired Hay Fever Therapy

The survival oriented adaptation of evolved biosystems to variations in their environment is a selective optimization process. Recognizing the optimised end product and its functionality is the classical arena of bionic engineering. In a primordial world, however, the molecular organization and functions of prebiotic systems were solely defined by formative processes in their physical and chemical environment, for instance, the interplay between interfacial water layers on surfaces and solar light. The formative potential of the interplay between light (laser light) and interfacial water layers on surfaces was recently exploited in the formation of supercubane carbon nanocrystals. In evolved biosystems the formative potential of interfacial water layers can still be activated by light. Here we report a case of hay fever, which was successfully treated in the course of a facial rejuvenation program starting in November 2007. Targeting primarily interfacial water layers on elastin fibres in the wrinkled areas, we presumably also activated mast cells in the nasal mucosa, reported to progressively decrease in the nasal mucosa of the rabbit, when frequently irradiated. Hay fever is induced by the release of mediators, especially histamine, a process associated with the degranulation of mast cells. Decrease in mast cells numbers implies a decrease in the release of histamine. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report on the treatment of hay fever with visible light. This approach was inspired by bionic thinking, and could help ameliorating the condition of millions of people suffering from hay fever world wide.

Efficacy and safety of 5-grass-pollen sublingual immunotherapy tablets in pediatric allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

The efficacy and safety of the 300-index of reactivity (IR) dose of 5-grass-pollen sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets (Stallergènes, Antony, France) have been demonstrated for the treatment of hay fever in adults. We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of this tablet in children and adolescents with grass pollen-related allergic rhinitis. In this multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 278 children (5-17 years of age) with grass pollen-related rhinoconjunctivitis (confirmed by means of a positive grass pollen skin prick test response and serum-specific IgE measurement) received once-daily SLIT tablets or placebo. Treatment was initiated 4 months before the estimated pollen season and continued throughout the season. The primary outcome was the rhinoconjunctivitis total symptom score (RTSS), a sum of 6 individual symptom scores: sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and itchy eyes. Secondary end points included rescue medication intake, individual scores, and safety. The intent-to-treat population included 266 children (mean age, 10.9 +/- 3.22 years). The RTSS for the 300-IR group was highly significantly different from that of the placebo group (P = .001). The 300-IR group showed a mean improvement for the RTSS of 28.0% over that seen with placebo and a median improvement of 39.3%. Significant differences between the 300-IR and placebo groups were also observed regarding rescue medication score and proportion of days using rescue medication during the pollen season (P = .0064 and P = .0146, respectively). Adverse events were generally mild or moderate in intensity and expected. No serious side effects were reported. Five-grass-pollen SLIT tablets (300 IR) reduce both symptom scores and rescue medication use in children and adolescents with grass pollen-related rhinoconjunctivitis.

The anthroposophic treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis: Rationale, treatment approaches and health-promoting effects

Conventional treatment of allergic rhinitis with antihistamines and corticosteroids has proven to be effective in reducing hay fever symptoms. However, patients often suffer from side effects of these remedies and remain chronically in need for symptomatic treatment during the pollen season for decades. In anthroposophic medicine, there is more than 80 years of positive clinical experience with the treatment of allergic rhinitis. In the last decade several both conceptual studies and empirical outcome studies have been performed with positive results. Citrus/Cydonia comp., an anthroposophic medicine, is prescribed in the practices of general practitioners in more than 80 years as a subcutaneous application or a nasal spray. A survey among a group of 39 prescribing Dutch general practitioners showed that according to their clinical experience the subcutaneous treatment is most effective: (a) patients often have permanently less or no hay fever symptoms after treatment, (b) the effect is there within 2 weeks until 3 months of treatment and (c) the effect is optimal after several years of treatment. A survey among Dutch anthroposophic therapists demonstrated that Eurythmy Therapy is the treatment of choice next to Citrus/Cydonia comp. To optimize anthroposophic treatment of hay fever. The first positive effects of Citrus/Cydonia comp. In two outcome studies have been published. Recent in vitro research into the immunostimulation of blood of healthy and hay fever donors demonstrated that Citrus/Cydonia comp. (in vitro) induces an immunoregulatory effect in which the normal balance within the immune system was restored, demonstrating its curative health-promoting effect. In two conceptual studies, scientific facts and anthroposophic concepts on allergic rhinitis and its treatment could be integrated. In this presentation, an overview of the state of the art of conceptualization of a system biological approach in the understanding and treatment of allergic rhinitis, the professional experiences with and the empirical effects of anthroposophic treatment, and the planned outcome studies in this field will be presented.