Latest news with #allergicrhinitis
Medscape
6 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Grass Pollen: A Double Threat to Allergy Patients
Patients with pollen allergy who were exposed to higher concentrations of grass pollen were more likely to have physical symptoms and impairments in day-to-day life. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted an observational pilot study to assess the association between daily grass pollen concentrations and physical symptoms and daily life impairments experienced by patients with pollen allergy. The analysis included 53 patients (mean age, 41.8 years; 68% women) with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in Bavaria, Germany, evaluated between May and July 2022. Researchers collected data for the pollen season 2022 from the Electronic Pollen Information Network of Bavaria. An app-based questionnaire was used to collect patients' data on allergic symptoms and treatment measures. They used a physical symptoms index to assess patients' daily eye and nose symptoms and a daily overall impairments index to assess impairments in performance, sleep quality, and activities. TAKEAWAY: The average grass pollen concentration measured between early May and late July 2022 was 37.1 pollen particles/m 3 . . A significant association was observed between grass pollen concentration and both the physical symptoms index (regression coefficient [beta], 0.002; P < .001) and impairments in day-to-day life (beta, 0.00064; P < .048). < .001) and impairments in day-to-day life (beta, 0.00064; < .048). Additionally, pollen levels were significantly associated with performance impairment (beta, 0.0009; P = .027); no significant association was observed with sleep or daily activities. IN PRACTICE: 'To enhance clinical practice, it is essential to address the gap in adequate medical care for pollen allergy patients and prioritize patient education on recognizing and managing allergic rhinitis,' the authors wrote. 'Advancements in technology-assisted self-monitoring could further empower patients in managing their symptoms and understanding the interplay between environmental triggers and allergic complaints,' they added. SOURCE: Jonas Huss, with the Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Munich, Germany, was the corresponding author of the study, which was published online on May 28 in Scientific Reports. LIMITATIONS: The study relied on physician-diagnosed allergies and self-reported patient data. Additionally, the absence of individualized air pollution or weather data, a limited sample size, and strict exclusion criteria further limited the generalizability of the findings. DISCLOSURES: The study was funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Health and Care. The authors reported having no conflicts of interest.
Medscape
23-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Intranasal Schirmer Test Shows Promise in Allergy Diagnosis
The intranasal Schirmer test (INSCH) may help detect allergic rhinitis during a nasal provocation test. Among patients with allergic rhinitis, the INSCH revealed significantly increased nasal secretions upon exposure to relevant allergens such as mites or birch. METHODOLOGY: The INSCH was performed by attaching Schirmer filter paper — widely used in ophthalmology to measure tears — to each nostril. To investigate whether INSCH could objectively assess rhinorrhea during evaluations for allergy, the researchers recruited 50 participants from March 2023 to March 2024. Half the participants underwent nasal provocation testing after they had a negative or borderline result for a tested allergen on a skin prick test or specific serum immunoglobulin E test. The other half were in a control group with no history of allergy. TAKEAWAY: Among patients with allergic rhinitis, INSCH wetting distance in significantly increased in the nostril that was provoked with an allergen (mean difference, 13.95 mm; P = .01). = .01). Individuals with nonallergic rhinitis showed no change in nasal secretions upon provocation with a potential allergen. A difference in wetting distance of at least 2.75 mm after provocation had a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 71.4% in detecting allergic rhinitis. IN PRACTICE: 'The INSCH could serve as a simple tool in everyday clinical practice to quickly objectify nasal secretion,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: Paula von der Lage, MD, with the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, was the corresponding author of the study, which was published online on May 17 in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology . LIMITATIONS: The study included patients who smoke, despite evidence that smoking can lead to drier nasal mucosa. DISCLOSURES: The study received support from the Theodor und Ida Herzog-Egli-Stiftung, Switzerland. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication. Medscape Medical News © 2025 WebMD, LLC Cite this: Intranasal Schirmer Test Shows Promise in Allergy Diagnosis - Medscape - May 23, 2025.
CBC
17-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Seasonal allergies are getting worse, but newer medications could offer relief
Most people with seasonal allergies have likely noticed an uncomfortable trend over the past few years. In parts of Canada, allergy season not only seems to be lasting longer, it seems to be more intense. Experts like Dr. Anne Ellis, chair of the department of allergy and immunology at Queen's University, say the roughly one in five Canadians who experience respiratory allergies aren't imagining things. The past few years have brought some seasons with a lot more pollen than Canadians are used to, she told Dr. Brian Goldman, host of The Dose podcast. "Definitely last year's birch pollen season, and it looks like this year is going to be a doozy as well, has certainly been higher than we've seen in the last 10 years," said Ellis. Thankfully, newer medications and treatments, including allergy tablets that dissolve under the tongue, are offering seasonal sufferers more relief. What are seasonal allergies? Allergic rhinitis, the more technical term for seasonal allergies, is the body's response to stimuli like ragweed, pollen, dust and mould. Typical allergy symptoms include a runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, as well as coughing and sneezing. Allergy seasons vary slightly across Canada, says Ellis, adding that allergy seasons in Ontario and Quebec are among the worst in the country. "We have nice, robust summers with lots of trees and lots of pollen, but importantly also ragweed," she said. "Come late summer, early fall, we tend to get the biggest hits in terms of seasonal allergies across the country." Dr. Angeliki Barlas, president of the B.C. Society of Allergy and Immunology, grew up in Saskatchewan and says that she found her seasonal allergies were worse in the prairies than in B.C. But for some of her patients it's the opposite. "There's different allergens across the country, so it affects everybody differently," she said. While ragweed is more common in eastern Canada, Ellis said western provinces get a longer tree pollen season instead. Why are seasonal allergies getting worse? Experts agree that climate change is the primary driver for worsening conditions across Canada. "That spring to summer shift has gotten much shorter," said Ellis. "It just means that it changes how trees pollinate, it changes when the seasons start and stop, and leads to things being different than they were 20 years ago." In Ontario, Ellis says allergy season used to start around May with pollen, and last into July with a slight reprieve before ragweed season kicked in from around mid-August until the end of autumn. Now, however, pollen allergies begin when the weather warms up and continue until it starts to snow. WATCH | How to manage seasonal allergies this spring: How to manage seasonal allergies this spring 3 days ago Duration 2:52 Warmer temperatures overall mean plants produce more pollen, says Barlas. Plus, it takes smaller amounts of pollen to cause symptoms. Ellis says there's some evidence that suggests increasing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere lead to more allergenic and robust pollen. Additionally, the long-standing practice of planting male trees in urban areas has exacerbated seasonal allergies, says Ellis. Female trees bear fruit that creates mess when it drops on sidewalks and in parks, while male trees produce pollen. "So we're getting more allergens in the air because of some of those city planning decisions," Ellis said. The future of allergy relief? Over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can offer temporary relief for seasonal allergies. But allergy shots and sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue are longer-lasting immunotherapy solutions, says Barlas. "You are desensitizing the body to the allergen and you become less allergic — about 30 to 50 per cent less symptoms." Most people who suffer from seasonal allergies have likely heard about immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots. Allergy shots can be given year round, and usually consist of six months of weekly injections to help build-up resistance to the problem allergen, followed by monthly maintenance shots for the rest of the year. Most allergists start their patients on seasonal allergy shots in the fall when pollen counts are typically lower, says Ellis, so that by the time tree pollen season starts in March or April, they only need their monthly maintenance shots. WATCH | Your allergies are about to get worse: Your allergies are about to get worse 8 days ago Duration 3:05 In contrast, Ellis says sublingual tablets are taken every day during allergy season, until the first frost, when allergens typically subside, and resume once allergy season starts again. Ellis acknowledges that allergy shots can be cumbersome for many patients. "I definitely am prescribing much more immunotherapy in total, but particularly I'd say at least half of my practice has switched to tablets as opposed to injections," said Ellis. Immunotherapies can only be provided by a certified allergist, and treatment can last anywhere from three to five years, though some patients may need to keep receiving allergy shots to keep their symptoms at bay. Allergy shots are available for a wide range of allergens, but you can only get sublingual tablets for grass and tree pollen, dust mites and ragweed. Additionally, a medication used to treat allergic asthma is now receiving attention for its seasonal allergy-fighting potential. Xolair is the generic name for the omalizumab, a lab-made protein that mimics the body's ability to fight off harmful antigens. It works by targeting IgE, an antibody responsible for allergic reactions, says Ellis. Xolair isn't currently used to treat allergic rhinitis, but Ellis's patients who take the drug for allergic asthma have noticed improvements in their hay fever symptoms. In the U.S. it's also used for food allergies, but isn't yet prescribed for that use in Canada, says Ellis. A 2022 retrospective cohort study looking at Xolair's effects on seasonal allergies found that taking the drug before allergy season "could significantly relieve … related symptoms and reduce medication use." However, that study only looked at the medical records of 64 patients. Another small study in 2024 that examined its effects on seasonal cedar allergies in Japan, also suggested Xolair can be used to treat allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines, environmental control are still options too While more research is conducted on the future of seasonal allergy treatments, Ellis and Barlas say that existing over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines are still relatively effective. And Barlas says there's no single best treatment option. "Sometimes you have to do trial and error with different patients in terms of medications," she said. Nonetheless, experts recommend using some of the newer over-the-counter antihistamines, like cetirizine and loratadine. "We're trying to move away from first-generation or sedating antihistamines like diphenhydramine, which has a lot of side effects," said Ellis, adding that these medications can cause issues like delirium and other cognitive difficulties. Stronger prescription antihistamines, like bilastine and rupatadine are also good options. When it comes to nasal sprays, Ellis recommends inserting the spray into the nasal passages and pointing the nozzle toward the ear, rather than spraying straight up the nose. "Don't put it into the middle of your nose, because, one, the medication isn't getting where it needs to, and, two, you're more likely to have side effects like nosebleeds, nasal dryness and headaches," said Ellis. Some research suggests there are "uncommon side effects," including gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. But Ellis says taking antihistamines every day doesn't usually cause long-term harm, and nor do they really lose their effectiveness if taken every day for many years. "Sometimes patients have reported to me that they feel like it's not working anymore," she said. "Chances are good that means you need to move on to something beyond an antihistamine, but certainly it's safe to take an antihistamine on a daily basis all the way through the year if you need to." Ellis adds that neti pots or other saline sinus rinses are a good non-pharmacological options for patients looking to avoid medication by cleaning the nasal passages of allergens instead.
CNET
12-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
Why Are My Allergies Bad This Year? An Allergist Shares Relief Tips
Thanks to pollen and other tiny particles that cause inflammation, seasonal allergies have arrived -- and there's reason to believe they're getting worse. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 60 million people in the US may have symptoms of allergic rhinitis (also called seasonal allergies or hay fever) each year. Plants spread pollen in the air as part of their reproductive cycle, often triggering seasonal allergies. These symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and congestion, are caused by the body's overreaction to allergens it perceives as a threat. To loosen symptoms, Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist at NYU Langone Health, recommends avoiding the outdoors early in the morning, as well as opening your windows at that time. She also suggests changing clothes and showering when you get home. You can minimize other indoor allergens by getting dust mite covers, a HEPA air purifier, vacuuming and dusting frequently, and washing bedding frequently. Read more: Allergy Hacks for Pollen Season and Apps to Stay Ahead of the Game Don't Settle for Sneezes. Here's How to Combat Your Seasonal Allergies Don't Settle for Sneezes. Here's How to Combat Your Seasonal Allergies Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 8:07 Loaded : 1.22% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 8:07 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Here's How to Combat Your Seasonal Allergies How to treat seasonal allergies If you're reaching for an over-the-counter medication, make sure it's the right one by asking your pharmacist or doctor for their recommendation on an antihistamine or over-the-counter medication. A stuffy nose caused by allergies has a different cause than one caused by a cold, so you need to target your symptoms and their cause specifically. If you have severe allergies, your doctor may prescribe a nasal steroid spray or allergy shots to dampen symptoms. It's always a good idea to try your best to avoid your allergy triggers, but that doesn't mean you have to hole up inside with a box of tissues. Parikh shares a few ways to get ahead of allergy season: Take OTC antihistamines like Allegra, steroid nasal sprays, antihistamine nasal sprays and eyedrops. If you're prone to asthma, start your preventative inhalers as soon as possible. Parikh told CNET that "It's much easier to control symptoms proactively, and asthma can be dangerous if uncontrolled. If you don't know what to take, see a board-certified allergist to help you." When you come home from outside, change your clothes and take a shower to wash pollen off and decrease your exposure. Avoid being outside in the early morning, when pollen counts are highest, and keep windows closed early morning for the same reason. Other ways to lessen allergy symptoms: Use an air purifier if you're sensitive to indoor allergens. Wear a dust mask while doing yard work. Check your local weather network for pollen forecasts. 4 ways to tell you have seasonal allergies The type of pollen and how much there is largely depends on where you live. In addition to affecting the nose, pollen can cause inflammation in other areas. It's estimated that seven out of 10 people who experience nasal allergy symptoms also experience itchy, red or watery eyes. Here's how to know if your symptoms are allergy-related or not and ways to find relief. Common allergy symptoms you may experience If you think of sneezing and watery eyes when you think of seasonal allergies, you'd be on the right track. There's a good chance you have seasonal allergies if you experience any of the following common symptoms: Frequent sneezing Watery or itchy eyes Runny nose Congestion in your nose, ears or chest Postnasal drip Itchy throat Puffy eyelids Most seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. If you have winter allergies, you're probably allergic to an indoor allergen like dust allergy symptoms you may experience The symptoms above are extremely common, but your allergies might show up differently. These less common symptoms may also indicate seasonal allergies: Wheezing Coughing Sudden lack of exercise endurance Mild headache Read more: 5 Ways an Air Purifier Will Boost Your Health Symptoms you shouldn't experience Remember, some of the symptoms in the first two sections may also be symptoms of a cold or the flu, so if you feel under the weather, you should visit your doctor or get tested for COVID-19. Parikh says that some symptoms are identical, like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough and wheezing. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, there's a good chance you have a cold, COVID-19 or another virus: Fatigue Aches and pains throughout your body Weakness Severe headache Sore throat (different from the itchiness caused by allergies) If you know you're allergic to pollen, you can try an app like Zyrtec AllergyCast to check the pollen counts and see if it's a good idea (or not) to go outside. Zyrtec/Screenshot by Amanda Capritto/CNET Symptoms that show up seasonally If you have seasonal allergies, your symptoms likely arise and go away around the same time each year. For most people, seasonal allergy symptoms begin in the spring and end in the fall. You may experience allergic rhinitis in any of the four seasons, depending on your allergy triggers. Parikh shared that these plants commonly cause seasonal allergies: Spring: Grasses, such as ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, Timothy grass and Bermuda grass, and tree pollen, particularly from oak, elm, birch, cedar, willow, poplar, horse chestnut and alder trees. Summer: Weed pollens like mugwort and pigweed. Fall: Pollen from weeds is the main concern in the fall months. Many people are allergic to the pollen in ragweed, tumbleweed, pigweed, sagebrush, Russian thistle and other plants. Winter: Most people find their allergies dormant during the winter months because most plants don't pollinate during winter. If you still get watery eyes and a runny nose during cold weather, you might be allergic to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, mold or animal dander.
