Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma caused by cat dander have a highly variable prevalence across countries, which can reach 30% of the population in some regions. Cat allergens are widely distributed in the environment, making exposure nearly unavoidable, even in non-cat-owning households. Eight cat allergens have been identified, with Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 being particularly associated with the development and severity of asthma.
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| Cat allergens |
Key Points
Question Are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) in primary care associated with reduced inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in children with suspected viral lower respiratory tract infections (VLRTIs), including bronchiolitis?
Findings In this cohort study of 256 children aged 9 to 36 months in Italy, implementing RSV Ag-RDTs in clinical practice was associated with a reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use. Overall, RSV Ag-RDTs were associated with a mean reduction in antibiotic prescribing for VLRTIs and bronchiolitis compared with clinically diagnosed cohorts.
Meaning The findings suggest incorporating RSV Ag-RDTs into pediatric care may support more appropriate antibiotic prescribing and could help reduce antibiotic overuse.
Abstract
Importance Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of pediatric viral lower respiratory tract infections (VLRTIs), often leading to inappropriate antibiotic use. Although rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) support clinical diagnosis, their effect on antibiotic prescribing in community settings remains uncertain.
Highlights
• What is already known about this topic? Oral antihistamines are one of the mainstays of the pharmacological management of allergic rhinitis, being widely available and affordable.
• What does this article add to our knowledge? Oral antihistamines are effective in improving rhinitis symptoms and quality-of-life. Cetirizine, ebastine, bilastine and rupatadine were among the individual medications associated with the highest efficacy for improving nasal symptoms.
• How does this study impact current management guidelines? This systematic review will inform the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (2024-2025) guidelines. In particular, it will provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of individual oral antihistamines.
Abstract
Background
Oral H1-antihistamines (OAH) are among the most frequently used medications for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).
Objective
To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of individual OAH in patients with AR.
Methods
We searched four electronic bibliographic databases and three clinical trial databases for randomized controlled trials assessing adults with perennial or seasonal AR, and comparing (i) OAH versus placebo or (ii) different individual OAH. We performed a network meta-analysis on the Total Nasal Symptom Score, Total Ocular Symptom Score, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire, development of adverse events, and withdrawals due to adverse events. Certainty of evidence for comparisons involving the most clinically relevant second-generation OAH was assessed using GRADE-NMA.
Results
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| Summary of the network meta-analysis results of the comparisons between each main oral antihistaminewith placebo |
Abstract
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| General impact of microbial metabolite dysbiosis on allergic pathogenesis. |
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| From disease to illness in allergic rhinitis |
Abstract
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| Proportion of days in the pollen season under four exposure severity levels for “No ALAN” and “ALAN” conditions. |
Highlights
• What is already known about this topic? Oral antihistamines are one of the mainstays of the pharmacological management of allergic rhinitis, being widely available and affordable.
• What does this article add to our knowledge? Oral antihistamines are effective in improving rhinitis symptoms and quality-of-life. Cetirizine, ebastine, bilastine and rupatadine were among the individual medications associated with the highest efficacy for improving nasal symptoms.
• How does this study impact current management guidelines? This systematic review will inform the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (2024-2025) guidelines. In particular, it will provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of individual oral antihistamines.
Abstract
Background
Oral H1-antihistamines (OAH) are among the most frequently used medications for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR).
Abstract
Background
Frey’s syndrome (auriculotemporal syndrome) is characterized by gustatory flushing and sweating in the distribution of the auriculotemporal nerve. Although classically described after parotid surgery in adults, congenital and idiopathic forms are increasingly recognized in infants. Because symptoms occur during feeding, the condition can closely mimic IgE-mediated food allergy, leading to unnecessary dietary restrictions and anxiety.
Case presentation
We report an 8-month-old boy referred for evaluation of suspected multiple food allergies after several emergency department visits for feeding-associated facial redness, interpreted by caregivers as “hives”, and accompanied by significant parental anxiety and progressive dietary avoidance.
Abstract
Background
Individuals with allergic rhinitis and asthma rely on accurate pollen forecasts to avoid allergen exposure and manage symptoms. However, many widely used weather and health applications (apps) use manual pollen counting methods, which may vary in accuracy.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the concordance between popular pollen forecasting apps and real-time data collected from an automated pollen monitoring device at a single site in the Chicago area.
Methods
We compared daily pollen forecasts from 2 commonly used consumer apps (The Weather Channel app and the AccuWeather app) with pollen data recorded by the PollenSense automated monitoring device over 2 months. To assess daily concordance, forecasted pollen levels and automated counts were categorized as being in the low, moderate, or high ranges. Descriptive and inferential assessment of accuracy and reliability of consumer-facing pollen forecasts were performed.
Results
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| Concordance between the AccuWeather app and PollenSense. |
Antibiotic use in infants is hypothesized to alter the gut microbiota, influencing immune system dysregulation and increasing allergy risk. We aim to assess the prevalence of allergic diseases in children treated with different classes of antibiotics in early life.
A retrospective cohort study was conducted from April 2024 to January 2025 in three main hospitals in the West Bank in Palestine. Records of pediatric admissions of children who received antibiotic treatment within their first six months of life were reviewed, followed by parents’ interview regarding the development of allergies.
Observing the clinical effects of dust mite sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on children with asthma, changes of Th17 / Treg cells and related cytokines in order to investigate the possible pathological mechanism of immune tolerance induced by SLIT.
Abstract
Background
Pneumococcus causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide in children under 5. IVT PCV-25 is a 25-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV25) designed to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease from the serotypes predominant in children, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs).
Methods
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| Pneumococcal serotypes in IVT PCV25 and PCVs licensed in children. |
Abstract
Background
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) causes recurring swelling attacks, leading to substantial disease burden. This real-world, retrospective study aimed to evaluate HAE attack rates before and after berotralstat initiation stratified by patients’ baseline attack frequency.
Methods
Specialty Pharmacy data from Optime Care, Inc. (12/2020–01/2024), the sole berotralstat dispenser in the United States, were analyzed. Eligible patients had ≥ 2 berotralstat dispensings (first = index) and ≥ 1 self-assessment of attacks at baseline (90-days pre-index) and follow-up (first-to-last dispensing). Patients were classified by HAE type (based on laboratory measurements) and baseline attacks (≥ 5, 2–4, 1, and 0 attacks/month). Follow-up attack rates were compared with baseline using mean differences, confidence intervals, and P-values. Among those with 0 baseline attacks/month, proportions with 0 follow-up attacks/month were assessed.
Results
Abstract
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| Therapeutic evolution in primary chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS): from symptomatic relief to targeted inflammatory modulation |
Abstract
Background
Allergic diseases, particularly in children, are increasing worldwide and impose growing clinical, economic, and environmental burdens on healthcare systems. Conventional models of allergy care face limitations in early diagnosis, long-term disease monitoring, patient engagement, and sustainability, highlighting the need for innovative and scalable solutions.
Objectives
This position paper aims to propose a global framework for integrating digital health innovations with sustainable models of allergy and immunology care, with particular attention to pediatric and general allergy services.
Methods
The paper is formulated as an expert opinion–based position document informed by current scientific evidence on digital health applications and sustainable healthcare practices in allergy and immunology. Key domains were identified through literature review and consensus discussions, focusing on digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and international collaboration.
Results
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| The summary of pathogenesis and comparison between psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. |
