The hidden burden of adult allergic rhinitis: UK healthcare resource utilisation survey

Research

David Price^1*, Glenis Scadding², Dermot Ryan³⁴, Claus Bachert⁵, G. Walter Canonica⁶, Joaquim Mullol⁷, Ludger Klimek⁸, Richard Pitman⁹, Sarah Acaster¹⁰, Ruth Murray¹¹ and Jean Bousquet^12131415

Clinical and Translational Allergy 2015, 5:39  doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0083-6

Abstract

Background

The affliction of allergic rhinitis (AR) has been trivialised in the past. Recent initiatives by the European Academy of Allergy & Clinical Immunology and by the EU parliament seek to rectify that situation. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive picture of the burden and unmet need of AR patients.

Anaphylaxis following a transvaginal ultrasound

Case report

Baruch D. Jakubovic^1*, Corey Saperia² and Gordon L. Sussman¹²

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology 2016, 12:3  doi:10.1186/s13223-015-0106-9

Abstract

Polyethylene glycol is a ubiquitous, water-soluble, organic compound found in a wide variety of commercially available products. While generally a benign substance, in rare instances, it can induce hypersensitivity reactions. Herein, we describe a case of anaphylaxis to polyethylene glycol-containing lubricating gel used for a transvaginal ultrasound.

Treatment of Unexplained Chronic Cough: CHEST Guideline and Expert Panel Report

FREE TO VIEW

Peter Gibson, MBBS; Gang Wang, MD, PhD; Lorcan McGarvey, MD; Anne E. Vertigan, PhD, MBA, BAppSc (SpPath); Kenneth W. Altman, MD, PhD; Surinder S. Birring, MB ChB, MD

Author and Funding Information

Chest. 2016;149(1):27-44. doi:10.1378/chest.15-1496

Abstract

Abstract | Summary of Recommendations and Suggestions | Methods | Results | Discussion | Summary of the Systematic Review Results and Its Limitations | Future Directions | Conclusions |Acknowledgments | Supplementary Data | References

Background  Unexplained chronic cough (UCC) causes significant impairments in quality of life. Effective assessment and treatment approaches are needed for UCC.

Systematic review of the toxicity of short-course oral corticosteroids in children

Arch Dis Child doi:10.1136/archdischild-2015-309522

• Original article

 Authors

Abstract

Background Short-course oral corticosteroids are commonly used in children but are known to be associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This review aimed to identify the most common and serious ADRs and to determine their relative risk levels.

Methods A literature search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PubMed was performed with no language restrictions to identify studies in which oral corticosteroids were administered to patients aged 28 days to 18 years of age for up to and including 14 days of treatment. Each database was searched from their earliest dates to December 2013. All studies providing clear information on ADRs were included.

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Effect of H1 Antihistamines in Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Balkan Med J. 2015 Oct; 32(4): 352–358.

Published online 2015 Oct 1. doi:  10.5152/balkanmedj.2015.15884

PMCID: PMC4692333

Corina I. Bocşan,¹ Adriana I. Bujor,² Nicolae Miron,² Ştefan C. Vesa,¹ Diana Deleanu,² and Anca D. Buzoianu²

Abstract

Background:

Allergic rhinitis is characterized by a chronic inflammation of nasal mucosa and represents a risk factor for asthma occurrence. H1 antihistamines reduce the symptoms of rhinitis, but some compounds may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Aims:

We evaluated the plasma level of some cytokines in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) and their evolution after a 4-week treatment with H1 anti-histamines, as well as the risk of asthma after 1.5 years.

Intakes of apple juice, fruit drinks and soda are associated with prevalent asthma in US children aged 2–9 years

Volume 19 / Issue 01 / January 2016, pp 123-130

Luanne Robalo DeChristopher^a1 c1 p1, Jaime Uribarri^a2 and Katherine L Tucker^a3

Abstract

Objective High soft drink consumption has been linked with asthma. Anecdotal evidence links high-fructose corn syrup with asthma. The receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has emerged as a mediator of asthma. The objectives of the present study were to: (i) assess the correlation between intake of beverages containing excess free fructose (EFF beverages) and asthma in children; and (ii) epidemiologically test the mechanistic hypothesis that intake of high EFF beverages, such as apple juice or beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, is associated with increased risk of asthma. This hypothesis is based on the possible effect of increases in thein situ intestinal formation of advanced glycation end products (enFruAGE) with EFF, which may be absorbed and play a role in RAGE-mediated asthma.

Serum allergen-specific IgE testing: How much is too much?

The Choosing Wisely campaign and others advocate against indiscriminate IgE testing in evaluating allergy

CCJM 2016 Jan;83(1):21-24.

10.3949/ccjm.83a.14125

CHERYL K. LAU, PhD
Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

CHRISTOPHER NAUGLER, MD, CCFP, FCFP, FRCPC*Calgary Laboratory Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Division Head, General Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Associate Professor, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

A 25-YEAR-OLD MAN is evaluated for angioedema (swelling of lips and tongue) after eating paella at a Spanish restaurant. He has no history of allergies, but he says he had never eaten such a large variety of seafood before, especially shellfish.

Predicting frequent asthma exacerbations using blood eosinophil count and other patient data routinely available in clinical practice

Journal of Asthma and Allergy - Dove Press Open Access Publisher

David Price,^1,2 Andrew M Wilson,³ Alison Chisholm,⁴ Anna Rigazio,² Anne Burden,² Michael Thomas,⁵Christine King²

¹Centre for Academic Primary Care, The Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, ²Research in Real-Life, Cambridge, ³Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, ⁴Respiratory Effectiveness Group, Cambridge, ⁵Primary Medical Care, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
Purpose: Acute, severe asthma exacerbations can be difficult to predict and thus prevent. Patients who have frequent exacerbations are of particular concern. Practical exacerbation predictors are needed for these patients in the primary-care setting.

Three-month validation of a turbuhaler electronic monitoring device: implications for asthma clinical trial use

BMJ Open Resp Res 2015;2:e000097 doi:10.1136/bmjresp-2015-000097

• Janine Pilcher1,2, 
• Philippa Shirtcliffe1,2, 
• Mitesh Patel2,3, 
• Steve McKinstry2,
• Terrianne Cripps1,2, 
• Mark Weatherall1,4 and 
• Richard Beasley1,2

Abstract

Background Electronic monitoring of inhaled asthma therapy is suggested as the ‘gold standard’ for measuring patterns of medication use in clinical trials. The SmartTurbo (Adherium (NZ) Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand) is an electronic monitor for use with a turbuhaler device (AstraZeneca, UK). The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the SmartTurbo in recording Symbicort actuations over a 12-week period of use.

Management of the polyallergic patient with allergy immunotherapy: a practice-based approach

Review

Pascal Demoly^12*, Giovanni Passalacqua³, Oliver Pfaar⁴⁵, Joaquin Sastre⁶ and Ulrich Wahn⁷

Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology 2016, 12:2  doi:10.1186/s13223-015-0109-6

Abstract

The great majority (60–80 %) of patients consulting specialist physicians for allergic respiratory disease are polysensitized and thus may be potentially clinically polyallergic. However, management approaches to allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in polysensitized and polyallergic patients are not standardized.

An international group of clinicians with in-depth expertise in AIT product development, clinical trials and clinical practice met to generate up-to-date, unambiguous, pragmatic guidance on AIT in polysensitized and polyallergic patients. The guidance was developed after reviewing (1) the current stance of regulatory bodies and learned societies, (2) the literature data on single- and multi-AIT and (3) the members’ confirmed clinical experience with polysensitized patients.