Urticaria-Like Hypersensitivity Reaction Following Botulinum Toxin Injection: A Case Report of Possible Interaction with β-Lactam Antibiotics

Feng W, Liu H. Int Med Case Rep J. 2025;18:367-371 https://doi.org/10.2147/IMCRJ.S510203

Abstract: 

After injection, urticaria-like manifestations occurred on the
upper face, with redness, swelling, and wheal formation.

Botulinum toxin serotype A (BTX-A) is commonly used for treating facial dynamic wrinkles. The clinical safety of BTX-A has been proven, and it has few side effects; despite this, BTX-A has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. This case raises concerns about a possible interaction between botulinum toxin serotype A (CBTX-A) and β-lactam antibiotics, contributing to the limited literature on hypersensitivity reactions.

Comparative Evaluation of an Allergen Exposure Chamber and Nasal Allergen Challenge Versus In-Field Symptom Assessment in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis Triggered by Timothy Grass Pollen

Zemelka-Wiacek, M., Kosowska, A., Pfaar, O., Agache, I., Kujawa, K. and Jutel, M. (2025) Allergy. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.16518

ABSTRACT

Background

An allergen exposure chamber (AEC) is a specialized medical facility designed to expose individuals to allergens at precise and consistent concentrations within a controlled environment. This study aimed to correlate the assessment of clinical endpoints in patients with allergic rhinitis sensitized to timothy grass pollen (Phleum pratense) by comparing three different methods: AEC, nasal allergen challenge (NAC), and symptoms during natural exposure during the grass pollen season.

Methods

Fifteen allergic subjects and twelve healthy controls were evaluated in the ALLEC AEC; allergic symptoms were measured by subjective and objective methods, including total nasal symptom score (TNSS), acoustic rhinometry (AcR), peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), and nasal discharge amount.

Maternal supplementation with α-tocopherol inhibits the development of offspring food allergy, H1R signaling and ultimately anaphylaxis early in life

Allison E Kosins, Haoran Gao, Ross L Blankenship, Lauren N Emmerson, Joel A Ochoa, Joan M Cook-Mills, The Journal of Immunology, Volume 214, Issue 2, February 2025, Pages 199–210, https://doi.org/10.1093/jimmun/vkae041

Abstract

Food allergy has had a rapid rise in prevalence, and thus it is important to identify approaches to limit the development of food allergy early in life. Because maternal dietary supplementation with α-tocopherol (α-T), an isoform of vitamin E, during pregnancy and nursing increases neonate plasma levels of α-T and can limit neonate development of other allergies, we hypothesized that α-T can limit development of food allergy. To assess this, male mice with mutations in their skin barrier genes (FT−/− mice) were mated with wild-type females that received a diet supplemented with α-tocopherol or a control diet. Starting at postnatal day 3, these FT+/− pups were sensitized 4 to 5 times over 2.5 weeks by skin co-exposure to the food allergen peanut extract (PNE) and the environmental allergen Alternaria alternata (Alt). Control pups were exposed to saline, PNE only or Alt only. Supplementation with α-T blocked Alt+PNE sensitization (anti-PNE-specific IgE), without blocking Alt+PNE-stimulated skin IL33, Areg, OSM, CCL11, TSLP or plasma MCPT1.

Breaking down prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics

From fermented foods to chia seeds, registered dietician Vanessa Risseto breaks down gut health and gives tips on how to get your prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics naturally.

The prevalence and risk of allergic rhinitis in psoriasis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Untaaveesup, S., Amnartpanich, T., Leelakanok, N. et al. Sci Rep 15, 9009 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86779-1

Abstract

A pooled prevalence of allergic rhinitis in patients with psoriasis

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory systemic disease, may increase the risk of allergic diseases. This meta-analysis assesses the prevalence and risk of developing allergic rhinitis in psoriasis. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE for population-based studies documenting AR in psoriasis compared to those without from inception to December 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model.

Impact of Demographic and Clinical Subgroups in Google Trends Data: Infodemiology Case Study on Asthma Hospitalizations

Portela D, Freitas A, Costa E, Giovannini M, Bousquet J, Almeida Fonseca J, Sousa-Pinto B. J Med Internet Res. 2025 Mar 10;27:e51804. doi: 10.2196/51804. 

Abstract

Background:

Google Trends (GT) data have shown promising results as a complementary tool to classical surveillance approaches. However, GT data are not necessarily provided by a representative sample of patients and may be skewed toward demographic and clinical groups that are more likely to use the internet to search for their health.

Objective:

In this study, we aimed to assess whether GT-based models perform differently in distinct population subgroups. To assess that, we analyzed a case study on asthma hospitalizations.

Methods:

We analyzed all hospitalizations with a main diagnosis of asthma occurring in 3 different countries (Portugal, Spain, and Brazil) for a period of approximately 5 years (January 1, 2012-December 17, 2016).

Association between allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis and chronic respiratory diseases: a mendelian randomization study

Ren, F., Zhang, L., Zhao, D. et al. BMC Pulm Med 25, 109 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-025-03523-1

Abstract

Background

Schematic representation of Mendelian randomization on the
relationship between nasal disease and chronic respiratory diseases

Epidemiological investigations provide considerable evidence supporting the coexistence of upper airway ailments with lower airway disorders, but the association between common nasal diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and chronic respiratory conditions require further exploration.

Methods

In this study, a two-sample mendelian randomization was employed to explore the potential association between allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, and chronic sinusitis with various chronic respiratory diseases.

The new bilastine eye drop formulation protects against conjunctival dehydration and promotes corneal wound healing in a comparative in vitro study

Arana, E., Gonzalo, A., Andollo, N. et al.  Sci Rep 15, 7987 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-91743-0

Abstract

Quantitative determination of the protective effect of selected
antiallergic aye drop formulations against dehydration in Human
Primary Conjunctival Epithelial Cells (HConEpiC)

Bilastine is a non-sedating, highly selective H1-antihistamine with proven efficacy and safety in treating allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria in adults and children. Allergic conjunctivitis, a common ocular condition, negatively impacts quality of life. Topical eye drops are the standard treatment, though ocular bioavailability is often low. Incorporating biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid (HA) into topical formulations enhances adhesive properties, prolongs retention on the ocular surface, and ultimately improves drug bioavailability. This study evaluated the new multidose preservative-free bilastine 0.6% solution with sodium HA against eight commercially available antiallergic eye drops.