New Research Findings Deliver Improved Symptom Control for Allergy Sufferers

Ranging in severity from barely noticeable sniffles to instantaneous death, allergy-related symptoms are one of the most commonly diagnosed health problems. Although most cases aren?t severe, they can significantly diminish quality of life for allergy sufferers.

Basically, most types of allergies are autoimmune disorders, in which the body misinterprets a foreign substance as a disease-producing germ and attacks it with the same type of defense mechanisms it would use to fight a common cold or a pathogen. For reasons that scientists can?t quite pin down, allergy problems have grown much more common in recent decades.

As a result, allergies have emerged as a major threat to public health. Labor statistics indicate that billions of dollars annually are lost as a result of allergy-related work absences and productivity losses. Not surprisingly, more research resources have now been devoted to the challenge of identifying possible causes and cures for allergies, as well. This week, we?ll take a look at the results of recent allergy research studies.

North Carolina Researchers Develop New Anti-Allergy Peanut

Peanut allergies are among the most potentially deadly form of allergic reaction. For unknown reasons, ingesting even tiny particles of peanuts can provoke severe anaphylactic shock in those allergic to the nut, a reaction that can result in death. As a result, people with peanut allergies must remain constantly vigilant against the possibility of accidentally consuming peanuts or peanut byproducts.

Researchers at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University have developed a new form of the peanut that may significantly increase the menus of those with peanut allergies. A recent press release from the institution described a newly developed form of peanut in which the dangerous allergens that can provoke anaphylactic shock have been removed. Although studies assessing the safety of the new peanut have not yet been undertaken, this development could have significant implications for those with peanut allergies.

Cat Dander Found to Impact Virtually All Allergy Sufferers

According to a study conducted by researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, people with allergies tend to experience increased allergy symptoms after being exposed to cat hair and cat dander, even if they have not been previously diagnosed with cat allergies.

In other words, even if allergy sufferers are primarily sensitive to another type of allergen, such as pollen or mold, exposure to cat dander can often evoke an allergic response. The respiratory response was found to be more pronounced in allergy sufferers also affected by asthma or bronchial disorders.

The findings could impact pet ownership decisions among allergy sufferers, according to the researchers. They recommend that all allergy sufferers be evaluated for cat allergen sensitivity in order to allow for more effective control of their symptoms.

Simple Laundry Techniques May Significantly Reduce Symptom Intensity for Allergy Sufferers

The world can be a challenging place to navigate for allergy sufferers. Tiny food fragments, airborne particles that are invisible to the naked eye, and microscopic mold spores can all trigger a debilitating allergy attack. In order to avoid the appearance of severe symptoms, allergy sufferers have to remain constantly on guard against potential sources of danger, even those that may escape the notice of more casual observers.

In fact, the seemingly simple act of doing the laundry can prove to be problematic for allergy sufferers. In the wash, invisible particles can transfer between articles of clothing, triggering an attack when they are later worn by the allergy sufferer in the family.

However, based on the findings of a recent study, the process of eliminating allergens from the dirty clothes pile may have just gotten a bit easier. Researchers at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea recently undertook an investigation in which several methods of clothes washing were compared as a means of assessing their effectiveness at removing potentially dangerous allergens.

According to the researchers, one laundry method emerged as the most effective approach to reducing the concentration of allergens in the washing process -- the use of hot water exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. When water of this temperature was employed in laundry loads, virtually all dust mites were eliminated, and the intensity of several other common allergens was also reduced significantly.

If you?re an allergy sufferer, keep an eye out for new scientific findings that may offer practical hints to help reduce your exposure to allergens that could trigger an attack. Check back each week for more of the breaking science news that can change your health for the better!