BACKGROUND Allergen exposure via the respiratory tract and in particular via the nasal mucosa boosts systemic allergen-specific IgE production. Intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) represent a first line treatment of allergic rhinitis but their effects on this boost of allergen-specific IgE production are unclear. AIM Here we aimed to determine in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study whether...

Background The allergists´ tool box in cat allergy management is limited. Clinical studies have shown that holo beta-lactoglobulin (holoBLG) can restore micronutritional deficits atopic immune cells and alleviate allergic symptoms a completely allergen-nonspecific manner. With this study, we aimed to provide proof of principle allergy. Methods A novel challenge protocol for standardized ECARF a...

PURPOSE Subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (SCIT) is a well-established and clinically effective method to treat allergic diseases, such as rhinitis and asthma. It remains unclear how soon after initiation of an ultra-short course of grass pollen immunotherapy adjuvanted with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL)-specific bronchial tolerance can be induced. METHODS In a prospective study of ...

BACKGROUND Food allergy is common in children, occurring in 5-7.5%. The diagnosis may, however, be difficult. Elevated IgE or positive skin prick test to a food allergen is often considered proof of allergy, but may represent sensitisation without clinical manifestations. For a precise diagnosis oral challenge is necessary, but this is often not performed because of risk of serious allergic rea...

INTRODUCTION Optical rhinometry (ORM) is a technique that allows for direct continuous measurement of changes in blood flow (optical density) in nasal vessels, at the same time analyzing changes per unit of time in the evaluated variable: intravascular blood flow and oxygen saturation. AIM To assess the extent to which ORM can be used as an objective measure of nasal mucosal edema following a...

Oral challenge with acetylsalicylic acid was compared with inhalation of Lysine acetylsalicylic acid (L-ASA) as a means to diagnose aspirin-idiosyncrasy in the airways. On the basis of history and/or clinical findings (asthma, rhinorrhea, nasal polyposis) 22 consecutive patients were challenged by both routes. Ten of these developed significant bronchoconstriction (greater than or equal to 20% ...

BACKGROUND : We investigated the effects of sensitization and exposure to common domestic allergens on longitudinal changes in lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. METHODS : Subjects attended 2 visits that were 4 years apart. Skin prick testing was performed and household dust samples were collected for quantification of mite, dog, and cat allergens at baseline. Measurements of lu...

Local airway challenge has advantages over inhalation bronchial challenge as the response of the airway can be restricted and directly observed. It has been safely performed in subjects with mild or moderate asthma, either by the direct instillation of challenge solution to the selected segmental airways via a bronchoscope, or delivered to an airway segment isolated with a double-balloon cathet...