Latest allergy research from ACAAI 2015

At the 2015 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers presented data on allergy management guidelines, the role of allergens on contact dermatitis and use of azelastine hydrochloride for allergic rhinitis.

Internal medicine, pediatric physicians unaware of allergy treatment guidelines

Physicians in pediatrics and internal medicine were unaware of treatment guidelines regarding common allergy and immunology conditions.

Researchers collected anonymous, electronic survey data from 409 physicians (129 pediatric faculty members, 106 pediatric residents, 78 internal medicine [IM] faculty members, 96 IM residents) regarding allergy evidence and/or guidelines. Less than 50% of faculty and 20% of residents had completed an elected rotation in allergy. Read more.

Component testing for food allergies beneficial when additional specificity required

Component testing for specific food allergies is most beneficial when current diagnostic testing is not adequately specific.

Robert A. Wood, MD, FACAAI, professor of pediatrics and international health, and director of pediatric allergy and immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, reviewed component testing for allergy to egg, cow’s milk, soy, wheat, hazelnuts and peanuts. Regarding the allergen component in soy, including glycine max (Gly m) 5 and 6, Wood said, “A third to half of patients that have true soy allergy will show specific antibody to Gly m 5 and Gly m 6.” Component testing might be beneficial in identifying patients who must avoid soy compared with those with less severe symptoms, Wood said. Read more.

Indoor volatile organic compounds impact patients with respiratory allergies

In this video, Stanley M. Fineman, MD, MBA, FACAAI, gives an overview of a workshop at the meeting that targeted the indoor environment and its effect on allergic diseases.

Indoor exposures include secondhand smoke, and volatile organic compounds such as various hydrocarbons, scented candles and other fragrance products. Watch here.

Combination nasal spray well-tolerated among children with allergic rhinitis

Safety and efficacy of azelastine hydrochloride with fluticasone propionate in a single nasal spray was comparable to fluticasone propionate alone.

Researchers randomly assigned children aged 4 to 12 years with allergic rhinitis 3:1 to receive azelastine hydrochloride with fluticasone propionate or fluticasone propionate (Dymista, Meda Pharmaceuticals) alone. Results of nasal examinations among both treatment groups improved. Nasal mucosal ulceration or septal perforation did not occur in either treatment group. Read more.

Contact dermatitis treatment includes identifying allergens

In this video, Luz S. Fonacier, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, professor of clinical medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, and head of allergy and allergy and immunology training program director, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York, provides an update on the parameters of contact dermatitis.

“Contact dermatitis is a common disease that we see as allergists and as dermatologists,” Fonacier told Healio Allergy/Immunology.

A patient history and patch testing should be conducted during an evaluation; identification of the allergen is important for treatment, Fonacier said. Watch here.