Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
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This article reviews the literature on the effects of leukotrienes in asthma. In particular, the ability of recently developed receptor antagonists and synthesis inhibitors to attenuate the asthma-causing effects of leukotrienes is examined. ⋯ The antileukotriene drugs attenuated the responses to inhaled leukotrienes and allergen challenges. These agents produced beneficial effects in cold-, exercise-, and aspirin-induced asthma, as well as clinical asthma. Many of these medications appear to be effective in the treatment of asthma; however, further clinical research is needed to determine which patients would benefit most from their use.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Sep 1995
Editorial Comment ReviewSalmeterol for the treatment of asthma.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Jul 1995
Antigenic and allergenic relationships among airborne grass pollens in India.
Pollen from grasses (Poaceae) are predominant aeroallergens throughout the world including tropical countries. Studies from USA, Europe, and Australia have shown extensive allergenic/antigenic cross reactivity among the grass pollen allergens prevalent there. No such information is available about airborne grass pollens of tropical countries. ⋯ The varied dose-response curves obtained with ELISA inhibition using different inhibitors suggest the presence of both common and specific antigens/allergens in the grass pollens studied. Based on the extensive immunologic cross reactivity, among the tropical grass species, it may be possible to use mixed allergen preparations for allergy diagnosis and immunotherapy.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · May 1995
Case ReportsHypersensitivity pneumonitis in a raptor handler and a wild bird fancier.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been associated with a variety of antigens in various settings. We have recently encountered one case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis from owl droppings and another case from a wild Moluccan cockatoo. ⋯ There are many raptor handlers and wild bird fanciers across the United States and the world. Given the incidence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in pigeon breeders, this may herald a new variant of allergic disease among wildlife workers and wild bird fanciers.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Apr 1995
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialDose-ranging comparative evaluation of cetirizine in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Cetirizine, an H1-receptor antagonist, has been studied for the relief of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, one of the most common allergic disorders in the United States. Unlike newer antihistamines that can have interactions with other medications, including some macrolide antibiotics and some antifungal agents, cetirizine has not been associated with adverse events consequent to interaction with drugs that depend on hepatic enzymes for their metabolism. ⋯ Dose titration of cetirizine may allow for greater efficacy and quality of life, especially for patients with refractory symptoms of allergic rhinitis in whom therapy with single-dose antihistamines has failed.