Baker Allergy Asthma & Dermatology

The Holiday Season

With the holiday season fast approaching, we would like to remind patients with food allergies and parents of children with food allergies to be aware of the possibilities of cross-contamination of allergens into food dishes. Many of the holiday traditions put emphasis on various food dishes and it is important to be informed of the ingredients in these prior to consuming them if you or your child has a food allergy. Holiday meals are often times shared with many friends and relatives and if your child has a food allergy, we encourage you to always let your child know that he or she should ask a responsible adult if a food is okay to eat prior to consuming it. Many food allergy reactions occur after a child has been diagnosed with an allergy, but they are given a food to eat by a friend or relative who may not know they have an allergy. With food allergies, it may only take a small amount of food consumed to cause an allergic reaction. Please always carry an Epipen or Auvi-Q pen to have nearby in case of an allergic reaction.

Nasal Polyp Study

Nasal polyposis is a clinical condition characterized by the presence of multiple polyps (growths of inflamed tissue) in the nose. The main complication associated with polyp formation is chronic sinus infection, with symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks. Symptoms include long-term nasal obstruction and congestion, decrease or loss of sense of smell, nasal discharge, post nasal drip and facial pain. These symptoms can impact greatly upon a patient’s quality of life. Chronic sinus infections have a greater burden of symptoms and a higher relapse rate after treatment. Treatment options range from local or systemic corticosteroids to sinus surgery. The cause of polyps is not entirely known. They are most commonly thought to be caused by allergies, although a large number are associated with non-allergic asthma or no respiratory or allergic triggers can be found1,2,3,4.

The Baker Allergy, Asthma and Dermatology Research Center is beginning a study to research a medication to treat nasal polyps. This new medication has been used in asthma and has shown promise in reducing nasal polyps. There is an unmet need in this area as patients require more effective medication available to treat nasal polyps and prevent complications of sinus infections. If you or someone you know would like more information regarding this study, please contact Marianne Paul, research coordinator at 503-505-5906 or email her at mariannepaul@aadrc.com.


1. Thomas M, Yawn B, Price D, Lund V, Mullol J, Fokkens W. EPOS Primary Care Guidelines: European position paper on the primary care diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2007 - a summary. Primary Care Respiratory Journal 2008; 17(2):79-89.

2. Fokkens W, Lund VJ, Mullol J. European position paper on rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2007. Rhinology 45; 2007; 20: 1-13

3. Bryson JM, Tasca RA, Rowe-Jones JM. Local and systemic eosinophilia in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with and without polyposis. Clin Otolaryngol 2003; 28:55-58.

4. Slavin RG. Nasal polyps and sinusitits. JAMA, 10 Dec 1997; 278: 1849-1854.

Itch Study

An itch or pruritus is the sensation of an itch and can be either localized or generalized. It is triggered by an irritation to a specific type of nerve that leads to an itch sensation and the desire to scratch the skin. Itching can result from skin conditions, such as eczema, medication reactions or systemic illness1. It is defined as chronic when the symptoms of itching have been present for six weeks or longer, according to the International Society for the Study of Pruritus. The incidence of a chronic itch has been found to increase with age2.

People who have itching often times seek medical care from their dermatologist, as it can contribute to a decrease in quality of life, including difficulty functioning and sleeping3. The Baker Allergy, Asthma and Dermatology Research Center is currently involved in a study researching an investigational treatment for chronic itching. If you or someone you know has chronic itching, are 18 years or older and would like additional information about the research study, please contact either Emily Widen, research coordinator or Erin Flamiatos, FNP in our research center at (503) 534-2622.


1. Reich A, Stander S, Szepietowski JC. Drug-induced pruritus: a review. Acta dermatovenereologica. 2009;89(3):236-244.

2. Grundmann S, Stander S. Chronic pruritus: clinic and treatment. Annals of dermatology. Feb 2011;23(1):1-11.

3. Thaipisuttikul Y. Pruritic skin diseases in the elderly. The Journal of dermatology. Mar 1998;25(3):153-157.