Psoriasis Study
It is reported that at least 10 percent of the general population inherits one or more of the genes that create a predisposition to psoriasis. However, only 2 percent to 3 percent of this population develops the disease. Researchers believe that for a person to develop psoriasis, the individual must have a combination of the genes that cause psoriasis and be exposed to specific external factors known as "triggers". These triggers can include; stress, injury or trauma to the skin and some types of medications. Psoriasis can also flare following a strep throat infection, earache, bronchitis, tonsillitis or a respiratory infection. Basically, anything that can affect the immune system can affect psoriasis[1].
The severity of psoriasis is not only measured by how much area of the body is affected, but also by how psoriasis affects a person's quality of life. There are a variety of ways to treat psoriasis, including; topical medications, systemic medications, biologic drugs, phototherapy treatment and alternatives therapies1.
The Baker Research Center is currently offering a study to research a topical medication that has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis in adults 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has had psoriasis for over 6 months and would like more information regarding this study please notify Emily Widen, Erin Flamiatos, FNP or Angie Johnson at 503 534-2622.
1. National Psoriasis Foundation (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2013 from https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis
Allergic to the holidays?
Although the pollen season is over, holiday gatherings and increased time spent indoors during the winter can leave people with allergies and asthma wondering if they are “allergic” to the holidays. From decorations to an increase in the stress during the holiday season, there are many components related to this time of celebration that can trigger allergies and asthma.
Christmas trees
If you develop symptoms of allergies or asthma around Christmas trees it’s unlikely that you are allergic to the tree itself, but possibly the terpene in the oil/sap of the tree or the mold spores present on the tree, which can symptoms. Also, the fragrance of the tree may lead to non allergic rhinitis or asthma symptoms. To decrease chances of reacting to your tree you can use a leaf blower in a well-ventilated area to help remove some of the pollen. Also, washing live trees, especially the trunk, with a garden hose, then leaving it in a bucket of water in the garage to dry can decrease allergen exposure. It is helpful to wear gloves when handling the tree to avoid contact with the sap. In addition, artificial trees can harbor dust and mold if stored improperly. These trees can also be washed outside to help eliminate some of the dust or mold. When storing an artificial tree, place it in an air-tight bag or container to decrease allergen accumulation[1].Decorations
Scented candles and potpourri, along with wood-burning fireplaces can lead to rhinitis and asthma symptoms. Ornaments and other decorations stored in attics and basements for months often gather dust and mold and can cause reactions when they are brought out of storage. Symptoms may be decreased by cleaning each item before decorating and when packing things away, storing them in airtight containers[1].
Stress and gatherings
While stress doesn't cause allergies or asthma, it can temporary alter the effectiveness of your immune system. In addition, it may lead to asthma symptoms in some people, as chemicals released by the body during stressful times can cause the muscles around your airways to tighten. Also, when people gather, viral illnesses are more likely to be passed around and if you have asthma, it is important to discuss getting a flu shot with your doctor[1].
1. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (n.d.) Retrieved on December 9, 2013 from http://www.acaai.org/allergist/news/New/Pages/avoiding-holiday-asthma-allergy-triggers.aspx
Peanut Desensitization
Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is the administration of increasing amounts of an allergen to individuals with food allergies in order to decrease the allergic response to the substance on future exposures[1]. Immunotherapy involves continually exposing patients to an allergen until their immune system is able to tolerate it. Since even small traces of an allergen can trigger anaphylaxis, oral immunotherapy is only to be administered under the supervision of trained medical professionals and should never be attempted otherwis[2].
At the Baker Allergy, Asthma and Dermatology Research Center, we currently offer food desensitization for IgE-mediated food allergies. This is one option for patients with food allergies and it is important that both children with food allergies and their parents are all involved in this process. Continual avoidance is always the first line treatment for food allergies.
Frequently asked questions about peanut desensitization at Baker Allergy, Asthma and Dermatology Center:
1. How many patients have participated in peanut desensitization?
152
2. How many patients are now on a maintenance dose of peanuts daily?
118
3. What is a maintenance dose of peanuts?
The maintenance dose varies based on age, weight and tolerance to taste.
4. What is the average time range for appointments?
The first visit is 2-3 hours and subsequent appointments are about 1 hour. Visits must be at least one week apart but can be spread as far apart as needed as long as the home dose in maintained. Some patients come once a month.
5. What is the average amount of appointments to reach maintenance?
The average amount is about 6 visits The range of total appointments is typically 3-10 visits.
6. What other foods are we offering desensitization to?
Several foods including: milk, egg, various tree nuts, coconut, chickpeas, sesame seeds. Any food would be considered, but not all may be possible.
7. What is the minimum age to begin desensitization?
Ideally the youngest age is 5, but we have treated younger children depending on the individual child.
8. What are the most common side effects of desensitization?
The most common adverse reactions are mild oral itching and stomach discomfort.
9. What happens if a reaction occurs during a desensitization appointment?
A protocol is followed for treatment of a reaction. First, the severity is assessed and then the patient is treated as needed. It may be that we watch and wait for mild symptoms to subside, or we may treat with one or more of the following: benadryl, H2 blocker (Zantac), adrenaline, nebulizer treatment and/or oral prednisone. We have always been able to treat the symptoms/reaction in our clinic.
10. How many years does a patient need to continue on a maintenance dose?
It is through the constant exposure of the food one is allergic to that keeps the body in a tolerant state and unless, through the ongoing studies it is discovered that after a period the body builds immunity, this could be a lifetime commitment.
If you are interested in learning more about peanut desensitization, please call Baker Allergy, Asthma and Dermatology Center at (503) 636-9011 to make an appointment for more information.
1. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (n.d.) Retrieved on December 9, 2013 from http://www.aaaai.org/global/latest-research-summaries/Current-JACI-Research/Peanut-allergy-%E2%80%93-a-new-treatment-option-on-the-hor.aspx
2. Brock, E. (2013, January) Recent findings in food allergy research. Retrieved on December 9, 2013 from http://foodallergies.stanford.edu/about_us/pdf/foodallergyresearchA.pdf
