Baker Allergy, Asthma and Dermatology Newsletter
James Baker MD Holly Morrison FNP Elizabeth Smith, FNP
3975 SW Mercantile Dr. Ste 158 Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503 636-9011, Cell: 503 784-7452, jameswbaker@aadrc.com
August 2013
Outgrowing a Milk Allergy
A new study has found that milk allergy is not outgrown as early as research once demonstrated. A recent study of 244 children with milk allergies showed that at age of 66 months, 52.6% percent had outgrown the allergy and were able to consume milk products safely . Additional research has shown promising results of children outgrowing milk allergy faster by introducing baked milk products on a consistent basis. This initial oral challenge involving a baked muffin containing milk must be completed in a clinic setting for safe monitoring. We are now implementing this program at The Baker Allergy, Asthma and Dermatology Center. If you have a child or know someone with a child who has a milk allergy, feel free to contact the clinic for further information regarding this program at 503 636-9011.
1. Wood RA, Sicherer SH, Vickery BP, et al: “The Natural History of Milk Allergy in an Observational Cohort.” The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 131 (2013): 805-812.
Pollen Counts
We are currently receiving reports of low tree and weed pollen counts from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. The counts are based out of Eugene for the state of Oregon. The grass pollen season began in late April this year, which is very early as it typically begins in mid May. It lasted through July, although the grass pollen counts for the latter part of July were in the low range. You can follow the pollen counts by going to the website at AAAAI.org and clicking on the pollen count link in the upper right hand corner.
Current Study at Baker Research Center
House dust mites are the source of one of the most common allergies in the United States. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys III, 27.5% of Americans show sensitivity to dust mites based on skin prick testing1. There are three basic treatment options available for those who suffer from house dust mite allergies. The first is avoidance, which may be difficult for many individuals. Second, some may obtain relief of symptoms through control with medication. Lastly, immunotherapy provides long-term benefit by building the body’s tolerance to dust mite allergens. Immunotherapy is a great option for those who do not obtain relief from or want to avoid large doses of medication. There is a new dust mite study being offered at The Research Center, it aims at studying a sublingual form of dust mite immunotherapy that a subject can safely take in the comfort of their own home. The goal of the study is to test if taking a dust mite immunotherapy tablet by mouth can help relieve symptoms of dust mite allergy. In this study, patients will be taking an immunotherapy tablet once a day by letting it dissolve under their tongue. After screening to determine eligibility takes place, the study lasts for approximately one year. Study subjects will record their symptoms for a few weeks during the peak house dust mite seasons, and the results will be compared between placebo and non-placebo groups. By doing so, we hope to show that the sublingual form of immunotherapy provides significant relief to those suffering from dust mite allergies. If you are interested or know someone who may be is interested in this study, please call our research center at 503 534-2622.
1. Arbes SJ, Gergen PJ, Elliot L, Zeldin DC. "Prevalences of Positive Skin Test Responses to 10 Common Allergens in the US Population: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey." The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 116.2 (2005): 377-83.
