Possible Asthma Vaccine - One topic currently under study is the possibility of a vaccine for asthma. The vaccine, if proven to be successful, would lessen the severity of asthma by reducing the body's allergic response to dust mites, a common asthma irritant. The vaccine is made from dead bacteria known as mycobacterium vaccae. In the initial trial, the twelve volunteers, after one dose, had a thirty percent or more reduction in the inflammation and narrowing of the airways. A larger clinical trial has now been planned. For more details, go to:
You will need to use the search engine to access this article. Type asthma, and follow the link to the article dated September 17, 1999, entitled "'One Jab' Vaccine Hope for Asthma".
Sinusitis and Fungus - Another study currently being conducted suggests that sinus infections are primarily caused by fungi. Dr. David Sherris, a Mayo clinic researcher, said that "Fungus allergy was thought to be involved in less than ten percent of cases. Our studies indicate that, in fact, fungus is likely to be the cause of nearly all these problems. And it is not an allergic reaction, but an immune reaction."
According to the researchers, what happens is the body's immune system sends eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) to attack the fungi; this action irritates the nasal membranes. The Mayo Clinic researchers feel that this is the cause of most chronic sinusitis. (Acute sinusitis is usually caused by bacteria.) However, it will be two to five years before a treatment is developed. To read further on this topic, you can visit:
http://www.mayo.edu/comm/mcr/news/news_7...
http://www.mayo.edu/news/sinus.html
http://www.aafa.org/sinusitis.html
Recalls - Several (allergy-related) product recalls have recently been announced. It is important to keep in mind that, particularly in regard to medication recalls, sometimes a large amount of the product in question is involved, sometimes only a relatively small amount. Check with your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.
Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories announced on August 31, 1999, a voluntary recall of specific lots of Epinephrine Injection USP 1:1000, due to samples which were discovered to be below the proper potency. The product was sold under the brand names Anakit, AnaGuard, and Insect Sting Treatment Kit. For lot numbers and further information:
http://www.aanma.org/wyethrecall.html
http://allergy.mcg.edu/news/tubex.html
On September 9, 1999, Warrick Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled a single lot of albuterol metered dose inhaler aerosol 17g. The recall was done because one patient had reported an inhaler which contained no medication. For more information:
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