Allergy News from ALerCHECK, Inc., Winter 2011

Winter is upon us this year in full force. Fortunately, this time of year provides some relief to those who suffer from allergies. However; if you're allergic to dust or mold, winter can be the worst time of year. People with arthritis or asthma also tend to suffer more in the winter months. As we spend more time indoors with our windows shut and the heaters on, our risk for illness increases. We at AlerCHEK, Inc. wish you a healthy and warm winter season. Please check out our review below and take care this winter.

Winter Allergies:

Top triggers for winter allergies are Pet dander, mold/mildew, and dust mites. When the heat is on, all the dust that has settled into your carpet, bookshelves, and under the furniture becomes airborne. Dust mites may also thrive in holiday décor like trees and other ornaments that may have been stored away through the year. Molds are present in damp basements and tracked in on boots and shoes during this time of year. Pets are also indoors more, which increases the levels of pet dander and saliva in the home.

Some of the most common infections seen during the wintertime are RSV, influenza virus, and rotavirus. Some often mistake allergy symptoms for cold symptoms. A cold generally lasts approximately 10 days, while allergies can leave you feeling ill for weeks or months. According to the Allergy Report by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, frequent colds, strep throat, middle-ear infections, and sinus infections may be a sign of an undiagnosed allergy. Allergy responses involve mucus production, which turns out to be a terrific breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.

The human body takes time to adjust to changes, including changes in temperature and climate. During this adjustment, we are more susceptible to illness. The immune system can be kept strong by eating healthy foods, drinking more water, and eating water-rich fruits and veggies to keep your body hydrated. Also be sure to get plenty of rest and adequate sunlight to improve immune function.

Take Care This Winter

  • Use a humidifier to moisturize the air (keep in mind too much moisture could yield mold).
  • Avoid exposure to molds from damp basements or water-damaged areas.
  • Get rid of dust collectors: Heavy drapes, stuffed animals, clutter.
  • Use an airtight, allergy-proof plastic cover on all mattresses, pillows, and box springs.
  • Wash all bedding and stuffed animals in hot water every two weeks.
  • If pets are inside, wash them each week to remove surface allergens.
  • Keep pets out of bedrooms.
  • Remove carpeting if possible or vacuum frequently
  • Avoid the use of ceiling fans
  • Provide a smoke free environment

Skin Disorders and Allergies.

One of our most important organs is the skin. Skin plays a vital role in immunity by providing a protective barrier from the outside world. The structure and integrity of our epidermis layers are essential for adequate protection. During recent research, I came across a couple of interesting papers that suggested a genetic link to skin proteins and allergy. I wanted to review one article in particular.

In The Scientist article The Allergy Gene by W. H. Irwin McLean, a link was discovered between a gene responsible for a skin protein and subsequent eczema and asthma development.

The filaggrin gene (FLG) encodes filaggrin, which is a large protein expressed in the outer layer of the epidermis. Individuals that suffer from ichthyosis vulgaris (disease characterized by severe flaky skin) have an FLG mutation. When McLean collaborated with Alan Irvine from Our Lady's Children's Hospital, they noticed that all of the patients that suffered from ichthyosis vulgaris also suffered from eczema. McLean suggested there was a chance that filaggrin protein was not only responsible for flaky skin but perhaps also had a role in eczema and other common allergies as well. With further research, he found statistically significant evidence that the filaggrin gene was involved in eczema.

Further collaboration with Colin Palmer in Scotland, yielded results which found that half of the children with asthma also had eczema. Kids with asthma alone, showed no association with the filaggrin mutations but children with both diseases did. So at a molecular level, there appears to be two forms of asthma: an asthma driven by a skin barrier deficiency and an asthma driven by a different mechanism.

Filaggrin is crucial for the formation and hydration of the stratum corneum, the layer of dead cells at the surface of the skin. People who have mutations in one or more copies of FLG produce dry and flaky skin that is permeable to allergens or chemical irritants. When the skin barrier is broken, foreign material is able to pass through these skin layers that otherwise would remain outside. This study suggests that childhood eczema is an indication that foreign pathogens and irritants have passed through an abnormally porous skin layer, sensitizing the child to outer entities. Later in life, when the child inhales these particles, the immune system reacts aggressively, causing inflammation in the lungs and shortness of breath.

Many children with eczema have allergies to dust, pet hair, and other substances. The most popular theory is that allergies are caused by a malfunction of the immune system. This research suggests that genetic malfunction in the skin initiates eczema, and in some cases, asthma.

Author: Kimberly Newcomb, Director of Research and Development

‹ Alerchek News Summer 2010