Dupixent for hives is novel treatment option for patients with difficult to treatment chronic spontaneous urticaria. Chronic hives is a common condition marked by episodes of elevated, itching, red wheals persisting for more than 6 weeks without a specific known cause. It is estimated that chronic hives affects about 1% of the population. The mechanism […]
Benralizumab (Fasenra) in asthma
Benralizumab (Fasenra) is an interleukin (IL)-5 receptor monoclonal antibody that induces direct, rapid and nearly complete depletion of eosinophils in the circulation. Benaralizumab is approved for use in Canada, Europe, Japan and the U.S. In the United States, it is indicated for the add-on treatment of patients with asthma aged 12 and up with an […]
Allergies and Medicare
Allergies affect so many people that they’re in the top 10 list of the most chronic illnesses in the county. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), a staggering 50 million Americans suffer from some form of allergies. Allergies may take the form of allergic rhinitis (hay fever), eczema, asthma, and […]
Will my child outgrow asthma?
Predicting whether a child will outgrow asthma has important implications for patients, parents and doctors. Past studies have estimated between 15% to 64% of patients with childhood asthma go into remission by early adulthood. In those studies asthma remission rates have been noted to vary widely by population, and remission has been associated with less […]
Costs of Asthma Biologic Medications
The costs of asthma biologic medications can be quite expensive. Currently on the market there are 5 available. Xolair (omalizumab) Nucala (mepolizumab) Cinqair (reslizumab) Fasenra (benralizumab) Dupixent (Dupilumab) We have discussed each of them extensively in previous post. Xolair (Omalizumab) for Chronic Urticaria (this post discusses Xolair’s approval for chronic urticaria (hives) it was approved for […]
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): Fact & Fiction
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a rare condition defined by a severe systemic reaction to mast cell derived mediators. Mast cells are effector cells of the immune system. These cells produce a variety of proinflammatory mediators and participate in a number of different pathological conditions. In patients the risk of developing severe anaphylactic (hypersensitivity) events […]
Cold Hives (urticaria): A review
Cold hives (or urticaria), is a subtype of physical hives that is characterized by the development of hives and swelling in response to cold exposure and rewarming of the skin. It is related to the histamine release of mast cells. Several studies have shown that it is related to IgE and an unknown skin autoallergen […]
Can Asthma cause Postpartum Depression?
Can asthma cause postpartum depression? Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases that can complicate pregnancy. It can put women at increased risk of pregnancy outcomes. Postpartum depression is a nonpsychotic depressive episode that begins after delivery, most occur 1 to 3 months after delivery, but its onset may occur as late as […]
Gut microbiome in food allergy
The gut microbiome (bacteria) can play a strong role in food allergies. Food allergy is a clinical and public health problem that affects up to 10% of the US population. It is defined as an adverse health effect arising from a specific immune response that occurs on exposure to a food. IgE food mediated allergy […]
New Sublingual Tree Tablet
A new sublingual tree tablet is currently being developed for the treatment of tree pollen induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Allergic rhinitis is estimated to affect 500 million individuals worldwide and is considered a global health problem. It leads to lower school and work performance. Allergic rhinitis is also a risk factor for asthma development. Currently allergy […]