Andy Health blog

Itchy, watery eyes. Stuffy nose. Sneezing. Sound familiar? As much as we love it, warm weather can spell misery for the 20 million to 30 million Americans who suffer from allergies. According to Dr. Leslie Miller, director of the Emergency Department, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/The Allen Pavilion, the majority of spring respiratory problems come from inhaling such allergens as trees or grass pollen and mold spores. Exposure to dust, pet dander, and other indoor pollutants can worsen the severity of spring and summer allergies, essentially adding fuel to the fire.
In addition, Dr. William Reisacher, an otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, says allergies can trigger or worsen asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
Drs. Miller and Reisacher suggest the following tips to help allergy sufferers’ weather through the season:
- If you stay in air-conditioned areas with windows closed, you may reduce your symptoms. Be aware that symptoms will flare up the moment you go outside and may remain with you for the rest of the day.
- Window air-conditioning units are useful in filtering out large, airborne pollen particles. If you are allergic to pollen it is recommended to run the air-conditioner as much as possible during the warm-weather months. If you use an air conditioner, keep it clean. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems harbor moisture, mold and dust.
- If you suffer from mild symptoms, over-the-counter antihistamines will help for a few hours. Caution should be taken because they may cause drowsiness. Driving and operating heavy machinery should be avoided. Occasionally, older men develop urination problems when taking antihistamines.
- If you need more relief, over-the-counter antihistamines combined with a decongestant can relieve symptoms, but read the package for health warnings. Individuals who take multiple medications, and those with chronic medical issues like hypertension or prostate problems, should consult a physician.
- Buy acomplia pills If you are concerned about your symptoms, please see your physician. In almost all instances, identifying allergic sensitivities and tailoring treatment with prescription drugs, nasal sprays, eye drops, non-sedating antihistamines or allergy shots, or specific allergen avoidance can help alleviate symptoms.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center
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Auriga Laboratories, Inc. (OTCBB: ARGA), a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today the launch of Extendryl® PEM and Extendryl® GCP. The two new products will be marketed under the Extendryl brand name which consists of prescription products to treat various cough, cold, and allergy symptoms.
The prescription respiratory market is valued at more than 8 billion dollars in sales and more than 68 million prescriptions are written annually in the US. Extendryl® PEM (phenylephrine HCl 30 mg; methscopolamine nitrate 1.25 mg) Tablets combine two compounds; a decongestant with an anticholinergic/drying agent in an extended release format to provide 8 to 12 hours of relief of symptoms for adults suffering from nasal congestion and mucosal drainage associated with respiratory tract infections and related conditions such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and asthma. Extendryl® GCP Oral Solution combines three compounds (100 mg/5 mL guaifenesin; 15 mg/5mL carbetapentane citrate; 5 mg/mL hydrochloride), and is indicated for temporary relief of non-productive cough accompanying respiratory tract congestion associated with the common cold, influenza, sinusitis, and bronchitis.
Extendryl® PEM and Extendryl®GCP will be launched in March 2008. "These new products further solidify Auriga’s commitment to enhance the Extendryl product line, and the launch is well timed to coincide with the start of Spring allergy season. These new additions to the Extendryl family will be a highly synergistic addition to Auriga’s current promotional efforts," said Frank Greico, Chief Executive Officer of Auriga.
Extendryl is contraindicated in patients who are sensitive to any of the ingredients or related compounds, and in patients with glaucoma, hypertension, cardiac disease, hyperthyroidism, urinary retention, peptic ulcer, patients on MAO inhibitor therapy and during an asthmatic attack. Extendryl GCP is contraindicated in women who are pregnant and/or nursing. Extendryl PEM is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age. See individual product package inserts for full prescribing information.
About Auriga Laboratories™
Auriga Laboratories is a specialty pharmaceutical company building an extensive product portfolio of prescription brands targeting high growth therapeutic categories in the respiratory, dermatology, and psychiatry markets, which have combined annual revenues of more than fifteen billion dollars in the United States. The company’s high-growth business model combines driving revenues through a primarily variable cost commission-based sales structure, acquisition of proven brand names, introduction of new brands, and a strategic development pipeline, all of which designed to enhance its growing direct relationships with physicians nationwide. Auriga’s exclusive prescription and over-the-counter product portfolio includes Aquoral™ for the treatment of Xerostomia, Akurza™, Xyralid™, Zytopic™, and Coraz™ dermatology products, and the Zinx™ Extendryl ®, and Levall ® Families of products for relief of symptoms associated with a range of acute respiratory diseases. For more information, visit
Forward-Looking Statements
The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to the company’s future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause its actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the company’s control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects the company’s current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to its operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity.
The company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company’s expectations include, but are not limited to, those factors that are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in documents filed by the company from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. Generic zithromax pills no prescription Statements regarding the company’s ability to increase its sales force and the success of such sales force in selling its products in light of competitive and other factors, the regulatory status and/or regulatory compliance of its products, the development of additional products, its ability to sustain market acceptance for its products, its dependence on collaborators, the company’s exposure to product liability claims, and the company’s prices, future revenues and income and cash flows and other statements that are not historical facts contain predictions, estimates and other forward-looking statements. Although the company believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its goals will be achieved and these statements will prove to be accurate. Important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements.
Auriga Laboratories
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With the peak grass pollen season approaching, scientists can reveal that a daily dose of probiotic can change the immune status of people with hay fever.
In the first human study of its kind, scientists at the Institute of Food Research found that probiotic bacteria in a daily drink can modify the immune system’s response to grass pollen, a common cause of seasonal hay fever.
But they are not recommending that sufferers rush to the supermarket shelves just yet. The changes found may not have an immediate effect on symptoms.
"This was a pilot study based on small numbers of patients, but we were fascinated to discover a response", says research leader Professor Claudio Nicoletti. "The probiotic significantly reduced the production of molecules associated with allergy."
Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen or fungal spores, most commonly grass pollen. The immune system mistakes the spores for harmful invaders and produces excessive amounts of the antibody IgE to bind to them and fight them off.
IgE stimulates the release of histamine to flush out the spores, and this irritates the airways making them swell and producing the symptoms of hayfever.
In this study, volunteers with a history of seasonal hay fever drank a daily milk drink with or without live bacteria over 5 months. The study was double-blinded and placebo controlled, so neither the volunteers nor the scientists knew who had been assigned the probiotic drinks. The probiotic drinks contained Lactobacillus casei, a bacterial species that has been widely studied for its health promoting properties.
Blood samples were taken before the grass pollen season, then again when it was at its peak (June), and 4 weeks after the end of season. There were no significant differences in levels of IgE in the blood between the two groups at the start of the study, but IgE levels were lower in the probiotic group both at the peak season and afterwards.
At the same times, levels of the antibody IgG were higher, a type of antibody that in contrast to IgE is thought to play a protective role against allergic reactions.
"The probiotic strain we tested changed the way the body’s immune cells respond to grass pollen, restoring a more balanced immune response", says Dr Kamal Ivory, a senior member of the group.
The changes observed may also reduce the severity of symptoms, but clinical symptoms were not measured in this study. That is one aim of further research.
"Generic viagra pills no prescription These are really interesting results", says Dr Linda Thomas, head of science at Yakult UK, who provided the drinks and some of the funding. "We are delighted that independent scientists found evidence of this biological activity. The project was part of ongoing research into the benefits of our probiotic strain. The Institute of Food Research is well positioned to do this kind of fundamental research, as it is unique in having the right combination of expertise in microbiology, immunology, flow cytometry and human nutrition research."
Professor Nicoletti’s group intend to perform a similar study in the near future to see if the immunological changes translate into a real reduction in the clinical symptoms of hayfever. They would also like to examine the mechanisms involved.
—————————-
Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
—————————-
Notes: Full reference: Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 2008. Oral delivery of Lactobacillus casei Shirota modifies allergen-induced immune responses in allergic rhinitis. Kamal Ivory, Stephen J. Chambers, Carmen Pin, Elena Prieto, Juan L. Arqu?©s, Claudio Nicoletti
Funding was provided by Yakult and through IFR’s Core Strategic Grant from the BBSRC.
The mission of the Institute of Food Research () is to undertake international quality scientific research relevant to food and human health and to work in partnership with others to provide underpinning science for consumers, policy makers, the food industry and academia. It is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status, grant aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council ().
Click here for more on IFR’s research on commensal bacteria.
Flow cytometry allows the rapid analysis of thousands of single cells and can detect rare events. It brings the power of physics to bear on important biological questions by using laser light to measure the characteristics of thousands of individual cells suspended in a stream of fluid.
Yakult () was developed in 1935 by Dr Shirota, at Kyoto University in Japan. Yakult has almost 75 years in bacteriological research and has achieved global recognition in the use of friendly bacteria in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Research continues at the Yakult Central Institute in Japan and the company also works closely with scientific and medical communities to increase understanding of the role of friendly bacteria in health. Today Yakult is consumed by 25 million people in 31 countries and territories world-wide.
Source: Zoe Dunford
Norwich BioScience Institutes
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Indoor and outdoor allergies affect about 50
million people in the United States.(1)(2) Yet, according to "Attitudes
About Allergies," a national telephone survey, allergies are often
disregarded as a nuisance: in today’s society allergies get little respect.
As a result, allergy sufferers continue to cope needlessly with not only
the physical impact of allergies, but the emotional effects as well. The
survey was commissioned by Schering-Plough/MERCK Pharmaceuticals and
conducted by Harris Interactive(R). Three separate surveys were conducted:
a survey of more than 1,000 consumers, which included allergy sufferers and
non-allergy sufferers; a survey of more than 1,000 allergy sufferers only;
and a survey of 300 physicians.
The survey of consumers found that they view diabetes (81 percent),
hypertension or high blood pressure (76 percent) and arthritis (57 percent)
as more serious than indoor and outdoor allergies. Twenty-nine percent of
consumers said they view insomnia as more serious than indoor and outdoor
allergies. In addition, while the survey of consumers found that
seventy-eight percent feel sorry for allergy sufferers, more than a third
(36 percent) believe that allergy sufferers overstate the severity of their
symptoms and thirty percent say allergy sufferers use allergies as an
excuse to get out of something.
"Allergies are often disregarded in our society, making it acceptable
to tell allergy sufferers to ‘get on with it’ and not complain," said
Belinda Borrelli, PhD, associate professor, department of psychiatry and
human behavior, Brown Medical School and The Miriam Hospital. "But
allergies take an emotional toll on the sufferer. And despite that,
sufferers persevere, going to work, school and social engagements as if
nothing is wrong. Many don’t feel like it would be acceptable to call in
sick or change plans because of their allergies."
The survey of allergy sufferers found that about half (48 percent) feel
their spouse or significant other does not view their allergies to be a
serious health condition. Sufferers also perceive others as not taking
their allergies that seriously, saying their relatives (81 percent),
friends (86 percent) and co-workers (78 percent) view their allergies as a
somewhat serious or not serious health condition. Even their physicians,
they say, are ambivalent. The survey of allergy sufferers found that nearly
three quarters (74 percent) believe that their doctor views their allergies
as a somewhat serious or not serious health condition.
But clearly, that’s not the case. According to the survey of physicians
who treat allergies, a majority of physicians (84 percent) said in general,
patients do not overstate allergy symptoms. In addition, most physicians
view insomnia (83 percent) and osteoarthritis (69 percent) as being less
serious or equally as serious as allergies. Physicians report they view
diabetes (90 percent) and hypertension (84 percent) as being more serious
than allergies.
"Societal ambivalence toward allergies has impacted the management of
the disease," said David Lang, M.D., Section Head Allergy/Immunology
Buy viagra without prescription Respiratory Institute at Cleveland Clinic. "It’s true that allergies aren’t
life threatening, but they are quality of life-threatening on both physical
and emotional levels."
According to the survey of allergy sufferers, only about a third (34
percent) go to see a doctor for treatment when their symptoms are bothering
them.
"It’s absolutely crucial for allergy sufferers to begin a dialogue with
their physicians so that, together, they can address and overcome the
barriers keeping them from finding effective relief," said Jennifer
Derebery, M.D., clinical professor of otolaryngology at the Keck School of
Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
The survey of allergy sufferers also shed new light on the often hidden
emotional impact of allergy symptoms. According to the survey, six in 10
sufferers (62 percent) report that their symptoms impact their mood. The
sufferer survey also found that when experiencing symptoms about half (51
percent) say they feel annoyed; forty-eight percent say they feel irritable
(48 percent); forty-two percent say they feel frustrated. And, two in 10
(22 percent) report that their allergy symptoms make them feel less
attractive; nineteen percent feel self-conscious (19 percent).
"We need to empower people with allergies to speak up and treat their
allergies as what they are — a medical condition that can have difficult
and sometimes debilitating effects," said Mike Tringale, director of
external affairs, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). "Allergy
sufferers should feel comfortable talking about their symptoms with their
family, friends and healthcare providers."
For complete survey results, please visit

About Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis affects more than 50 million people in the United
States(1)(2) and accounts for more than 14 million physician office visits
each year.(3) It is one of the most costly chronic illnesses in the United
States(4) and is estimated to cause 100 million days of lost work per
year.(5)
There are two forms of allergic rhinitis: seasonal and perennial.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (often referred to as "hay-fever") occurs only
during certain times of the year and is commonly caused by allergies to
tree, grass and weed pollen. Perennial allergic rhinitis can occur
throughout the year and is caused by frequent exposure to allergens such as
animal dander, indoor mold spores or house dust mites.(6)
Allergic rhinitis results when the immune system comes in contact with
an allergen, such as dust mites, animal dander or pollen, and mistakenly
identifies it as an intruder.(7) An allergic reaction results, involving
the body’s release of various inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and
leukotrienes, as a defense against the allergens, causing allergy symptoms
such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itching of the palate,
eyes and nose.(8)
About the Attitudes About Allergies Steering Committee
Guidance to the development of the survey was provided by the Attitudes
About Allergies Steering Committee including Belinda Borelli, PhD,
associate professor, department of psychiatry and human behavior, Brown
Medical School and The Miriam Hospital; Jennifer Derebery, M.D., clinical
professor of otolaryngology at the Keck School of Medicine, University of
Southern California, Los Angeles; David Lang, M.D., Section Head
Allergy/Immunology Respiratory Institute at Cleveland Clinic; and Mike
Tringale, director of external affairs, Allergy & Asthma Foundation of
America.
About the Attitudes About Allergies: Omnibus Survey
This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Schering-
Plough/MERCK Pharmaceuticals and is based on telephone interviews conducted
January 10 - 20, 2008 with 1,007 adults 18 years or older throughout the
United States including 551 with indoor or outdoor allergies and 454
without indoor or outdoor allergies. Two adults reported they did not know
if they had either indoor or outdoor allergies and were excluded from the
results. All telephone interviewing was conducted using random digit
dialing (RDD) methodology. The data are weighted to be representative of
U.S. adults 18 years of age or older. The sampling error for this survey is
plus or minus 3.2 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.
About the Attitudes About Allergies: Allergy Sufferer Survey
This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Schering-
Plough/MERCK Pharmaceuticals and is based on telephone interviews conducted
January 8 - 23, 2008, with 1,006 adults 18 years or older throughout the
United States who suffer from indoor or outdoor allergies. All telephone
interviewing was conducted using random digit dialing (RDD) methodology.
The data are weighted to be representative of U.S. adults 18 years of age
or older who have indoor or outdoor allergies. The sampling error for this
survey is plus or minus 3.2 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence
level.
About the Attitudes About Allergies: Physician Survey
This survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Schering-
Plough/MERCK Pharmaceuticals and is based on telephone interviews conducted
January 8 - February 1, 2008, with 302 physicians who treat patients with
allergic rhinitis. The physician sample included 102 primary care
physicians, 100 allergists, and 100 otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and
throat specialists). The total sample of physicians was weighted to be
representative of the population of physicians in the U.S. who treat
patients with allergic rhinitis. The sampling error for this survey is plus
or minus 5.8 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.
About Harris Interactive(R)
Harris Interactive is one of the largest and fastest-growing market
research firms in the world. The company provides innovative research,
insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident
decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in
performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll(R), one
of the longest running, independent opinion polls, and for pioneering
online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to
be the world’s largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online.
Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its North American,
European and Asian offices, and through a global network of independent
market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be
obtained at
References:
1 American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Topic of the Month:
March 2007: Spring & Allergic Rhinitis. Available at
Accessed August 1,
2007.
2 American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Tips to Remember:
Rhinitis. Available at
Accessed
August 1, 2007.
3 CDC. National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: 2004 Emergency
Department Summary.
4 Goetzel R, et al. Health, absence, disability, and presenteeism cost
estimates of certain physical and mental health conditions affecting
U.S. employers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
2004;46:398-412.
5 Bellanti JA, Wallerstedt DB. Allergic rhinitis update: epidemiology and
natural history. Allergy Asthma Proc 2000;21:367-370.
6 American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Tips to Remember:
Rhinitis. Available at
Accessed
July 25, 2007
7 American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Tips to Remember:
Rhinitis. Available at
Accessed
July 25, 2007
Schering-Plough

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The arrival of summer brings with it an alarming increase of honey bees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets, especially dreadful for those who experience severe allergic reactions to insect venom.
Many who have reactions like hives, breathing difficulty, coughing or a drop in blood pressure are unaware that Epipens, self-injected epinephrine, are no longer the only way to treat insect venom allergies. Preventative measures, like allergy shots, show good results and reduce the chance for subsequent reactions to a very small percent.
Buy lasix pills Raymond Slavin, M.D., an allergy expert and professor of internal medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine division of allergy and clinical immunology, has been running clinics to test people for venom allergies since the testing and treatment first became available in the 1970’s. Slavin is available to discuss severe reactions to insect venom, ways to avoid stings and treatment options.
Saint Louis University Medical Center
St. Louis, MO 63103
United States

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