News Bits
Asthma, Allergies Linked to Lack of Sun
A new study out of Australia finds children who spend less time in the sun are more likely to develop asthma, allergies, and eczema. The investigators believe vitamin D supplements may help, but there is no substitute for time spent outdoors on a sunny day.
Vitamin D Supplements Reduce ER Visits, Hospitalizations
Another study that pooled the results of nine previous studies conducted among kids and adults finds vitamin D supplements can lead to a reduction in emergency room visits and hospital admissions for asthma, as well as asthma attacks requiring treatment with oral steroids. The supplements did not, however, improve lung function.
Skin Patch May Protect Against Peanut Allergy
Children with peanut allergy may one day be treated with a skin patch to ward off deadly reactions, report U.S. researchers who tested the patch on 74 allergic patients age four through 20. The patch releases peanut proteins into the skin, helping people build tolerance to peanuts. After one year, patients who received higher doses of the peanut protein via the patch were better able to tolerate peanuts.
Breakthrough Research Paves the Way for Developing New Asthma Treatments
According to international researchers, a protein called PPS could be keeping people with severe asthma from getting any benefit from their asthma medications. Their study found increased amounts of PPS in the lungs of severe asthmatics, where it blocked the ability of corticosteroids to treat the condition.
Food Labels Confuse Consumers
An online survey conducted among people with food allergies or caregivers purchasing food for a child or other person with food allergies found 40% had purchased food that could trigger an allergy. Particularly confusing for these consumers were labels that said a food “may contain” an allergen or was “manufactured in a facility” that has foods containing allergens.
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