Media Contact: Sandra VanE-mail: [email protected]Tel. 1-800-396-1002Please do not include this telephone number or e-mail in your story.They are provided for media use only.
LOS ANGELES (June 13, 2001) -- It's ba-a-a-a-ck. Summertime in Southern California brings more than beach weather, baseball games and bridal bouquets. It's also primetime for allergens such as pollens or molds -- the things that make life miserable for the estimated 36 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever). And according to Zab Mohsenifar, M.D., director of the Division of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, this year is likely to be worse than most here in California due to the higher than usual rainfall earlier this spring.
While there may not be much that can be done about the weather, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the symptoms, and soon, says Dr. Mohsenifar, there may be a whole new class of highly effective drugs that are designed to prevent an allergic reaction from happening in the first place. Most current medications treat only the symptoms -- itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and non-stop sneezing. However, says Dr. Mohsenifar, the new drugs contain an "anti-allergic" antibody known as anti-immunoglobulin E (anti-IgE). IgE attacks an allergic reaction even before it starts, by working at the receptor sites (eyes and nose) to actually block the initial reaction. "These new medications train the cells at the receptors sites so they do not recognize allergens as foreign bodies. Thus, there is no vigorous reaction, and the chain reaction is stopped at a very early stage," he said.
The major drawback to current medications is that they nearly always contain antihistamines to treat the symptoms, and the antihistamines often cause drowsiness. However, the IgE drugs work at an entirely different site -- working to actually prevent the reaction rather than treating its symptoms. Thus, antihistamines are not needed, and patients can remain symptom free and wide awake.
Although the anti-IgE drugs are presently available in a very limited format (in research settings), Dr. Mohsenifar anticipates that they will become widely accessible soon. "Two large clinical trials have shown very good results," he said. The IgE drugs are given by injection every four weeks. "I believe this class of drugs will revolutionize the treatment of allergies. It's the future of allergy treatment," he added.
In the meantime, there are steps you can take to be more comfortable this allergy season. The following 12 tips are offered by Dr. Mohsenifar and by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology:
1. Avoid allergens and molds as much as possible. Instead of walking outside in the park or on hiking trails, do your walking in the local shopping mall (it's cooler too!).
2. When outside, try to avoid grassy areas or areas with lots of foliage.
3. Keep windows closed at night to prevent pollens or molds from drifting into your home.
4. Use an air conditioner and dehumidifier to keep air clean, cool and dry.
5. Keep car windows closed while traveling.
6. Be aware of local pollen counts and avoid outdoor activity on days when it is high. To find out the pollen count for your area, visit the NAB Web site at www.aaaai.org/nab.
7. In the greater Los Angeles area, be aware also of local smog levels and take appropriate action.
8. Take advantage of our sunny beaches and the ocean, as there are fewer pollens there.
9. If you must mow or rake -- activities which stir up pollens and molds -- wear a paper mask.
10. Even though "line-dried" clothing and linens have a wonderful "fresh" scent, use the dryer, as pollens and mold can collect on items drying on the clothesline.
11. Take medications as prescribed in the recommended dosage. Even if your symptoms are severe, stick with the recommended amounts of medication.
12. Shower off after being outdoors. This removes the pollen and mold that may be clinging to your skin and hair.
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For media information and interviews, please contact Sandra Van via e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-396-1002. Please do not publish this contact information in your story. It is for media use only. Thank you.
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