ALLERGY- AUTOIMMUNE LINK

A new study by researchers at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center and the University of Washington (UW) identifies a connection between allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, and autoimmune diseases. The study was published in the April 1 edition of Nature Immunology.

Approximately 75 percent of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most frequently during the childbearing years. These diseases also comprise a significant portion of chronic childhood disorders. Autoimmune disease refers to a group of more than 80 serious, chronic illnesses including diseases of the nervous, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems as well as skin and other connective tissues, eyes, blood, and blood vessel. In all of these diseases, the underlying problem is similar--the body's immune system (including B and/or T immune cells) becomes misdirected, attacking the very organs it was designed to protect.

"Our study implies that allergic and inflammatory diseases may actually trigger autoimmune diseases by relaxing the controls that normally eliminate newly produced, self-reactive B cells. This is important because many autoimmune diseases are caused by self-reactive antibodies produced by such B cells" said Dr. David Rawlings lead researcher and section head of Immunology at Children's Hospital and the UW.

Researchers at Children's are now trying to discover specifically where the "relaxation" in the control of B cell autoimmunity takes place. "In association with other UW laboratories, we also have begun to study drugs that can counter some of these effects. One such drug helps to prevent autoimmune kidney disease in a related animal model," said Rawlings

Steps to avoid allergy

Step1

Be tested, know your enemy.

There are blood tests and scratch tests to determine allergies. Usually, allergists recommend you wait until age 2 for these tests.

Step2

The best thing you can do is AVOID the allergen.

Step3

If your allergy is to, let's say, sesame seeds, learn how to say it and spell it in many languages. Especially handy if on vacation!

Step4

Learn the many types of foods that contain the allergen and avoid them completely.

Step5

Read the packaging, sometimes a batch of food product has been handled and packaged in the same factory with something else..like nuts. This can cause a contamination and is potentially dangerous.

The warning usually reads something like this, manufactured in a facility that packages nuts, wheat, soy etc...

Step6

Don't ever just bite into a chocolate from a mixed box. You never know what's in the mixed box of candies until you read the packaging closely. Although a Whitman's Sampler comes with a map, most chocolates do not.

Step7

Make sure all your friends and family are aware of all your food allergies. This could be life saving advice. You wouldn't want your mother-in-law to put up a pot of Rainforest coffee if you are allergic to tree nuts. The smell alone could put you in the hospital if you are very sensitive.

Step8

If your child is school age, make sure all the teachers and school nurse are aware of the allergy. I would even go so far as to say, write it on the back of his/her shirt for the first couple of days so there's no mistake.

A friend recently sent her son to school with a sticker on his shirt that read, "Hello, My Name is NO NUTS!" I'll never forget it, would you?

Step9

Always carry Benedryl and an Epipen for emergencies. Read the directions carefully and know what to do BEFORE you ever need to use it. For children, I recommend getting your pediatricians advice on dosage for Benedryl and writing it on the bottle so that you NEVER FORGET. An overdose can be fatal and an under dose will not do the job. Often Benedryl will need to be taken every 4-6 hours for 24 hours or the attack could come back.

Give an EpiPen to the teacher and school nurse if necessary. 75% of all allergy related deaths occur in school. Isn't that frightening?

Step10

If your allergic attack is serious, go to the emergency room or better yet, call an ambulance. Explain that you need an epinephrine injection immediately.