{"id":7448,"date":"2016-09-29T08:00:34","date_gmt":"2014-09-29T08:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.edrugstore.md\/blog\/?p=7448"},"modified":"2014-09-29T20:08:45","modified_gmt":"2014-09-29T20:08:45","slug":"new-vaccine-for-allergies-is-on-the-horizon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/allergy-relief\/new-vaccine-for-allergies-is-on-the-horizon\/","title":{"rendered":"New Vaccine for Allergies is on the Horizon"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Invisible
Invisible to the naked eye, dust mites can cause plenty of misery to those who are allergic to them.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Relief may be on the way for the tens of millions of people worldwide who suffer from dust-mite allergy.<\/p>\n

Researchers at the <\/b>University of Iowa<\/b><\/a> have developed a vaccine that blunts the human allergic reaction to dust mites, tiny creatures invisible to the naked eye but a virtually unavoidable allergen in homes across the world. Although the vaccine must undergo extensive further testing and scientific scrutiny, if approved it could bring relief to those suffering from dust-mite allergy, many of whom have no idea at all what\u2019s causing their symptoms. \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Closely related to ticks and spiders, dust mites are microscopic arachnids that live in the dust that coats the bedding, carpeting, and upholstered furniture of most homes. These tiny critters derive their nourishment from the dead skin cells humans shed on the common household furnishings that are home to the dust mite.<\/p>\n

Dust-Mite Allergy Symptoms<\/b><\/p>\n

Similar to those of seasonal allergies, the symptoms of dust-mite allergy stem primarily from inflammation of nasal passages, according to MayoClinic.com<\/a>. These symptoms include coughing; facial pressure and pain; itchy, red, or watery eyes; itchy nose, roof of mouth, or throat; nasal congestion; post-nasal drip; runny nose; sneezing; and\/or swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes.<\/p>\n

Particularly sensitive to dust-mite allergy are people with asthma whose attacks can be triggered by this allergy. This allergy may cause asthmatics to suffer from breathing difficulties; bouts of coughing or wheezing; chest tightness or pain; difficulty falling asleep because of coughing, difficulty breathing, or wheezing; and an audible wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling.<\/p>\n

Vaccine Shows Promise<\/b><\/p>\n

Early testing of the University of Iowa vaccine shows promise. According to an article posted at ScienceDaily.com, \u201cthe nano-sized vaccine package was readily absorbed by immune cells and dramatically lowered allergic responses\u201d in animal trials and laboratory testing.<\/p>\n

Iowa researchers published the preliminary findings from their study in the September 2014 issue of \u201cThe AAPS [American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists] Journal.\u201d<\/a> In animal tests, the vaccine stimulated antigen-specific immune response, meaning that immune response was triggered only when the animals\u2019 immune system detected the specific antigen that is associated with dust mites. Antigens are substances that are foreign or toxic to the body. When their presence is detected by the immune system, it sends out antibodies designed to neutralize them.<\/p>\n

Never Used Before <\/b><\/p>\n

Of the Iowa researchers\u2019 achievement, researcher Aliasger Salem said, \u201cWhat is new about this is we have developed a vaccine against dust-mite allergens that hasn\u2019t been used before.\u201d Salem is a professor of pharmaceutical science at the university and corresponding author for the study.<\/p>\n

\"University
University of Iowa researchers have developed a vaccine that may bring relief from the symptoms of dust-mite allergy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Individual reactions to the dust-mite allergen vary significantly from one person to another. While some experience only mild upper respiratory symptoms, others — especially those with underlying respiratory illnesses, such as asthma — can suffer permanent lung damage after repeated episodes of dust-mite allergy.<\/p>\n

Lung Inflammation Reduced<\/b><\/p>\n

In animal tests, the Iowa researchers found that their vaccine reduced lung inflammation by a whopping 83 percent despite repeated exposure to the allergens. The research team contends that the key to the vaccine\u2019s effectiveness is a built-in booster that alters the body\u2019s inflammatory response to dust-mite exposure.<\/p>\n

Because they are impossible to see with the naked eye, it is easy for most of us to overlook the ubiquitous nature of the microscopic dust mite. The ENT and Allergy Center of Missouri<\/a>, part of the University of Missouri Health Care system, offers some fascinating facts and figures about dust mites and the damage they can cause:<\/p>\n