Depending on where you live, fall may be prime time for "allergic rhinitis" and "allergic conjunctivitis" – in other words, sinus drip, sneezing bouts, and itchy, red eyes. The culprits in autumn are typically grass and tree pollen and ragweed. Now for some good news: Researchers in the UK have found that repeated low-dose injections of allergy triggers can bring relief. Lead author Giusesppina Rotiroti MD of the Imperial College of London and colleagues published their findings in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Article. "Low-dose intradermal allergen, like conventional subcutaneous high-dose immmunotherapy, suppresses allergen-induced cutaneous late responses in a manner that is allergen specific, systemic, and associated with induction of IgG antibodies," the authors wrote.
According to Futurity.org, the researchers say the findings "could lead to a hay fever vaccine that is more effective, less invasive, and less expensive for patients than those already available." The Futurity.org article also notes that "the approach, associated with an increase in blocking antibodies in the bloodstream, defines a completely new concept in treating allergies and in the future could influence treatment of other conditions such as asthma and food allergies."
