Bilastina

Particulate matter (PM) exposure is known to worsen respiratory conditions, namely allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis prevalence is rising, affecting the quality of life. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms beneath the triggering of nasal and systemic inflammation by particulate matter, specifically the release of plasmatic extracellular vesicles and the relation between the host and nasal microbiome.

The study included 26 participants with allergic rhinitis and 24 matched healthy participants, whose reaction to PM10 and PM25 exposure was assessed on the bacteria-derived-extracellular vesicles portion (bEV) and the host-derived-extracellular vesicles (hEV), and also on the bacterial nasal microbiome (bNM). The function of bNM as a modifier of PM effects on the extracellular vesicles signaling network in the context of allergic rhinitis was also evaluated.

This study has shown an association between particulate matter exposure in participants with allergic rhinitis, both in the context of bNM composition and plasmatic extracellular vesicles release, affecting in different ways the release of extracellular vesicles and the composition of bNM. More studies are needed to better understand the link between particulate matter exposure and bNM modulation and plasmatic extracellular vesicles release and characterize the different responses observed in participants after particulate matter exposure.

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa mediated by IgE. It is characterized by nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, nasal itching, and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis prevalence has been increasing worldwide and it is believed that it affects up to 40% of the population. The objective of this study was to assess the use of face masks on allergic rhinitis symptomatology in people allergic to pollen and who were using face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 50 participants answered over the telephone a 15-item questionnaire which was developed by a team of allergic rhinitis experts. Participants were selected from those who had had allergy tests between 2013 and 2019.

The mean age of the participants was 34.34±9.41 years old and 60% were female. The number of participants who defined their nasal symptoms as severe-moderate in the pre-pandemic was higher (46 participants) than the number of participants with severe-moderate symptoms during the pandemic (28 participants). Patients who used mask had a statistically significant decrease in nasal and ocular symptoms (p<0,001), in sneezing (p=0,029) and nasal discharge (p=0,039).

In conclusion, the use of face mask reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms in people with pollen allergy, which supports the use of face masks for people with allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is a usual condition that affects around 40% of the world population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in observational studies on the effect of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the risk of developing COVID-19. Still, there were no studies on allergic rhinitis and COVID-19.

This review aimed at assessing the risk of patients with allergic rhinitis developing worse COVID-19 outcomes. It also evaluated if COVID-19 can influence allergic rhinitis symptoms and influence the psychological conditions of pediatric and adult patients with allergic rhinitis.

The authors performed a comprehensive review of the literature. It included a set of different keywords, such as allergic rhinitis, rhinitis, allergy, atopy, COVID-19, and SARS-CoV-2.

From the articles selected, allergic rhinitis patients, appear to be protected from COVID-19 infection. However, there is not enough data on the influence of allergic rhinitis and the severity of COVID-19 disease; there is some information that being an allergic rhinitis patient does not increase the risk of a poor prognosis SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authors suggest that patients with allergic rhinitis follow their treatment accordingly, especially while the COVID-19 pandemic persists.

It was back in 1911 that Noon has first described the favorable effects of subcutaneous injections with grass pollen extract on himself. Since then, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has evolved as the most important treatment for allergic patients. AIT constitutes the only disease-modifying treatment available, with consistent efficacy and safety. Worldwide regulatory authorities recognize AIT, which products are subject to thorough assessments before a market authorization is granted.

The disease-modifying effects of AIT are associated with immune modulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. The recent advances in understanding

the mechanisms supporting AIT will enable the identification of immune monitoring biomarkers as well as biomarkers of efficacy and tolerance. Additionally, this knowledge will be helpful for the development of new therapeutic targets that can be used in conjunction with immunotherapy to shorten treatment duration and improve patient compliance and efficacy.

Recent regulations of allergen products by authorities have positively integrated scientific progress in modern allergology and clinical advances. Definitions of homologous allergen groups based on biological and molecular relationships, manufacturing, and quality aspects have been combined with a framework for the clinical development of allergen products.

Also, a list of in vivo diagnostic and AIT-products is still to be market authorized, including pollen, dust mites, pets, and venoms.

The delivery of cost-effective modern health care is exciting for allergic diseases. Novel solutions – based on mobile health devices- are required to support authorities, and they should promote change of health and care towards integrated care with organizational health literacy.

International guidelines describe and acknowledge the use of AIT.