The 10 million-plus Americans who have allergic asthma-where allergy symptoms that result in asthma are triggered not only by seasonal plants but also environmental threats, such as cat dander, dust mites and mold-need to be especially careful over the next few months. New research has revealed some additional flu-related health risks for this population that warrant taking extra protective measures to stay healthy when colds and flu are going around.
Researchers at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas learned that certain flu-fighting immune cells are disabled in people with allergic asthma and that exposure to allergens may depress their anti-flu immune response even further, says the study author, Michelle Gill, MD, PhD, assistant professor of pediatrics. This means that people with allergic asthma may experience more intense flu symptoms...take longer to recover. and are at higher risk for serious complications such as pneumonia.
Dr. Gill's study included 56 people, ages three to 35. Twenty-six had allergic asthma while the others had no known allergies. Researchers took blood samples and then isolated immune cells that direct the body's response to viral infections. When the blood of those with allergic asthma was exposed to the flu virus and the relevant allergen, the cells' ability to fight the flu virus was impaired about half the time. The same thing happened when the cells were exposed to rhinovirus, one of the viruses that cause the common cold. A future study will examine whether the opposite response also occurs—that is, whether exposure to flu viruses blocks the allergic response, which could, ironically, make patients less allergic while they are sick with a cold or flu.
Special Problem, Special Precautions
In the meantime, what we now know is that a person with allergic asthma (triggered by dust mites, for instance) is likely to have more trouble fighting off a flu or cold virus when the allergic trigger is also in play the house isn't clean). So, said Dr. Gill, the important take home finding here is that controlling the allergen triggers is especially important during flu season.
- Be aware of your allergy triggers, and be vigilant about doing all you can to reduce exposure to them during flu season.
- Take extra measures to eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest and manage stress appropriately in order to support your health and immunity. A naturopathic physician also may offer advice on what vitamins and supplements can be helpful in strengthening your immune system.
- Ask your doctor whether you should get a flu shot.
- Limit your exposure to people with flu as well as those with colds.
- If you do get sick, see your doctor right away. Antivirals exist for the flu, and though there are none for cold viruses, your doctor can recommend appropriate testing and treatment.
Lastly, she says (no surprise here)-keep your hands clean.
Black Cats Bad Luck For Allergies
Dander, saliva and urine from all cats can trigger allergies. One study found that adults living with dark-coated cats were up to four times more likely to have allergy symptoms than those living with light-coated cats, but another study did not confirm this finding. Still other research has found that sex, more than fur color, may account for a difference, with male cats producing more allergens.
To minimize cat allergies: Stock your home with portable HEPA room air purifiers...use allergy covers for pillows and bedding.. keep washable covers on soft furnishings...keep cats out of bedrooms...and stay up-to-date with allergy shots.
