Content about Immunology

WILMINGTON, Del. — Drug maker AstraZeneca is encouraging patients with asthma to control their disease and learn about how it may be affecting their lives as part of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, which takes place in May.

LANDOVER, Md. — More than half of people with nasal allergies report problems sleeping, while slightly more than a third proactively treat their symptoms, according to a new survey.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Teva Respiratory released results of the survey, showing sleeping problems among 59% of sufferers, while 48% said symptoms like congestion and sneezing interrupted a partner's sleep.

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — Pharmavite on Wednesday announced receipt of the brand's official gluten-free certification across its SoyJoy line from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. 

With this certification, SoyJoy's packaging will feature the official "GF" logo starting this summer. The logo symbolizes standards that the GFCO calls all of its certified brands and restaurants to uphold, specifically the requirement that there be less that 10 ppm of gluten in all raw and finished goods, as well as a required audit of all facilities used in manufacturing

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Basketball All-Star Lisa Leslie and Chattem last week created the "Allegra Outdoor Challenge," a series of workout tips to help inspire people to stay active outdoors during spring allergy season.  

Beginning in April, Allegra's Facebook page will highlight photos and tips from Leslie detailing ways families can take the "Allegra Outdoor Challenge" and escape allergy madness this spring. 

LANDOVER, Md. — Extreme weather patterns may contribute to a severe and long allergy season this spring, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The AAFA projects an increased potential for severe and prolonged allergy symptoms as spring arrives early, and as many regions of the country recover from severe storms and flooding.

To help those with seasonal allergies cope this spring, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has put together a list of spring 
allergy facts:

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club will offer free allergy and health screenings at all of its stores that operate pharmacies, the club retailer said.

The screenings will take place late Saturday morning and into the afternoon, and include up to $200 worth of tests, including allergy screenings for milk, eggs, pet dander, mold, dust mites, wheat, ragweed, mountain cedar, Bermuda grass and Timothy grass, as well as tests for blood pressure, body mass index and vision.

WASHINGTON — Two nonprofit groups focused on asthma and allergies will merge to combine their efforts.

The Kids with Food Allergies Foundation will become a division of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and the combined organization will provide education, advocacy, research, social networking and support for families living with the diseases. The groups' boards agreed to merge in 2012.

The January/February 2013 Vitamins & Supplements Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, ingredients, purpose and dosage of Centrum, One-A-Day, NatureMade, VitaFusion, Alive, VirMax-T, MoveFree, Bioglan and Voots products.

Click here for the complete guide.

WASHINGTON — A division of drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is partnering with an advocacy group focused on asthma in the launch of a new educational website about the condition.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and Teva Respiratory announced the launch of Get Smart About Asthma, which aims to increase understanding of how inflammation in the airways contributes to the disease's persistence and severity, as well as providing other educational materials.

Among those health conditions treated with OTCs, AccentHealth viewers reported that allergies, sinus/nasal congestion and pain — including back, muscle and menstrual — to be the most commonly suffered chronic conditions. And cold symptoms and headaches were the most commonly suffered acute conditions, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers that was conducted in September.

MENTOR, Ohio — A recent WorkPlace Media survey of working consumers found that 3-out-of-4 workers impacted by allergies purchase an allergy-relieving product when symptoms appear, because the normal pattern when allergy symptoms strike is to keep working versus going home sick.