Allergy Month in Review: January 2025

As we kick off 2025, the latest research in allergy treatments, predictors, and associations offers new insights for clinicians. January’s findings span a wide range of topics, from the efficacy of dupilumab in managing severe CRSwNP to the psychological impacts of food allergen exclusion practices. This month’s review underscores the growing complexity of allergy management and the need for continued research to improve patient outcomes.

New Data on Allergy Treatments

Dupilumab Demonstrates Efficacy for Severe Uncontrolled CRSwNP Up Until 1 Year

A new study confirms the high efficacy and safety of dupilumab for severe uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), showing significant symptom relief within 6 – 12 months and sustained benefits up to 24 months. Patients experienced notable improvements in nasal obstruction, quality of life, and polyp scores. The FDA approved dupilumab for adults in 2019 and expanded its use to adolescents aged 12–17 in 2024 as an add-on maintenance therapy.

Study Highlights New Data on Probiotics as Food Allergy Treatment for Children

A systematic review found mixed evidence on probiotics for food allergy treatment. While probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), showed limited benefit in eczema reduction, long-term use (≥2 years) improved tolerance acquisition. The study emphasized the need for more well-designed trials to determine probiotics’ role in managing food allergies, noting their overall safety and lack of significant adverse effects.

Predicting Allergy Severity

Poor Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms in Air Conditioning May Predict Greater Severity

A new study suggests that children with allergic rhinitis who experience worsened symptoms in air-conditioned environments may have a more severe form of the condition. Investigators found that symptom exacerbation with air conditioning use was linked to moderate-to-severe persistent allergic rhinitis. Although environmental and demographic factors showed no significant differences, the study highlights the need for careful monitoring of children with air-conditioner-related symptom aggravation.

Peanut IgE Stronger Predictor of Remission Than Age After Oral Immunotherapy

A new study suggests that baseline peanut-specific IgE (sIgE) levels are a stronger predictor of allergy remission after oral immunotherapy (OIT) than age. Investigators analyzed data from the PPOIT-003 randomized trial and found that higher peanut sIgE levels were linked to a reduced likelihood of remission, regardless of age. These findings highlight the potential for sIgE testing to guide clinical decisions on initiating peanut OIT in children.

Allergy Associations Uncovered

High Pollen Exposure Linked to Increased Chronic Respiratory Mortality

This study highlights the link between high pollen exposure—particularly from ragweed, deciduous trees, and grass—and increased chronic respiratory mortality in older adults. The research, based on Michigan death records from 2006–2017, found that exposure risks varied by pollen type and duration. Notably, extreme levels of deciduous broadleaf pollen were associated with mortality risks up to 2 weeks post-exposure, while ragweed had an impact within a week.

Parental Age Over 25 Years at Delivery Linked to Allergic Disease Risk Increase

A recent study found that parental age > 25 years at delivery increases the risk of childhood allergic diseases, such as asthma, rhinitis, and eczema, especially when both parents are older. The study revealed stronger associations with paternal age. Breastfeeding for > 6 months was shown to reduce allergy risks.

Potential Allergy Prevention Tips

Organic Food Consumption May Protect Against Allergic Sensitization

A study from the PARIS (Pollution and Asthma Risk: An Infant Study) cohort found children with high organic food intake had a significantly lower risk of allergic sensitization, especially to inhalant allergens, compared to those with lower intake. However, investigators could not identify significant links between dietary patterns and their asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinitis, or food allergen sensitization prevalence.

Food Allergies and Mental Health

Study Identifies Household Food Allergen Exclusion Practices, Psychosocial Impacts

A study found that parents of children with food allergies, such as to peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs, often exclude allergens from their homes, impacting psychosocial well-being. Households practicing exclusion reported poorer allergy-related quality of life scores and greater anxiety for parents and children aged 8 – 17 years. Investigators call for further studies to explore causality and improve family well-being.