Allergic Asthma May Diminish Healthy Immune Response to Respiratory Viruses

Allergic asthma may diminish the immune response to respiratory viruses such as influenza, according to new research findings in the June 1 issue of the Journal of Immunology. "Our findings imply that the better your asthma is controlled, the more likely you are to have an appropriate response to a virus," noted the author in a written release. He also reported that these findings suggest that when the cold/influenza and allergy seasons collide, the immune response in individuals with allergic asthma may worsen their disease. "These findings [may] imply that allergic triggers associated with exposure to indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites can potentially render cells deficient in responding to a virus," she said. They also explain why people with allergic asthma may experience asthma exacerbations when they acquire respiratory viral infections. . read more.