With no further treatment, the 1996 ten-month follow-up data (n=92) from a high pollen period in Oregon, Washington and Idaho together showed a greater reduction in the active group (n=43) than the placebo group (n=49) on the primary endpoint, defined as a combination of symptom and rescue medication discount scores.8 Patients gave blood serum samples prior to the treatment in 1995 and one year later in 1996. They were immunoassayed for specific IgE antibodies using a chemi-luminescent technique. Statistician Bradley Rosebrook ran T-Tests comparing average baseline IgE levels to one-year. For the seasonal allergens reported, the active group (n=27) had on average a greater reduction in IgE than the placebo group (n=34) for 13 out of 16 allergens.8

Genentech and Novartis are developing an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody for asthma and allergic rhinitis. In December 1999 they announced positive study results. This women is evidence that reducing IgE results in a reduction of symptoms associated with IgE-mediated allergic disease.13 For people who find they perfume cannot adequately avoid the allergens, the symptoms often can be controlled with medications. Effective discount and women medications that can be prescribed by a physician include antihistamines, topical nasal steroids, and cromolyn sodium - any of which can be used alone or in combination. Many effective antihistamines and decongestants also are available without a prescription. Click here for allergy medication online.