Short-course subcutaneous treatment with birch pollen allergoids greatly improves symptom and medication scores in birch allergy.

Background: Subcutaneous immunotherapy has emerged as an effective option for treating allergic diseases. Here, we assessed the clinical impact of the mannan-conjugated birch pollen polymerized allergoid T502 in birch pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled phase III trial, 298 birch pollen-allergic adult patients were treated across 28 trial sites in Germany.

Real-world data show sustained therapeutic effects of dupilumab in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) over 3 years.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory condition affecting the nose and paranasal sinuses, posing a significant socio-economic impact with substantial challenges in management. Biologics targeting type 2 inflammation such as dupilumab, have emerged as promising options. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by comprehensively evaluating the 3-year impact of sustained dupilumab therapy in CRSwNP.

[Allergen immunotherapy for rare allergens].

Among allergies to aeroallergens, approximately 20% are allotted to the so-called rare allergens. These include ash pollen, weed pollen, storage mites, molds, and animal allergens. The prevalences of allergies to these allergens are lower, but affected patients also suffer considerably from their "rare" allergy.

[Prehospital care of anaphylactic reactions by the air rescue and ground-based emergency services Dresden : An analysis of treatment and outcome].

Background: Anaphylaxis can lead to a life-threatening situation. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and emergency treatment is indicated. Immediate treatment with intramuscular adrenaline (or intravascularly with sufficient medical expertise) in anaphylaxis with cardiovascular and/or respiratory symptoms is recommended by various guidelines.

Eosinophil granulocytes in chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases and CRSwNP: Function, immunological basis, and clinical significance.

Introduction: Eosinophils play an important regulatory and immunomodulatory role in airway mucosa and have antiparasitic and antiviral properties as well as pro-inflammatory effects that may also cause persistence of inflammation with tissue remodeling. The number of eosinophils and the detection of specific mediators in biological samples from, e.g.

EGPA: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome) as a special presentation of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Introduction: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) was formerly known as Churg-Strauss syndrome. The condition is characterized by disseminated necrotizing vasculitis with extravascular granulomas associated with hypereosinophilia. The vasculitides affect small vessels and are associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) detectable in the blood.

The pharmacotherapeutic management of allergic rhinitis in people with asthma.

Introduction: Up to 90% of asthmatic patients have comorbid allergic rhinitis (AR). Although appropriate therapy of AR can improve asthma symptoms and management, AR is often underdiagnosed and under-treated in asthmatics.A non-systematic literature research was conducted on AR as a comorbidity and risk factor of asthma.

Two-Year Outcomes After Radiofrequency Neurolysis of Posterior Nasal Nerve in Chronic Rhinitis.

Objective: To assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN), a minimally invasive treatment for chronic rhinitis.

Methods: A prospective, single-arm study of 129 patients at 16 centers (United States, Germany) was conducted. Patient-reported outcome measures were the 24-h reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) and mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (MiniRQLQ).

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with mannan-conjugated birch pollen allergoids.

Background: There is still great need to develop new strategies to improve the efficacy of allergen immunotherapies with optimal safety standards for patients. A new promising approach is to couple allergoids to mannan. The objective of this phase IIa/IIb study was to identify the optimal dose of mannan-conjugated birch pollen allergoids for the short-course treatment of birch pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

Correlations between gustatory, trigeminal, and olfactory functions and nasal airflow.

Purpose: To determine the relationship of chemosensory screening and nasal airflow tests among the same set of participants, and to determine other factors that are related to the outcomes of these tests.

Methods: Participants had no chemosensory complaints. Structured medical history was taken.

Trigeminal Sensitivity in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

Objective: Allergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are of high importance in otorhinolaryngology. Some of their symptoms are related to changes in the nasal trigeminal sensitivity. The aim of this study was to compare nasal trigeminal sensitivity in patients with AR, CRSwNP, and healthy controls (HC).

Well-being in patients with olfactory dysfunction.

This cross-sectional, retrospective study aimed to investigate the differences in well-being among patients with olfactory disorder (OD) with quantitative and/or qualitative olfactory dysfunctions, and to identify factors associated with well-being (WB). We included 470 OD patients. WB (WHO-5 questionnaire), quantitative olfactory function (Sniffin' Sticks) and qualitative dysfunction were assessed.

Olfactory and gustatory disorders in COVID-19.

Loss of olfaction is one of the symptoms most commonly reported by patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although the spontaneous recovery rate is high, recent studies have shown that up to 7% of patients remain anosmic for more than 12 months after the onset of infection, leaving millions of people worldwide suffering from severe olfactory impairment. Olfactory training remains the first recommended treatment.

Epithelial immune regulation of inflammatory airway diseases: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Background: The epithelial immune regulation is an essential and protective feature of the barrier function of the mucous membranes of the airways. Damage to the epithelial barrier can result in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) or bronchial asthma. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a central regulator in the epithelial barrier function and is associated with type 2 (T2) and non-T2 inflammation.

Phase 3b randomized controlled trial of fevipiprant in patients with nasal polyposis with asthma (THUNDER).

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is associated with asthma, particularly of late onset. Current treatment options for CRSwNP have limitations, and there is an unmet need for other safe and effective therapies.

Objective: The aim of the THUNDER study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the prostaglandin D receptor 2 (DP) antagonist fevipiprant in patients with CRSwNP and concomitant asthma, measured by improvement in nasal polyp score (primary end point), nasal congestion score, Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 score, and University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test score.

Emergency Treatment of Anaphylactic Reactions in Air Rescue Missions: An Eight-Year Analysis of a German Rescue Helicopter Base.

Introduction: Anaphylactic reactions can lead to a life-threatening situation. In the event of anaphylaxis, rapid and targeted emergency treatment is indicated.

Study Objective: The study sought to determine the emergency therapy administered for anaphylaxis in children and adults.

Odours count: human olfactory ecology appears to be helpful in the improvement of the sense of smell.

Odours modify human behaviour. Research in this field develops rapidly, providing more and more exciting discoveries. In this context, our daily odorous environment has been surprisingly poorly explored.

Symptoms of Depression in Patients with Chemosensory Disorders.

Introduction: Patients with chemosensory dysfunction frequently report symptoms of depression. The current study aims to clarify whether the type (smell dysfunction, taste dysfunction, and mixed smell and taste dysfunction), severity, duration, or cause of dysfunction have differential impacts on the symptoms of depression.

Methods: 899 patients with chemosensory disorders and 62 controls were included.

[Biologics: A New Option in Treatment of Severe Chronic Rhinosinusits with Nasal Polyps].

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is defined as an inflammation of the nose and paranasal sinuses with prevalence of 10.9 % and by the presents of 2 or more symptoms, which last more than 12 weeks. The symptoms are nasal obstruction, nasal discharge (anterior/post nasal drip), facial pain or pressure and/or olfactory disorder.

Healthcare provision for insect venom allergy patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The population prevalence of insect venom allergy ranges between 3-5%, and it can lead to potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. Patients who have experienced a systemic allergic reaction following an insect sting should be referred to an allergy specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Due to the widespread reduction in outpatient and inpatient care capacities in recent months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the various allergy specialized centers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have taken different measures to ensure that patients with insect venom allergy will continue to receive optimal allergy care.

Self-reported mini olfactory questionnaire (Self-MOQ): A simple and useful measurement for the screening of olfactory dysfunction.

Objectives: Olfactory dysfunction is a common problem. However, too little attention has been paid to questionnaires used to evaluate quantitative olfactory dysfunction. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop a simple self-reported Mini Olfactory Questionnaire (Self-MOQ) for the screening of quantitative olfactory dysfunction in clinical practice.