The first pan European survey on allergy to house dust mites will assess its impact on the quality of life.

-The President of the Societat Catalana d ’ Alergologia i Immunology clinic warns about the risk of allergies in the Mediterranean coast and the Canary Islands, for its climate conducive to high concentrations of dust mites

– En Spain 40% of queries to the specialist are allergies to dust mites

Madrid, 2011-October more than 4,000 patients of Spain, Italy, Germany and France are currently involved in the first pan-European survey on allergy to house dust mites. The main objective of this survey, promoted by Stallergenes S.A. and whose results will be known in late October, is to assess the prevalence and impact on the quality of life of one of the most common forms of respiratory allergy, which manifests with particular virulence in autumn.

Although this is a perennial allergies, increased the concentrations of fall dust mites may worsen the allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, moqueo, nasal congestion, tearing and redness of eyes, asthma, and shortness of breath. Moreover, for asthmatic children as adult chronic exposure to the to thedomestic érgenos is associated not only with the risk of respiratory symptoms, but also with worsening pulmonary function.

A study conducted by the Woolcock Institute of medical research has shown that the levels of concentration of mites can double or triple in autumn, in comparison with the summer months. The increase in humidity and increasingly warmer temperatures at this time are ideal conditions for reproduction, as well as heaters and reduced ventilation in homes. Climates of the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean coast, characterized by a degree of relative humidity between 65 and 80% and temperatures between 22 and 26 ° C, are the best conditions for the rapid reproduction of dust mites and have, as a result, one of the major impact of this allergy in Europe. In the Canary Islands the situation is accentuated because atmospheric conditions are maintained throughout the year ”, explains Dr. Antonio Valero, President of the (Societat Catalana d ’ Alergologia i Immunology clinic) and the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona allergist. Basic measures of prevention as Dr. Valero recommends not accumulate dust in homes, that dust not exceeding surfaces to the environment when cleaning (so it is necessary to use a damp cloth and aspire rather than sweep) and the use of acaricides sprays, as well as covers special anti dust mite for pillows and mattresses. And, in the case of presenting symptoms, always go to the Allergist, which barred the necessary treatment for allergy in Spain is cause of 40% of queries this specialist.

Allergen immunotherapy against dust mites

Experts agree that allergen immunotherapy constitutes an appropriate treatment option for patients who suffer from moderate to severe respiratory allergies. It is the only known method that attacks not only the symptoms but the cause of these allergies.

The World Health Organization recommends immunotherapy allergen for patients with allergic rhinitis when symptomatic treatment is insufficient to control the symptoms or cause unwanted side effects or when the patient is not capable of managing symptomatic treatment.

In addition to the traditional route, which consists of subcutaneous injections, the sublingual has a better profile of tolerance, being especially suitable for children for its ease of administration.

Dust mites

Dust mites are microscopic, invisible animals at a glance. They feed mainly on human and pet dander. 2 milligrams of mites per gram of dust is enough to raise an allergic, and 10 milligrams per gram of dust can cause an asthma attack. Dust mites can be found many places in a house where survive, such as carpets, curtains, pillows, books and other pieces of furniture. Dust mites domestic as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae are the most common species found in any home. Rather than own mites, their faeces, shells and corpses which cause allergic reactions, are implying that even after eradicating them symptoms may temporarily persist.

On Stallergenes

Stallergenes S.A. is a biopharmaceutical company international, a leader in the manufacture and innovation of allergen immunotherapy treatments. Stallergenes sells its products to prevent and control the allergic disease in 50 countries by more than 10 subsidiaries in Europe and 40 agreements of distribution and collaboration around the world.

The factory of Stallergenes in Antony (Íle-de-France) is the major centre of production of allergen preparations specially for a patient (APEP) in the world, making it more than 150 different allergens to treat annually some 500,000 patients.

Around 20% of the annual turnover of pharmaceutical company, it is intended for research and development. In 2010 Stallergenes invoiced a volume of 216 million euros.

Stallergenes Ibérica S.A. is the subsidiary of Stallergenes S.A. Spain Stallergenes Ibérica s.a. owns one portfolio of products for the treatment of 95% of patients affected by respiratory allergic diseases and it has been, since its implementation in Spanish territory for 11 years, by a strong work of research into new products.