Allergies May Fight Cancer - written by Peter Kent

While allergies may often be irritating a Cornell University study found that allergies may actually be doing the body good by protecting it against certain types of cancers.

The study included a reexamination of approximately 650 studies from the previous 50 years. The team found that, "inverse allergy-cancer associations are far more common with cancers of organ systems that come in direct contact with matter from the external environment -- the mouth and throat, colon and rectum, skin, cervix, pancreas and glial brain cells." Additionally, the study found that, "only allergies associated with tissues that are directly exposed to environmental assaults had inverse relationships to cancer."

According to scientists, the relationship between cancer and allergies has always been suspect, but now with the new study the link between the two becomes more conclusive. Allergy symptoms may be providing signs and defenses to expel cancer-causing substances from entering the body. Researchers from Cornell believe that further research is needed to better understand the new link between allergies as anti-cancer defenses.

What are Allergies?

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) reports that allergies, which are also referred to as hypersensitivity, occur as a reaction of the body's immune system to particles or substances that bother the body. Usually, individuals who are more sensitive to substances in the air are found to be allergy sufferers. Some of the most common substances that cause allergies include:

* pollen

* dust mites

* medicines

* insect bites/stings

* pet danger

* foods

* mold spores

Medical professionals are unsure as to why certain individuals develop allergies and others do not, but they have found that environment and genes both play a factor in the development of certain allergies.

According to the NLM and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, allergies occur as "false alarms" within the body's natural defense system; these allergy symptoms include the following:

* sneezing

* itching

* rashes

* runny nose

* swelling or asthma

* anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction

Allergy Treatments

There are an array of allergy treatments, both over the counter and prescription based, that are available for allergy patients. The Mayo Clinic describes the following allergy treatment forms:

* pills

* liquid form

* nasal sprays

* skin creams

* eye drops

There are several categories of medications that can come in any of the above forms and the following types of allergy medications, according to the Mayo Clinic these groups include:

* Corticosteroids treat allergies and inflammation that can derive from allergies.

* Decongestants that are used to relieve the symptoms of sinus and nasal congestion.

* Cromolyn sodium treat allergies by preventing "the release of histamines, which is an inflammatory chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction."

* Leudotriene modifiers work by blocking inflammatory chemicals that, during an allergic reaction, are released -- also known as leukotrienes.

* Antihistamines block histamine.

Of these types of medications is that of Singulair (Montelukast), which is a Leukotriene modifier. Merck received approval for Singulair in February 1998. The Mayo Clinic described some of the Singulair and additional Leukotriene modifier side effects include the following:

* dizziness

* cough

* stuffy nose

* liver damage

* muscle weakness

* insomnia

* tiredness

* stomach pain, upset stomach

* headache

While Singulair is used by millions of patients, both young and old, who suffer from allergies and asthma, in March 2008, the drug was reportedly causing more than its normal side effects and was causing severe mood irregularities among patients including:

* mood changes

* behavioral changes

* suicidal thoughts/tendencies

* suicidal behavior

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated Singulair because of reports alleging the drug was causing suicidal behavior and thoughts among adult and children allergy sufferers taking the medication; the drug remains on the market currently. Singulair patients should contact a medical professional immediately if any suicidal signs and symptoms begin to develop while consuming Singulair.

Additionally, contacting a pharmaceutical attorney may provide the opportunity to have a free legal consultation on a potential Singulair class action lawsuit for the damage that was incurred by Singulair patients.