http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Hopkins-Researchers-Reveal-Genetic-Glitch-at-the-Root-of-Allergies.aspx (http://www.hopkinschildrens.org/Hopkins-Researchers-Reveal-Genetic-Glitch-at-the-Root-of-Allergies.aspx)
This is really promising-- losartan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Losartan) and lisinopril are ACE inhibitors- (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ACE_inhibitor)- NOT beta blockers. (Though also not without some risk re: epi, because they still interact with that angiotensin pathway--http://journals.lww.com/anesthesiology/Fulltext/1996/04000/Long_term_Angiotensin_converting_Enzyme_Inhibitor.5.aspx] [url]http://journals.lww.com/anesthesiology/Fulltext/1996/04000/Long_term_Angiotensin_converting_Enzyme_Inhibitor.5.aspx (http://[url)[/url] )
On the other hand, I know several people who have been treated with one or the other for many years without any appreciable improvement in allergic disease that was pre-existing.
It could be that it only works as a preventative. Which would still be pretty awesome, just not for those of us at FAS who already have LTFA.
Pretty fascinating stuff-- this is the line of inquiry that Boo and I were both so intrigued by a few years back. It also makes me wonder something....
<off to post a poll question>
I think it's amusing that I take losartan (actually a version combined with HCTZ, a diuretic) for my blood pressure. I'm trying to think if my allergies have been any better. I haven't had the eczema flares on my hands that I've had the past few years.