NIAID supports basic and clinical research on the mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of asthma and allergic diseases. A major goal of NIAID-supported asthma and allergy research is to develop more effective treatments and interventions to prevent disease onset.
Food Allergy |
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Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by the body's immune system. Allergic reactions to food can cause serious illness and, in some cases, death.
NIAID is the nation's principal supporter of food allergy research. Scientists are striving to better understand both the immune system and how certain foods trigger an allergic reaction by conducting clinical studies such as how to manage allergy to cow's milk and how to combat peanut and egg allergies.
Learn more about food allergy and NIAID's role in food allergy research. |
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Asthma |
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Asthma, a respiratory disease of the lungs, is the most common serious chronic disease of childhood. It is characterized by episodes of inflammation and narrowing of the lower airways in response to asthma "triggers." These triggers include infectious agents, stress, pollutants such as cigarette smoke, and common allergens such as cat dander, dust mites, and pollen.
NIAID has been in the forefront of research into the mechanisms underlying asthma and developing clinical treatments for the disease since 1971. NIAID's research focuses on understanding how the environment, allergens, and genetics interact with the body's own immune system to cause asthma and aggravate the symptoms.
Learn more about asthma and NIAID's role in asthma research. |
Sinusitis |
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Sinusitis means your sinuses are infected or inflamed. Health experts estimate 37 million Americans are affected by sinusitis every year. Healthcare providers report nearly 32 million cases of chronic sinusitis to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention annually. Americans spend $5.8 billion each year on healthcare costs related to sinusitis.
Learn more about sinusitis. | |