A recent study conducted by researchers from Cornell University concluded that the development of allergies may be the body’s natural way of protecting itself from 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. However, the Cornell scientists said that further studies are needed to determine if allergy symptoms should continue to be treated with medications or not because the results of the study were inconclusive on this matter.

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. Individuals with allergies are often more sensitive to substances in the air than other individuals. 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. Scientists have determined that it is the body’s defense system responding to "false alarms," according to the NLM and the National Institute of Allergy and Infections Diseases, which also described the following symptoms of allergy sufferers:

• 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. Often, allergy treatments come in the following forms, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• 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, which treat inflammation for 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. Singulair was approved for prescription-only release in February 1998 and is manufactured by Merck. Singulair and other Leukotriene modifiers have side effects that include the following, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• 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) began investigating the reports of suicidal behavior in both children and adult patients of Singulair, but the drug remains on the market. 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.