Military deployment linked to higher risk of respiratory diseases, new study finds

Deployed veterans had a 55% higher risk of asthma compared with non-deployed peers

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

FacebookXLinkedInWeChatBlueskyMessageWhatsAppEmail

 

image: 

2025 ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting

view more 

Credit: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

ORLANDO (Nov. 6, 2025) – U.S. Veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) face an increased risk of developing several chronic respiratory conditions, according to new research presented at the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Orlando.

The large-scale study examined more than 48,000 deployed Veterans compared with a matched group of non-deployed Veterans. Researchers found that deployment was significantly associated with new diagnoses of asthma, chronic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and nasal polyposis (NP) in the decade following service.

“Veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan were often exposed to airborne hazards such as burn pits and dust storms,” said allergist Patrick Gleeson, MD, lead author of the study and ACAAI member. “We found that these exposures may have long-term health impacts, particularly for respiratory diseases that can affect quality of life for years after service.”

Key findings included:

• Asthma: Deployed Veterans had a 55% higher risk compared with non-deployed peers.
• Chronic Rhinitis: Deployment was linked to a 41% higher risk.
• Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS): Risk increased by 27%.
• Nasal Polyposis (NP): Risk increased by 48%.

The analysis used data from the Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse and included only Veterans with no prior history of the studied conditions. Each deployed veteran was matched with a non-deployed veteran of similar age, sex, race, and ethnicity.

The median age at deployment was 26.7 years, and the majority of veterans in the study were male (84%) and White (75%).

“These results highlight the importance of long-term health surveillance and specialized care for Veterans who served in OIF and OEF,” said Dr. Gleeson. “Recognizing the link between deployment and respiratory disease can help guide medical support, policy, and preventive strategies for those affected.”

Abstract Title: Associations of Deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan with New-Onset Asthma and Upper Respiratory Diseases (Full abstract below)

Presenter: Patrick Gleeson, MD

For more information about diagnosis and treatment of asthma, or to find an allergist in your area, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. The ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting is Nov. 6-10. For more news and research from the ACAAI Scientific Meeting, go to our newsroom and follow the conversation on X/Twitter #ACAAI25.

About ACAAI

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. Founded in 1942, the College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Threads and X.

R138
ASSOCIATIONS OF DEPLOYMENT TO IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN WITH NEW-ONSET ASTHMA AND UPPER RESPIRATORY DISEASES

P. Gleeson*1, K. Morales1, E. Garshick2, L. Ashcraft1, N. Cohen1, M. Connolly1, O. Fadugba1, P. Groeneveld1, 1. Philadelphia, PA; 2. Boston, MA.

Introduction: Exposure to airborne hazards during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) may have conferred an increased risk of respiratory diseases.

Methods: We used national Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse and Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership data to identify Veterans with a single OIF or OEF deployment, ≥ 1 outpatient encounters prior to deployment, and no International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes for asthma, chronic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), or nasal polyposis (NP) prior to deployment. Each was 1:1 matched with a non-deployed Veteran on birth year, sex, race, and ethnicity who had ≥ 1 outpatient encounters prior to their match’s deployment and no prior diagnoses of the same diseases. We used four Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate associations of deployment with outpatient diagnoses or problem list entries for each of asthma, chronic rh matched. The median age at deployment was 26.7 years (interquartile range 22.2-37.4). 84% were male, 75% were White, and 11% were Hispanic or Latino. According to the Cox models, deployment was associated with higher hazard ratios (HRs) for asthma (HR=1.55 vs. non-deployed, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47-1.62, p<0.0005), chronic rhinitis (HR=1.41, 95% CI 1.37-1.45, p<0.0005), CRS (HR=1.27, 95% CI 1.21-1.34, p<0.0005), and NP (HR=1.48, 95% CI 1.25-1.76, p<0.0005).

Conclusion: Deployment was associated with higher HRs for new-onset asthma, chronic rhinitis, CRS, and NP. These findings support the need for long-term surveillance and care of respiratory diseases for OIF and OEF Veterans.

 

---

Journal

Annals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology

Method of Research

Data/statistical analysis

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

ASSOCIATIONS OF DEPLOYMENT TO IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN WITH NEW-ONSET ASTHMA AND UPPER RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Article Publication Date

6-Nov-2025

 

Peanut patch treatment continues to help toddlers safely build tolerance over three years

After three years of treatment, more than 70% could tolerate about three to four peanut kernels

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

FacebookXLinkedInWeChatBlueskyMessageWhatsAppEmail

 

image: 

2025 ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting

view more 

Credit: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

ORLANDO (Nov. 6, 2025) – New research presented at the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) offers encouraging news for parents of young children with peanut allergies. A long-term study found that a peanut patch treatment –  epicutaneous immunotherapy – continued to help toddlers safely build tolerance to peanuts over three years.

The treatment, known as the Viaskin Peanut Patch, delivers small amounts of peanut protein through the skin. The goal is to train the immune system to tolerate peanut exposure and reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions from accidental ingestion.

This new analysis looked at toddlers who originally received placebo in an earlier one-year study and then used the peanut patch for up to three years. After three years of treatment, more than 70% of these children could tolerate the equivalent of at least three to four peanut kernels – a significant improvement from their first year of treatment. Nearly half could tolerate even higher amounts.

Importantly, the treatment continued to show a strong safety record. No cases of treatment-related anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) were reported in the third year. Skin irritation at the patch site – the most common side effect – became less frequent over time. Researchers also found that children’s reactions during food challenges became milder, with fewer severe symptoms after three years than after one year.

“These results show that ongoing treatment with the peanut patch continues to improve tolerance and remains safe over time,” said allergist Matthew Greenhawt, MD, MBA, lead author and ACAAI member. “For parents of toddlers with peanut allergies, this kind of approach may one day offer peace of mind by reducing the risk of having an allergic reaction, including severe reactions,  from accidental exposure.”

Peanut allergy affects about 2% of children in the U.S. and is a leading cause of severe allergic reactions. The study results add to growing evidence that early intervention in young children could help change the course of peanut allergy. Researchers stress that parents should not attempt any form of peanut desensitization at home and should discuss emerging treatment options with a board-certified allergist.

The research was funded by DBV Technologies.

Abstract Title: Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Epicutaneous Immunotherapy in Peanut-Allergic Toddlers: Epopex End of Study Results (Full abstract below)

Presenter: Matthew Greenhawt, MD, MBA

For more information about diagnosis and treatment of food allergies, or to find an allergist in your area, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. The ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting is Nov. 6-10. For more news and research from the ACAAI Scientific Meeting, go to our newsroom and follow the conversation on X/Twitter #ACAAI25.

About ACAAI

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. Founded in 1942, the College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy, and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy, and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Threads and X.

D015
LONG-TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF EPICUTANEOUS IMMUNOTHERAPY IN PEANUT-ALLERGIC TODDLERS: EPOPEX END OF STUDY RESULTS
M. Greenhawt*1, J. Wang2, G. DuToit3, M. O'Sullivan4, T. Brown-Whitehorn5, T. Bois6, K. Bee7, T. Green8, H. Sampson2, A. Burks9, 1. Arlington, VA; 2. New York, NY; 3. London, United Kingdom; 4. Murdoch, WA, Australia; 5. Philadelphia, PA; 6. Châtillon, France; 7. Ridgefield, CT; 8. Summit, NJ; 9. Chapel Hill, NC.

Introduction: In the phase 3 EPITOPE study of epicutaneous immunotherapy with the VIASKIN peanut patch (VP250), 67% of peanut-allergic toddlers were treatment responders (vs 33.5% placebo) after 1 year. Increases in treatment effect and a favorable safety profile were observed over the first 2 years of the open-label extension (OLE). Here we report end-of-study results from the OLE among EPITOPE placebo participants (placebo+VP250).
Methods: After 12 months of VP250 or placebo, participants were eligible to enroll in the OLE for up to 3 total years of treatment, with annual double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) and safety assessments.
Results: Of 266 EPITOPE participants enrolled in the OLE, 91 were in the placebo+VP250 group.; 56/91 underwent Month 36 DBPCFC. After 3 years (M36) of VP250 71.2% of placebo+VP250 participants reached an eliciting dose (ED) ≥1000 mg vs 62.7% after 1 year of treatment (M12). Increases were also observed from M12 to M36 in ED ≥2000 mg (36.5% to 46.0%) and those completing the DBPCFC without meeting stopping criteria (28.4% to 42.0%). Reductions in DBPCFC reaction severity were observed, with 10.0% having severe symptoms at M36 vs 19.2% at M12. No treatment-related anaphylaxis or serious treatment-related adverse events occurred in year 3 of VP250 treatment. Continued decreases in local application-site reactions occurred over time.
Conclusions: Three years of VP250 in 1- 3-year-old peanut-allergic toddlers resulted in continued accumulated treatment benefit without any new safety signals among those initially randomized to placebo in EPITOPE. These results are consistent with outcomes observed after 36 months in VP250-treated EPITOPE participants.

 

---

Journal

Annals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology

Method of Research

Randomized controlled/clinical trial

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

LONG-TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF EPICUTANEOUS IMMUNOTHERAPY IN PEANUT-ALLERGIC TODDLERS: EPOPEX END OF STUDY RESULTS

Article Publication Date

6-Nov-2025

New research finds dietary intervention of peanuts improves brain vascular function and memory

The Peanut Institute

FacebookXLinkedInWeChatBlueskyMessageWhatsAppEmail

 

image: 

Figure 1. Mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps following the (A) peanut intervention and (B) control periods in adults (n = 31). CBF displayed in mL/100 g/min (scale shown by color bar).

view more 

Credit: Dr. Peter Joris

Albany, Ga. (November 6, 2025) – A study from the Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM) at Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands, has found that the consumption of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts can significantly improve brain vascular function and memory. The findings were published online in the international, peer-reviewed journal Clinical Nutrition.

The NUTRIM study of 31 healthy older adults ranging in age from 60-75 observed that consuming 60 grams (approximately two servings) of peanuts daily for 16 weeks increased global cerebral blood flow (CBF) by 3.6% and verbal memory by 5.8%. In addition to the brain improvements, systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure decreased by 5 mmHg and 4 mmHg, respectively.

“CBF is an important physiological marker of brain vascular function and refers to the amount of blood that flows through the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients that are essential for maintaining brain health,” says Dr. Peter Joris, the study’s author and an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Center. “We found that longer-term consumption of unsalted, skin-roasted peanuts improved global CBF, which suggests an overall enhancement in brain vascular function.”

The peanut intervention also resulted in increased blood flow in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, both of which are important for memory and other cognitive functions.

The NUTRIM study is unique because it combined a well-controlled, longer-term dietary intervention with advanced brain imaging techniques, specifically arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to investigate the effects of daily peanut consumption on brain health. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).

“For the first time, we demonstrated that peanut intake improved brain vascular function in healthy older adults. These favorable effects may help explain the observed improvements in memory, providing novel mechanistic insight into how regular peanut consumption can beneficially affect cognitive function,” says Joris.

As people age, vascular brain function can become impaired, contributing to an elevated risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Dementia, unfortunately, is a worldwide health problem that’s increasing in prevalence. Alzheimer’s Disease International predicts that 78 million will be living with dementia by 2030 and by 2050 the number will reach 139 million.

“Peanuts are especially rich in plant-based protein and contain high concentrations of L-arginine, an amino acid important for vascular health. They are also a valuable source of unsaturated fats and polyphenols, both known to support vascular function,” says Joris. “For this study, skin-roasted peanuts were chosen because the peanut skin contains additional dietary fiber and natural plant compounds, specifically antioxidants. Together, these nutrients may help explain the beneficial health effects of skin-roasted peanuts observed in this study.”

NUTRIM Study Details

The study was a randomized, controlled crossover trial - one of the strongest designs in clinical research. Participants in the intervention group were given premeasured packets of skin-roasted peanuts and directed to consume the peanuts in the morning or afternoon. They were allowed to eat the daily amount all at once, spread it out over the day or add the peanuts to their meals. The control group did not consume peanuts. After 16 weeks, the groups switched conditions to further assess the effects of peanut consumption versus no peanuts on brain health.

The principal investigator of the study was Associate Professor Dr. Peter J. Joris. Test days were conducted by Ph.D. candidate Lucia Kerkhof, Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Center.

The NUTRIM study was supported by funding from The Peanut Institute Foundation. The funder did not have a role in the study design, implementation, analysis or interpretation of the data or the writing of the manuscript.

# # #

 

---

Journal

Clinical Nutrition

DOI

10.1016/j.clnu.2025.10.020 

Method of Research

Randomized controlled/clinical trial

Subject of Research

People

Article Title

Longer-term skin-roasted peanut consumption improves brain vascular function and memory: A randomized, single-blind, controlled crossover trial in healthy older adults

Article Publication Date

6-Nov-2025