Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print New approach for treating asthma (p 1715)

New approach for treating asthma (p 1715)

November 22, 2002

Authors of a UK study in this week's issue of THE LANCET suggest that targeting the underlying cause of asthma-rather than treating symptoms of the disorder-could be more effective in reducing severe asthma attacks.

Conventional treatment for people with asthma relies on assessments of symptoms and simple measures of lung function. however, increased concentrations of microscopic cells called eosinophils cause the inflammation of airways in the lung that lead to asthma symptoms; eosinophils are also present in sputum several weeks before an asthma attack. Ian Pavord from Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK, and colleagues assessed whether the reduction of eosinophilic inflammation reduced asthma exacerbations compared with a conventional (British Thoracic Society[BTS]) approach.




74 patients with moderate to severe asthma were randomly allocated to management by either BTS asthma guidelines or by normalisation of the induced sputum eosinophil count; patients allocated to the sputum eosinophil group had asthma medication (inhaled or oral corticosteroids) regulated in response to changes in eosinophil concentration as the study progressed.

The sputum eosinophil count was 63% lower over 12 months among patients allocated to sputum management than those given conventional treatment. There were fewer severe asthma attacks (35) among patients in the sputum group than those given conventional treatment (105), and a reduction in hospitalisation for severe asthma (1 and 6 cases, respectively). Use of oral or inhaled corticosteroids did not differ between the two groups.

Ian Pavord comments: "Severe exacerbations of asthma needing courses of oral corticosteroids or hospital admission are the most serious manifestation of this disease. They lead to asthma deaths, illness, and a high cost to the health service in terms of doctor consultations, drug use, and hospital beds. Our results show that a strategy directed at maintenance of a normal airway eosinophilic count caused a large reduction in the number of severe exacerbations in a group of patients with moderate to severe asthma compared with traditional management based on the BTS guidelines. We believe such an effect has implications for management of asthma in that it strongly supports the view that airway inflammation should be monitored regularly for the best treatment of this group of patients."

Lancet



Related Asthma Current Events and Asthma News Articles Asthma Current Events and Asthma News RSS Asthma Current Events and Asthma News RSS
Johns Hopkins researchers track down protein responsible for chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps
A protein known to stimulate blood vessel growth has now been found to be responsible for the cell overgrowth in the development of polyps that characterize one of the most severe forms of sinusitis, a study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests.

Ancestry attracts, but love is blind
People preferentially marry those with similar ancestry, but their decisions are not necessarily based on hair, eye or skin colour.

Common plastics chemicals linked to ADHD symptoms
Phthalates are important components of many consumer products, including toys, cleaning materials, plastics, and personal care items.

Asthma a significant risk factor for complications in children with H1N1
A new study on pediatric H1N1 influenza admissions has found that asthma is a significant risk factor for severe disease in children with pandemic H1N1 compared with the seasonal flu.

Mother's Depression a Risk Factor in Childhood Asthma Symptoms, Study Suggests
Asthma symptoms can worsen in children with depressed mothers, according to research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center published online in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.

Sweet -- sugared polymer a new weapon against allergies and asthma
Scientists at Johns Hopkins and their colleagues have developed sugar-coated polymer strands that selectively kill off cells involved in triggering aggressive allergy and asthma attacks.

Pivotal study for PSD502 -- the first potential treatment for premature ejaculation
At the annual meeting of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA), Inc. in San Diego, Sciele Pharma, Inc., a Shionogi Company and Plethora Solutions Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Plethora Solutions Holdings PLC ("Plethora" - AIM:PLE)., today presented data from its second positive pivotal study of PSD502 for the treatment of premature ejaculation (PE).

Aileron collaborates study in Nature: Stapled peptides inhibit Notch1 transcription factor
This research validates the potential for Stapled Peptides to modulate key intracellular biological targets, such as transcription factors, that have not been addressable with current small molecule or biologic drug modalities.

Women with asthma feel worse
Women with asthma are more anxious, find it harder to sleep and are more tired during the day than their male counterparts, but nevertheless tend to be better at following their treatment.

Poll: Many parents, high-priority adults who tried to get H1N1 vaccine unable to get it
A new national poll from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that a majority of adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children have been unable to do so.
More Asthma Current Events and Asthma News Articles
Asthma-Free Naturally: Everything You Need to Know to Take Control of Your Asthma - Featuring the Buteyko Breathing Method Suitable for Adults and Children

Asthma-Free Naturally: Everything You Need to Know to Take Control of Your Asthma - Featuring the Buteyko Breathing Method Suitable for Adults and Children
by Patrick McKeown (Author)

This revolutionary book teaches readers how to take control of their asthma safely and effectively without any side effects. The approach encompasses the Buteyko Breathing Method as well as guidance on diet, sleep, physical activity, and other lifestyle changes that can provide a natural alternative to Asthma medications.

The author was a chronic asthmatic who applied the Buteyko Breathing Method to free himself from his asthma condition. In this book, he details the Buteyko Breathing Method and provides guidance on diet, sleep, physical activity, and other lifestyle changes that can provide a natural alternative to Asthma medications.

The Buteyko Breathing Method is considered by many to be the single most effective self-help treatment for asthma and can be used by adults...

The Original Aroma Therapipe, Salt Pipe, Respiratory and Asthma Aid

The Original Aroma Therapipe, Salt Pipe, Respiratory and Asthma Aid
by Sopipa

The salt crystals were formulated millions of years ago when the primal ocean receded and left behind caverns of purified crystal salt. We bring these crystals to you in a quality certified and handmade ceramic container (made in Hungary). A Polish physician in the 19th Century noted that salt minors seldom had respiratory diseases. Since then Eastern Europe has gained a reputation for its Salt Mines, where many people go for the healing, antibacterial and anti-fungal qualities of the caves salty air. Some people have found that the Aroma Therapipe can be used as a preventative. Many also find that the duration of a cold is lessened with its use. Halo/Speleo Therapy (cave / salt therapy) is not well known in the US. even though it has been used for decades in European countries. This...

The Allergy and Asthma Cure: A Complete 8-Step Nutritional Program

The Allergy and Asthma Cure: A Complete 8-Step Nutritional Program
by Fred Pescatore M.D. (Author)

Free yourself of allergies and asthma once and for all with Dr. Pescatore's breakthrough program

" Dr. Fred Pescatore's The Allergy and Asthma Cure reveals a unique and revolutionary understanding of the underlying conditions of allergy and asthma-from food triggers to the environment to nutritional deficiencies. His integrative program of both alternative and traditional treatments can dramatically improve health and vitality, safely and soundly. This book will have a prominent place in my library and I highly recommend it! "
-Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., C.N.S., author of the bestselling The Fat Flush Plan

"Conventional medicine has largely shrugged its shoulders in confusion about the causes of allergies and asthma in millions of people. In this...

The Asthma Sourcebook 3rd Edition (Sourcebooks)

The Asthma Sourcebook 3rd Edition (Sourcebooks)
by Francis Adams (Author)

"Authoritative, comprehensive."
--Library Journal

"Logical and straightforward."
--Harvard Women’s Health Watch

"[Dr. Adams] succeeds admirably."
--Consumer Health Information Sourcebook

Written by an award-winning pulmonary specialist and one of New York magazine’s “Best Doctors in New York,” The Asthma Sourcebook explores the latest therapies, medications, diet and nutrition guidelines, and provides you with advice on living with this chronic disorder. This trusted source also examines the challenges of raising children with asthma; debunks commonly held beliefs about food, travel, and exercise; and pinpoints real asthma-causing allergens and how you can avoid them.



Primatene Mist Epinephrine Inhalation Aerosol Bronchodilator with Mouthpiece for Oral Inhalation, .5 fl oz (15 ml)

Primatene Mist Epinephrine Inhalation Aerosol Bronchodilator with Mouthpiece for Oral Inhalation, .5 fl oz (15 ml)
by Primatene

For the temporary relief of Bronchial Asthma. Contains no sulfites. Made in USA.

The Harvard Medical School Guide To Taking Control Of Asthma

The Harvard Medical School Guide To Taking Control Of Asthma
by Christopher H. Fanta (Author), Lynda M. Cristiano (Author), Kenan Haver (Author)

Take control of your asthma now wih this easy-to-follow personalized approach

Shortness of breath. Tightness in the chest. Wheezing and coughing. These distressing symptoms are a daily fact of life for many of the fifteen million Americans who suffer from asthma, including nearly six million children -- and asthma is on the rise. But even those with severe asthma can lead full, active lives with the help of the experts at Harvard Medical School and Partners Asthma Center. Here is a commonsense guide that includes:

Cutting-edge therapies such as anti-IgE therapy and leukotriene-blocking drugs -- as well as complementary and alternative medicine treatments Practice sessions that help you create a personalized program to prepare for acute asthma attacks

Plus, special...

Reversing Asthma: Breathe Easier with This Revolutionary New Program

Reversing Asthma: Breathe Easier with This Revolutionary New Program
by Richard N. Firshein D.O. (Author)

Comprehensive, balanced and up-to-the minute, Reversing Asthma is destined to be the new bible for asthma treatment - giving asthma sufferers new knowledge and new choices for overcoming this frightening and debilitating disease.

Microlife PF 100 Peak Flow Meter for Spirometry with FEV1

Microlife PF 100 Peak Flow Meter for Spirometry with FEV1
by Microlife

This device is used to measure Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1-second (FEV1) in both children and adults. PEF is the fastest speed air can be blown out of the lungs after inhalation. FEV1 measures the volume after exhaling in 1-second. Peak Flow (PEF) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1-second (FEV1) measurements can tell how well lungs are breathing by monitoring airflow. Doctors can have patients monitor changes in airflow and record the results. The automatic memory stores and provides easy access to the last 240 readings along with the time and date.

Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler

Vicks Personal Steam Inhaler
by Vicks

Patented self regulation heater with soothing steam penetration to nasal, sinus and throat passages

The Lion Who Had Asthma (Albert Whitman Concept Paperbacks)

The Lion Who Had Asthma (Albert Whitman Concept Paperbacks)
by Jonathan London (Author), Nadine Bernard Westcott (Illustrator)

Sean's nebulizer mask and his imagination aid in his recovery following an asthma attack. Includes information on childhood asthma and how to control its symptoms.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com