Researchers found that rush immunotherapy targeting a single allergen makes distinct changes in T cells and prevents allergic reactions. The study showed that T cells produce more interferon gamma, an element that lowers allergic responses, and shut off production of pro-allergic cytokines.
A study found that 92 percent of children using common asthma medications reported more frequent use than actual, with actual use rates as low as 62.1 percent for beta-agonists and 58.4 percent for corticosteroids.
Researchers found that using beta-agonists regularly causes no adverse health effects and may be a sign of worsening asthma. The study followed 255 patients with mild asthma, ages 12 to 55, for 6 months, finding no significant differences in lung function or quality of life between regular-use and as-needed use groups.
A rare lung disease thought to affect only people from Japan, China, and Korea has been diagnosed in five US patients with no Asian ancestry. Long-term antibiotic use can effectively treat the condition, but mortality rates remain high if left untreated.