Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
Research suggests that higher circulating SHBG levels are associated with a lower risk of asthma, particularly in women. The study found that higher SHBG levels were linked to around a 14% lower odds of asthma, although the exact mechanism is unclear.
A six-month study of children with asthma found that higher omega-3 fatty acid intake was associated with lower odds of daytime asthma symptoms in response to indoor air pollution. Conversely, higher omega-6 intake was linked to more severe asthma and increased inflammation. The study suggests that dietary recommendations can help prot...
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can modify asthma severity and response to indoor air pollution in children, while higher levels of omega-6 may exacerbate the condition. The study found a correlation between increased neutrophils in response to particulate pollution and higher levels of omega-6 in the diet.
A new study suggests that the adipose hormone aP2 is associated with obesity-related asthma and may be a key factor in its development. Higher levels of aP2 were found in people with overweight or obesity who also had asthma, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions.
A recent study by Professor Andreas Lopata found that consuming certain types of n-3 fatty acids from marine oils can decrease asthma risk by up to 62%, while high n-6 consumption increases risk by up to 67%. This research suggests a potential link between fish consumption and reduced asthma severity.
Researchers at the University of Akron aim to understand how lipid mediators exacerbate asthma symptoms, hoping to discover new treatments. The study will combine leukotriene and prostaglandin blockers to create a more potent asthma treatment.
A study of nearly 500,000 women found that taking paracetamol or other painkillers during pregnancy increases the risk of asthma in children, but the risk is similar when other types of painkillers are used. The research suggests that another factor linked to painkiller use and asthma risk may be chronic pain and stress.
A randomized clinical trial found no association between high-dose vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and the risk of asthma in children at age 6. The study followed 545 children whose mothers received either high-dose or standard-dose vitamin D supplementation.
A new study found that urban children with poorly controlled asthma experience higher school absences and lower academic performance. Ethnic minority children, particularly Latino kids, face greater disparities in academic outcomes due to unique stressors related to their background and migration experiences.
A recent study found that vitamin D levels can modify the response to indoor air pollution in obese urban children with asthma. The research team identified a significant link between low blood vitamin D levels and respiratory problems, as well as an inverse relationship between high blood vitamin D levels and asthma symptoms.
A study of 936 asthma patients found that obesity and older age were linked to higher risks of airway closure. Therapies targeting airway closure may be crucial for these patients.
Researchers from Imperial College London tracked 613,377 babies up to age 5, finding those admitted for bronchiolitis had a fivefold risk of subsequent asthma and respiratory admissions. Breastfeeding, tobacco exposure, and environmental factors contribute to the increased risk.
Children who were exclusively breastfed for three months or longer had significantly lower odds of having eczema at age 6. This study found that exclusive breastfeeding may protect children from experiencing extended flare-ups of eczema.
A new computational tool has identified 12 variables that can predict which severe asthma patients are likely to benefit from treatment with systemic corticosteroids. This tool will help physicians alleviate suffering for patients who do not respond well to mainline therapy.
A new study has identified areas of chromosomes associated with higher rates of asthma in those of African ancestry. The research used advanced technology to identify loci on chromosome 17q12-21, which may contribute to the increased risk of asthma in this population.
A new electronic decision support tool has shown promise in improving asthma care, with a 45% increase in patients receiving asthma action plans and a 59% increase in asthma control assessments. The system uses data from patient questionnaires to provide personalized recommendations for clinicians.
A new asthma pill has shown promising results in reducing airway muscle and inflammation, potentially leading to improved symptoms and reduced attacks. The investigational drug, Fevipiprant, may also reduce the need for oral steroids, a common treatment for severe asthma.
Researchers created a wearable, disposable respiration monitor with high-fidelity readings using inexpensive sensors from Shrinky Dinks. The device helps track breath rate and volume, aiding asthma and cystic fibrosis patients.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that people living in drafty homes in low-income, urban communities are at a higher risk of respiratory health issues such as asthma. The study revealed that residents in homes with the highest air-exchange rates were more likely to report chronic cough and asthma-like symptoms.
A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that Puerto Rican children were more than five times as likely as Mexican American children to have poor adherence to asthma control medications. Girls of both ethnic groups were also more likely to have poor or decreasing use of the medications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that calorie restriction prevented asthma symptoms in mice, regardless of diet composition. The study's results add to evidence supporting links between obesity, inflammation, and asthma, highlighting the value of anti-inflammatory drugs in treating asthma symptoms in obese individuals.
A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that four grams of fish oil per day for six months did not improve asthma control in adolescents and young adults with uncontrolled asthma. The researchers suggested that obesity may cause systemic inflammation, which reduces the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory t...
Researchers in Leicester are investigating the use of antibiotics to treat certain types of severe asthma, a condition affecting 1 in 20 people with asthma. The study aims to identify patients with specific subtypes of severe asthma and test new oral treatments, including doxycycline and dexpramipexole.
Researchers found that teenagers with asthma or eczema had the same levels of physical activity as their peers without these conditions. However, obese teenagers were less active and experienced increased periods of inactivity. The study used data from over 6,400 teenagers aged 12-16.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology analyzed data from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Severe Asthma Research Program. The research found that African American patients are more likely to experience emergency hospital visits for asthma and have poorer asthma outcomes due to socioecon...
Research suggests that infant mice need a higher dose of bacterial LPS to prevent asthma, while adult mice can tolerate lower doses. This mechanism supports the hygiene hypothesis, which proposes that decreased exposure to microorganisms in childhood leads to increased allergies.
Researchers developed a decision tool called the Pediatric Asthma Risk Score (PARS) to predict asthma in young children. PARS is 11% more sensitive than existing tools and delivers personalized risk scores.
Children conceived via fertility treatment have up to 42% higher risk of asthma, while number of previous early miscarriages is also associated with increased risk. Research suggests that common factors underlying poorer fertility and recurrent miscarriages may influence asthma risk.
Researchers discovered that babies with a diverse range of nasal bacteria tend to recover faster from their first respiratory virus. Conversely, those dominated by certain bacterial families are more likely to experience prolonged symptoms.
Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 children, finding a significant association between obesity and increased asthma incidence. Obesity was identified as a modest risk factor for asthma, with 23-27% of new cases directly attributable to obesity.
A study analyzing health data for over 500,000 children in the US suggests that obesity is a likely cause of approximately one-fourth of asthma cases in children who are obese. The research found that nearly 1 million cases of childhood asthma may be preventable by maintaining a healthy weight.
Research suggests a link between PM2.5 exposure and higher daily rescue inhaler use in individuals with asthma. Reducing PM2.5 pollution could result in significant economic benefits, estimated at nearly $350 million annually.
A new PhD thesis from the University of Eastern Finland reveals a link between early life environmental exposures, such as farming and air pollution, and altered immune responses. The study found that farming exposure decreases the risk of allergic diseases, while air pollution increases asthma prevalence in children.
A new treatment has been shown to help people with peanut allergies build up a tolerance to the allergen, allowing them to consume small amounts without experiencing severe reactions. The study found that two-thirds of participants were able to tolerate the equivalent of two peanuts per day after nine to 12 months of treatment.
Research shows secondhand marijuana smoke can worsen asthma symptoms in children with cannabis allergies, even without direct exposure. After removing cannabis from the home, asthma symptoms improved significantly.
A Henry Ford Health System study found that babies whose parents cleaned their pacifiers with saliva had lower levels of IgE antibodies, associated with allergies and asthma. The researchers believe healthy oral bacteria may be passed from parents to their children, influencing immune system development.
Children of caregivers with poor asthma knowledge were four times more likely to have a prolonged hospital stay, according to new research. The study found that caregivers who received education on asthma management and inhaler technique showed significant improvements in their knowledge and ability to care for their child.
A Swedish study found no correlation between growing up with hypoallergenic breeds and a lower risk of asthma in children. However, female dogs were associated with a 16% lower asthma risk, while living with two or more dogs reduced the risk by 21%.
A Rutgers University study found significant improvements in air quality after restricting heavy truck traffic on a residential street in Elizabeth, N.J. The research team tracked 60 trucks per hour and found a spike in black carbon from diesel exhaust pollution, which was linked to asthma and other health issues.
A new study aims to investigate the origins of asthma in Puerto Rico by following 4,000 children from birth through early childhood. The team plans to use genetic techniques to identify biological drivers of disease and biomarkers that may predict outcomes.
A study of 2,000 children suggests that London's diesel-dominated air pollution is restricting lung capacity, putting them at risk of lifelong breathing disorders. Despite improvements in air quality through the introduction of Low Emission Zones, there was no evidence of a reduction in small lungs or asthma symptoms.
A clinical trial found that eating fish twice a week as part of a Mediterranean diet can significantly decrease lung inflammation in children with mild asthma. The study involved 64 children from Greece and showed improved lung function after six months.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that air pollution from ozone and fine particulate matter may be responsible for nine to 33 million emergency room visits globally. The research suggests that policies aimed at cleaning up the air can reduce the global burden of asthma.
A new study published in Pediatric Research found that children with asthma growing up in polluted NYC neighborhoods need emergency medical treatment more often. The study suggests that these areas may have other environmental factors affecting urgent asthma treatment.
A study using single-cell transcriptomics reveals the cellular and functional changes underlying type 2-high asthma, which can lead to more severe disease. The research provides new insights into how airway epithelial cells produce mucus and could inform the development of targeted treatments for asthma and other airway diseases.
A USC-led study of over 20,000 European youths found that children with asthma are more likely to become obese. Asthma increases the risk of obesity by 50-66%, especially in those with persistent wheezing symptoms.
Researchers at UCalgary's Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute discovered the nervous system plays a critical role in asthma attacks. By targeting treatment at the carotid bodies, they found that blocking receptors during an asthma attack can eliminate symptoms.
Researchers analyzed children's asthma management and found that environmental exposures like secondhand smoke and pet ownership were not significant factors in improving asthma control. Once asthma guidelines are followed, these exposures do not impact overall asthma improvement.
A University of Utah engineering study shows that smart controllers for home heating and cooling systems can clean pollution with minimal additional energy costs. The 'SmartAir' setting, which turns on the HVAC fan based on both temperature and air quality, cleaned the air almost as well as continuous operation but used 58% less energy.
A non-pathogenic fungus can expand in the intestines of antibiotic-treated mice and enhance the severity of allergic airways disease. The study suggests that alterations in gut microbiota induced by intestinal fungi might be a previously unrecognized but potentially important risk factor for patients with asthma.
A study published in Respirology found ten treatable traits predictive of future asthma attacks, including depression and vocal cord dysfunction. The findings may help clinicians tailor treatment plans for patients with severe asthma.
Research suggests that weight gain between childhood and puberty increases the risk of developing asthma later in life, including for future generations. The study found no correlation between weight gain before or after puberty, but rather a link to overall inflammation during this critical developmental period.
A new study found that children who have access to green spaces near their homes are less likely to experience respiratory problems as adults. The research, conducted by RHINESSA, analyzed data from over 5,400 participants and found a significant association between exposure to greenness and reduced respiratory symptoms.
A study found that paracetamol use in infancy may increase the risk of asthma in adolescents, particularly those with certain genetic variations of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes. Children who took paracetamol more frequently had a higher risk of developing asthma, especially if they carried the GSTP1 Ile/Ile variant.
Children with childhood asthma are at a disadvantage in education, leaving them more likely to drop out of university and struggle to enter non-manual occupations.
Researchers found high immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels among babies born in October and December in Melbourne, indicating a potential link between maternal exposure to grass pollen and increased risk of respiratory diseases. Conversely, being pregnant for an entire grass pollen season may have a protective effect on babies.
A new study has found that people with asthma are more likely to become obese, especially if their asthma begins in adulthood or if they have non-allergic asthma. The research, which followed over 8,600 participants for two decades, suggests the relationship between asthma and obesity is more complex than previously thought.
Researchers found that inhaled steroid use is associated with a higher risk of developing nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infections. The study analyzed medical records of patients diagnosed with NTM lung infections and found that the odds of infection were 2.7 times greater in those who used inhaled steroids.
Researchers have discovered a marker that can help identify patients with severe asthma who are likely to respond well to new treatments. The marker targets inflammatory cells called eosinophils, which play a key role in the condition.
Researchers at OHSU used 3D imaging to investigate airway nerves in asthma. They found that denser nerves are associated with more severe symptoms and increased eosinophils. This new insight could lead to better treatments for asthma.