Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
Asthma patients with specific genetic profiles exhibit more intense symptoms following traffic pollution exposure. The study suggests that tailoring treatments to individual gene-environment interactions could enhance quality of life for people with asthma.
A new study found that early childhood weight gain velocity and body mass index are associated with lower lung function at age 10. Children who reached peak body mass index later had better lung function and a lower risk of asthma.
A study found that nearly 40% of women with asthma may develop COPD, but certain factors such as smoking, obesity, and socioeconomic status may lower this risk. The researchers identified individual risk factors playing a more significant role in the development of COPD overlap syndrome than exposure to air pollution.
A Johns Hopkins study found that fewer than half of Baltimore caregivers for preschool children with asthma can manage their child's chronic condition. The researchers evaluated caregiver preparedness through medication availability, identification, and dosing instructions.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers models allergic lung inflammation in mice, revealing the role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in triggering and amplifying an allergen-initiated immune response. The findings have implications for designing more precise clinical trials for severe asthma treatment.
A small pilot clinical trial shows eating two CHORI-Bars daily for eight weeks improves lung function in obese adolescents with asthma. The study's findings are provocative and suggest a need for larger trials.
A new study found that eczema is associated with a worse quality of life than several other chronic illnesses. Moderate and severe eczema were particularly burdensome, causing symptoms like blisters, pain, and sleep disturbance.
Adults with uncontrolled asthma have a moderately increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. Researchers are unsure of the underlying causes for this association and urge further investigation.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that healthy diets with high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals are characterised by better asthma outcomes. Men who ate healthier diets had a 30% lower chance of experiencing asthma symptoms.
A £2 million project aims to improve asthma control in African schoolchildren, with a focus on 3,000 children aged 12-14. The study will use theatre performances to address asthma knowledge and stigma, and assess the barriers to achieving good control.
A review of 16 studies reveals a strong association between fast food intake and an increased risk of asthma, wheeze, and other allergic diseases. Hamburger consumption was found to be most prominently associated with these conditions in a dose-dependent manner, regardless of income level.
A study of nearly 50,000 New Zealand children found that greener neighborhoods are less likely to develop asthma, while low plant diversity is associated with a higher risk. Biodiversity conservation may provide concrete health benefits beyond its ecological significance.
Researchers develop novel small molecule, PM-43I, that specifically targets STAT6 pathway, reversing preexisting allergic airway disease in mice. This breakthrough approach offers unique advantages over monoclonal antibodies, with potential benefits for patients who may not need steroid treatments.
A new diagnostic test that uses a simple nasal brush to identify mild to moderate asthma has been developed by Mount Sinai researchers. The test, which uses machine learning algorithms and RNA sequencing, can differentiate asthma from other respiratory conditions and is less expensive than traditional pulmonary function testing.
A new study suggests that vaccinating asthmatic children against the flu could significantly reduce their risk of needing hospitalization for an asthma attack. The study found that kids with influenza or parainfluenza had a 37-per-cent or more chance of not responding to treatment, compared to 13 per cent for children without a virus.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified the source of IL-25, an inflammatory cytokine linked to chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. The study found that solitary chemosensory cells in the sinuses produce IL-25, which can recruit immune cells and lead to inflammation.
Asthma management is complicated by heterogeneity and variability, making it difficult to implement optimal strategies. The role of physicians in managing asthma complexity is particularly challenging, requiring knowledge, dedication, and experience.
A study found that patients hospitalized for asthma who received antibiotics had longer hospital stays and higher costs, but no reduced risk of treatment failure. Antibiotic-related diarrhea was also more common in treated patients.
Researchers found a new treatment, dupilumab, effective in treating severe asthma by blocking key drivers of inflammation. The study showed improved asthma symptoms, lung function, and reduced need for corticosteroids.
Dupilumab alleviates asthma symptoms and improves lung function in moderate to severe asthma patients. The drug significantly reduced asthma exacerbations by half in some patients, with improved rates of emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
A long-term study has found that exposure to ozone at birth is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema in childhood. The study, which followed 1,881 children from birth to age 17, found that even small increases in ozone exposure were linked to a higher risk of developing these conditions.
Researchers have found a patient-centric treatment that works for people with mild asthma, using an as-needed combined-drug inhaler. The study, led by Paul O'Byrne, showed the inhaler was superior to conventional treatment strategies in reducing asthma attacks and improving symptom control.
A high-fiber diet increases survival in influenza-infected mice by setting the immune system at a healthy level of responsiveness. It also boosts antiviral immunity by activating T cells, mediated by changes in gut bacteria composition.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that no single category of intervention was effective in reducing hospital readmission for children with asthma. However, multimodal interventions that combined multiple categories showed promise in reducing the risk of readmission between 30 days and one year after initial discharge.
A study found that asthma mortality rates are falling among younger people in the poorest areas compared to the wealthiest, but remain higher in older adults. Regional variations persist, with significant differences in outcomes across England.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children living close to major roadways had nearly three times the odds of pediatric asthma compared to those who lived farther away. The researchers also discovered a stronger link between lifetime pollution and asthma among school-age girls.
Researchers found variations in immune cells in children from higher vs lower socioeconomic status families. This disparity affects asthma control and suggests a link between socioeconomic factors and immune system dysfunction.
A new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found a significant link between common allergic diseases and a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders. Patients with asthma and hay fever were found to have a 1.66-fold increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder within a 15-year period.
Researchers found that children with asthma often miss their daily medication due to barriers such as forgetfulness and running out of medication. The study suggests that improving communication among patients, families, and pediatric clinicians is crucial to ensure consistent use of daily anti-inflammatory medication.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that long-term exposure to high levels of road traffic and ozone significantly increases the risk of asthma symptoms and medication use. The study also identified a biological marker, 8-isoprostane, which is exhaled in the breath and linked to tissue damage in the lungs.
A new lung MRI method helps identify where airway inflammation and smooth muscle dysfunction occur in patients with severe asthma. This innovation aims to personalize therapy for individual patients, improving disease control and quality of life.
A new study suggests that air pollution from traffic-related emissions is a significant contributor to childhood asthma cases in Bradford, with up to 24% of annual cases potentially attributed to this factor. The research highlights the need for policies aimed at reducing traffic-related air pollution to mitigate its effects on childre...
Having measles in early childhood may predispose individuals to asthma-like symptoms and airway obstruction if they also smoked. Adults with a significant history of asthma and smoking are at a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A team of scientists has identified a human protein called interleukin-33 (IL-33) that reacts to various environmental allergens, including mold, pollen, and cockroaches. This discovery establishes a direct link between genetics and the environment, and offers new potential targets for treatment of allergic diseases.
A clinical trial found that increasing inhaled steroids at the first signs of an asthma attack does not prevent attacks in children with mild to moderate asthma. Children in the high-dose group experienced slower growth rates compared to those on low-dose medication.
Researchers found that using a single corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator treatment for both daily asthma control and rescue relief is more effective than separate medications. This approach significantly reduces asthma attacks, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits.
A study by University of Leicester researchers has identified distinct biological variations in lung tissue samples that can help differentiate between mild and moderate/severe asthma. The findings may lead to the development of targeted treatments for specific subtypes of asthma, improving patient care.
The study found that using Asthma APGAR tools reduced asthma-related emergency department, urgent care, or hospital visits by 50% and improved asthma control by 14% compared to usual care. The tools also increased adherence to National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines.
A randomized controlled trial found that mindfulness meditation training reduced the incidence of major depressive disorder by 11% compared to usual care, while also improving depression symptoms. Additionally, comprehensive asthma management tools improved asthma control and reduced hospital visits in primary care practices.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found previously known skin itch receptors in the airways of mice, which appear to contribute to bronchoconstriction and airway hypersensitivity. The discovery may be a promising new target for developing drug therapies for asthma and other respiratory disorders.
A new study has found that temporarily quadrupling the dose of inhaled steroids during severe episodes of asthma can reduce the risk of serious attacks by 20% and hospital admissions. The study involved nearly 2000 patient volunteers and showed promising results for patients with long-term asthma.
Researchers at UC Davis Health have identified a new molecular target, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), that plays a major role in inflammation and airway obstruction associated with asthma. Targeting VEGFA may lead to new treatments.
Researchers found that short-term increases in inhaled steroid doses do not effectively prevent severe asthma flare-ups in children. Instead, they may be associated with a small decrease in growth rate, echoing previous studies on the topic.
A new study published in Hospital Pediatrics shows that improved pediatric asthma care can be achieved through the use of personalized inpatient assessments and streamlined patient care decision tools. The study found that clinicians who used these tools had a significant improvement in the accuracy of prescribed medication, with an in...
Research by Weill Cornell Medicine scientists reveals that the nervous system can dampen excessive inflammation in the gut and lungs, which may lead to new treatments for diseases like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. The study also found that beta-adrenergic receptors play a crucial role in controlling the immune response.
A special receptor called dectin-1 recognizes a protein found in house dust mites, cockroaches, shellfish, and other invertebrates, suppressing immune reactions to these common allergy triggers. The discovery suggests new ways to treat or prevent allergies and asthma, which affect tens of millions in the US.
Researchers at Purdue University found that microRNA miR-223 can help control inflammatory disease by regulating the NF-kB pathway, which is critical in human bronchial epithelial cells. Supplementing this microRNA to epithelial cells may provide a new treatment option for asthma and cancer.
A subset of T cells identified as an early childhood immune signature predicts the risk of developing asthma later on. The presence of house dust components stimulating the innate immune system decreases asthma risk, supporting the hygiene hypothesis. Researchers found MAIT cells to be protective against asthma.
Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than those without asthma. In contrast, long-acting asthma preventers do not appear to reduce fertility, suggesting that improved asthma control could lead to faster conception rates.
A major review of evidence highlights a link between fluctuations in female sex hormones and the development of allergies and asthma. Analysis of over 500,000 women found that starting periods before age 11 and irregular periods were associated with a higher rate of asthma.
Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than those without asthma, but using long-acting asthma preventers has no impact on fertility. The study of over 5,000 women in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland shows a significant difference between short-acting and long-acting treatments.
A multicenter retrospective cohort study found that comprehensive education prior to discharge significantly lowers readmission rates in children hospitalized for acute asthma. Discharge components such as medication provision, communication with primary medical doctors, and post-discharge activities also show promise in reducing readm...
A new device developed by Rutgers University and UCLA can measure the physical strength of individual cells up to 100 times faster than current technology. This allows for easier testing and evaluation of new drugs for diseases associated with abnormal cell strength, including hypertension, asthma, and muscular dystrophy.
Researchers identified a new treatment that relaxes muscles and opens airways in asthma, preventing pulmonary resistance. The treatment, TSG12, is non-toxic and more effective than current treatments, providing relief for millions with asthma.
The study found that cleaner shipping fuels will result in a significant reduction of childhood asthma cases, with an estimated 14 million annual cases related to global ship pollution using current fuels. The new IMO rule will decrease the allowable amount of sulphur in fuel oil from 35,000 ppm to 5,000 ppm.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified an interaction between two molecules that can be manipulated to prevent airway closure in asthma. By targeting super-enhancers, they may develop more efficacious treatments than current steroids.
A new database, CHILDdb, is being developed by SFU researchers to help identify genetic and environmental factors contributing to childhood asthma. The database will enable precision medicine to diagnose and prevent the disease earlier, reducing healthcare costs.
The UA-led international research consortium aims to determine the role of CC16 in persistent childhood asthma and its potential as a therapeutic intervention. The study will analyze thousands of participants followed from birth into adulthood, providing unique data on asthma persistence.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that despite the Clean Heat Program, many buildings continued to burn residual diesel fuel oil, releasing high levels of particulate matter and linked health problems. The researchers recommend new incentives and a building energy rating system to encourage conversion.
Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for eczema that also reduces asthma severity, offering hope for effective treatments for both conditions. The study found that alleviating skin inflammation can significantly reduce asthma symptoms.