Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
Researchers have discovered new enzymes that convert nitric oxide into stopgap molecules, modulating proteins and achieving diverse cellular functions. The newly found enzymes may serve as prime therapeutic targets for treating a range of diseases, including Alzheimer's, heart failure, cancer, asthma, and infection.
Research estimates that asthma costs the US economy $81.9 billion per year, with 15.4 million people affected annually. The study also found significant disparities in healthcare costs between insured and uninsured individuals.
A new study found that babies' crawling movements kick up high levels of dirt, skin cells, bacteria, pollen, and fungal spores, which can be detrimental to adult health. However, researchers suggest that this exposure may actually stimulate the immune system and reduce the risk of asthma and allergies later in life.
New research from the University of Rochester Medical Center shows that children with asthma who received a combination of telemedicine support and school-based medication therapy were almost half as likely to need an emergency room or hospital visit. The program, which expanded on previous research, demonstrated its effectiveness in r...
An international study discovered five new regions of the genome associated with increased asthma risk, characterized by epigenetic marks on gene enhancers. The genetic variants also show associations with auto-immune diseases and inflammatory component diseases, highlighting the importance of pleiotropy in multifactorial diseases.
A meta-analysis published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings shows that the FeNO test has moderate accuracy for diagnosing asthma, particularly in patients aged 5 and older. The test's sensitivity and specificity vary depending on the cutoff value used.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that obesity can add five weeks of asthma symptoms per year in preschoolers. The research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight may be an effective strategy for controlling asthma, and that inhalers work effectively for all preschoolers.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that exposure to coarse particulate matter increases the risk of asthma and hospitalizations in children. For each microgram/cubic meter increase in coarse particulate matter, asthma diagnosis increased by 1.3 percent, emergency room visits for asthma by 3.3 percent, and hospitalizations by...
New research found that coarse particulate matter increases the risk of asthma diagnosis, ER visits for asthma, and hospitalizations in children. The study analyzed records of over 7 million children in Medicaid and found a strong association between PM10-2.5 exposure and asthma-related outcomes.
A study by the University of Southampton found that breathing exercises can significantly improve the quality of life for people with asthma. The interventions, which included DVD and face-to-face physiotherapy, reduced asthma attacks and lower NHS healthcare costs.
A self-taught breathing retraining program shows similar results to face-to-face training with a physiotherapist in improving symptoms, mood, and ability to conduct day-to-day activities. The program is cheaper and less resource-intensive than physiotherapist training.
Research found that consuming high amounts of fructose during pregnancy and early childhood increases the risk of developing asthma in mid-childhood. Mothers who drank a lot of sugar-sweetened beverages while pregnant were more likely to have children with asthma.
A new study by Children's National Hospital suggests that severely premature children are more susceptible to human rhinovirus infections and may require earlier and more intensive supportive care. The research found a 'dose effect' of prematurity, with children born more prematurely having a higher risk of wheezing and retractions.
A Pediatric Pulmonology study of 376 infants found that increasing hair nicotine levels were associated with prior parent-reported smoking exposure and potential increased risks of wheeze and asthma. Higher levels of hair nicotine were also linked to smoking in pregnancy, although associations at older ages were non-significant.
High levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and arachidonic acid, are associated with a reduced risk of asthma and rhinitis in children. The study found that children with higher blood levels of these fatty acids at age 8 were less likely to develop the diseases by age 16.
Researchers at the University of Bergen found that young people with intestinal worms have a 4 times higher risk of developing asthma and allergies than others. Interestingly, their parents are generally unaffected by the parasite.
Midlife women are disproportionately affected by asthma due to testosterone's impact on ILC2 proliferation and airway inflammation. The study highlights the importance of sex hormones in treating respiratory diseases.
A study by Vanderbilt University and Johns Hopkins researchers found that testosterone hinders an immune cell linked to asthma symptoms in women. This is due to the effects of testosterone on lung cells, which are more prevalent in asthmatic women than men.
A University of Alberta study found that infant boys born to mothers with asthma have a reduced gut microbiome, particularly lower levels of Lactobacillus, which could lead to a preventative approach to reduce the risk of asthma. The study also suggests sex-specific differences in the impact of maternal asthma on infant gut microbes.
A large-scale study has identified 136 genetic loci that increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis, hay fever, and asthma. These variants are associated with genes involved in regulating the immune system, suggesting a shared genetic origin for the three diseases.
A study found that trees and green space are associated with a decrease in people admitted to hospital with asthma. In the most polluted urban areas, trees had a strong association with fewer emergency asthma cases.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that water baths were just as effective as bleach baths in reducing eczema symptoms, with no added benefits to using bleach. Regular bathing can help control bacterial infections and prevent dryness, making it a better alternative for patients with eczema.
A study finds that children with eczema or atopic dermatitis and sensitization to an allergen at age 1 are significantly more likely to develop asthma and a food allergy by age three. The CHILD Study also found that early introduction of common allergenic foods may reduce the risk of allergic sensitization and food allergy.
Severe asthma defined as asthma requiring high-dose long-acting B2-agonists and/or additional controller medication or frequent oral corticosteroid use, emphasizing patient adherence verification before diagnosis.
The Navajo Nation will receive a six-year, $8.5 million grant to improve asthma care, with two proven programs being implemented in Tuba City, Chinle, and Fort Defiance. The projects aim to reduce health disparities and lower asthma exacerbations.
A breastfeeding program was associated with reduced atopic eczema risk in adolescents, but no protective effect on lung function or asthma. The study involved over 13,500 children born to mothers participating in a breastfeeding promotion trial.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that breastfeeding may increase the risk of developing hay fever and eczema, while not having a clear effect on asthma. Lifestyle factors such as socioeconomic status and body mass index also played a role in the study.
Pregnant women who consume high-dose omega-3 fatty acids daily during the 3rd trimester are less likely to develop asthma in their children. Researchers recommend 8-12 ounces of low mercury fish per week for similar benefits.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology is developing guidelines for allergists on using telemedicine to provide high-quality care. This approach leverages technology to improve access to medical care and maximize patient experience. The goal is to have an exceptional user experience, putting the patient at the center.
A new study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that almost half of adult food allergies occur in adulthood, with shellfish allergy prevalence increasing by 44% among US adults. The risk of developing a food allergy to certain foods is higher among black, Asian, and Hispanic adults compared to whites.
A study found that children with eczema and a family history of asthma had more severe hospital experiences, including increased oxygen use and longer stays. The research suggests these factors may help identify children at higher risk for severe asthma hospitalizations.
Two studies present evidence suggesting that exposure to dogs during pregnancy and early childhood may reduce the risk of developing eczema and asthma. While exposure to dog allergens can exacerbate symptoms in children with allergies, non-allergen-related factors associated with dogs may provide a protective effect.
A study found that asthma prevalence and emergency department visits vary widely among different NYC neighborhoods. Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and elemental carbon are associated with greater urgent asthma care in lower-prevalence areas, especially among children.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified two asthma phenotypes linked to distinct lung microbiomes, suggesting a potential for more precise treatments. The study found that targeting specific bacterial compositions may help control asthma severity and development.
Researchers found that an experimental drug stimulates alpha-7 nicotinic receptors, reducing inflammation and improving lung function in mice with chronic allergic conditions. The treatment also activated M2 macrophages, associated with tissue repair, and reduced pro-inflammatory molecules.
Scientists have discovered a key protein controlling ferroptosis, a highly regulated cell death process that plays a role in health and disease. The research links ferroptosis to diseases such as asthma, kidney injury, and brain trauma, suggesting potential drug targets for treatment.
A study of 38,679 hospitalized children with asthma found obesity to be a risk factor for repeated hospital admissions and longer stays. Those who were obese required more intensive care and had higher total hospitalization costs compared to normal-weight children.
Taking oral vitamin D supplements alongside standard asthma medication may halve the risk of severe asthma attacks that require hospital care. Research found a 30% reduction in steroid treatment and a 50% decrease in hospitalizations due to asthma exacerbations.
A large epidemiological study conducted in Québec found no link between the BCG vaccine and childhood asthma. The research team analyzed data from a comprehensive vaccination registry and public health records, adjusting for various confounders to ensure accurate findings.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that TRPV1 protein plays a critical role in airway disease through mucus production, cough reflex stimulation and airway narrowing. The study suggests that targeting this protein may lead to new strategies to reduce the impact of RSV infections in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.
A large study found that steroid inhalers used to treat asthma and COPD in people over 66 increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria infections. The study suggests that these infections are chronic, difficult to treat, and associated with an increased risk of death.
A new NIH-funded study finds that children exposed to high indoor levels of pet or pest allergens during infancy have a lower risk of developing asthma by age 7. The study suggests that exposure to certain allergens early in life may prevent asthma from developing, and may provide clues for the design of strategies to prevent asthma.
A study found neuropsychiatric reactions like depression and aggression associated with montelukast in both children and adults. Clinicians should discuss potential adverse events, especially nightmares in kids, when prescribing this asthma medication.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a new compound extracted from coralberry leaves that effectively relieves bronchial spasms and may be more effective than common asthma medication salbutamol. The study was conducted in mice, but further human trials are needed before its application.
Scientists identified a compound, FR, that provides long-lasting airway relaxation and prevents hyperreactivity in mouse models of asthma. The locally administered compound also blocks aspects of airway remodeling without causing cardiovascular side effects.
The project aims to tackle one of the root causes of asthma flare-ups: substandard housing conditions that play host to a range of asthma triggers. IMPACT DC has targeted kids and families disconnected from primary care, increasing school attendance and decreasing Emergency Department visits.
Non-obese individuals with asthma may benefit from a healthy diet and regular exercise to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Studies have shown that exercise combined with a low-GI diet can lead to significant improvements in symptom control, with patients reporting a 50% reduction in asthma symptom scores on average.
Research finds that women with asthma are more likely to receive fertility treatment, suggesting improved asthma control may enhance pregnancy. The study's findings do not prove a causal link but encourage future investigations into the relationship between asthma and fertility.
A study of 1.5 million children found that those with asthma were 1.6 times more likely to be prescribed antibiotics than those without asthma. This could be due to mistaken asthma symptoms for a bacterial infection or preventative use, despite guidelines against it.
New research links respiratory tract infections in young children to an increased risk of asthma and worse lung function in later life. Children who had lower respiratory tract infections between 6 months and 5 years old had a two- to four-fold increased risk of developing asthma.
Research suggests that children with asthma who live closer to parks experience fewer days of symptoms, especially older children who can independently visit parks. The study found a correlation between proximity to green spaces and lower asthma symptom rates.
According to a recent report, 8.1% of seniors in the US are food insecure, with some states experiencing significantly higher rates. The top 10 states for senior food insecurity rates include those in the South and Northeast, highlighting regional disparities in access to nutritious food.
Researchers have identified the best ways to diagnose, prevent, and treat exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in children with and without asthma. Effective treatments include pharmacological interventions and practical preventative methods such as wearing face masks and selecting warmer exercises.
A study of 960 children found that breastfeeding lowers the risk of asthma exacerbations later in life. Breastfeeding may influence the immune system and gut microbiome, which can indirectly affect asthma development.
Researchers at the University of Bergen have found that asthma medicine can halve a patient's risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed over 100 million Norwegian prescriptions and discovered a link between asthma medicine and reduced Parkinson's risk.
A research team led by Deborah Ellis aims to improve asthma management and reduce deaths among minority children, with a focus on African American adolescents. The project will test an adapted intervention, REACH for Control, in real-world settings.
A study published in JAMA found that oral steroid prednisolone did not reduce symptom duration or severity in nonasthmatic adults with acute lower respiratory tract infections. The study randomly assigned 401 adults to receive either prednisolone or a placebo for five days, but no significant treatment effects were observed.
A new study published in JAMA found that oral steroids do not reduce the duration or severity of symptoms in non-asthmatic adults with acute chest infections. Researchers compared 398 participants who received prednisolone for five days to those receiving a placebo, and found no significant difference in symptom improvement.
The study found that COPD is largely caused by smoking and air pollution, while asthma's causes are less clear but include smoking and allergens. Interventions can prevent or treat both diseases, but many cases go undiagnosed or undertreated.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified a 'checkpoint' manned by immune cells that can halt allergic disease development. This discovery provides a potential new target for drug developers to regulate overly aggressive allergic responses.