Articles tagged with Asthma
Researchers used extensive interviewing and focus group methods to explore asthma treatment goals. A three-step qualitative process identifies patient-relevant concepts, ranks them, and refines assessment questions for concept measurement. The study suggests assessing symptom improvement, medication access, medication use, and asthma k...
A study of over 152,000 asthma patients found that current use of inhaled corticosteroids significantly increases the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia. The highest risks were observed with higher doses of fluticasone-equivalent and budesonide.
A new study from University of Georgia researchers aims to identify wind magnitudes commonly associated with thunderstorm asthma outbreaks. By cross-referencing forecast modeling tools, the study may help anticipate significant thunderstorms and alert public health officials about potential triggers.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center discovered a small molecular compound, RCM-1, that blocks the transcription factor FOXM1 and its pro-inflammatory activity in asthma. The compound prevented overproduction of mucous-generating goblet cells and reduced lung inflammation.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that air pollution directly causes inflammation in the nasal and sinus tissues of mice. The researchers exposed mice to polluted air for 16 weeks, showing increased white blood cells and biomarkers of inflammation.
The MyAsthma app is a smartphone tool that allows users to track and manage their asthma. It captures environmental data, tracks symptoms, and provides access to clinically validated tests to monitor asthma control. The app has the potential to improve asthma self-management, reducing attacks, hospital admissions, and healthcare visits.
Nearly half of secondary schoolchildren with asthma are not controlling their symptoms optimally, and nearly a third experience discomfort using inhalers. The study calls for increased clinical monitoring and targeted interventions to address poor asthma control in UK schools.
A review of 270 studies found that supported self-management helps people with asthma take control of their own illness, reducing symptoms and hospital admissions. Tailored support can improve quality of life and prevent deaths, experts say.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that city living can worsen asthma in poor children, with urbanization and black race being strong independent risk factors for increased asthma morbidity. The study analyzed data from over 16 million children enrolled in Medicaid between 2009-2010.
A new study reveals that 'preventable' asthma attacks among schoolchildren in Houston result in significant healthcare costs. The researchers found a strong link between asthma incidents and schools on the city's east side, with African-American children comprising the largest percentage of cases.
The Asthma Mobile Health Study demonstrates a successful, large-scale participant enrollment approach using iPhones and the Apple ResearchKit framework. The study collected rich research data from thousands of individuals, providing a comprehensive view of 'real-world' patterns of disease, wellness, and behavior.
Researchers found that asthmatics have weaker immune systems, leading to more severe flu symptoms. The study analyzed lung samples from asthmatic and healthy individuals, showing a stronger immune response in healthy volunteers.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a professional pest management intervention was no better at decreasing asthma symptoms in children allergic to mice than teaching families how to reduce mouse allergens on their own. Both groups showed substantial reductions in mouse allergen levels an...
Research by Professor Anne Steinemann found that one-third of Australians suffer from health problems when exposed to common fragranced products. The study revealed 33% of Australians experience breathing difficulties, headaches, and other physical symptoms due to fragrance exposure.
A new study from Rice University found that African-American and poor children in Houston have a higher proportion of asthma due to social inequalities in their neighborhoods. Children living in poor neighborhoods, regardless of race, are more likely to develop asthma compared to those in middle-class or affluent areas.
A research team led by the University of Leicester identified a breakthrough in the cause of airway narrowing in severe asthma cases. The study found that an active form of key protein HMGB1 is increased and related to airway narrowing.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a strong link between yeast in babies' guts and an increased risk of developing asthma. The presence of Pichia, a microscopic fungus or yeast, was more strongly linked to asthma than previously identified gut bacteria.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Investigation--Insight found that omega-3 fatty acid products can reduce IgE production, a common allergen responsible for asthma symptoms. However, patients with severe asthma who rely on high-dose oral steroids may not benefit from fish oil supplementation.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have isolated a protein called SPLUNC1 that plays a vital role in regulating proper airway function. When missing or depleted, it can cause airway constriction and difficulty breathing in people with asthma.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people experiencing insomnia symptoms have a higher risk of developing asthma. Participants who reported difficulty falling asleep or waking up early had a significantly increased risk of developing asthma over an 11-year period.
Researchers found a peptide called STAT6-IP can reduce inflammation and 'twitchy' airways in mice infected with RSV. The treatment, administered at neonatal stage, significantly reduced asthma-like responses upon adult re-infection.
A study of over 2,000 children found that those with asthma were 51% more likely to become obese than their non-asthmatic peers. The use of asthma rescue medications was shown to reduce the risk of obesity by 43%.
Children with asthma were 51% more likely to become obese due to respiratory problems and potential weight gain from medication. Using asthma inhalers reduced this risk by 43%. The study suggests early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent childhood obesity.
Researchers found that approximately one-third of adults with a previous asthma diagnosis couldn't be re-diagnosed due to spontaneous remission or misdiagnosis. The study also highlighted the importance of objective testing to confirm asthma diagnosis, suggesting that failure to use these tests may lead to misdiagnosis.
A Tulane University study reveals that using cockroach bait alone can significantly reduce asthma symptom days in children, with 47 fewer days reported over the course of a year. The intervention also led to lower numbers of unscheduled clinic visits and emergency room trips.
A new study found that 33% of adults recently diagnosed with asthma did not have active asthma, and were able to stop medication. The study suggests doctors often misdiagnose patients based on symptoms alone, highlighting the need for further education on accurate diagnosis.
Research reveals that African Americans are more likely to experience eosinophilic airway inflammation, making them less responsive to standard asthma treatments. This study highlights the need for personalized therapies tailored to individual airway inflammation patterns.
A recent study found that children born to mothers who took acid-blocking drugs during pregnancy were at least one third more likely to visit a doctor for asthma symptoms. The researchers emphasize the need for further studies to confirm this association and determine whether the medicines cause asthma in children.
A new study found that pregnant women taking long-chain omega-3 supplements reduced their children's asthma risk by 31%. Women with low blood levels of EPA and DHA at the beginning of the study benefited the most from the supplements, with a 54% relative risk reduction.
Scientists have identified interleukin-1α as the key event triggering allergic reactions to air pollution. The release of IL-1α leads to inflammation in the lungs and intensifies the immune response, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for respiratory illnesses associated with air pollution.
Research published in Thorax found a significant association between high dietary processed meat intake and worsening asthma symptoms. Participants who consumed four or more weekly servings of cured meats experienced the greatest worsening of symptoms.
A new study analyzes asthma patients' living conditions, revealing stark poverty, poor housing, and limited access to healthcare. Community health workers report patients' emotional struggles, including feelings of hopelessness and depression.
A new study found that the mannitol challenge test may not be accurate in detecting asthma in non-clinical settings. The test's predictive value was low in the general population, highlighting the need for caution when interpreting results.
Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a critical cellular switch that turns on the inflammatory immune response contributing to asthma attacks. By inhibiting this pathway, they may be able to prevent continued inflammation and long-term structural changes in the lungs.
A study found that exposure to mouse allergen in schools was associated with increased asthma symptoms and lower lung function. The study also found that other airborne allergens, such as cat and dog allergens, did not have a significant impact on asthma outcomes.
A study of 577 children living in Puerto Rico found that closer proximity to major roads was associated with higher levels of interleukin 31, a cytokine promoting allergic inflammation. This increase in IL-31 levels is linked to increased asthma risk and severity in genetically susceptible children.
A new study warns that the UK's fungal asthma problem is much worse than previously thought, with an estimated 300,000 adult cases. Invasive fungal infections, such as invasive aspergillosis and Candida bloodstream infections, are common and often fatal if left untreated.
Children who live at least half a mile away from a grocery store have higher rates of asthma, with 21% vs. 17% for those closer to a store. Limited access to fresh produce increases asthma risk.
Two studies show that schools implementing asthma care programs and vaccinating children with asthma against the flu can significantly improve attendance rates. A total of 90% of students were able to return to class after receiving treatment, compared to 11% without access to these services.
A study found that teens with asthma are twice as likely to smoke as their healthy counterparts. Despite knowing smoking is bad for health, they often smoke to manage anxiety and stress.
Achieving optimal asthma control results in a 30% reduction of healthcare costs, with greater savings for obese patients. The study also found higher spending on asthma drugs yields net savings in total asthma costs.
Researchers have identified a protein called PP5 that is significantly upregulated in the lungs of severe asthmatic patients, blocking the effectiveness of anti-asthma drugs. This discovery provides a potential new target for developing novel treatments for severe asthma.
A team of researchers led by Wayne State University will use naturalistic observations and next-generation genetic sequencing techniques to identify everyday family behaviors that impact youth asthma. The study aims to develop novel, developmentally sensitive interventions to reduce asthma morbidity and inform family-based interventions.
Researchers at James Cook University have identified a protein secreted by hookworms that suppresses asthma in mice and shows promise as a treatment for humans with allergies. The study builds on previous research into possible treatments for inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found that neonatal vaccination with certain bacteria can prevent adult asthma in mice. The protective effect is due to the selection of specific immune system B cells that produce IgA antibodies, which bind and inhibit allergens before triggering asthma.
A team of researchers from Wayne State University will test a technology-based intervention to improve medication adherence among African American emerging adults with moderate to severe persistent asthma. The goal is to enhance illness management and health outcomes at a low cost.
Children develop IgE-antibodies to specific dust mite molecules early in life, often before disease onset, with 'molecular spreading' increasing risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Early sensitization and parental hay fever are key risk factors.
A large-scale study found that foster care children are significantly more likely to experience depression, behavioral issues, and physical health problems like asthma and obesity. Children who have been in foster care were compared to those who hadn't spent time in care, as well as those living in different family arrangements.
People with epilepsy are seven-fold more likely to experience discrimination due to health problems than the general population. Adverse life events such as discrimination may be an important factor in the development of depression and anxiety disorders among individuals with epilepsy.
Children with hard-to-control asthma have distinct features that distinguish them from those with easy-to-control asthma. These include bronchodilator responsiveness, nasal inflammation, and allergy, which impact response to treatment. Early identification of key assessments may help personalize treatment approaches for these patients.
Researchers found a subset of children with asthma exhibiting few allergies yet suffering from frequent symptoms, challenging traditional treatment guidelines.
A study of 1329 adults with asthma found that active individuals had slightly less decline in lung function than inactive ones. Active asthmatic adults experienced 44 to 88 mL less decline in peak expiratory flow during follow-up.
A year's course of benralizumab injections significantly decrease asthma exacerbation rates, improving lung function and total asthma score. The treatment also shows promise for reducing hospitalization risks among those with severe uncontrolled asthma.
A new Cochrane Review found that taking an oral vitamin D supplement can reduce severe asthma attacks requiring hospital admission or emergency department attendance. The review of seven trials involving 435 children and 658 adults with mild to moderate asthma showed a significant reduction in risk, with no increase in side effects.
Research suggests that antenatal factors contribute to life-long respiratory wellbeing of children, with larger fetuses having a reduced risk for asthma and better lung function. The study found an association between reduced fetal size and increased asthma risk, as well as reduced lung function in children aged 5-15 years.
Overweight women and underweight boys are at higher risk of asthma hospital admissions in early adulthood. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 schoolchildren and found a significant link between childhood BMI and adult asthma admissions.
A new study found that breastfeeding can decrease respiratory symptoms in infants with asthma-related genetic profiles by 27%. The study, which included 368 infants from Switzerland, sheds light on how gene-environment interaction can be modified by breastfeeding.
A combination of formoterol and budesonide found to be safe and effective in treating moderate to severe asthma, with a lower risk of exacerbations than single-therapy budesonide. The therapy showed no significant increase in serious adverse events, providing reassurance for healthcare providers.
A new study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that respiratory viral detection, not child's age, explains the high rate of hospitalization for asthma attacks in children under six. The study confirms the overall effectiveness of standard treatment when adjusted to the severity of the attack.
A recent study found that the UK spends at least £1.1 billion on asthma care each year, resulting in approximately 1000 deaths and 270 hospital admissions daily due to severe attacks. The majority of these fatalities are preventable with proper basic care.