Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
A study of over 3000 asthma patients in Australia and New Zealand found that while more expensive medication was used in Australia, similar treatment outcomes were achieved despite better adherence to medication in the cheaper-medicine country. The findings suggest that policy differences play a significant role in asthma management.
A study by the University of Manchester found that a pharmacy service, launched in 2011, improves patient medicine adherence and translates to increased health gain at reduced overall cost. The New Medicine Service has saved NHS England £517.6m in its first five years.
A new technology analyzes lung sounds in children to predict asthma attack symptoms and identify asymptomatic kids at high risk. The approach was useful in a study of 70 severely asthmatic children.
Experts recommend a physical and breathing exam, comprehensive health history, and trigger questionnaires to diagnose asthma. Effective treatment also involves spirometry testing, medication management, and written action plans to control symptoms and prevent future attacks.
Researchers found a link between physical injuries and chronic conditions, including angina, heart attack, asthma, and non-neoplastic lung disease. The study suggests that continued monitoring is warranted for survivors of the 9/11 attacks.
A recent study by the University of Zurich found that exposure to sialic acid from farm animals can prevent asthma in children. This protective effect is due to an anti-inflammatory response triggered by regulatory T-cells, which dampen incorrect immune responses.
Researchers have discovered that corticosteroids, a main treatment for asthma, can actually exacerbate the disease in certain cases. The study found that high levels of inflammatory protein CXCL10 and interferon-gamma are linked to poor lung function and worsening symptoms.
A school-based intervention that administers morning doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to children with persistent asthma has shown improved adherence and quality-of-life outcomes. The study, published in the Journal of Asthma, found that 90% of participants received their prescribed morning doses through school administration.
A new therapy developed through stem cell technology has shown promise in treating chronic asthma by reducing inflammation and reversing airway remodeling. The study, led by Monash University scientists, found that induced pluripotent stem cells could effectively treat fibrosis and lung dysfunction associated with asthma.
Researchers from Swansea University highlight the need for improved reporting of asthma diagnosis and events in electronic health records. The study found wide variations in methods across studies, compromising validity and reproducibility.
A study suggests that peer-led self-management programmes have limited effect on adolescents' asthma symptoms and health outcomes, highlighting the need for new approaches to address their unique challenges.
Researchers have successfully 'turned off' the immune response that causes allergic reactions in animals using gene therapy. The treatment, which targets specific immune cells, has shown promise in de-sensitizing the immune system to proteins, potentially treating severe allergies like asthma and peanut allergies.
Community pharmacist-led interventions have been shown to significantly improve asthma control in patients, with a 76% increase in achieving good control compared to standard care. The economic benefits of these interventions are also substantial, with estimated annual savings of €72 billion in the European Union.
A new medicine, benralizumab, has shown promising results in reducing oral steroid use in severe asthma patients. The trial demonstrated that patients treated with benralizumab were more than four times likely to reduce their usage of oral corticosteroids.
A new study found that bronchial thermoplasty (BT) significantly reduces severe exacerbations, hospitalizations, and ER visits in adults with severe, persistent asthma. After two years of treatment, patients experienced long-term improvement in their asthma control and reduced their need for medication.
A new study found that children exposed to high levels of outdoor particulate air pollution during pregnancy and high maternal stress were more likely to develop asthma by age six. Boys were particularly affected, possibly due to slower lung maturation and increased risk of oxidative stress.
The graphene-based sensor accurately measures nitrite in exhaled breath condensate, providing a promising biomarker for inflammation in the respiratory tract. This innovation has the potential to improve asthma management, prevent hospitalizations, and reduce deaths worldwide.
A new investigational biologic, benralizumab, has shown promise in reducing the need for adults with severe asthma to take oral corticosteroids. The study found that patients enrolled in either of the benralizumab arms had a significant reduction in prednisone use and annual exacerbation rates compared to those receiving a placebo.
The UK has produced its first hay fever map, revealing areas with high concentrations of allergenic plants. The maps will help those with allergies and asthma plan their activities to reduce exposure.
A proof-of-principle study found that imatinib improved airway hyperresponsiveness and decreased mast cell presence in patients with severe asthma. Treatment also showed a small improvement in airway function.
A new study found that stress-mitigation interventions for parents of children with asthma had no impact on reducing asthma symptoms in kids. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines provided significant improvements in symptom-free days and overall health outcomes.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that genetic alterations associated with lower vitamin D levels do not predispose individuals to asthma, atopic dermatitis, or high IgE levels. The researchers looked at data from over 100,000 individuals and found no statistically significant difference between rates of these conditions.
A new European Respiratory Society roadmap identifies key areas for investment to address the impact of asthma on individuals, healthcare systems, and economies. The document outlines 15 research priorities to improve mortality and morbidity rates, including primary care, triggers, personalised medicine, and self-management.
The National Institutes of Health is finding solutions to improve the health of nearly 25 million Americans with asthma. Research funded by NIEHS, NHLBI, and NIAID has demonstrated the importance of healthy school environments and explored the complex role of the immune system in asthma.
Disparities in pediatric readmission rates for chronic conditions such as asthma, depression, diabetes, migraines, and seizures have been found to vary by condition and race. The study highlights the need to personalize care and address socioeconomic factors to reduce these disparities.
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.
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 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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.