Articles tagged with Asthma
Researchers found significant differences in hospital practices for treating children with asthma, including varied costs and resource use. The study's template matching tool enabled a more refined comparison of hospitals' resource use at the patient level.
Researchers found a statistically significant 20% increase in childhood asthma cases exposed to the Great Smog in utero or early childhood. The study suggests a strong possibility of a causal link between early childhood exposure to air pollution and later development of adult asthma.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that Medicaid status has little effect on inpatient costs, length of stay, and use of intensive care units for children hospitalized for asthma. The study analyzed over 17,000 pairs of pediatric asthma patients from 40 major US children's hospitals.
Patients with asthma who use illicit drugs and have low socioeconomic status are at higher risk of requiring intensive care. Not adhering to prescribed asthma medication also increases this risk.
Researchers at the University of Queensland are testing a new drug that targets IL-33 protein to slow or reverse asthma development. The drug has shown promise in mouse model research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Researchers have identified specific microRNAs that play a crucial role in inducing asthma, providing a potential new target for treatment. The findings suggest that regulating these miRNAs could represent a novel therapeutic approach for asthma.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed simplified patient-centered consent forms that were equally effective but more engaging than traditional lengthy forms. Video formats also improved comprehension, with participants reporting feeling more engaged in the consenting process.
Researchers developed a wearable system called Health and Environmental Tracker (HET) to monitor users' environment, heart rate, and other physical attributes to predict and prevent asthma attacks. The system uses novel sensing devices, including a spirometer, to track lung function and feed data into the system.
Research found that high arginine levels support metabolic pathways that reduce airway inflammation in asthma. Elevated arginine metabolism in human cells and mice improved mitochondrial function to offset inflammation.
Researchers at KARBio LLC and Genentech Inc. discovered that targeting human CRTh2 (hCRTh2) depletes immune cells implicated in asthma-associated inflammation, reducing cytokine production and lung inflammation in asthmatic mice. The study's findings support further exploration of hCRTh2 as a therapeutic target for asthma treatment.
A study of 417,494 older adults with COPD, asthma, or both found a significant increase in nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease among current and former inhaled corticosteroid users. Researchers identified fluticasone as a potential contributor to the increased risk.
A study of 701 Canadian adults found that 30% of those diagnosed with asthma did not have current asthma after medication withdrawal. Careful testing revealed no evidence of airflow obstruction or bronchial hyper-reactivity in 37.5% of subjects.
Parents of children with asthma who experienced a teachable moment and received motivational smoking cessation counseling were more than twice as likely to quit smoking. Long-term in-home and telephone counseling also improved quit rates and reduced hospitalizations and missed school days due to asthma.
Nearly half of patients with severe asthma had very poorly controlled symptoms over a decade, associated with comorbidities and poorer lung function. Persistent VPC asthma was linked to higher disease burden, compromised lung function, and lower medication adherence.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a link between persistent childhood asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in early adulthood. Children with low lung function at a young age were more likely to develop COPD later in life, regardless of treatment or smoking exposure.
A nationwide clinical study aims to prevent and cure asthma in children at high risk, using a bacterial extract as treatment. The study enrolls over 1,000 babies from 6 to 18 months old and documents whether they develop fewer asthma symptoms than those receiving a placebo.
The Maryland Climate and Health Profile report highlights the state's vulnerability to climate change, with extreme weather events increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses, heart attacks, and severe asthma attacks. The report projects higher rates of these health issues in future decades, particularly among coastal communities.
Researchers found that increased asthma-related tweets correlated with higher rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The study used real-time Twitter data to predict asthma emergencies, suggesting a potential tool for early intervention and prevention.
A University of Maryland School of Public Health study found that extreme heat and heavy rainfall increase the risk of asthma hospitalization in Maryland. The study showed a 23% increase in hospitalizations during summer months, particularly among children.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that dexamethasone was effective in treating mild to moderate asthma in ER patients with only slightly higher relapse rates compared to a 5-day course of prednisone. The single-dose medication eliminates prescription adherence barriers such as forgetfulness and cost.
A study found that a house dust mite immunotherapy tablet improved time to first moderate or severe asthma exacerbation when added to maintenance medications. The treatment reduced the risk of exacerbations and increased allergen-specific antibodies.
A new Cochrane Review suggests that yoga may have a beneficial effect on symptoms and quality of life in people with asthma. However, the effects on lung function and medication use are uncertain. Researchers found some moderate quality evidence that yoga exercise reduces the impact of asthma on people's quality of life.
Researchers at Penn and Rutgers have identified a biological pathway that explains why current asthma therapies don't work well in many cases. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting non-inflammatory aspects of asthma, with neuropeptide Y emerging as a key player.
Researchers have identified a biological pathway in mice that explains the ineffectiveness of current asthma therapies. The discovery highlights the role of neuropeptide NPY in airway hyper-responsiveness and constriction. Inhibiting NPY activity may help alleviate asthma symptoms, providing hope for millions of patients.
Dr. Harissios Vliagoftis has been appointed as the GSK-CIHR Chair in Airway Inflammation, focusing on protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) research to help patients with asthma breathe easier. His work aims to develop biomarkers and treatments that can minimize discomfort and side effects.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified new asthma biomarkers in blood that can predict asthma with 91% accuracy. The discovery may lead to the development of a diagnostic blood test and more targeted treatments for asthma.
A USC study found that improved air quality in the Los Angeles region has led to a significant reduction in respiratory symptoms among children, including bronchitic symptoms. The study tracked 4,602 children over 20 years and found a 16-32% decrease in these symptoms, even among those without asthma.
A study in Southern California found significant reductions in bronchitic symptoms among children due to decreases in air pollution levels. The analysis of 4,602 children aged 5-18 years revealed a proportional association between improved air quality and decreased respiratory issues, particularly among those with asthma.
A study published by the American College of Chest Physicians found that bronchial thermoplasty improves asthma quality of life for severe refractory asthmatics, regardless of their demographic factors. The procedure was shown to be effective in reducing resource utilization and improving patient outcomes.
A new study confirms the success of Boot Camp Translation, a patient-engagement method that translates complex medical guidelines into locally relevant language. The process has improved cancer testing, asthma management and hypertension control in various communities across the US.
A St. Michael's Hospital study found that women with low or high body mass indexes who smoked and drank had a two-fold higher risk of being diagnosed with asthma. The research included data from approximately 175,000 people aged 18 to 44 across 51 countries.
Asthma diagnosis has swung too far in the opposite direction, with inhalers prescribed for unnecessary reasons due to side effects such as growth suppression and increased risk of respiratory infections. Key findings highlight the need for accurate diagnosis using breathing tests and objective documentation.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified a new biochemical process that controls lung function and contraction during asthma. Disrupting this process can prevent airway narrowing and maintain normal lung function.
Research from Australia suggests that women with PCOS report a higher prevalence of asthma, which is also linked to excess weight. The study found that PCOS status and body mass index were independently associated with asthma.
A new study suggests that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with asthma and excess weight in reproductive-age women. The research found a higher prevalence of asthma among PCOS patients compared to those without the condition, as well as an increased risk of asthma among overweight and obese individuals.
A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that a mother's increased vitamin D levels during the second trimester may lower her child's chance of developing asthma. The research found that increased sunlight exposure, which is where Americans get most of their vitamin D, reduces the risk of asthma in children.
A study of over 8,000 adults reveals that those with chronic health conditions are more likely to experience psychological distress and functional impairment if they live in poor or middle-income households. The findings highlight the importance of integrated care models to address physical and mental health concerns.
A study found that planned repeat C-sections are not associated with worse long-term health outcomes in children compared to vaginal births after cesarean sections. The only consistent difference was a slightly elevated risk for hospitalization with asthma in children born by C-section, but this was deemed clinically insignificant.
A new digital 'map' detailing different mechanisms contributing to asthma development could help researchers redefine the disease. The AsthmaMap allows personalized treatment by targeting specific asthma subgroups.
Researchers have identified a new target for treating asthma, finding that nociceptin reduces both immune response and airway constriction. This discovery offers a potential new approach to preventing or reducing established asthma attacks.
Researchers are developing a network of advanced sensors to detect particulate matter and pollen in metropolitan areas, providing real-time data for improved public health. The project aims to create an open-access platform for mapping pollution levels and supporting remediation efforts.
Researchers found a strong association between asthma symptoms and stress levels in teens, with waking up in the middle of the night and shortness of breath being key indicators. The study's lead author suggests that managing asthma is crucial for reducing stress and anxiety in young patients.
Pregnant women with asthma may be at greater risk of preterm birth due to exposure to high levels of traffic-related air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. Early exposure, particularly in the months leading up to conception and during early pregnancy, was found to increase preterm birth risk by nearly 30%.
Women with asthma experienced a significantly longer median total time to pregnancy (32.2 months vs 55.6 months) compared to those without asthma. Additionally, the birth rate was lower among asthmatic women, with fewer successful conceptions (39.6% vs 60.4%).
Research found a consistent link between prenatal paracetamol exposure and asthma development, with the strongest association seen in children who had been exposed for multiple complaints. The study, the largest of its kind, also found no strong evidence for an association between maternal or paternal paracetamol use outside pregnancy.
Research by the University of British Columbia found that babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic had a higher risk of developing asthma before age six. The study, which included over 65,000 children in Metro Vancouver, linked increased exposure to traffic-related pollutants with an increased risk of asthma.
Babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic sources during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing asthma before the age of 5 years. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, two markers of traffic-related air pollution, was found to increase this risk.
A new study confirms that school reopenings are a primary driver of asthma exacerbations in children, with cold viruses being largely to blame. The research found a significant correlation between the timing of school starts and hospitalizations, highlighting the importance of preventive measures during peak viral transmission periods.
A new perspective article suggests a shift towards precision medicine, identifying 'treatable traits' in each patient to tailor management. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes by recognizing the clinical and biological complexity of airway diseases.
Children who consume unprocessed farm milk have a lower risk of developing asthma due to its higher content of omega-3 fatty acids. The study found that the protective effect is specific and can be distinguished from other factors.
Two randomized trials examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on asthma and persistent wheezing in offspring. While no significant protective effect was found, a clinically important effect could not be excluded, suggesting further studies are needed.
New research reveals that many adolescents with asthma do not have elevated levels of eosinophils or neutrophils, which are typically associated with inflammation. This finding has significant implications for the development of alternative treatments for asthmatics.
A population-based study published in JACI found that adults with asthma are at a 70% greater risk of developing shingles compared to those without asthma. Additionally, individuals with atopic dermatitis also showed a higher risk of shingles, even when other factors were accounted for.
A new microfluidic model of the human small airway has been developed to study COPD and asthma, allowing researchers to analyze disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and test new drug candidates. The model recapitulates critical features of asthma and COPD with unprecedented fidelity and detail.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that the flu vaccine is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in children with egg allergy. Young people with well-controlled asthma or recurrent wheeze can also be safely vaccinated, according to the findings.
Children with common allergies like asthma and hay fever have a higher rate of hypertension and high cholesterol, setting them up for heart disease early on. Inflammation from these conditions may contribute to cardiovascular risks.
Researchers analyzed data from a study of over 4,500 individuals with episodic migraine, finding that those with coexisting asthma were more likely to develop chronic migraine. The study suggests that inflammation and shared environmental factors may contribute to the link between asthma and chronic migraine.
A new Northwestern Medicine project aims to better understand the effects of asthma and eczema on children's quality of life. The study will use PROMIS tools to measure the impact of these conditions, providing researchers and clinicians with more accurate assessments.
Researchers found that infants exposed to farm dust at a young age have a lower risk of developing asthma later on. The study's findings suggest that the positive influence of farm environment can effectively neutralize the genetic variant associated with childhood asthma.
A study found that children who had bronchiolitis in early childhood are more likely to develop asthma by age 28-31 and experience reduced health-related quality of life. Lung function tests also show signs of irreversible airway obstruction, a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.