Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the number or severity of colds in adults with mild-to-moderate asthma. Achieving normal levels of vitamin D made no difference in cold frequency or severity, contradicting previous findings.
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.
A study published in Respirology found that high levels of physical activity may worsen asthma control in young females, but not males. The research highlights the importance of considering physical activity when treating asthma in highly active females.
Research found that exposure to dust mite and cockroach allergens triggers distinct asthma responses, with eosinophilic and neutrophilic asthma requiring separate treatment options. The study suggests that current 'blanket approach' to asthma treatment may not be ideal.
A new study explores how anxiety can aggravate asthma, revealing that individuals with anxiety sensitivity experience greater asthma symptoms and decreased lung function. The researchers recommend interventions such as exposure therapy to reduce anxiety sensitivity and alleviate asthma symptoms.
Biologics target the cells and pathways that cause allergic inflammation linked to asthma. New treatments have improved breathing and reduced asthma attacks in people with severe uncontrolled asthma.
Two case studies illustrate how allergists can solve unexpected allergic responses, such as a woman with dry, chapped lips caused by kissing a corpse and another with chronic contact dermatitis from hair dye.
A new study found no significant difference in allergies between children who were breastfed and those formula-fed. The study examined 194 patients aged 4-18 years old with hay fever and similar numbers of kids with asthma, eczema, and food allergy.
A new study found that kids with asthma who make 5 acute care visits have a 87% probability of future emergency department visits. Early treatment and controlled asthma management significantly reduce asthma attacks and ED visits.
A study by American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) found that patients who were told they had a penicillin allergy but tested negative could safely take the drug. Researchers examined records of 15 patients who received intravenous penicillin without adverse reactions.
A team of psychologists and engineers from SMU and the University of Maryland have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a wearable device for pediatric asthma patients that monitors air quality and identifies individual triggers. The device aims to alert patients before an attack, improving treatment outcomes.
A program combining home repairs, training, and comprehensive care significantly reduces childhood asthma symptoms and emergency department visits in low-income urban public housing. Removing asthma triggers such as mold and pests from these homes helps address the disproportionate impact of childhood asthma on minority communities.
A Swedish study found that children growing up with dogs have a lower risk of developing asthma, with a 15% reduction compared to those without dogs. The study analyzed over one million children and controlled for confounding factors.
Exposure to dogs or farm animals during a child's first year of life is associated with a lower risk of childhood asthma. Children exposed to these animals at age six had a significantly reduced risk of developing asthma.
Researchers found that adding a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) to an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) did not improve asthma control in black adults, contradicting national treatment recommendations. Genetic variants were also not associated with differential responses to therapy.
A Mayo Clinic study found stepping down daily asthma medicines can be done safely and at less cost for patients with stable asthma. Patients who stepped down their medicines saved an average of $34 per month compared to those who maintained the same level, without increased costs or reduced quality of life.
Researchers found that a 12-week supervised aerobic exercise program improved asthma control, reduced short-acting bronchodilator usage, and depressive symptoms in patients with confirmed asthma. The study suggests that aerobic exercise could be an adjunct to current pharmacological therapy for adult asthma patients with poor control.
A new study found that residents of green public housing experienced fewer 'sick building' symptoms and lower asthma outcomes compared to those in traditionally constructed low-income housing. The researchers also found improved indoor environmental quality, including better ventilation and reduced exposure to pollution sources.
A study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research found that regular physical activity can significantly reduce asthma symptoms. The research, led by Concordia University, suggests that even moderate exercise such as walking or yoga can have a positive impact on asthma control.
Asthma and other allergies can be aggravated by artificial scents in hospitals, affecting vulnerable patients. Implementing a scent-free policy promotes patient safety and well-being.
Researchers at UBC and BC Children's Hospital found that acquiring four specific gut bacteria can protect infants from developing asthma. The study analyzed fecal samples from over 300 children and confirmed the finding in mice, opening the door to probiotic treatments for premature babies.
A new study found that grandmothers who smoked during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of asthma in their grandchildren. The research used data from the Swedish Registry and included over 44,000 grandmothers from 1982 to 1986. Asthma risk was increased by 10-22%.
Researchers have developed an informatics platform to crowdsource data on pediatric asthma triggers, combining air quality and environmental exposure data with clinical information. The system aims to help doctors tailor recommendations for patients based on real-time pollutant exposure.
Researchers have defined three distinct types of severe asthma using biological data, enabling the development of tailored drugs and improved treatment. The study's findings aim to provide personalized medicine for severe asthma sufferers.
A study by Mrs Lee Koh found that walking on side-street routes instead of main roads can reduce peaks in harmful air pollution. By avoiding busy streets, individuals can minimize their short-term and long-term exposure to black carbon particulate matter, a major component of urban air pollution.