Articles tagged with Asthma
Researchers have designed new drugs that inhibit excess mucus production in airway cells, a major cause of death in respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. The drugs target the MAPK13 protein, which is involved in the mucus pathway and can reduce mucus production by 100 fold.
Research linked health, housing, benefits, and education data for over 12,000 children, finding no detrimental effect of asthma on educational performance. Social adversity, mental health problems, and special educational needs were significantly linked to poorer test scores.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that anxiety sensitivity significantly impeded the quitting efforts of smokers with asthma. Participants with higher anxiety sensitivity reported increased self-control as a motivation to quit, but also experienced temporary increases in anxiety symptoms, making it harder for them t...
Angioedema, a rare but serious condition, can be misdiagnosed or under-treated due to lack of understanding. The report aims to provide best clinical practices for diagnosing and managing all its forms, helping patients find relief and live healthy lifestyles.
A study of nearly 4,000 women found that respiratory symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and cough change throughout the menstrual cycle, varying by body mass index, asthma, and smoking status. These patterns suggest a link between hormonal changes and respiratory symptoms through the menstrual cycle.
Researchers assessed genetic ancestry's impact on asthma in African Americans. The study found that African ancestry was linked to increased severe asthma attacks among males but not females. This suggests a potential genetic factor contributing to the higher risk of severe asthma in this population.
A study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found a higher incidence of alpha-gal sensitization in regions with lone star ticks. This allergy causes delayed reactions after consuming red meats, such as beef, pork, and lamb, posing a life-threatening risk.
Researchers found that maternal smoking during pregnancy increases lung function issues in children and grandchildren due to increased levels of proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The effects are so long-lasting that stop-smoking education for expectant mothers is necessary.
Research suggests obese patients may have an advantage over nonobese patients in certain health situations, such as septic shock and acute asthma exacerbation. Obese individuals experience lower mortality rates and fewer near-fatal exacerbations compared to nonobese patients.
Children with sleep apnea who underwent tonsil and adenoid removal experienced improved asthma scores, while lung function remained unchanged. The study suggests a potential treatment option for managing asthma symptoms in children.
A new study uses geographic social risk index to predict asthma readmission risk in children, highlighting the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities. The researchers found that children from high-risk areas were 80% more likely to be rehospitalized or visit emergency rooms.
Dr. Rehan's research aims to understand the long-term impact of maternal smoking on childhood asthma, as well as its potential effects on future generations. Studies have shown that nicotine exposure during pregnancy can alter lung development and increase asthma risk.
A recent editorial highlights the importance of correct inhaler technique for asthma and respiratory conditions, as only a third of medication reaches the lungs when used incorrectly. Healthcare professionals also need training to effectively coach patients.
Researchers found that urban infants had lower rates of human rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections than suburban infants. Adenovirus infections were more common in urban babies, suggesting a potential link to altered lung development or airway function.
A USC study indicates that at least 8% of childhood asthma cases in LA County can be attributed to traffic-related pollution within 250 feet of busy roadways. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through policies and near-roadway exposure can maximize health benefits. The research suggests a link between urban air pollution, including nit...
Researchers have identified a calcium-activated chloride channel that holds clues to reducing asthma severity. Blocking this channel has been shown to inhibit airway secretions and smooth muscle contraction, key factors in asthma attacks.
A new study found that people with mild asthma who take inhaled steroids only when symptoms occur have similar outcomes as those who use them daily. This could lead to reduced medication costs and more flexible treatment options.
Researchers investigated three strategies for adjusting asthma therapy in adults with mild to moderate persistent asthma. The study found no significant differences in treatment failure rates among the groups, including those based on physician assessment, biomarkers, or symptom occurrence.
A new study suggests a personalized approach to treating mild persistent asthma, where patients take inhaled corticosteroids only when needed. This approach, called 'temporal personalization,' has been shown to reduce medication usage and severity of symptoms without impacting quality of life.
Researchers found that diethyl phthalate and butylbenzyl phthalate exposure is associated with higher levels of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, a marker of airway inflammation. Higher levels of BBzP were especially linked to asthma symptoms.
A new study reveals that parental issues and chaotic home environments are preventing children from taking their prescribed asthma medication. The research found that factors such as family life, parenting problems, financial issues, and lack of parental support are contributing to low adherence rates.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children taking inhaled steroid drugs for asthma are slightly shorter at their full adult height compared to those who don't use the medication. The study followed over 1,000 children aged 5-12 and found a mean difference of about half an inch in adult height.
A new study has identified several factors associated with an increased risk of bullying in children with asthma, including reduced participation in sports and feelings of sadness. Doctors must now discuss the impact of asthma on a child's life, including working with families and schools to remove risk factors.
Researchers found that 88% of asthmatics had moderate or intense anxiety levels, compared to 46% in the control group. Balance control was also impaired in asthmatic patients, suggesting a link between balance abnormalities and asthma symptoms.
A new treatment has been developed to help prevent asthma attacks in asthmatics by boosting their immune systems. The study found that a simple inhalation of an immune system protein molecule can significantly reduce worsening asthma symptoms and the need to use an asthma inhaler.
A study of 240 children found that those with higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were more likely to report wheeze, a common symptom of asthma. Non-atopic asthma was also linked to PCB exposure in the study.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of wheeze and asthma in preschool children, with a dose-response pattern related to maternal cigarette consumption. Exposure to maternal smoking before birth and early life is associated with an increased likelihood of developing respiratory symptoms.
A study published in The Lancet found that mepolizumab significantly reduced severe asthma exacerbations, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. The treatment also showed promise in reducing the need for oral corticosteroids, a common trigger for these flare-ups.
A study by the University of Cincinnati found that exposure to Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus unguis and Penicillium variabile during infancy increases the risk of developing asthma in childhood. The research used a DNA-based mold level analysis tool to determine this link.
A study by the University of Western Australia has identified 8% of Olympic athletes with asthma and airway hyper-responsiveness, with summer sports showing a higher prevalence. Intense training may be a contributing factor, while genetic aspects also play a role in airway damage.
Researchers found that feeding mice house dust from dog-holding homes protected them against a common respiratory virus, RSV. The study suggests that microbes in the dust may modulate immune responses and protect against the virus.
A new web-based tool, 'My Child's Asthma,' has been shown to improve parental compliance with asthma treatment guidelines, leading to reduced healthcare costs and fewer hospital visits. The interactive website, used by over 600 parents, tracks medication usage and provides feedback to help optimize care.
Research by Rutgers-Camden professor Cindy Dell Clark analyzes Hollywood's portrayal of children with asthma, revealing common stereotypes that can lead to stigma and unfair treatment. Her study suggests that depicting asthma as a form of weakness or stress-induced condition is not supported by medical evidence.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that hot, humid air triggers an increase in airway resistance in patients with mild asthma, leading to coughing and airway constriction. Inhaling an asthma drug before exposure to hot, humid air prevented this reaction.
Research at UCSF links smoking during pregnancy to increased risk of acute asthma symptoms in teens. The study found a significant association between maternal smoking and asthma severity in African-American and Latino children.
Researchers found that nearly three-quarters of asthma patients with well-controlled symptoms can safely reduce their ICS dose by half. However, common respiratory measurements are not effective in determining which patients will tolerate lower doses without risk of flare-ups or exacerbations.
A new study suggests that a significant proportion of children with asthma failing Step 4 or greater therapy may have severe asthma with fungal sensitization. Children with this condition were found to be older, have higher serum IgE levels, and perform worse on pulmonary function tests compared to those without the condition.
Research has found that inhaled anticholinergics are associated with an increased risk of potentially dangerous heart arrhythmias among young asthma patients. The use of these medications for routine asthma management may be linked to a higher risk of arrhythmias, particularly among active users of ipratropium.
A new study by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that residents of Lower Manhattan who suffered home damage following the 9/11 attacks are more likely to report respiratory symptoms and diseases. The study analyzed data from over 71,000 survivors of the World Trade Center attacks, including those with ...
A study found that older adults with asthma have a higher proportion of airway inflammation compared to younger patients, despite similar treatment regimens. This could be due to underlying airway inflammation being relatively resistant to current anti-inflammatory therapies.
A study from researchers in Sweden found that frequent asthma exacerbations are associated with higher doses of glucocorticosteroids, worse asthma control, and increased inflammatory markers. The study identified several risk factors for frequent exacerbations, including smoking history, lower quality of life, and body mass index >25.
Researchers are conducting two clinical trials to test the effectiveness of vitamin D and Imatinib in reducing asthma symptoms. Participants with mild to moderate asthma will receive vitamin D, while those with hard-to-control asthma will receive Imatinib.
A review of 30 years of life-threatening asthma cases found annual ICU admissions have dropped significantly. Education programs and adherence to controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, are credited for the decline.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new type of cell in mice that causes asthma symptoms even in the presence of steroids. Similar cells were found in humans with asthma, suggesting a possible target for new treatment options. Further research is needed to explore the role of these cells in human asthma.
A study found that 53% of children with asthma were exposed to secondhand smoke, resulting in higher odds of healthcare visits and sleep disturbances. This highlights the need for improved education and tools to help families reduce exposure and promote better health outcomes.
The study explores the relationship between distress tolerance, excessive worry, and anxiety symptoms in college students. Researchers found that distress tolerance plays a unique role in excessive worry, suggesting it could be a useful intervention in therapy.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that early administration of systemic corticosteroids can reduce hospital admissions for children with moderate or severe asthma attacks. By prioritizing treatment within 75 minutes of triage, patients are more likely to avoid admission and stay reduced by almost 45 minutes.
Changes in asthma treatment have reduced wait times and improved patient care at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute. Oral steroid administration by nurses has dropped admission rates by one third and reduced hospital stay duration.
Children with asthma by age seven already had significant airflow deficits and increased bronchial responsiveness as neonates, according to a new study. Lung function deficits also progressed throughout childhood in the study, suggesting potential for early intervention.
A new study finds that high levels of black carbon, a pollutant from truck emissions and dirty oil, contribute to childhood asthma hot spots in NYC. Children with higher black carbon exposure have higher exhaled nitric oxide, indicating greater lung inflammation and increased risk for asthma exacerbations.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that low serum adiponectin levels are associated with a higher risk of developing asthma in middle-aged women. The research also suggests that raising systemic adiponectin concentrations could potentially prevent asthma in women who smoke.
A new position paper from the American Thoracic Society predicts increased asthma, allergies, and infectious diseases worldwide as climate change worsens air quality and heat stress. Vulnerable populations like infants, children, and the elderly will be disproportionately affected.
Asthma action plans are developed by experts without patient input, leading to poor understanding and adherence. A new approach using wikis empowers patients to co-create their own plans, improving engagement and outcomes.
A consortium of federal agencies and organizations has published a report proposing common measures and data-collection methods for asthma clinical research. The proposed standardization aims to compare results more efficiently, leading to improvements in asthma management and treatment.
The new measures aim to standardize and improve results from NIH-funded asthma research, helping to reduce disparities in treatment and outcomes. The proposed outcomes categories include symptoms, exacerbations, biomarkers, lung function, quality of life, and healthcare utilization.
A $950,308 grant from GlaxoSmithKline will provide primary health care teams in the San Luis Valley with hands-on training to diagnose and manage asthma. The program aims to improve sustainable improvements in asthma care for a rural population at risk for significant disparities in health.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 681,000 children found that obesity is associated with asthma, but the link varies by race and ethnicity. Hispanic youth had the strongest association between body mass index and asthma, while African Americans had a weaker connection.
Researchers identify RORalpha as critical for nuocyte development and allergic-like inflammation, offering new therapeutic strategy targets. The discovery has the potential to treat asthma and other allergic diseases, addressing growing global prevalence.
A community-based asthma care model, Community Asthma Initiative (CAI), demonstrates reduced hospitalization and emergency department visits for asthma, improving patient outcomes. The program yielded significant cost savings of $1.46 per dollar spent through reduced hospital utilization.
A study in Respirology found that high levels of soft drink consumption are associated with an increased risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers discovered a dose-response relationship between soft drink intake and the likelihood of developing these conditions.