Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
Researchers found that purified ginger components can work synergistically with beta-agonists to relax airway smooth muscle and improve breathing. The most effective component was 6-shogaol, which dissolves F-actin filaments and inhibits phosphodiesterase4D.
Researchers have identified a potential new risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea: asthma. The study, which followed 1,500 participants over eight years, found that patients with asthma were 1.70 times more likely to develop sleep apnea. Childhood-onset asthma was associated with an even stronger link to sleep apnea.
A study published in Medical Mycology found that nearly 5 million asthmatics with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) could significantly benefit from antifungal treatment. Clinical studies have shown a response rate of 60% with oral antifungal drugs, improving symptoms and asthma control.
The American Thoracic Society has released new official guidelines for the diagnosis and management of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), a common condition affecting subjects with and without asthma. The guidelines provide practical guidance for clinicians, including treatment recommendations and preventive measures.
A study by Georgia Tech found that daily text messages about symptoms and asthma knowledge improved pulmonary function and understanding among pediatric patients with asthma. The results suggest that awareness and knowledge are crucial to proactive behavior, leading to better clinical outcomes.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that losing health insurance leads to poor asthma management among young adults, who are more likely to use emergency rooms and struggle with accessing medical care. The researchers emphasize the need for addressing social factors and creating transition plans from pediatric to adult care.
A study analyzing emergency admissions for asthma among adults in England found a significant annual 5% drop following the introduction of the country's smoking ban in 2007. The study, published in Thorax, confirms the value of public health interventions and attributes the association to reduced secondhand smoke exposure.
A recent study has identified a combination of genes and wheezing illness caused by human rhinovirus infection as a key predictor of childhood asthma. Children with a specific genetic variation and history of wheezing were nearly four times more likely to develop asthma by age 6.
Researchers found moderate evidence supporting the use of sublingual immunotherapy to improve asthma symptoms and decrease medication use by over 40% in treated patients. The treatment also showed promise for reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, with no reported episodes of anaphylaxis or death.
New research estimates that 14% of chronic childhood asthma is caused by exposure to traffic pollution near busy roads. The findings are comparable to the burden associated with passive smoking, highlighting the importance of clean air for all.
OzoneMap is a free mobile app that provides real-time air quality reports for the greater Houston area. It features a map of the city with colored clouds illustrating ozone levels, allowing users to select from three different maps and access information on health effects.
A new study confirms that children of mothers with obesity are four times more likely to experience frequent wheezing during the first 14 months of life. This finding suggests a potential intergenerational link between maternal obesity and asthma, highlighting the importance of weight management before pregnancy.
Researchers found that stimulating bitter taste receptors in some airway cells can lead to improved treatments for asthma attacks. Bitter substances act by shutting down calcium channels, allowing bronchodilation and ending the asthma attack.
A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that a single inhaler therapy using beclometasone/formoterol combination is more effective in preventing asthma attacks than the traditional combination of corticosteroid and rapid-onset long-acting β2 agonist. This approach reduces hospital admissions and healthcare cos...
Researchers found an association between early childhood BPA exposure and elevated risk for asthma in young children. Post-natal exposure was associated with increased risk of wheeze and asthma, while BPA exposure during pregnancy had an inverse association with risk of wheeze at age 5.
Researchers identified a molecule called lipoxin A4 that plays a crucial role in resolving airway inflammation in asthma. This discovery provides new direction for developing next-generation asthma therapies to decrease chronic inflammation.
A new study investigates the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in airway smooth muscle contraction, revealing its potential as a therapeutic target for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research suggests that PKC activation could contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and exacerbate lung diseases.
Babies born by C-section are five times more likely to develop allergies when exposed to common allergens. The study suggests that early childhood exposure to microorganisms affects the immune system's development and onset of allergies.
Researchers found a once-a-month injection of omalizumab highly effective in treating teens and adults with chronic idiopathic urticaria. The treatment reduced symptoms by 53% after three months, offering a fast and safe alternative to antihistamines.
Research shows that asthma sufferers in the UK are putting their lives at risk by relying on short-acting bronchodilators instead of preventive medication. The main reasons for this behaviour include cost and stigma, with many young adults feeling embarrassed to use inhalers in public.
Researchers from Cardiff University have discovered hundreds of fungal particles in the lungs of asthma sufferers and healthy individuals alike. The study reveals that asthma patients have a distinct array of fungal species not present in healthy lungs, potentially leading to new treatment avenues.
A large study found that one in 20 cases of pre-eclampsia may be linked to increased levels of ozone during the first three months of pregnancy. Mothers with asthma are more vulnerable, and ozone exposure was associated with a higher risk of premature birth and pre-eclampsia.
New research reveals that exposure to air pollution and cockroach allergen early in life can increase the risk of developing an asthma-related cockroach allergy by age 7. Children with a common mutation in the GSTM gene are especially vulnerable to this increased risk.
A new study from Imperial College London found that cleaning jobs are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing asthma. Researchers tracked over 9,000 people born in Britain and found that nine percent developed asthma by age 42, with workplace risks responsible for one in six cases.
A new study found a substantial reduction in childhood asthma hospital admissions after the introduction of smoke-free legislation in England, with a 12.3% decrease in the first year. The law led to an equivalent of 6,802 fewer hospital admissions over the first three years.
A study of 7,500 British adults found strong links between jobs involving cleaning and cleaning agents and the development of adult asthma. Exposure to low-risk agents increased asthma risk by 20%, while high-risk exposure tripled it.
A study of 13,000 adults in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Estonia found that plumbers and spray painters were at high risk of developing new-onset asthma due to workplace exposure. The study identified high-risk substances and occupations, highlighting the need for primary prevention measures.
Obese individuals are more prone to asthma due to the regulation of airway diameter by leptin. Leptin therapy may provide a new treatment option for body weight-associated asthma, with existing drugs targeting parasympathetic signaling already available.
The World Allergy Organization Journal is transitioning to BioMed Central's open access publishing platform, increasing global accessibility to allergy research. This move aims to improve knowledge-sharing and dissemination of research in the field of allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology.
People with asthma are at a higher risk of developing pulmonary embolism, with severe cases nearly 9 times more common than in the general population. Mild-moderate asthma increases the risk by 3.5 times, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and prevention among doctors
Asthmatic children in NYC asthma hotspots experience more frequent exercise-induced wheeze and ER visits than those in lower-asthma areas. Parents and physicians should be aware of the need for medication, such as bronchodilator inhalers, before exercise.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who suffered abuse before age 11 had a greater likelihood of developing adult-onset asthma. The study followed 28,456 women and found an increased incidence of asthma among those who experienced physical abuse during childhood.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has received a five-year, $7.6 million grant to explore the role of respiratory viral infections and allergy in asthma development. Researchers will investigate four inter-related projects centering on airway inflammation and lung function.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that children born after infertility treatment have a higher risk of developing asthma. At the age of five, these children were two to four times more likely to experience asthma, wheezing, and take anti-asthmatic medication compared to those conceived naturally.
Research from USC finds that expectant mothers' beliefs about family roles predict higher birthweights and lower asthma rates in their children. The study suggests that cultural values can provide tangible physical health benefits.
A recent study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests that pesticides used for water purification can lead to food allergies. The research found a correlation between high levels of dichlorophenol-containing pesticides and weakened food tolerance in individuals.
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...
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.