Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
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.
Researchers found that using LABAs in combination with ICS reduces asthma attacks as well as or better than corticosteroids alone. The study showed the greatest benefits to African-American patients, males, and those with moderate to severe asthma.
A new study found that breastfeeding improves lung function at school age, particularly in children of asthmatic mothers. Breastfed children showed significant improvements in forced mid-expiratory flow and vital capacity, but not in peak expiratory flow rates.
Researchers found that the total cost of asthma due to pollution is significantly higher than past estimates, with an additional $18 million in annual costs in Long Beach and Riverside, Calif. The study reveals that exposure to traffic-related air pollution is a major cause of asthma and exacerbates attacks.
A new study reveals the true extent of healthcare costs associated with living close to busy roads, estimating annual costs of $18 million in two Southern California communities. The 'asthma career cost' method takes into account childhood asthma cases and broad costs, exceeding average household income levels.
A new NIH-funded study found that treating silent acid reflux does not improve asthma control in children. Researchers found that acid reflux medication, such as lansoprazole, can actually increase the risk of respiratory problems like sore throats and bronchitis.
A study found that adding proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole to anti-inflammatory treatment did not improve symptoms or lung function in children with poorly controlled asthma. The use of lansoprazole was associated with increased adverse events, including upper respiratory tract infections and bronchitis.
A new study found that lansoprazole, an acid reflux drug, does not improve asthma symptoms or lung function in children. The medication may actually increase the risk of upper respiratory infections and other adverse events in young patients.
A new study found that accelerated growth in the first three months of life increases the risk of asthma symptoms in preschool-age children. The study of over 5,125 children suggests that early infancy may be a critical period for the development of asthma.
A new study from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health found that children delivered by cesarean section have an increased risk of developing asthma by age three. This increased risk was particularly seen among children without a hereditary tendency to asthma and allergies.
A large percentage of patients with mild-to-moderate asthma have persistently non-eosinophilic disease, which does not respond to current treatments. Repeated sputum analysis revealed that only 36% of asthmatics without inhaled corticosteroids and 17% using ICS had eosinophilia.
Coogan will investigate the effects of air pollution on hypertension and diabetes incidence in African American women, using data from the Black Women's Health Study. The study aims to inform public policy on air quality regulation and provide insight into a novel pathway whereby air pollution causes cardiovascular events.
A comprehensive study found that maternal use of inhaled glucocorticoids for asthma during pregnancy is not associated with most diseases in childhood, but may increase the risk of endocrine and metabolic disorders. The study followed 65,085 mother-child pairs from early pregnancy to childhood.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found a direct link between diesel exhaust particulates, house dust extract, and pulmonary inflammation that aggravates asthma. Cleaning can reduce some allergen exposure, but DEP is harder to avoid in urban environments.
Researchers found that patients who consistently take their prescribed dose of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) medication can prevent up to a quarter of severe asthma attacks. Taking at least 75% of the prescribed dose is crucial, according to the study.
A study published in The American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that WTC first responders suffer from asthma at more than twice the rate of the general U.S. population, with rates doubling between 2002 and 2005. Researchers tracked 20,834 responders who received medical screenings from 2002 to 2007, comparing their results to US...
Scientists at La Jolla Institute identify histamine releasing factor molecule as a promising target for developing new treatments for asthma and allergies. The discovery provides new insights on the role of HRF in promoting asthma and some allergies, including its receptor.
Scientists re-engineered botulism toxins to target non-nerve cells, blocking inflammation-linked protein release. This could expand treatment options for chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and asthma, reducing risks associated with nerve cell disruption.
A Johns Hopkins study found that mobile clinics and home visits had minimal effects on improving disease outcomes among low-income, inner-city children with asthma. The programs showed some improvement in symptom-free days, but these benefits were short-lived and not sustained over time.
A recent study by the CARE Network found that daily inhaled steroid treatment for young children with frequent bouts of wheezing was not more effective than treating symptoms at the first signs of a respiratory tract infection. The trial showed comparable results in reducing episodes, symptom days, and quality of life.
A simple device that filters out airborne asthma triggers during sleep can significantly improve quality of life and reduce symptoms of atopic asthma. The study found a 14-15% difference in quality of life scores between those using the device and those with a dummy device.
A Swedish study found that babies who started eating fish before nine months are less likely to suffer from pre-school wheeze. However, children who were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the first week of life or whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy faced an increased risk, particularly of multiple-trigger wheeze.
A community-based care coordination approach combining evidence-based science and asthma education has shown improvements in health outcomes, particularly among low-income and minority children. The program demonstrated reductions in emergency room visits and hospitalizations, as well as increased parent empowerment and environmental t...
A new study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Annual Meeting recommends innovative interventions to help single parents manage their child's symptoms and keep asthma under control. Food allergy diagnosis is also highlighted as a crucial step in providing proper disease management.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen found that children born vaginally with diverse gut bacteria have lower risk of allergies. The study suggests that early exposure to a variety of bacteria is crucial for a healthy immune system, contradicting the long-held notion that bacteria are a threat to public health.