Articles tagged with Asthma
Research suggests that mothers experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop wheezing before age 5. The study found a significant association between prenatal psychological stress and the risk of asthma in minority populations.
A Stanford study has linked gamma-interferon, a key immune molecule, to the severity of asthma. High levels of gamma-interferon in children's blood may protect against asthma development, but severe asthmatics' lungs often have high concentrations.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that traditional Korean medicine SCRT treatment alleviates asthma-like pulmonary inflammation via suppression of specific chemokines or proteins. The study, published online in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, suggests a potential mechanism for reduced inflammation.
Researchers analyzed over 5,000 children in rural Nepal to assess the impact of early-life vitamin A supplements on asthma development. The study found no difference in asthma risk or lung function between children receiving supplements and those not receiving them.
A University of Michigan study found that a heightened immune response to colds can exacerbate asthma symptoms. By tempering the immune response, asthma patients may experience reduced inflammation and bronchoconstriction following a cold infection.
Two new studies by UCSF researchers found that nearly one in six visits to doctors' offices for asthma complaints resulted in antibiotic prescriptions. The findings highlight the need for pediatricians to prescribe antibiotics more judiciously to prevent drug resistance. Additionally, researchers are investigating whether targeted anti...
A subset of severe asthmatics harbor infectious C. pneumoniae in their lungs, resulting in antibody production and increased asthma severity. Antibiotic treatment can significantly improve symptoms and even lead to a complete abolition of asthma symptoms.
Research suggests that children living in areas with limited sunlight are at higher risk of developing asthma. Vitamin D, synthesized through sun exposure, plays a crucial role in preventing the illness.
Research found higher levels of cockroach allergens and increased sensitization among children living on NYC blocks with high asthma rates. Cockroach exposure was associated with a higher risk of asthma, highlighting the relevance of urban allergen exposure to public health.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in treating various respiratory diseases. A new algorithm-based treatment for pregnant women with asthma has been found to be effective in reducing exacerbations. Additionally, a selective retinoid agonist may slow disease progression in emphysema, while sirolimus shows promise in patient...
A national survey of 1,621 parents found that concerns about vaccine side effects and respiratory infections are major factors preventing vaccination for children with asthma. The study suggests that physicians can play a key role in addressing these concerns and promoting vaccination.
A study found that African-American children are more likely to have poorer lung function and less well-controlled asthma upon their first visit to an asthma specialist. They also reported a greater burden from asthma, with more emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit stays.
Researchers found that increased host antioxidant defense enzyme activity reduced asthma risk, while high levels of a specific enzyme decreased the risk. The study suggests regulating the body's antioxidant defense system may play an important role in preventing asthma.
A recent study found that patients who delay seeking emergency medical care for asthma exacerbations are more likely to be sicker and hospitalized than those who seek care earlier. The study also revealed that patients who postponed treatment were not more likely to consult physicians before coming to the emergency department, but rath...
Researchers have discovered new compounds that relax airway muscles, potentially providing relief for patients with asthma and COPD. The compounds, which work through a different mechanism than current bronchodilators, show promise as a new class of therapeutics for treating these diseases.
Researchers found that leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) can manage chronic asthma equally successfully as steroid inhalers when used in addition to steroid inhalers. This could provide an alternative for patients who struggle with inhaler use due to side effects or preference
Bhavnani's research uses advanced visual analytical methods to classify asthma patients, enabling targeted diagnosis and treatments. The study builds on molecular data from multiple institutions, demonstrating the potential of translational bioinformatics.
The La Jolla Institute has identified LIGHT as a promising therapeutic target for chronic asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions. Blocking LIGHT's interactions with its receptors significantly inhibited airway remodeling in mouse models of chronic asthma.
A new study by the University of Cincinnati reveals that urban adolescents with asthma who use integrative medicine like prayer or relaxation experience improved mental and physical health outcomes. The research found that spiritual struggles contribute uniquely to a patient's quality of life, beyond demographic variables.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully grown a recently discovered species of human rhinovirus (HRV) in culture using nasal tissue. This achievement sheds light on HRV-C, a new member of the HRV family, and its unique growth requirements, which may lead to new antiviral compounds.
A study published in Journal of Health Psychology found that individuals with asthma are 1.26 times more likely to be smokers and twice as likely to be nicotine dependent than those without asthma. The researchers suggest addressing tobacco use and dependence in relation to asthma care.
Scientists have discovered stapled peptides that can target proteins involved in colon cancer and asthma. These peptides, which are not small molecules, inhibit activity of key proteins in the body, offering a new frontier in medicine.
A study published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that a written action plan attached to the drug prescription improves asthma control in preschool-aged children. The provision of the plan significantly improved patient adherence to prescribed medications and physicians' recommendations.
Researchers found that interleukin-13 stimulates invasion of airway cells called fibroblasts in asthma patients, leading to increased thickness in airway walls and loss of lung function. The protein acts in combination with other mediators, including TGF-β1 and MMPs, to cause cellular changes that contribute to airway remodeling.
A new study found that omalizumab improves asthma control, nearly eliminates seasonal exacerbations, and reduces controller medication need in inner-city children. Omalizumab treatment reduced asthma symptoms by 25% and exacerbations by 30%.
Researchers identified four novel biomarkers that can discriminate between healthy controls, asthmatics, and individuals with COPD. These anti-inflammatory proteins may help diagnose respiratory diseases earlier, allowing for more effective treatment.
A new asthma management program for preschoolers, developed by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, has shown dramatic results in reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The program, which includes educational activities for parents and children, as well as training for healthcare providers, has led to a ...
Children living on farms are significantly less likely to develop asthma than others due to exposure to a greater variety of microorganisms. The physiological mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear, but researchers have identified several species that may be responsible for the reduction in asthma risk.
A new study from the University of Montreal found that a short burst of oral steroids may temporarily depress the immune system in children with asthma, leading to reduced antibody production. However, this effect is considered transient and rare, occurring only when exposed to new antigens during an asthma attack.
A USDA study found that ragweed pollen season in North America has increased by almost a month, correlating with seasonal warming shifts and climate change. The study supports the impact of climate change on public health and agriculture.
Asthma affects 8% of Americans and 300 million worldwide, but global variations in diagnosis and treatment have significant implications. Researchers are exploring how cultural factors impact asthma management, including the use of different terms to describe symptoms and varying levels of parental involvement.
Karen Smilowitz and her team are applying operations research techniques to promote welfare and equity through efficient delivery of goods and services. They have worked with organizations such as the Mobile C.A.R.E. Foundation to develop models for matching donors and recipients, as well as designing collection and delivery routes.
Researchers found a richer bacterial community in asthmatic patients' airways compared to healthy individuals, with increased diversity and specific organisms correlated with sensitivity. The study suggests new treatment approaches for asthma and may shed light on the role of microbiota in other diseases.
Researchers found that rescue therapy was effective in reducing asthma exacerbations and treatment failures, with linear growth not affected. The study suggests using rescue inhaled corticosteroid as a step-down alternative for mild persistent asthma.
Research by University of Illinois scientist Barbara H. Fiese found that family mealtimes with three key ingredients - action, behavior control, and communication - can reduce asthma severity and increase quality of life in children. The study suggested specific guidelines for allocating time during mealtimes to each ingredient.
A new study finds that family interactions during mealtime significantly impact the health of children with persistent asthma. Families who engage in meaningful conversations and turn off electronic devices report better health outcomes for their children.
Researchers have developed a 3D model of Human 5-Lipoxygenase, the molecule responsible for creating inflammatory compounds that provoke asthma. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and targeted asthma medications with fewer side effects.
Researchers have identified a single 'master switch' enzyme, aldose reductase, as crucial in producing excess mucous that clogs airways of people with asthma and COPD. The discovery could lead to improved therapies for the 510 million people worldwide suffering from these diseases.
Researcher Sharyn Clough suggests that societal expectations of cleanliness may contribute to higher rates of allergies, asthma, and autoimmune disorders in adult women. By examining the impact of hygiene on health through a gender lens, Clough proposes new ways of understanding the 'hygiene hypothesis'.
Research suggests that dietary factors such as antioxidant intake, n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption, and vitamin D status may contribute to the development of childhood asthma. A Mediterranean diet with high content of vegetables, fruits, and olive oil was found to be less likely to cause asthma symptoms.
Children with severe asthma experience a significant decline in lung function during adolescence, leading to increased symptoms and disease severity later in life. Early identification and treatment are crucial to stem progression.
A study published in Pediatrics found that newborns with low vitamin D levels are at increased risk of developing respiratory infections and wheezing during early childhood. The research suggests that vitamin D is crucial to the immune system, particularly in preventing acute respiratory infections.
A new Concordia University study published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine found that obese people are more likely to report exercise-induced asthma. This link may be an important factor in the management of asthma sufferers, particularly those with severe or persistent conditions.
A new study from the University of Gothenburg estimates that approximately 2% of the population in West Sweden suffers from severe asthma, which is characterized by nasal congestion. The study suggests that patients with nasal complaints should be investigated for asthma, as more pronounced symptoms may be linked to severe asthma.
Scientists have discovered that many people with asthma actually had the mould growing in their own lungs. A study by University of Leicester researchers found that 6 out of 10 people with asthma who were allergic to a common mould grew the mould from their sputum, leading to fixed narrowing of the airways.
Researchers have identified a mechanism that could explain why flu infections may help prevent asthma in children. Infection with influenza A virus protects mice from asthma by expanding NKT cells, which are immune cells that play a key role in the body's response to infection.
Researchers found that influenza A virus infection in mice expanded a subset of immune cells called NKT cells, which protected against airway hyperreactivity. The study suggests treating children with therapeutics that activate NKT cells might prevent asthma development.
A single dose of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine was found to be safe and induced a strong immune response in individuals with asthma. Participants over 60 with severe asthma required a higher dose for adequate protection.
A school-based program helped New York City high school students with moderate to severe asthma better manage their symptoms, dramatically reducing the need for urgent care. The program participants experienced significant reductions in acute medical visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and night awakenings.
The Asthma Self-Management for Adolescents (ASMA) program, an eight-week intervention, significantly improves asthma management and quality of life among participating students. ASMA participants reported reduced asthma-related activity restrictions, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations.
A recent study from Université de Montréal found that using alternative therapies for asthma can result in a two-fold higher rate of poor asthma control in children. The study assessed over 2000 families with children and found that use of alternative therapy was associated with reduced effectiveness of conventional asthma treatment.
Researchers found that severe asthma affects 2% of the population and is closely related to chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal blockage. Individuals with multiple asthma symptoms are likely to have a more severe form of asthma, increasing the risk of attacks and negatively impacting quality of life.
Research published in Thorax estimates that UK workplace asthma costs the country at least £100 million a year, with potentially as high as £135 million. The study reveals that the condition is underdiagnosed and that the employer should bear more responsibility for reducing exposure to agents causing workplace asthma.
Researchers report a case of an 18-year-old man experiencing asthma attacks triggered by logging into Facebook. The doctors suggest hyperventilation due to seeing his girlfriend's profile may have caused these episodes. They propose considering social networks as a potential trigger for exacerbations in depressed asthmatic individuals.
Researchers discovered that asthma drugs can block cysteinyl-leukotrienes, reducing vessel wall breakdown and dilation. This could lead to the development of new treatments for aortic aneurysms, potentially saving lives and reducing surgical complications.
A new task force in Leicester will develop a tailored management and intervention programme for asthma in South Asian children, informed by community views and experiences. The project aims to improve access to services and self-management of asthma amongst this community.
The Merck Childhood Asthma Network is investing $4 million in four high-risk cities to manage childhood asthma through evidence-based science, case management, and asthma trigger removal plans. Programs aim to reduce missed school days, symptom days, and improve access to quality healthcare.
Research strengthens evidence of link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and childhood asthma. The study found that prenatal paracetamol exposure may depend on antioxidant genes in the mother, increasing the risk of childhood asthma.
Research by Tufts University found a significant difference in childhood asthma prevalence between U.S.-born and foreign-born children. Foreign-born children were less likely to develop asthma due to factors such as lower socioeconomic status and exposure to pests, which was not observed in U.S.-born children.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that bitter compounds can open lung airways better than current asthma treatments. The researchers discovered taste receptors in the lungs that respond to bitter substances, which could lead to new therapies for asthma and other obstructive lung diseases.