Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research found no evidence that doubling inhaled corticosteroids reduces need for rescue oral steroids, contradicting common practice. Increasing doses may provide false reassurance and undermine effectiveness of daily inhaled steroids.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that exposure to air pollution suppressed immune system regulatory T cells, leading to increased severity of asthma symptoms and lower lung capacity. The research suggests a potential long-term effect of polluted air on children's health.
A new study estimates that 2.5% of the US population has food allergies, with higher rates found in children, non-Hispanic blacks, and males. The research also identifies an association between food allergy and severe asthma, highlighting the need for increased awareness and monitoring of these conditions.
A study by National Jewish Health reveals that food allergies are more prevalent among people with asthma, especially in children, males and non-Hispanic blacks. The researchers found that peanut allergy was the most common food allergy, affecting 1.3% of the surveyed population.
Researchers found improved lung function after inhaled steroids is related to breathing function measures, not genetic ancestry. The study suggests that a commonly used asthma medication is equally beneficial across racial groups.
A large-scale genetic study of 26,000 people has identified seven locations on the genome where differences in the genetic code are associated with asthma. The findings suggest that allergies may be a consequence of asthma rather than a cause, and that genetic testing is unlikely to predict who will develop the disease.
Researchers at the NHLBI found that adding tiotropium bromide to low-dose inhaled corticosteroids is more effective than doubling corticosteroids alone and as effective as adding a long-acting beta agonist. The treatment showed significant improvements in asthma control, including increased symptom-free days.
According to a study published in JADA, asthma and cavities are both prevalent childhood diseases in the US. However, researchers found little evidence suggesting that asthma causes tooth decay, with some studies showing children with asthma having fewer cavities.
Research shows early metabolic abnormalities due to poor diet and exercise may increase risk of asthma in children, regardless of body weight. The study implicates metabolic disorders directly in the development of asthma, suggesting a new way of viewing diet and lifestyle as risk factors.
Adding albuterol to a treatment for multiple sclerosis improves functional status and reduces inflammation by decreasing interleukin-12 levels. The study suggests that combining glatiramer acetate with albuterol is well-tolerated and enhances clinical response in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
A review suggests that many cases of treatment-resistant severe asthma in children are due to poor management, including adherence issues and environmental triggers. The authors recommend a multidisciplinary approach to confirm diagnosis, address comorbidities, and develop an individualized treatment plan.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that exposure to community violence is associated with increased asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits. Younger adults were more likely to be exposed to violence and experience ED visits.
A new study reveals that post-Katrina mold in New Orleans has made hundreds of children with asthma sick. The Merck Childhood Asthma Network's HEAL program found that nearly 80% of children were sensitive to mold, a figure nearly 30% higher than for children in other US cities.
A new study by Berkeley Lab researchers reveals that ozone can react with nicotine in secondhand smoke to form ultrafine particles, a potential threat to asthma sufferers. These particles become major components of thirdhand smoke and can carry and deposit harmful organic chemicals deep into the lower respiratory tract.
Monthly acetaminophen use in adolescents may more than double the risk of asthma, with yearly use associated with a 50% increase. The study found a significant association between acetaminophen use and increased risks of asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
The Penn State College of Medicine has received a $54 million grant to act as the data coordinating center for the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's AsthmaNet. The NHLBI Asthma Network will conduct multiple clinical trials to address key asthma management questions, with a focus on pediatric and adult populations.
A new study reveals that Latino children with asthma often inaccurately perceive their lung function, resulting in increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The study's findings suggest that cultural differences, socioeconomic factors, and limited access to healthcare may contribute to these disparities.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed new techniques to identify specific asthma subtypes using protein patterns in airway lining fluid. This allows for targeted medication and potentially improved treatment outcomes. The study aims to reduce trial and error in asthma diagnosis and treatment.
A study by researchers at INRS–Institut Armand-Frappier and McGill University found that men with a history of asthma or eczema had a lower risk of developing lung and stomach cancers. The study analyzed data from 3,300 men diagnosed with cancer between 1979 and 1986.
A new study reveals that physicians often fail to take into account individual patients' circumstances when providing care. The research used actors to simulate real patients in clinic visits, finding that only 22% of physicians provided error-free care during contextually complicated encounters. The study suggests that physician train...
Researchers found that interferon blocks the development of immune cells causing asthma, providing proof-of-principle for a potential therapy. The protein targets the transcription factor regulating Th2 cell function, potentially stopping asthma-causing chemicals from being released.
A new nonsteroidal therapy, IGFBP-3, has significantly decreased disease signs of asthma in mice by inhibiting the NF-kB inflammatory pathway. This could lead to a new alternative therapy for patients resistant to current steroid treatments.
A new study found that ultrafine particles from vehicular emissions can boost allergic inflammation in the lungs, exacerbating asthma. The researchers used a real-time testing method to isolate the effects of ultrafine particles on the immune response in mice, and found significant enhancement of allergic airway inflammation with expos...
Researchers found a single SNP, rs36498, associated with higher asthma susceptibility in two populations. The mutation may increase eosinophils, leading to asthma attacks. Further study is needed to understand the role of Siglec-8 gene mutations in asthma.