Articles tagged with Asthma
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found a positive association between mold exposure and severe asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalization in individuals with specific chitinase gene variants. High levels of fungus were also linked to increased risk of severe asthma attacks among people with certain genetic markers.
Physicians play a stronger role in asthma patient adherence by monitoring medication use and reviewing electronic prescription information. However, few doctors access detailed adherence data, highlighting the need for effective ways to encourage patients to stay with their prescription regimens.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have found that CT scans can monitor progression of severe asthma and check how it responds to treatment. The study suggests that CT-derived measures of structural changes in lungs and airways may be used as a non-invasive marker for asthma.
The Nottingham Respiratory BRU Clinical Trials Unit will offer clinical services to NHS patients with respiratory disease while recruiting volunteers for studies on new treatments. The unit aims to develop new drugs and therapies to help people manage their illness, including a study using a diabetes tablet for mild asthma.
Researchers found that an online self-management tool significantly improved asthma symptoms in those with partly controlled or uncontrolled asthma. The system, which allows patients to measure lung function and receive personalized advice, led to a 80% participation rate in the first three months.
A large international study found that a burger diet may boost children's risk of asthma and wheeze, particularly in developed nations. Conversely, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish appears to reduce this risk. The study, published in Thorax, analyzed data from over 50,000 children aged 8-12 from 20 countries.
A new animal model demonstrates that early childhood lung infections can lead to asthma development later in life. The study found that an altered immune response in neonatal mice played a key role in the progression of asthma.
Researchers found that nearly half of healthy children experience lung dysfunction after intense exercise, with symptoms linked to bronchoconstriction and airway constriction.
Estrogen has been found to decrease airway constriction and increase bronchodilation in human airway smooth muscle cells, particularly when combined with beta-agonists. This suggests that estrogen may be beneficial for women with asthma, and further research is needed to explore its potential as a treatment option.
Researchers found that a novel internet-supported strategy with daily FENO measurements and supervision by an asthma nurse reduced cumulative 6-month dosing of oral corticosteroids in severe asthma patients. This approach improved asthma control without worsening quality of life.
A study found that children with severe asthma have a significantly higher risk of developing COPD as adults. Children with mild asthma were not at increased risk. The study suggests early treatment and surveillance for children with severe asthma may prevent long-term complications.
Research suggests that consuming high-fat meals can lead to increased airway neutrophils and TLR4 mRNA gene expression, impairing the response to asthma medication Ventolin. High-fat intake may play a role in managing asthma by reducing inflammation and improving lung function.
A study at National Jewish Health found that art therapy significantly improves problem-solving, communication, quality-of-life, anxiety, and self-concept scores in children with chronic asthma. The benefits persisted for six months after treatment stopped, suggesting art therapy as a valuable adjunct to traditional treatments.
Inuit populations in the Canadian Arctic have asthma rates 5-11% below other Aboriginal groups, with a link found between socio-economic status and asthma. Further research is needed to understand this phenomenon.
A study of 561 children found that exposure to violent crime was associated with more severe asthma, even after adjusting for caregiver stress and socioeconomic status. The findings suggest that health care professionals should consider a child's social environment when treating asthma.
Researchers developed an 'asthma medical home' to address patient symptoms and environment, leading to a 63% decrease in emergency department visits and 62% reduction in inpatient hospitalization rates. This comprehensive approach empowers families to manage asthma symptoms, improving health outcomes.
Researchers at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics are developing a genetic test to predict hyperbilirubinemia, which causes 85% of hospital readmissions in newborns. The test also identifies genetic markers that determine the effectiveness of steroid therapy for asthma patients.
Research finds that ozone and primary pollutants from traffic increase pediatric emergency department visits for asthma exacerbations. Low ozone concentrations as low as 30 ppb also show a dose-response relationship with increased hospitalizations.
Research at National Jewish Health found low vitamin D levels in children with asthma were associated with poorer lung function, higher allergy markers, and increased medication use. Vitamin D supplementation may help reverse steroid resistance and reduce medication needed for asthmatic patients.
Scientists from University of Southampton and Synairgen Research Ltd begin Phase II study on interferon beta for virus-triggered asthma exacerbations. The drug aims to prevent sudden deterioration in lung function and hospital admissions.
Researchers have identified a compound in blackcurrants that reduces lung inflammation and complements the body's natural immune response. This discovery could lead to the development of foods containing these compounds as a natural alternative to assist conventional drug treatments for asthma.
A study of UK schoolchildren found that Black Africans, Indians, and Bangladeshis have a similar or lower prevalence of asthma than White children. A family history of asthma and psychological well-being were consistent correlates for asthma regardless of ethnicity.
Research found that high stress levels in mothers are associated with differences in immune function markers in cord blood, which may increase the risk of asthma and allergy in offspring. The study suggests a link between prenatal stress and the development of asthma later in life.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital found that African American children with asthma have significantly lower levels of vitamin D than healthy counterparts. The study suggests a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and increased rates of asthma in this population.