Articles tagged with Asthma
A study published in the journal Thorax found that prenatal acetaminophen exposure is associated with an increased risk of asthma symptoms in children. The relationship was strongest in children with a variant of the glutathione S transferase gene involved in detoxification.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch found that offspring of female mice exposed to BPA developed significant signs of asthma. The study suggests a link between maternal BPA exposure and childhood asthma, highlighting the need for further human epidemiological studies.
A new five-year study will examine the connection between asthma symptoms, sleep quality, and academic performance in urban elementary school children aged 7-9. The researchers aim to understand how family and cultural risks contribute to these associations.
A new study identifies thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) as a molecule that directs immune cells to develop an allergic response. The signaling molecule is involved in the development of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis and food allergy.
Researchers have discovered a novel gene, DENND1B, involved in childhood-onset asthma, which affects immune system signaling molecules. The study's findings may lead to new treatments targeting the gene's role in asthma's characteristic wheezing and shortness of breath.
Researchers discovered a genetic variant associated with preserved lung function in children with asthma and adults who smoke. The study found a significant reduction in the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adult smokers with this variant, offering new insights into the mechanisms of COPD.
Researchers found that adults with less than 12 years of formal schooling experienced worse asthma symptoms and lower asthma self-efficacy. Higher education was associated with better asthma control and reduced emergency health service visits.
A new cancer drug, R-Roscovitine, has been found to kill eosinophils that exacerbate asthma symptoms. Researchers believe this could offer an alternative treatment for resistant asthma patients.
Asthmatic smokers may be able to reverse damage to their lungs by quitting cigarettes. The research found that cigarette smoke increases the thickness of lung lining and negatively affects nitric oxide levels, leading to more severe symptoms.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has approved 13 contracts to develop and implement science-based approaches to improve asthma control. The projects will focus on implementing evidence-based national guidelines for diagnosing and managing asthma in diverse communities, including rural, urban, and suburban settings.
A Phase II clinical study found that OptiNose's novel device delivered significant reductions in polyp size and improvements in symptoms, including facial pressure, nasal obstruction, and sense of smell. The treatment resulted in a substantial proportion of patients experiencing complete removal of polyps.
A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that parent mentors can significantly reduce asthma-related complications in minority children. The intervention program, which provided specialized training to caregivers, resulted in fewer wheezing episodes, asthma attacks, and emergency room visits among participating families.
A study published in Pediatrics found that educational home visits can significantly improve asthma control in children, leading to fewer hospitalizations and reduced symptoms. The research suggests that providing regular asthma education and support can go a long way in managing the condition.
The Inner City Asthma Consortium, funded by the NIH, investigates novel treatments and causes of asthma in urban children. Key studies include evaluating environmental factors influencing immune system development and exploring anti-IgE therapy to decrease viral-induced seasonal asthma exacerbations.
A recent review highlights the need for improved asthma control in preschoolers, with key findings including the use of inhaled corticosteroids as a regular therapy for children with severe symptoms. The authors emphasize the importance of considering alternative conditions if children do not respond to optimal therapy.
Researchers found that children whose mothers had more depressive symptoms experienced more frequent asthma symptoms, while those with fewer depressive symptoms had less frequent symptoms. The study suggests maternal depression is an independent risk factor for childhood asthma symptoms.
A new study found asthma to be a significant risk factor for severe disease in children with pandemic H1N1 compared to seasonal flu. Children with mild asthma also face risks and should be vaccinated for H1N1, according to researchers.
Lung interstitial macrophages (IMs) produce IL-10, which inhibits LPS-induced DC activation and prevents Th2 responses. Mice with depleted IMs develop severe asthmatic reactions to innocuous airborne allergens.
A new USC study estimates that heavy traffic corridors in Long Beach and Riverside contribute significantly to childhood asthma cases, with 9% of cases in Long Beach and 6% in Riverside linked to air pollution. Ship emissions from the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex also exacerbate asthma symptoms.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has renewed a five-year, $56 million contract to study asthma in children living in lower-income, inner-city environments. The Inner-City Asthma Consortium (ICAC) will evaluate promising new therapies to reduce asthma severity and prevent disease.
Researchers found that first responders exposed to caustic dust and toxic pollutants after the 2001 World Trade Center attacks are twice as likely to have asthma. The study of 20,843 responders reveals a significant risk for this population.
A study of 20,843 WTC responders found that reported asthma episodes were 8% compared to 4% in the general US population. Lifetime prevalence of asthma among responders increased from 3% to 16% between 2005 and 2007.
Reducing daily steroid doses for children with status asthmaticus shows no effect on hospital stay length. High-dose inhaled albuterol is linked to metabolic acidosis risk. Tonsil size may predict obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) in kids
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that connects diet, gut bacteria, and the immune system, shedding light on how certain diseases can be alleviated by consuming insoluble dietary fibre. This breakthrough research suggests that altering diets could lead to significant changes in gut bacteria profiles.
Researchers found that non-adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy is a significant issue in difficult-to-treat asthma patients. Women and those with lower quality of life scores were more likely to be non-adherent. Developing better objective tests for non-adherence is crucial, according to Dr. Liam Heaney.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that children born with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing asthma later in life. The study, which analyzed data from 10,918 twins, suggests that impaired fetal growth affects lung development and contributes to the development of asthma.
A study found that US researchers are more positive about including ethnic minorities in health research than their UK counterparts. The UK researchers were often reticent about the need, citing concerns over scientific importance and practical difficulties.
The National Institutes of Health is launching a clinical trial to find the ideal dose of the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine for individuals with severe asthma. The study aims to assess the immune response and safety of two different doses of the vaccine in participants with mild, moderate, or severe asthma.
A RAND Corporation study reveals inadequate access to health care among D.C. children, particularly those with publicly insured plans. The study emphasizes the need for partnerships between private and public sectors to address health promotion efforts.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that 32.6% of children born to uncontrolled pregnant asthmatic mothers developed asthma themselves. The study suggests that maternal asthma during pregnancy can affect lung development and increase the likelihood of asthma in later childhood.
Researchers are conducting a five-year trial to determine if supplementing pregnant women with extra vitamin D can prevent their children from developing asthma. The study aims to enroll 870 women nationwide and evaluate the risk of asthma in their children at ages 1, 2, and 3.
Schering-Plough has awarded ten $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors with asthma who are pursuing higher education. The recipients demonstrated outstanding performance and a track record of achievement in their entry category.
This article provides practical guidance for diagnosing adult asthma, including occupational asthma, using patient history, physical examination, and definitive diagnostic testing like spirometry. The goal is to accurately diagnose or exclude the possibility of asthma and treat patients accordingly.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University develop a four-week program to teach asthmatics how to better control their condition by changing the way they breathe. The study aims to reduce both the expense and suffering associated with chronic asthma, with promising results in limiting severity and frequency of attacks.
The article examines asthma risk factors across different age groups, including prenatal, infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Genetic, environmental, and host characteristics are identified as significant contributors to the development of persistent asthma.
New research suggests that daycare attendance in early childhood doubles respiratory problems, but does not prevent later asthma and allergies. Children who started daycare early were more likely to experience wheezing in the first year of life, but this effect reversed by age eight.
A study found that traditional measurements and markers of inflammation were not effective in predicting future asthma symptoms and exacerbations in well-treated patients with persistent asthma. Researchers hope to identify better clinical predictors for this complex disease.
A genome-wide association study has identified a novel genetic region on chromosome 9q21.31 as a susceptibility locus for asthma in Mexican children. The research highlights the importance of considering ancestry and environmental factors in understanding childhood asthma prevalence.
The study found that compliant patients have better outcomes with inhaled corticosteroids, while those taking oral controllers had higher treatment benefits and better quality of life. The researchers suggest that 'one size fits all' does not apply when treating asthma patients, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that an interactive asthma education program reduced the need for emergency care and steroid use in children. The program, which included small-group interaction and personalized materials, improved asthma outcomes and caregiver burden.
Computational biologists at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a statistical method to uncover genome variations underlying complex disease syndromes. The graph-guided fused lasso (GFlasso) method showed increased power in detecting gene variants associated with complex symptoms compared to other methods.
Researchers have found that blocking a key enzyme, aldose reductase, can significantly reduce asthma symptoms. The discovery opens the way for human trials of a new treatment, which could provide a badly needed alternative to existing therapies.
Researchers found no significant correlations between laboratory test measurements and asthma exacerbations among study participants. A large, longitudinal study provided the most comprehensive analysis to date of factors thought to be useful in predicting asthma attacks.
Researchers found that individuals with intense dust cloud exposure were more likely to develop new asthma diagnoses and symptoms indicative of probable PTSD. Asthma risk was highest among those who worked on the pile on September 11, while PTSD symptoms increased across all groups, with rescue/recovery workers experiencing the greates...
Research at National Jewish Health found asthma control poor among 155 students with asthma, regardless of medical insurance or identified provider. Patients and parents must recognize when management is not optimal to seek help and improve asthma control.
Early exposure to airborne ultrafine particulate matter in infancy has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma later in life. This study found that infant inhalation of ultrafine air pollution caused genetic defects leading to dysfunctional proteins and permanent changes in immune responses.
Researchers found that HIV-positive patients who underwent susceptibility testing had lower mortality rates. Internet-based self-management programs improved asthma control and lung function in adult patients, but not quality of life or asthma attacks. Restricting artificial trans fat in restaurants led to healthier fatty acid profiles...
Depressed children with asthma exhibit dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and increased airway compromise. The study found a link between emotional stress, depressive symptoms, and airway function in childhood asthma.
The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society have released standardized definitions and measurement recommendations for assessing asthma control, severity, and exacerbations. The guidelines provide a framework for clinicians to diagnose and manage asthma, with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
A study by the CDC found that only 33.9% of adults with asthma received the flu vaccine in 2007, compared to 54.7% for those without asthma. The study also revealed a significant race/ethnicity gap in vaccination rates among non-Hispanic whites.
Researchers at UC Davis have received a $750,000 grant to investigate a novel therapeutic target for treating inflammation and diagnosing asthma. The study will use metabolomics to evaluate the effectiveness of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors in asthma treatment.
Researchers at King's College London discovered a key element in the development of chronic asthma, linking airway remodelling to muscle cell changes. The study found that reducing SERCA2 levels in airway muscle cells may lead to effective new treatments for severe asthma.
A study found that Chicago neighborhoods with high community vitality, economic potential, and social capital have lower asthma rates. The research suggests that factors such as poverty, overcrowding, and exposure to air pollution contribute to higher asthma rates in less stable communities.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center followed genetically labeled cells in mouse lungs for over a year to understand natural renewal and healing processes. They found that lung stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining lung function and identified the secretory cell's ability to give rise to ciliated cells.
A study by National Jewish Health researchers found that obesity is not associated with more severe asthma, but may reduce response to corticosteroid medications. Obese patients may require alternative treatment options.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that the ingestion of caffeine within an hour of exercise can reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Smaller amounts of caffeine also reduced wheezing, coughing and other symptoms of EIA. The study extended earlier research on caffeine's effectiveness in reducing EIA symptoms.
Researchers found that calcitriol, a form of vitamin D, reduced growth-factor-induced airway smooth muscle proliferation in cells isolated from both asthmatic and non-asthmatic individuals. This process, called airway remodeling, leads to reduced lung function over time if left untreated.
A new study found that obese mothers may be responsible for an increased risk of asthma in their children. Maternal obesity was associated with a 65% higher risk of developing asthma symptoms in offspring, regardless of other factors such as birth weight and BMI.
A new study found that flu vaccines are no more effective in preventing hospitalizations in children with asthma than in those without the condition. The research suggests that vaccination may actually increase the risk of hospitalization among asthmatic children.
Research found high self-reported asthma rates in NYC children living near Ground Zero, with 50% increase in new cases following the 2001 attacks. Exposure to urban ambient pollution and toxins released by the WTC plume may contribute to the persistently high asthma incidence.