Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A new study found that regular family mealtimes can help reduce separation anxiety and improve lung function in children with asthma. The researchers identified supportive interaction during mealtime as a key practice that increases a child's sense of security.
Research suggests that trauma from war increases asthma risk, with twice the likelihood of development in those most traumatised. A study of 2000 Kuwaiti civilians aged 50-69 found a direct correlation between trauma and asthma risk.
Researchers at Penn identified a previously unidentified cell population, termed multipotent progenitor cells, which may be the body's double-edged sword, fighting off parasitic infections but also causing harmful immune responses. This discovery may lead to new targets for treatment of infection and allergic inflammation.
Researchers develop culturally-tailored intervention program to reduce tobacco exposure, improve medication adherence and enhance attack readiness. The program has already proven useful in other populations, resulting in significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalizations and school absences.
Researchers will embed wireless sensors in residences of 50 older adults to detect subtle changes in everyday activities that indicate the onset of dementia or physical infirmities. The goal is to identify early decline and provide timely interventions to prevent institutionalization.
A long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) is the most effective step-up treatment for children with poorly controlled asthma, according to a new study. The study found that children responded differently to different treatments, with African-Americans equally likely to respond best to LABA or corticosteroid step-up.
Research by National Jewish Health faculty presents promising findings on vitamin D's effectiveness in boosting corticosteroid efficacy for asthma treatment. Additionally, early results show oral immunotherapy with egg-white solid to be effective in desensitizing children with egg allergy.
A new study found that increasing dosage or adding asthma drugs to low-dose inhaled corticosteroids improves asthma control in 98% of children. LABA shows the highest response rate, but individual patients require personalized treatment due to factors like Asthma Control Test score, eczema, and ethnicity.
A new study suggests that clinically-based smoking cessation programs may not be enough to help Latino smokers with asthmatic children kick the habit. Researchers found that a culturally-tailored intervention providing feedback on secondhand smoke exposure was more effective in helping these parents quit smoking.
The prevalence of any chronic condition among US children has significantly increased over two decades, with obesity being one of the most prevalent conditions. The study found that having a chronic condition was dynamic over time, and different groups had varying rates of new cases and remission.
A study found that parents of children with asthma often recognize signs of an impending attack but delay treatment, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention. Researchers suggest that education and awareness can help parents identify early warning signs and take action sooner.
A large-scale study found that estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of developing asthma after menopause. Women who used estrogen-only HRT were 21% more likely to develop asthma than those who never used HRT, with a significant increased risk among non-smokers and those with previous allergies.
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 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.
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.
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.