Articles tagged with 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.
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.
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.
Scientists discovered that a substance secreted by damaged skin can trigger asthmatic symptoms in mice exposed to eczema-causing agents. Early treatment of skin rash and inhibition of the trigger substance may block asthma development in young patients with eczema.
Researchers found that 79% of patients treated with bronchial thermoplasty experienced a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in their quality-of-life measurements. The procedure addresses an unmet medical need, providing persistent asthma control over the year following treatment.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a substance called TSLP, which is secreted by damaged skin and circulates through the body to trigger asthmatic symptoms. Early treatment of skin rash and inhibition of TSLP production may block asthma development in young patients with eczema.
A new treatment using heat therapy on lung airways reduces severe asthma attacks, ER visits and quality of life improvements. The Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System shows promise for patients with uncontrolled asthma despite high medication dosages.
Scientists at Yale School of Medicine and Hydra Biosciences have discovered that a protein called TRPA1 may be a trigger of allergy-induced asthma in mice. Inhibiting this protein with a drug known for reducing pain could also reduce asthma symptoms, providing new hope for treatment.
A study presented at the American Thoracic Society found that automated phone calls increased medication adherence for patients with asthma by 2%, particularly among seniors. The system used a combination of voice messages and branching logic to address barriers to compliance, resulting in significant public health benefits.
Data from two presentations will feature Perforomist Inhalation Solution, showing improved pulmonary function and dyspnea in patients with COPD when added to maintenance tiotropium. Patient satisfaction also increased in those treated with Perforomist twice daily compared to ipratropium/albuterol MDI
A UCSF study found that personalized self-management programs for asthma patients significantly improved medication adherence and disease control. The program, which included a 30-minute session with a healthcare professional, resulted in better health outcomes and reduced emergency department visits.
Research suggests that women with actively managed asthma are as likely to have healthy pregnancies and babies as those without asthma. The study recommends comprehensive approach to management and treatment of asthma during pregnancy, including assessment, medication management, and patient education.
A study of over 8,000 people found that higher blood levels of folic acid were associated with fewer reported allergies, less wheezing, and a lower likelihood of asthma. The researchers recommend further studies to confirm their results and establish safe doses.
Researchers identified a previously unknown cellular switch that regulates both allergic and asthmatic responses in the body. This discovery suggests that at least some people with asthma and allergies have genes that prevent this switch from working properly, leading to medication development targets.
A new study by Ohio State University finds that most NCAA athletic trainers are not following best practice standards for managing asthma among athletes. The research suggests that a majority of programs are not adhering to national guidelines, which emphasize education, management protocols, and medical professional involvement.
Research suggests a link between vitamin D insufficiency and increased asthma severity in children, including hospitalizations, airway reactivity, and use of inhaled steroids. Vitamin D levels were inversely linked to several indicators of allergy and asthma severity.
A new study suggests that silent GER does not play a role in worsening asthma symptoms and control, contradicting previous beliefs. Researchers found no differences between patients treated with reflux medication and those who were not.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that proton pump inhibitors do not improve asthma control in patients with persistent acid reflux. Researchers examined 402 adults with asthma over 24 weeks and found no benefits from treatment, saving patients unnecessary costs and potential side effects.
A new national study found that prescription heartburn medication is ineffective for treating asthma in patients without acid reflux symptoms. The study, led by Northwestern University researchers, randomly gave 402 patients either the medication or a placebo, finding no difference in lung function or asthma control episodes.
A 20-center study of 402 patients with poorly controlled asthma found that proton pump inhibitors did not improve asthma control, despite previous beliefs about their role. In fact, half the patients showed excess acid in their gastrointestinal tract, but heartburn medications had no effect.
Proton-pump inhibitor drugs do not stop recurrent attacks in people with the lung disease. Researchers found no benefit from using these medications solely to temper asthma symptoms, even among those with silent acid reflux. The study suggests that these expensive treatments may be unnecessarily prescribed.
A new study by the American Lung Association found that heartburn medication does not help control asthma symptoms in adults with poorly controlled asthma and no significant heartburn symptoms. Despite using a high dose of esomeprazole, participants showed no improvement in asthma episodes or control.
Pregnant women with asthma are at a higher risk of giving birth prematurely if they stop taking their medication. According to a University of Montreal study, women who interrupt their asthma treatment also experience an increased probability of developing hypertension during pregnancy.
Patients with severe asthma suffering from persistent eosinophilia show significant improvement in symptoms after receiving mepolizumab injections. The treatment reduces the need for prednisone and decreases eosinophil counts, offering new hope for managing this debilitating condition.
Asthma prevalence has declined among children and young adults, while Indigenous Australians face higher risks of asthma-related hospital visits and deaths. Asthma action plans are crucial for patients, yet many still lack them.
A study found that airborne fungal groups Cladosporium and Mycelia sterilia are more common in urban areas with high vehicular traffic, contributing to the region's high asthma incidence. The research suggests a link between environmental triggers and genetic susceptibility, shedding light on the complex factors driving the epidemic.
A study of over 3,000 children found that spending more than two hours a day watching TV doubles the risk of developing asthma by age 11.5. The research, published in Thorax, suggests a complex relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and asthma.
Researchers found that children born in the fall and winter have a higher risk of developing early symptoms of asthma due to exposure to fungal spores and pollen. High concentrations of specific spore groups and total pollen concentration during the first three months of life were linked to an increased risk of early wheezing.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that indoor particulate matter pollution is associated with a significant increase in asthma symptoms among children. Fine particles were also linked to an increase in wheezing and respiratory issues.
A comprehensive childhood asthma study shows that children who initially improved with steroid drugs no longer see those improvements after stopping the medications. The Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) trial found that continued benefit of these medications likely requires continued use to manage symptoms.
A study of umbilical cord blood found evidence of a biomarker associated with prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, potentially leading to pollution-related asthma. Researchers discovered epigenetic alterations in the ACSL3 gene linked to maternal PAH exposure.
A new UK study shows that using NIOX MINO to measure inflammation in asthma patients can lead to a £341-£554 annual cost saving. This is achieved by optimizing treatment, reducing visits to casualty and hospital admissions, and lowering cortisone inhaler doses.
The study provides a powerful tool for developing effective treatments against the common cold by sequencing the genetic codes of human rhinoviruses. The researchers found that the viruses are organized into about 15 small groups and can mutate rapidly, making a 'one drug fits all' approach ineffective.
A large-scale genome-wide association scan found sequence variants associated with asthma, shedding light on disease mechanisms and potential biochemical pathways. The study also confirms previous findings linking the interleukin-1 gene cluster to asthma.
A recent study found that urban children with asthma spend an average of 3.4 hours daily on screens, exceeding the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended limit. This excessive screen time may lead to various difficulties, including behavior problems, attention issues, and obesity.
Researchers found that asthma patients exhibit chronic airflow changes in their lungs, even with medication use. The study used MRI to visualize airway obstruction and revealed that many airways remained narrowed over time.
A recent study found that eating fast food more than twice a week negates the protective effects of breastfeeding on asthma in children. The research suggests high fat and salt content in fast food may contribute to increased asthma risk. Long-term breastfeeding duration also appeared crucial for reduced asthma risk
A new study supports a University of Houston professor's theory that blocking the beta-2 adrenoreceptor receptor instead of stimulating it could be a safer and more effective strategy for long-term asthma management. The research, published in PNAS, reveals that a mouse model without the key gene produces fewer asthma-like symptoms.
A new treatment has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of asthma attacks triggered by colds in preschoolers. The study found a 50% decrease in asthma attacks requiring oral steroids and a 20% reduction in illness duration, improving symptoms and quality of life.
A recent study found that daily nitric oxide monitoring did not significantly improve treatment outcomes for children with mild to moderate asthma. Despite a reduction in medication dose, both groups showed an impressive overall improvement in symptoms.
A new screening tool developed by Tel Aviv University researchers may help doctors advise young asthmatic adults on safer employment options and prevent asthma attacks triggered by physical exertion. The study found an indisputable connection between exercise and asthma, which could save lives.
Researchers discovered that pills used to treat fungal infections improve symptoms of asthma in those with an allergic reaction to fungi. Nearly 60% of patients taking the drug showed significant improvement.
A study by The University of Manchester found that patients with severe asthma and allergic sensitivity to certain fungi experience significant improvements in quality of life and lung function after taking an antifungal drug. However, symptoms often return after treatment is stopped.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found adults with asthma are seven times more likely to develop invasive pneumococcal diseases, a serious and potentially fatal condition. The researchers recommend including asthma as an indication for pneumococcal vaccination in adults, which could significantly reduce instances of this disease.
A Kansas State University graduate student has found a correlation between childhood obesity and asthma. Healthy children with higher body fat levels and lower physical activity had greater airway narrowing after exercise, suggesting an early link to asthma diagnosis.
A new study concludes that long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) offer no additional benefit to conventional preventative medications in children. LABAs, such as salmeterol and formoterol, can improve lung function but do not reduce asthma symptoms or hospital admissions.
A new study found that a school-based asthma education program, Kickin' Asthma, significantly improves asthma symptoms, medication usage and reduction of asthma-related morbidity among urban adolescent students. The program also reduces days of activity limitations and school absences.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that US-born black adults are more likely to have asthma, with 30% diagnosed compared to 11% of those born outside the US. The study also found higher asthma rates among children born in the US.
Children born four months before the height of cold and flu season have a greater risk of developing childhood asthma than children born at any other time of year. The study found that birth timing is independently linked to asthma development, with autumn babies facing the highest risk.
Researchers analyzed 13,223 school children aged 13-14 from four locations to investigate asthma prevalence. The study found that asthma symptoms were lowest in mainland China, highest in Canada-born individuals, and varied among Hong Kong residents.
A recent Canadian study found that asthma is being over-diagnosed in 30% of adults, with two-thirds able to safely stop taking medication. The study suggests that there may be a substantial over-diagnosis of asthma, potentially obscuring the true cause of symptoms.