Articles tagged with Asthma
A large study published in Thorax found that regular low-dose aspirin use cuts the risk of developing asthma among women by 10%. The Women's Health Study involved over 40,000 female healthcare professionals and monitored their health for around 10 years.
A new national survey found that elevated indoor allergen levels are associated with asthma symptoms in allergic individuals, particularly those with allergies. Regular household cleaning and reducing exposure to pets and pests can help alleviate symptoms.
Scientists at Mayo Clinic and VBI aim to understand how environmental fungus Alternaria triggers airway inflammation and bronchial asthma. They plan to develop specific therapies and prevention strategies by studying the role of fungal enzymes in innate immune responses.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that obese children are more likely to experience difficulties with airway obstruction and other breathing-related functions during surgery. The study also reveals a higher incidence of illnesses such as asthma, hypertension, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes among obese children.
Researchers from NIST and CU-Boulder have developed a technique using optical frequency comb spectroscopy to detect molecules in breath that may be markers for diseases like asthma or cancer. The technique can identify thousands of different molecules simultaneously, providing highly reliable information about various diseases.
Scientists have identified a key component of the body's response to allergens that can be targeted to reduce allergic reactions in mice. The research confirms that p110delta is a crucial player in allergic reactions and offers hope for therapies that target the real causes, not just symptoms.
Patients with refractory asthma experienced longer term improvement in pulmonary function, improved quality of life, and reduced rescue medication use after undergoing bronchial thermoplasty. The procedure resulted in a significant reduction in corticosteroid use, particularly among those who were able to wean off medication completely.
A Michigan State University physician reports the first nationally documented death from acute asthma caused by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in a bar employee. The case highlights the need for legal protections against ETS in workplaces, particularly for vulnerable employees with pre-existing conditions like asthma.
A study found that severe asthma is characterized by air trapping and incomplete reversibility with bronchodilator treatment. This suggests a distinct physiological difference between severe and non-severe asthma, potentially leading to new treatment approaches.
Researchers developed a sensor system that measures airborne pollutants, temperature, and humidity to understand asthma attack causes. The system, worn in a vest, detected higher volatile organic compounds in one volunteer's home, revealing a pollutant pathway causing asthma attacks.
Researchers at UTMB have identified distinct subtypes of asthma using protein profiling, which could lead to tailored treatments. The study found four different asthma subtypes, including one associated with severe and treatment-resistant disease, offering new hope for more effective asthma therapies.
A study found that 13% of children with asthma were uninsured at some point during the year, leading to increased risk of unmet medical needs and hospitalizations. Children without insurance are 14 times more likely to have an unmet need for medication than those with private insurance.
Children whose mothers experience chronic stress during early years have a higher asthma rate than peers. Long-term maternal stress was associated with an increase in nearly a third of childhood asthma prevalence. Maternal distress also intensified risk under specific home environments, such as high-income households or sibling presence.
A new study has found that widely used asthma medication long-acting beta-agonists may not be associated with adverse events based on a patient's genotype. The study analyzed data from two clinical trials and found no differences in asthma symptoms or control between patients with different beta-2 adrenergic receptor genotypes.
Inhibiting PIN1 has been shown to reduce airway fibrosis driven by TGF-beta-1 production in rodents with chronic asthma. Mice lacking PIN1 also exhibited reduced airway fibrosis when exposed to allergens.
The Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health has received a DISCOVER grant to conduct four related studies on the effects of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to air pollutants on lung development and immune system function. The research aims to better prevent childhood asthma and improve clinical treatment.
A Johns Hopkins study finds activating a specific protein on immune cells can reduce allergic reactions and asthma attacks. By targeting this protein, researchers hope to develop new treatments for allergies.
Exposure to traffic pollution may increase respiratory problems and reduce lung volumes in children with asthma. Living in areas with high road density also increased respiratory symptoms in asthmatic children, even if they didn't have pre-existing conditions.
A new study by Imperial College London found that diesel exhaust fumes increase asthmatic symptoms, reduce lung capacity, and cause inflammation in people with mild and moderate asthma. The research measured air quality and lung function in volunteers walking along Oxford Street, where only diesel-powered vehicles are allowed.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between asthma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adults. The research suggested that the association is not primarily due to genetic influences, but rather may be related to immune system functioning or common risk factors.
A study of 3,065 male twin pairs found that those suffering from PTSD symptoms were 2.3 times more likely to have asthma compared to those with fewer symptoms. The association between asthma and PTSD was not primarily explained by genetic factors.
A study by Yale researchers suggests that YKL-40 may play a role in severe asthma, with elevated levels correlating to increased inflammation and lung function. The discovery brings hope for developing a blood test to identify patients with severe asthma, which affects 2.5 million Americans.
Researchers found that severe respiratory viral infections induce an allergic-type immune response, leading to long-term changes in the airways of mice. Interfering with this process could potentially prevent childhood asthma.
A study of over 1,300 youths found that those with asthma are 1.9 times more likely to develop depressive or anxiety disorders. Young people with both conditions often struggle to manage their asthma, leading to impaired physical functioning and increased risk of smoking.
A study suggests that urban children with asthma, even mild cases, require more frequent check-ups than current guidelines recommend. This is due to unpredictable symptoms that can worsen over time, especially in inner-city kids.
Asthma diaries found to improve self-efficacy and reduce doctor visits in women with severe asthma. Research also links iron deficiency to increased coughing in women and neck size to sleep apnea severity, especially in women. Furthermore, a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction is found in pre-menopausal women with obstructive sleep a...
Uncontrolled asthma is linked to significantly more school and work absences, with a new study showing up to 2-3 times more days absent. Antismoking classes may improve young children's knowledge about tobacco smoke, while phone triage programs provide safe and cost-effective care for ventilator-dependent children.
Research reveals greater asthma severity and poorer perceived control increase the risk of death among adults. Additionally, uncontrolled asthma leads to more school/work absenteeism and may result in fewer doctor visits for those keeping an asthma diary, according to a new study.
A new study shows that 32.1% of patients with asthma or COPD use their dry powder inhalers (DPIs) incorrectly, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The error rate increases with age and severity of airway obstruction.
A new study reveals that only a quarter of NCAA-affiliated athletic trainers have a pulmonologist on their team, leading to inadequate asthma management guidelines and equipment availability. The presence of a pulmonologist increases adherence to national guidelines, potentially improving athlete care.
Researchers found that pitrakinra significantly reduced asthma symptoms in patients, with a maximum decrease of 17.1% in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) compared to placebo groups. The study suggests that pitrakinra may be an effective treatment option for asthma, offering promising results.
A University of Alberta study found that farm children are less likely to develop asthma compared to those living in non-farm rural or urban environments. The two-year cumulative incidence of asthma was 2.3% among farm kids, significantly lower than other groups.
Researchers found that frequent use of household cleaning sprays can raise asthma risk in nonprofessional users, increasing the risk by 30-50% compared to those who rarely or never use such products. Cleaning sprays, especially air fresheners and glass cleaners, had a particularly strong effect.
A study found that children with dysfunctional families and living in poor neighborhoods experience greater asthma symptoms and poorer lung function. Family support was linked to reduced inflammation, while neighborhood problems led to increased smoking and exposure to smoke.
The study found that over 50% of asthma cases are linked to allergies, with cat allergy being the leading cause. Atopy, a condition resulting from gene-environment interactions, is measured by skin tests and was associated with nearly 57% of asthma cases.
A study of black and white patients with asthma found that blacks were more likely to visit the emergency department or be hospitalized for the condition, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status. The researchers suggest that genetic differences may underlie these racial disparities in asthma outcomes.
Researchers found that oil spill clean-up workers were more likely to experience lower and upper respiratory tract symptoms, including chronic cough and phlegm. The effects persisted for over a year after the last clean-up activity but eventually declined, suggesting partial reversibility.
A large international study of children found that those with allergic sensitizations in economically developed countries are four times more likely to have asthma than their non-sensitized counterparts. The association was weaker in less affluent settings, suggesting local environmental factors may play a role.
A seven-year study of 460 Spanish children found that a diet rich in fish and fruity vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of childhood asthma and allergies. The study also reinforced earlier findings that a fish-rich diet during pregnancy can help protect children from asthma and allergies.
A recent study led by McGill University found that breastfeeding does not offer protection against childhood asthma and allergies. The research, which followed 13,889 children from birth to age 6½, revealed an increased risk of positive allergic skin tests among breastfed infants.
Depression produces the greatest decrement in health compared to chronic diseases like angina, arthritis, and asthma. People with depression and one or more chronic diseases have the worst health scores, according to a study of 245,404 people.
A study using a DNA microarray technology, Virochip, detected an unexpected number of viruses and viral subtypes in patients with respiratory tract infections. The technique identified new viruses associated with human diseases, including asthma exacerbations.
A Cardiff University study found that removing indoor mold improved asthma symptoms, with a significant decrease in inhaler use and improvement of other respiratory issues. The study suggests keeping homes dry and well-ventilated can reduce exposure to mold spores.
A new study by Ohio State University Medical Center found that nearly 40% of varsity athletes tested positive for exercise-induced asthma, including those without a prior history of the condition. The study highlights the need for routine diagnosis and management tools to detect this potentially serious condition among athletes.
A new study at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that parents' beliefs about their children's asthma medications play a significant role in treatment adherence. The study revealed that parents who perceived a stronger need for their child's medication were more likely to adhere strictly to the prescribed regimen.
A study found that UK children with asthma are being treated inappropriately, with over 121,000 prescriptions for bronchodilator syrups still issued in 2006 despite guidance discouraging their use. The number of combination inhaler prescriptions also increased significantly.
A study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that 12 out of 17 adolescents were misdiagnosed with asthma due to vocal cord dysfunction, which can cause breathing difficulties. The use of spirometry tests in emergency departments may help differentiate VCD from asthma attacks and reduce misdiagnosis.
A survey of 25,000 WTC rescue and recovery workers found a 3.6% rate of new asthma, 12 times higher than expected for the adult population. Respirator use was associated with lower rates of newly diagnosed asthma, but not all worker groups showed significant protection.
A study of over 300,000 genetic markers found a strong association between the ORMDL3 gene and an increased risk of childhood asthma. The research suggests that identifying this gene could lead to improved prevention and diagnosis of asthma.
A new study by USC researchers suggests that children with specific genetic variations are more susceptible to developing asthma, particularly if they live near major roadways. The study found that high levels of microsomal epoxide hydrolase enzyme in response to vehicle emissions increased the risk for lifetime asthma.
Research links exhaust fumes to increased asthma risk in genetically susceptible children, particularly those with high microsomal epoxide hydrolase activity and GSTP1 genetic variants. Children exposed to road traffic pollution are also at greater risk of developing asthma.
Researchers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) solved the 3D structure of LTC4 synthase, a protein targeted for asthma treatments. The breakthrough allows for the development of new and more effective medications against airway inflammation.
A large international study found that nurses are more than twice as likely to develop occupational asthma and cleaners face a 71% higher risk. Workplace conditions may be responsible for up to 25% of new asthma cases in industrialized countries.
A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine reveals that older people with inadequate health literacy had a 50 percent higher mortality rate over five years than those with adequate reading skills. Low health literacy was the top predictor of mortality after smoking, surpassing income and years of education.
A study of over 2,000 children found a genetic marker on chromosome 17 linked to an increased risk of childhood onset asthma. The discovery provides a new molecular pathway for targeted treatments and could lead to improved management of the disease.
Researchers discovered a gene associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma, found to alter ORMDL3 levels in children with asthma. The study involved over 2,000 children and found that the disease-associated version of the gene increases asthma risk by 60-70%.
A randomized controlled trial shows that the Papworth breathing technique can reduce asthma symptoms by a third, with improvements also seen in mental health outcomes. The technique, which involves diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation exercises, has no significant impact on lung function.
A survey of 1,812 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma found that the disease was not controlled in 55 percent, despite regular health care visits. Uncontrolled asthmatics were more likely to experience severe symptoms and hospitalizations.
Healthcare systems are increasingly relying on mobile communication technology to improve care, but little guidance exists on its safe use. The UK and US are leading the way in applying this technology, but existing guidance is limited in scope and often fails to address key concerns.
A study of over 3,000 adults with asthma found that obese patients are more likely to have severe asthma and experience increased healthcare utilization. The researchers also noted that obese patients were less likely to be in asthma remission compared to non-overweight patients.