Articles tagged with Asthma
Researchers have identified eosinophils as a major contributor to asthma symptoms, finding that they play a crucial role in mucous production and airway obstruction. The study suggests that targeting eosinophils could lead to the development of new treatments for asthma, which affects an estimated 17 million people in the US.
New research suggests that beta-agonist medications used in asthma treatment can increase type 2 T cell accumulation, potentially worsening related diseases. The study's findings highlight the need for anti-inflammatory corticosteroids in moderate to severe asthma treatment.
Adolescents who smoke regularly have a significantly increased risk of developing asthma, with a four-fold increase in risk for those who smoked 300 or more cigarettes per year. The study found that exposure to cigarette smoke in the womb and later smoking habits also significantly raised the risk of asthma.
Children who smoke cigarettes have nearly four times the risk of developing asthma in their teens, and those exposed to cigarette smoke in utero face an even higher risk. The study draws on data from the Children's Health Study, a longitudinal study of respiratory health among children in southern California communities.
Researchers found that obstructive lung disease patients received only about half of the recommended medical care, with significant variations between asthma and COPD patients. The study estimates that improving care could save lives, such as by increasing oxygen treatment for COPD patients and steroid treatment for asthmatic patients.
Researchers have found that measured doses of ultraviolet light can significantly reduce the development of asthma-like symptoms in mice. Exposure to UV light before allergen exposure also produces a cell type that can prevent some asthma symptoms when transferred into other mice.
Research suggests that asthma diagnosis may be overdiagnosed in obese patients, while inadequate workplace safety education is linked to an increased incidence of occupational asthma. Additionally, a study finds that diabetes increases the prevalence of asthma, and heart murmurs are more common in women.
A large safety study found that the flu vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of serious conditions in young children. The study analyzed data on over 45,000 children who received the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine between 1991 and 2003.
Researchers found that patients with symptomatic moderate asthma treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha experienced significantly fewer disease exacerbations than those on placebo. The study also showed a significant decrease in diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow rate.
A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that dogs in the home can increase cough, phlegm production, and bronchitis responses in children with asthma. The researchers speculate that endotoxin from dog dander may be the cause of this increased response.
The study found that childhood allergy prevalence increased globally, with higher rates in Asia-Pacific and India. The prevalence of eczema was highest in young children, while hayfever showed increases across both age groups.
A study published in The Lancet found that children with persistent wheezing and allergies are at higher risk of developing lung function loss and asthma. Exposure to high levels of allergens also contributes to the development of asthma.
Researchers found that using budesonide-formoterol as a reliever therapy significantly reduced the risk of severe asthma attacks in patients already on a preventive drug combination. This approach may lead to fewer hospitalizations and improved patient outcomes.
A recent editorial in The Lancet suggests that asthma may not be a single disease entity but rather a collection of symptoms with varying triggers and responses. This conclusion is based on the lack of understanding about what triggers inflammation in the airways, leading to the condition.
University of Iowa experts are warning that a commonly prescribed asthma medication combination can be deadly for certain patients. The long-acting asthma drug salmeterol used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid can worsen asthma symptoms for those who do not need the combination, leading to life-threatening problems.
Researchers found that young women with asthma are twice as likely to experience symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea compared to those without asthma. Habitual snoring was reported by about 21% of these patients, highlighting the importance of identifying high-risk groups.
Puerto Rican children with asthma make more outpatient clinic visits but spend less time hospitalized compared to African-American children with similar disease severity. Cultural differences in perceptions of medical care may play a role in these disparities.
Research found a strong association between indoor swimming pool availability and childhood asthma rates across Europe. The study of 190,000 young teenagers from 21 countries showed a 2-3% rise in wheezing and asthma for every indoor pool per 100,000 population.
COPD and asthma are major economic burdens on Swedish society, with annual costs totaling SEK 9.1 billion and SEK 3.7 billion respectively. These lung diseases significantly degrade quality of life, especially severe cases of COPD and asthma.
Quitting smoking significantly improves lung function test scores in asthmatics, even after just one week of no cigarettes. The study found a notable increase in lung function improvements compared to high-dose anti-inflammatory treatment.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that a fatty acid binding protein called aP2 plays a crucial role in controlling inflammation in asthma. The research suggests that blocking aP2 function may be a novel approach for asthma treatment and other inflammatory lung diseases.
Australian researchers identified a new protein in human airway epithelial cells that regulates allergic airway inflammation. A study suggests the protein aP2 plays an essential role in both type 2 diabetes and allergic airway diseases like asthma.
The study reveals that protein aP2 is present in human epithelial cells lining the airways and its expression is increased by interleukin-4 and -13. Mice lacking aP2 exhibit reduced airway inflammation, highlighting the importance of lipids in inflammation and metabolism.
A literature review provides evidence-based recommendations on treating severe asthma exacerbations with oral corticosteroids and questioning the practice of doubling ICS doses. The review also explores increasing ICS to high doses as an alternative to OCS.
Researchers found that laboratory animal workers who handled more than 50 rats per day had a two-fold reduction in the risk of developing work-related chest symptoms. This suggests that exposure to laboratory animals can lead to natural immunity, as indicated by high IgG4-IgE antibody ratios.
A $5 million grant will establish an Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Center at Indiana University School of Medicine. Researchers aim to identify diagnostic biological markers for eczema and asthma, leading to better treatment and prevention strategies.
A study of over 600 newborns found that reducing exposure to house dust mites and increasing omega-3 fatty acids through diet had no impact on the development of asthma. Researchers recommend further research into alternative interventions for preventing asthma and allergic disease in children.
A study of 165 medical practices found that participating in a pharmaceutical company-sponsored clinical trial had no effect on physicians' adherence to international treatment guidelines. In fact, trial-conducting practices showed increased use of the sponsor's inhaled corticosteroids.
A study found that children living near Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in Iowa are more likely to develop asthma, with a prevalence rate of 24.6% compared to 11.7% in areas far from the facilities. The results suggest that CAFOs release inflammatory substances that can affect the health of nearby communities.
Researchers analyzed 19 trials involving 33,826 patients and found that long-acting beta-agonists like salmeterol and formoterol increase the risk of asthma-related deaths by 3.5 times and hospitalizations by 2.5 times compared to placebo.
A meta-analysis of 33,826 asthma patients found that long-acting beta-agonists increase hospitalization rates by 2.5 times and life-threatening asthma attacks by two times compared to placebo. Naps and caffeine can combat fatigue in medical interns and night drivers.
A double-blind randomized controlled trial found that two breathing techniques can reduce reliance on medication and improve quality of life for adults with mild asthma. Participants experienced an 86% decrease in reliever medication use over a period of eight months.
Researchers studied four groups of apprentices, finding that machinists had the worst sensitivity to lung irritants and were more likely to develop asthma and bronchitis. Early occupational exposure to chemicals such as isosyanates may be a risk factor for developing lung disease.
A study of 486 children found that early exposure to cats increased their risk of developing eczema, a condition often associated with allergies. Children without asthma mothers were most at risk.
Researchers found that inhaled corticosteroids reduced asthma symptoms in young children, but did not prevent the development of chronic asthma. The study suggested that early treatment with inhaled corticosteroids may slow the growth of children at risk for asthma-related problems.
A Europe-wide study aims to identify the key factors contributing to asthma development, with a long-term goal of prevention. The GABRIEL project will analyze genetic and environmental interactions, including the role of urbanization and industrial agents, to better understand this complex disease.
Researchers found that blocking the H1 histamine receptor can effectively reduce allergic lung responses and alleviate symptoms of hay fever. The study suggests this approach could provide new treatment options for individuals suffering from allergies.
A small study of bronchial thermoplasty found significant improvement in airway responsiveness and symptom-free days among 16 asthma patients. The procedure, which reduces airway smooth muscle mass, was well-tolerated with transient side effects.
A recent study has found that children living within 75 meters of a major road are at a 50% greater risk of having had asthma symptoms in the past year. The research also showed that higher traffic volumes on roads were related to increased rates of asthma, with risk decreasing further away from the road.
Researchers discovered that prostaglandin E2 activates the pairing of EP1R with beta2AR receptors, reducing their ability to cause muscle relaxation. This may explain why some asthma treatments fail for individuals with elevated PGE2 levels.
Researchers will investigate the biological processes linking exercise with disease in children, examining how exercise impacts growth, development, and immune function. The goal is to develop effective exercise programs to lower obesity rates and improve health outcomes for children with chronic diseases.
A school-based quality initiative improved asthma outcomes for children with severe asthma, increasing perfect care to 84% and asthma-related emergency room visits by 22%. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of community partnerships and evidence-based care in improving child health.
Telithromycin shows promise in treating acute asthma attacks, reducing symptoms and recovery time. The antibiotic's anti-inflammatory properties may also help alleviate severity of asthma attacks.
Researchers found that IL-25 promotes type 2 responses driving asthma, but also limits destructive inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests IL-25 may offer a treatment avenue for chronic inflammatory diseases.
A study published in Ambulatory Pediatrics found that only 64% of parents with asthmatic children have complete no-smoking rules at home and car. Most caregivers reported being asked about smoke exposure by healthcare providers, but few were offered resources to help quit smoking.
A recent study published in PNAS found that at least two-thirds of asthma patients' pulmonary T cells are actually NKT cells, not conventional Th2 cells. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments targeting NKT cells.
Research found a significant association between high leptin levels and asthma risk in women, but not men. The study suggests leptin may play an independent role in increasing asthma risk, rather than being linked to obesity.
Patients with asthma often view their condition as a temporary health problem, leading to inadequate treatment and poor disease control. A study found that nearly half of hospitalised asthma patients believed they only had asthma when symptoms appeared.
Researchers have found that C5aR blockade promotes Th2 sensitization upon first exposure to inhaled allergen, while during established inflammation suppresses the cardinal features of asthma. This study provides new insights into the role of the anaphylatoxin C5a receptor in type 2 immunity and asthma.
Researchers block C5a receptor to prevent or induce asthma-like symptoms in mice, identifying mechanism by which C5aR signaling prevents response. C5aR blockade also reduces severity of asthma-like symptoms after allergen exposure.
A study found that higher levels of self-esteem and problem-solving beliefs in urban, school-aged children with asthma helped counteract the negative effects of asthma and urban living. These factors were associated with fewer school absences, more participation in activities, and less missed sleep.
A new study suggests that people who are overweight or obese may have better results with the prescription pill sold as Singulair than with a type of inhaled steroid, while leaner people may have better luck with an inhaled steroid. The findings indicate that obesity may influence individuals' responses to asthma medications.
Researchers found notable increases in racial differences in asthma hospitalizations and deaths since 1980, with smaller increases seen for adults. Clinicians are urged to focus on improving treatment, prevention, and education for minorities to close the unacceptable racial gap.
Research found that some masks used in combination with pressurized metered-dose inhalers for children's asthma treatment have poor fit and high dead space volume, reducing medication effectiveness. The study suggests that better-fitting masks are crucial for effective drug delivery.
A study by Dr. Jill Halterman found that children with severe asthma symptoms often exhibit behavioral problems, such as anxiety and difficulty focusing, which can impact their learning. The research suggests that addressing both asthma and behavior issues simultaneously is crucial for effective treatment.
The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has improved asthma care for low-income children in New York, resulting in fewer attacks and emergency room visits. SCHIP has increased access to necessary medications, preventative care, and affordable healthcare services.
A study of 702 pregnant women found that lung function worsened in mothers with either male or female fetuses until about 30 weeks, after which improvement was noted. Mothers carrying males had better lung function throughout pregnancy by 10 percent.
Researchers discover that cellular transformation in mice and humans with asthma and chronic bronchitis leads to overproduction of mucus. A combination of two drugs, EGFR and IL-13 inhibitors, can prevent this transformation and normalize airway lining in patients.
Children with asthma living in multi-family housing are at risk due to high indoor nitrogen dioxide levels. The study found that homes with gas stoves had significantly higher concentrations than those with electric stoves, posing a greater threat to respiratory health.
A study examining asthma rates in Hispanics found that Puerto Ricans have the highest prevalence of asthma, with 31% of school children experiencing current wheezing. The study also found significant differences in asthma rates and disease severity among Hispanic subgroups.