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Inhaled reliever therapies for asthma

A network meta-analysis of patients with asthma found that inhaled corticosteroid combinations with formoterol and short-acting β agonists significantly reduced asthma exacerbations. These therapies also improved asthma control compared to short-acting β agonist monotherapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 28, 2024

Study uncovers the true burden of asthma in African pupils, highlighting need for better access to asthma diagnosis and care

A study from Queen Mary University of London reveals that nearly half of African pupils with asthma symptoms have undiagnosed cases, highlighting the need for better access to diagnosis and treatment. The research found that only a small percentage of diagnosed pupils were using medication effectively.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2024

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for medical non-adherence: A topical review and clinical recommendations

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a promising intervention for addressing medical non-adherence in pediatric patients with chronic illnesses. CBT successfully integrates principles of learning theory and cognitive science to address behavioral and emotional challenges that affect health outcomes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateOct 21, 2024

Medicaid ACOs have not yet improved care for kids with asthma

A study led by UMass Amherst found no significant improvement in asthma care for Medicaid-insured children compared to those with private insurance. Despite the launch of primary care-oriented Medicaid ACOs in Massachusetts, disparities in quality of care persist, with worsening emergency department/hospital use for children with Medic...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2024

People with COPD, asthma have higher risk of health problems from increased wildfire activity, smoke

A new perspective article highlights the impact of wildfires on individuals with COPD and asthma. The five-part Population Health Approach, developed by the University of California, Davis Health, identifies high-risk patients and provides interventions to mitigate poor air quality's negative effects.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateAug 14, 2024

Asthma emergencies spike when allergenic pollen blooms

A new Cornell University study reveals that asthma-related emergency room visits spike significantly during periods of high allergenic pollen bloom in metropolitan areas. The research highlights the importance of science-based pollen forecasts to alert vulnerable individuals and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateAug 7, 2024

Air pollution exposure during childhood linked directly to adult bronchitis symptoms in new research

A new study reveals a direct connection between childhood air pollution exposure and adult bronchitis symptoms, suggesting that subtle effects on the respiratory system can persist into adulthood. The research, based on the USC Children's Health Study, found that even when adjusting for asthma or bronchitis symptoms in childhood, expos...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 28, 2024

Study elucidates role of “G900” gene enhancers in asthma-associated inflammation

Researchers found that mice lacking the G900 region exhibit reduced inflammatory response and suppressed Th2 differentiation when exposed to allergens. This discovery highlights the importance of the G900 gene enhancer in regulating immune responses and has implications for personalized treatments and asthma care.

SourceChiba University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Wildfire smoke and health

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in Canada, resulting in increased exposure to hazardous wildfire smoke. Health care practitioners play a crucial role in mitigating the health effects of wildfire smoke by providing guidance and support to vulnerable populations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 17, 2024

New ACAAI position paper examines safety of receiving live vaccines while on dupilumab

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) has issued a position paper on the safety of administering live vaccines to patients treated with dupilumab. The review suggests that treatment should not be stopped, but rather, shared decision-making between doctors and patients is recommended to weigh risks and benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 11, 2024

CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary receive indexation with Directory of Open Access Journals

The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed with the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), enhancing their open access content's accessibility and usage. The indexation is attributed to strong editorial boards led by Hayley Gershengorn and Matthew Miles.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Critical Care·DateMay 23, 2024

Few moderate or severe asthma patients prescribed recommended inhaler regimen

Only 14.5% of adult patients with moderate or severe asthma are prescribed the recommended Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART) combination inhaler regimen. Older age and Medicare insurance are associated with not being prescribed SMART, suggesting providers may resist changing treatment regimens for these groups.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 21, 2024

World-first trial shows benefits of finding, treating undiagnosed asthma and COPD

A world-first clinical trial found that finding and treating people with undiagnosed asthma or COPD improves their health and reduces healthcare visits. The study, which involved 508 patients, showed that those treated by a lung specialist and educator averaged fewer healthcare visits and improved symptoms compared to usual care.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2024

Link between e-cigarette use and early age of asthma onset in US adults found through UTHealth Houston research

Researchers at UTHealth Houston found a significant link between e-cigarette use and earlier age of asthma onset in U.S. adults. Adults who reported e-cigarette use in the past 30 days were 252% more likely to develop asthma earlier than those who did not use e-cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2024

Quantifying U.S. health impacts from gas stoves

A new study estimates that gas stove use in U.S. households may be responsible for up to 200,000 childhood asthma cases annually, with high levels of nitrogen dioxide exposure also causing thousands of deaths. The research found that even electric stoves produce no NO2, and that ventilation is key to reducing pollutant exposures.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 3, 2024

Location, location, location

A University of California, Riverside study found that communities in unincorporated areas lack basic critical infrastructure, including healthcare access. Caregivers perceive U.S.-based physicians as not providing sufficient information, while Mexican-based physicians are seen as offering better care.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 26, 2024

Asthma in children: Researchers envision novel drug to reduce the risk of the disease

A team of scientists has identified a specific gene expression pattern associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma. By understanding this mechanism, they aim to develop novel drugs that can correct the defense defect and prevent the progression of the disease.

Scientists call for urgent action to prevent immune-mediated illnesses caused by climate change and biodiversity loss

Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are damaging our immune systems, increasing the risk of diseases like asthma and cancer. Improving the environment offers effective protection and can have a powerful return on investment, saving $3 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent on mitigation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 4, 2024

New clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for immunotherapy for inhalant allergy

The American Academy of Otolaryngology has released a new clinical practice guideline supporting clinicians with evidence-based recommendations on immunotherapy for inhalant allergies. The guideline provides 12 key action statements to guide treatment, aiming to optimize patient care and reduce unnecessary variation in management.

Paradigm Shift: How a risk-based program is changing health care use and outcomes for children with high-risk asthma

The Changing High-Risk Asthma in Memphis through Partnership (CHAMP) program significantly decreased healthcare use related to asthma by addressing access to care, fragmented care, and social needs. After one year of enrollment, results showed a 48% reduction in ED visits, 68% reduction in inpatient and observation visits.

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateFeb 14, 2024