Articles tagged with Asthma
A recent study found that ICS (fluticasone propionate) was more effective than LTRA (montelukast) in improving asthma control in children with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. The study showed significant improvements in asthma control days, pulmonary responses, and inflammatory biomarkers.
Minority patients, particularly African Americans, were less likely to receive inhaled steroid medications for asthma, with usage increasing only among African American patients. Children also faced barriers to access, reflecting the need for further studies on healthcare disparities.
Scientists at The Institute for Genomic Research have sequenced the genome of Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that can cause human infections. The 28 Mb genome consists of 8 chromosomes with over 10,000 genes, which researchers are now searching to identify unique virulence factors.
A UCSF study found that living in lower-income areas worsens health and quality of life due to poorer air quality. Neighborhoods with high traffic flow and industrial pollution also linked to reduced lung function, while larger backyards with allergenic plants may play a role.
Researchers found that vitamin D3 supplementation can increase the responsiveness of T-cells from patients with severe asthma to steroids. The study suggests that this therapy could lead to new ways to treat people who don't respond to steroid treatment, reducing the need for heavy medication.
The study found no new or unexpected adverse events, including rare events, reported to VAERS during the first two post-licensure seasons of intranasal flu vaccine use. The researchers identified some potential risks, such as anaphylaxis and asthma exacerbation in individuals with prior asthma history.
A study found significant relationships between household endotoxin levels and diagnosed asthma, recent symptoms, and wheezing. The strongest effects were observed in adults, with lower levels of endotoxins in bedding compared to kitchen floor dust.
Researchers at UCSD found that selectively inactivating the IKK beta gene in airway membrane-lining cells significantly reduces inflammation, mucus production, and scarring. This discovery suggests a potential targeted treatment for asthma sufferers.
A new HRCT technique shows that cat allergen exposure can lead to persistent inflammation in small airways, increasing the risk of severe asthma attacks. The study's findings highlight the importance of targeting these regions with treatments.
The updated practice parameter provides new definitions for acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis, as well as guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics should be used judiciously, and referral to an allergist/immunologist is recommended for patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis.
Patients under the care of an allergist reported significantly fewer asthma control problems, less severe symptoms, and higher satisfaction with their care. This study suggests that specialist care can lead to better outcomes for patients with chronic asthma.
A study found that approximately 9% of children with tree nut allergies can outgrow their condition, including those who have had previous severe reactions. Children with multiple types of tree nut allergies are unlikely to outgrow their allergy.
The study found that the size of a patient's lung mass correlates with brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer. School sports significantly decrease smoking rates among students. Researchers discovered a new method to diagnose and treat sleep apnea without overnight polysomnography, but noted a higher use of sedatives in non-obe...
A recent study found that children with asthma are more likely to experience social functioning issues, depression, and anxiety. Children with higher levels of anxiety or depression tend to have poorer interpersonal relationships and fewer friends.
Researchers found that a home-based environmental intervention significantly reduced asthma symptoms and associated healthcare use in inner-city children. The cost per symptom-free day was $25.57, offsetting the intervention's expenses.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends regular assessment of asthma control to ensure patients receive optimal treatment. This approach helps identify changes in medication effectiveness and environmental triggers.
A new focus for asthmatics aims to control the condition, rather than letting it control them. Asthma treatment should be individualized and tailored to achieve target symptom control, with regular visits to doctors for reassessment and medication adjustment.
A recent study by the University of Manchester discovered that pillows can contain a substantial fungal load, with some samples having over 1 million fungal spores per pillow. The research highlights the potential for fungal contamination to exacerbate respiratory diseases like asthma and sinusitis in adults.
A new study shows that home-based environmental interventions can significantly reduce asthma symptoms and healthcare costs in children. The program, which targeted six major allergen classes, resulted in a 19% decrease in unscheduled clinic visits and a 13% reduction in albuterol inhaler use.
A Medical College of Wisconsin study reveals that up to half of childhood asthma hospitalizations can be prevented with better parent-physician communication about medication, follow-up care, and asthma triggers. The study found that medication adherence issues were a major contributor to preventable hospitalizations.
Children living closer to freeways are more likely to develop asthma, according to a new study published in the journal Epidemiology. Higher levels of nitrogen dioxide around their homes also increased the risk of developing asthma.
A recent study by Yale University researchers has discovered a gene that controls the severity of asthma, finding that high production variants of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene are associated with severe disease. The study used mice models and human data to support an important role for MIF in asthma pathogenesis.
Researchers investigated tumour necrosis factor alpha, finding higher levels in severe asthmatics with chronic disease resistant to steroid treatment. A treatment using a TNF-alpha blocking drug improved symptoms and lung function in patients with severe asthma.
Researchers found a strong association between endotoxin levels and asthma prevalence, with bedroom floor and bedding dust having the highest concentrations. Exposure to endotoxins worsens asthma symptoms in adults, regardless of allergy status.
A study by Professor Peter Openshaw suggests a link between reduced childhood infections and increased asthma prevalence, highlighting the importance of early exposure to dirt. The 'hygiene hypothesis' proposes that a lack of environmental factors can lead to immune system imbalances, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.
Children with asthma are at significantly greater risk for serious airway constriction if their fathers have a history of the disease. A 5-year study found paternal asthma strongly associated with childhood airway hyperresponsiveness, a defining feature of asthma. In contrast, maternal asthma showed no correlation.
Researchers found that specific brain regions are linked to inflammation and lung function in asthmatic patients. The anterior cingulate cortex and insula were found to be hyper-responsive to emotional and physiological signals, influencing symptom severity.
Researchers at VCU demonstrated that a cytokine called interferon gamma can induce the death of developing mast cells in a mouse model system. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments for allergy and inflammatory responses in diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and heart disease.
Researchers found a new way to distinguish virus-induced asthma from allergen-caused disease, highlighting increased IL-10 gene expression in viral infections. The study also showed benefits of inhaled corticosteroids for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered that T lymphocytes, part of the body's defense mechanism, cause airway remodeling in asthmatics. This process leads to thickening of airway muscle and increased symptoms.
A new study by researchers at NIEHS found that over half of the US population is sensitive to one or more allergens. The prevalence of positive skin test responses was significantly higher in NHANES III than in NHANES II, coinciding with an increase in asthma cases between 1980 and 1996.
The study found that Bermudagrass lawns support twice as many fungal spores as St. Augustine grass, which can trigger allergic reactions. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing is also recommended to reduce potential allergens.
Researchers found a significant risk factor for early respiratory failure following stem cell transplantation: patients with low lung function test scores prior to treatment. The study analyzed 2,852 patients who received allogeneic transplants between 1990 and 2001.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that oxidative stress from pollen is as important as antigen exposure in triggering severe respiratory inflammation. Antioxidant substances may help forestall allergy or asthma attacks, and longer-lived antioxidants could be effective in treatment and prevention.
Scientists at Galileo Pharmaceuticals confirm a significant link between inflammation and glucose regulation in metabolic disease. The study demonstrates that administration of a proprietary dual 5- and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitor reduces resting glucose levels by approximately 20% without affecting insulin levels.
Research suggests that certain genetic variations associated with asthma and allergies may lower the risk of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common type of brain cancer. The study found that individuals with specific polymorphisms on two genes, IL-4RA and IL-13, had a lower GBM risk.
A team of researchers discovered a gene called Nrf2 that plays a critical role in regulating inflammation and susceptibility to asthma. The findings provide insights into the human body's defense mechanisms against stress and may hold potential for developing new treatments.
A recent study found that 33% of people over 55 had undiagnosed asthma, with severe symptoms affecting their quality of life. The lack of specific asthma management plans for older people has significant implications for the growing Australian population living with asthma.
A study of 2,819 respondents in western Norway found that exposure to pre- and post-natal tobacco smoke increases the risk of adult asthma. The researchers estimated that almost a quarter of cases of adult asthma could be prevented if children were not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.
Research linking obesity and asthma suggests that weight loss can reduce eotaxin levels, a key inflammatory mediator. The study found that obese patients experienced significant reductions in eotaxin levels after losing weight, offering new hope for treating debilitating asthma symptoms.
Researchers at UF found that a metered-dose albuterol inhaler with a holding chamber works as well as traditional nebulizer treatment, causing fewer side effects in children. A policy implemented at Shands at UF medical center increased use of the new method by 53% and gave hope for wider adoption.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of open communication between parents, camp officials, and medical professionals about a child's health needs. Camps are advised to provide parents with detailed information about their programs, including risks associated with certain activities, and to have staff trained in first aid and CPR.
A study of young adults found a strong association between asthma and panic disorder, with active asthma predicting subsequent panic disorder. The 'electronic nose' technology also showed promise in detecting lung cancer by analyzing exhaled breath samples.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a natural compound, nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), that helps keep airways open and may offer a new approach to treating asthma. Mice with elevated levels of GSNO were less susceptible to asthma, while those deficient in GSNO developed the disease.
Researchers found that 33% of men and 49% of women with asthma are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, which is related to asthma severity. The study suggests that doctors should examine their patients' sleep patterns more often to identify potential aggravating conditions.
Plant pathologists warn that SBS is a complex problem requiring objective inspections for possible causes. Mold growth and dust are two of the main contributors to SBS, necessitating the expertise of more plant pathologists and mycologists.
A study of 11,407 patients found that increased adherence to controller therapies like Pulmicort Respules resulted in a 23.2% decrease in exacerbations among more adherent patients compared to 16.8%. This translates to fewer ER visits and improved asthma control for children with asthma.
A study of 235 patients with asthma found that laughter-induced asthma (LIA) is a common condition, affecting 56% of patients. Patients with LIA reported longer periods of well-controlled asthma during which they could laugh without experiencing symptoms, suggesting that LIA may indicate poorly controlled asthma.
A study by USC researchers found that children living within 75 meters of a major road had a nearly 50% greater risk of having asthma symptoms. The study included over 5,000 5- and 6-year-old children living in Southern California.
A new study suggests that strenuous exercise followed by exposure to environmental antigens may promote over-production of antibodies, leading to asthma-like airway disease. The research also found a similar 'window of susceptibility' in athletes and horses, linking the development of conditions like heaves and ski asthma.
A new study published by the American Thoracic Society found that children living within 75 meters of a major road are at a higher risk of having asthma symptoms. The research, which included over 5,000 children in Southern California, suggests that local traffic may be causing an increase in asthma cases.
A new virtual asthma management program allows patients to track their lung function, symptoms, and quality of life, receiving personalized recommendations and human oversight from a Certified Asthma Educator. The program aims to complement physician care and improve asthma management for patients with geographic barriers.
A recent study of 100 individuals with chronic cough for nine years discovered that 53% experienced depressive symptoms. Two-thirds of patients who had their cough improve showed significant decreases in depressive symptoms, whereas those whose cough didn't improve didn't experience any corresponding improvements.
A national population-based study of 16,036 lung cancer patients found that Hispanics with curable stage I lung cancer had poorer lung cancer specific survival rates and worse all-cause mortality than white persons. This disparity was largely explained by lower surgical resection rates among Hispanics and a higher probability of being ...
A new protein called SPARC is involved in tumor therapy resistance, while complement component C5 contributes to airway inflammation in asthma. BMP signaling pathways may also be therapeutic targets for treating spondyloarthropathies.
Research suggests that obesity can exacerbate asthma due to reduced lung function, chronic inflammation, and hormonal changes. The study found increased levels of pro-inflammatory hormones like leptin in obese individuals with asthma.
Researchers discovered FGF-21 regulates glucose uptake in human fat cells, decreasing plasma glucose levels and triglycerides in diabetic animals. Additionally, FGF-21 protected animals from diet-induced obesity, defining a functional role for FGF-21 in vivo.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that symptom-driven therapy may be an effective treatment option for adults with mild persistent asthma. The research found that participants who took medication only when symptoms appeared had similar lung function changes and quality-of-life scores compared to thos...
A study found that adult patients with mild persistent asthma fare similarly whether they take inhaled steroids daily or only during symptoms. This suggests a possible cost-saving benefit, as estimated annual medication costs would be $2 billion lower if patients took steroids only when needed.
A USC study found that tobacco's harmful effects on lungs can be passed down through generations, increasing the risk of asthma in children and grandchildren. Grandmothers who smoked during pregnancy had a significant impact on their grandchild's asthma risk.