Articles tagged with Asthma
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Researchers will investigate the safety and effectiveness of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from plants like flaxseed, echium, and borage. The studies aim to prevent and treat inflammatory diseases, with an estimated one in three Americans suffering from such conditions within two decades.
Researchers found asthmatics produce lower levels of interferon beta, making them more susceptible to respiratory virus infections. A potential new treatment for asthma attacks involves using a device to top up interferon levels in the lungs.
Studies reveal new insights into atherosclerotic vascular dysfunction, satiety regulation, and hypertension treatment. Cranberry juice improves vascular function in patients with high cholesterol, while statins may disrupt hypertension development through cellular calcium modulation.
Scientists have discovered that elevated estrogen levels can reduce the severity of asthma by preventing abnormal airway constriction. Selective estrogen receptor modifiers (SERMs) also showed similar effects, suggesting a new molecular target for asthma therapy.
Researchers found that asthma inflammation directly affects the heart's recovery from a heart attack, increasing cardiac tissue damage. Asthma may be identified as a potential risk factor for post-operative complications and recurrent events following cardiology interventions.
A recent study by Dr. Irene Leal-Berumen and colleagues reveals that asthma patients' immune systems exhibit distinct responses to allergens depending on the presence or absence of allergic rhinitis symptoms. The findings have significant implications for the development of personalized treatment therapies.
A retrospective cohort study found that early treatment with nebulized ICS reduced hospitalization rates among young children with asthma. The study evaluated 11,407 patients and showed that those receiving initial therapy had lower exacerbation rates.
Asthma sufferers experience worsened symptoms when infected with the common cold virus, as their cells replicate more extensively and fail to produce interferon-beta, a potent anti-viral protein. This defect leads to increased pro-inflammatory molecule secretion, recruiting asthma-inducing cells into the lungs.
A new study has found that the use of budesonide reduces the risk of asthma-related events by 40% in children. The study, which involved nearly 2,000 children with mild persistent asthma, showed that earlier treatment with budesonide resulted in fewer exacerbations and improved lung function.
Research finds that ICU patients who develop bloodstream infections have a significantly higher mortality rate than those who do not, highlighting the importance of preventing these infections. The study also suggests that interventions targeting less severely ill patients and at-risk individuals may be effective in reducing mortality ...
Research finds that exposure to cigarette smoke increases severity of RSV bronchiolitis in young children. The study also reveals surprising findings on the role of allergens and asthma in infection severity.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that cockroach allergens are a primary contributor to childhood asthma in inner-city home environments. The study suggests that general cleaning practices, extermination techniques, and maintenance methods can reduce allergen levels.
A recent study found that indoor allergen levels vary significantly across the country, with cockroach allergens exacerbating asthma symptoms in inner-city children. Exposure to dust mite allergens was not found to have a significant impact on asthma symptoms.
A new study found that inner city children in the US are exposed to different levels of indoor allergens depending on their location and home type. Cockroaches were found to have the greatest impact on asthma morbidity, causing more severe symptoms and increased healthcare visits.