Articles tagged with Asthma
A recent study found that removing a specific protein from mice with chronic lung disease led to increased inflammation and damage. The discovery contradicts previous theories suggesting the protein's potential benefits in treating asthma.
A study of high-risk asthma patients shows that hospitalization can lead to a rapid decrease in prescribed medication use. Another study finds that inhaled corticosteroids may contribute to reduced bone density, particularly in individuals with COPD. Researchers also identify occupational exposure to insecticides and moldy environments...
A recent survey found that asthma control in US children falls short of national treatment goals, with most experiencing frequent symptoms and missed school days. The study highlights the need for better communication between parents and children to effectively manage the condition.
A new study reveals that patients with asthma experiencing high variability in disease symptoms incur greater direct and indirect costs, including hospitalizations, emergency visits, and lost productivity. High variability patients also report more frequent unscheduled doctor visits and asthma interrupts daily activities more often.
A study of children with asthma in Denver found that winter air pollution had no significant effect on asthma exacerbations or lung function. However, upper respiratory infections more than quadrupled the odds of an asthma exacerbation and increased symptoms.
A study found that melatonin improved sleep quality in women with mild to moderate asthma without affecting asthma symptoms. Another study revealed a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing among commercial truck drivers, linked to increased accident risk and substance abuse. Critical care use was common among seriously ill patie...
The ERICCA project aims to integrate electronic health records to improve asthma care for children. The system will facilitate communication among care providers, allow inter-disciplinary care planning, and provide clinical decision support.
Resveratrol exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in all systems examined, including laboratory cell lines and human airway epithelial cells. The compound inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators, including IL-8 and GM-CSF, which play a major role in inflammation development.
The BARGE trial found that individuals with the arginine genotype had poorer asthma control when using albuterol, while those with the glycine genotype had better asthma control. This suggests that genetic variations can impact response to common asthma medication, leading to potential personalization of therapy.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that using child-specific data improved quality of care for asthmatic children's hospital stays. The team reduced length and cost growth of hospital stays and readmission rates by 50% through targeted quality improvement efforts.
A study involving 15,555 participants found that current smokers, ex-smokers, and passive smokers are at a higher risk of habitual snoring. The frequency of snoring increases with the amount of tobacco smoked, with vitamin E showing a potential protective effect against asthma.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that the VEGF molecule plays a significant role in the development of asthma by inducing asthma-like abnormalities in genetically engineered mice. The researchers also discovered that blocking VEGF can prevent these manifestations, suggesting new potential targets for treatment.
Researchers have identified a new type of regulatory T cell that reduces airway inflammation and asthma in mice. The discovery sheds light on the characteristics of these cells and their potential role in treating allergies and other immune disorders.
Two studies published in Science suggest that eosinophils play a crucial role in the development of asthma, but the exact mechanisms are not yet clear. The findings challenge previous theories and highlight the importance of considering individual genetic factors in treating asthma.
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrates that eosinophils are required for mucus accumulation and lung dysfunction associated with asthma. Transgenic mice without eosinophils showed reduced or eliminated disease symptoms following allergen exposure, paving the way for novel therapies to treat and prevent asthma.
The American Thoracic Society has published a revised statement on diagnosing nonmalignant asbestos-related diseases, which includes chronic lung disease, pleural plaques, and airway obstruction. The updated guidance also discusses the diagnosis of asbestos-related pleural disease using chest X-rays.
A National Institutes of Health study found that reducing indoor allergens in the home significantly improves asthma symptoms in inner-city children. By targeting common allergens like dust mites, cockroaches, and tobacco smoke, researchers helped alleviate symptoms comparable to those achieved with asthma inhalers.
A study found that a customized environmental intervention reduced asthma symptoms in children by 21 days per year, with rapid improvements starting just 2 months after the program began. The program, which included measures to reduce allergens and tobacco smoke, was more effective than previous studies.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that reducing allergens and tobacco smoke in the home can significantly reduce asthma symptoms in African-American and Hispanic children. The research involved over 900 children aged 5-11, who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.
A new planned-care method for children with asthma has been shown to reduce symptoms by 13 days per year, need for rescue medication by a third, and improve adherence to medication as prescribed. The method involves regularly scheduled visits with specially trained nurses and extra education for physicians in asthma management.
A new study found that only half of parents' anti-asthma efforts are likely to work, while the other half may be unproven or potentially harmful. The study highlights a need for better education and support for parents, as well as healthcare providers, to effectively manage childhood asthma.
A study of children with mild to moderate asthma found that a significant number experienced a decline in lung function over four to six years. Children who were male, younger, and had shorter duration of asthma were more likely to experience this decline, regardless of treatment.
Researchers found that lung transplant patients who develop community-acquired respiratory viral infections are at twice the risk of developing bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Additionally, a study identified unique tumor signatures that can predict lung cancer death within 12 months with an accuracy rate of 87%.
Researchers discovered a link between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and asthma in mice, showing that an anti-RSV antibody could decrease the risk of developing asthma. The study suggests that treatments against RSV may reduce asthma-related complications in children.
A meta-analysis of 33 trials found that continuous use of asthma drugs increases airway inflammation and decreases bronchodilator response, while also posing cardiac risks for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. The studies suggested that pharmaceutical company sponsorship may be a factor in the conflicting results.
Asthma researchers at Yale discovered a new protein, AMCase, that contributes to inflammation in the airways. Blocking this protein may provide relief for humans with asthma, but its mechanism of action is not yet fully understood.
A recent study by Cohn et al. found that 82 percent of U.S. homes contain mouse allergens, with kitchen floors being the most contaminated area. The study, conducted across the entire country, highlights the need for clinicians to consider rodent and cockroach problems as risk factors when treating allergy and asthma patients.
A study of 338 Chicago neighborhoods found that areas with low collective efficacy had higher asthma rates due to lack of trust, poor air quality, and limited access to health services. Neighborhoods with high collective efficacy, on the other hand, had lower asthma rates due to stronger social connections.
Researchers found that Puerto Rican children with parents reporting asthma were more likely to have depressive disorders. Children experiencing asthma attacks were also at higher risk for anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety.
Researchers found that antibiotic therapy can promote allergic airway responses in mice, particularly when Candida albicans colonization occurs. The study suggests a potential link between antibiotic use and human allergies.
A recent study found that the gene TLR4 plays a crucial role in determining the lung's response to environmental toxins, particularly ozone. Mice with a functional copy of the gene were more susceptible to asthma-like symptoms when exposed to high levels of ozone.
Children whose mothers ate oily fish were 71% less likely to develop asthma; the more fish eaten, the lower the risk. A family history of asthma remains a strong risk factor for childhood asthma.
A study found that pregnant women with asthma experience worsening symptoms and increased nighttime problems when carrying a female fetus. Treatment with inhaled steroids can help control symptoms and reduce risks to the mother and baby.
Research suggests that laryngeal immune cells have a crucial role in tolerating inhaled antigens, screening for cancer cells, and preventing asthma. The study aims to understand how the lining responds to acid reflux or LPR and explore new diagnostic tools and treatments.
A study of 10,440 single-born infants found no increased risk of hospitalization for asthma among children born to mothers who consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Despite this, researchers caution that high prenatal alcohol exposure may still have unknown health effects.
A nationwide sample of children with asthma found that 13% of parents still smoke, triggering year-round symptoms. Pediatricians should counsel parents on quitting to improve their children's health.
The study found that school-based provision of inhaled corticosteroids resulted in fewer missed days of school and more symptom-free days for urban children. However, the program had limited effectiveness among those exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes.
A recent study suggests that mycoplasma bacterial infections may cause or exacerbate asthma attacks in children. The research found that nearly half of children experiencing their first asthma attack were infected with mycoplasma. Testing for mycoplasma infection in asthmatic children could help prevent future attacks.
A study found that almost one-fifth of asthma parents believe exercise is dangerous for their children, leading to lower physical activity levels. Children with moderate or severe asthma are also less likely to engage in high levels of physical activity due to parental misconceptions.
A study suggests that viral infections like RSV can increase the expression of Toll-4 receptors on airway cells, leading to a heightened response to endotoxin exposure and potentially causing asthma exacerbations. This increased sensitivity could also make airways more responsive to other environmental exposures.
Researchers found that long-term albuterol use can lead to accumulation of the (S)-isomer, which reduces anti-inflammatory effects and worsens asthma symptoms. The study suggests that current combination therapies may not be realizing their full potential due to isomer interactions.
A study of 740 homeless children in NYC found that 26.9% had a prior diagnosis of asthma and 12.9% reported symptoms consistent with moderate or severe persistent asthma. The authors suggest that high levels of exposure to adverse psychological factors contribute to the severity and undertreatment of asthma in homeless children.
Postmenopausal hormone therapy has been associated with an increased risk of developing asthma in women, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that current use of estrogen alone was linked to a 2.29 times higher risk of new asthma diagnoses compared to non-hormone users.
A study of influenza vaccination in children with asthma found no significant reduction in asthma exacerbations caused by the flu. In contrast, a separate study showed that maternal and personal smoking synergize to increase airflow limitation in offspring, increasing the risk of Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Researchers at OHSU are conducting a study to investigate whether early treatment with the eczema drug Elidel can prevent asthma in children with a family history of allergic disease. The study aims to enroll 200 infants with eczema and assess whether early intervention reduces the incidence of asthma.
A recent study found that children who experienced fewer fevers in their first year were less likely to develop allergies by age 6. Researchers discovered that fever-inducing infections involving the eyes, ears, nose, or throat appeared to be associated with a lower risk of developing allergies.
Antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin C, as well as selenium, were associated with lower asthma prevalence in US youth under age 17. In contrast, continuous positive airway pressure therapy improved systolic heart function and reduced symptoms in patients with congestive heart failure and sleep apnea.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroid before a severe asthma attack does not provide additional benefits. The research involved 390 patients who monitored their asthma for up to one year and received either an extra inhaler or placebo when control deteriorated.
Researchers found a link between a family of antioxidant-related genes and the allergic response to diesel exhaust particles. The study suggests that people lacking these genes may have difficulty fighting air pollution's harmful effects, with potential treatments being explored.
Researchers report success with new anti-IL-5 therapy in treating severe forms of hypereosinophilic syndrome, reducing eosinophil counts and improving symptoms. The treatment has been well-tolerated and improved the quality of life for all four patients, including one who regained ability to eat solid foods after years of inability.
Researchers identified four asthma patient subsets defined by age of onset and presence/absence of eosinophils, suggesting different biological processes and mechanisms. Early-onset asthma was associated with allergies, while late-onset asthma showed rapid lung function loss.
Children under 18 were more than twice as likely to be harmed in placebo-controlled trials due to asthma exacerbations compared to those receiving standard asthma therapy. Established guidelines recommend anti-inflammatory medications for all children and adults with mild-persistent, moderate or severe asthma.
A new study from the University of North Carolina Health Care found that exposure to ozone and endotoxin can make asthmatics more sensitive to house dust mites, worsening their symptoms. The research involved 14 participants with mild asthma who inhaled low levels of endotoxin, followed by an allergen challenge test.
A study of pregnant women with asthma found that a female fetus can reduce fetal growth if the mother isn't treated with inhaled glucocorticoids. Incomplete arousal processes were linked to SIDS deaths, and active smoking impaired corticosteroid treatment efficacy for asthmatic patients
A six-year prospective study will investigate whether early treatment with pimecrolimus can reduce or prevent the need for corticosteroids and subsequent development of asthma. Researchers hope that effective topical treatment of eczema in its early stages may help prevent later allergic diseases, such as asthma.
A study of 6,727 middle school students found that tobacco use and experimentation are prevalent in schools, particularly among children with asthma. The research highlights the importance of educating parents and children on the dangers of tobacco exposure and its adverse effects on respiratory health.
A recent study from Thomas Jefferson University found that middle school students in poorer performing Philadelphia schools had a higher prevalence of undiagnosed asthma. The researchers screened over 6,700 students and found that those in Edison-managed schools had more severe cases of the disease.
The American College of Chest Physicians has been awarded a scholarship by GlaxoSmithKline to create an educational program on respiratory health and advance best practices in patient care. Dr. Martin will investigate how to implement asthma guidelines into primary care practice and educate the public about them.
Research reveals distinct differences between severe asthma in children and adults, with males under 18 predominantly affected and females over 18. Children with severe asthma exhibit deceptively good lung function, challenging existing guidelines that may lead to undertreatment.
Researchers found that even low levels of ground-level ozone increase asthma symptoms in children with active asthma. A 50 ppb increase in ozone was associated with a 35% increase in wheezing and chest tightness among asthmatic children on maintenance medication.