Articles tagged with Asthma
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
The ACRN, a partnership of NHLBI and eight clinical centers across the US, conducts well-designed clinical trials for asthma treatments. Penn State's Data Coordinating Center leads expertise in biostatistical design and analysis.
Researchers found that children with mild asthma already show pathologic features of adult disease, including basement membrane thickening and airway eosinophilia. New AAT deficiency guidelines also aim to improve diagnosis and management by identifying specific risk factors for this hereditary disorder.
A recent study by Henry Ford Health found a significant link between early antibiotic use in children and an increased risk of developing allergies and asthma. The study followed 448 children from birth to seven years and found that those who received antibiotics in the first six months were more likely to develop these conditions.
The award recognizes journalists who raise public awareness about allergic diseases, recognize allergists as experts, and provide medically accurate information. Eligible entries must have been published or broadcast between September 1, 2002, and August 31, 2003.
Researchers will use gene expression profiling and other techniques to identify genes involved in asthma. The program aims to understand how environmental factors interact with genetic causes to affect the disease's progression.
Research identifies critical role of innate immunity in lung transplant rejection, suggesting novel therapies may prevent acute rejection. Preschool children with asthma also exhibit abnormal pulmonary function, while patients with sleep apnea show periods of stable breathing.
Researchers found that higher melatonin levels in asthma patients at night lead to impaired lung function, suggesting all patients with asthma should avoid melatonin supplements until more is known about their safety. This study's findings support previous research linking melatonin to inflammation in asthma.
Regularly scheduled use of inhaled beta-agonists can result in airway hyperresponsiveness and prolonged asthmatic attacks, according to recent studies. Researchers suggest that targeting phospholipase C-beta may offer a new treatment approach for asthma patients.
A UCI biomedical engineer has received a $1.8 million grant to create viable lung tissue similar to that found in bronchial tubes, which will be injured to simulate asthma injuries. The goal is to better understand what causes scarring in the lungs of people with asthma and develop more effective treatments.
Children with severe asthma defy conventional understanding of inflammation-driven disease, showing little to no evidence of ongoing inflammation and permanent changes in lung tissue despite long-term therapy. Despite aggressive treatment, many patients experience uncontrolled symptoms, frequent hospitalizations, and even death.
Research found that daily consumption of full cream milk and butter was associated with lower rates of asthma and wheeze in pre-school children. Antioxidants and other micronutrients in these products may play a role in this beneficial effect.
Researchers found that a humanized anti-human interleuken antibody reduced eosinophils in severe asthma patients, improving pulmonary function. In another study, poor oral hygiene was linked to an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia, with Gram-negative bacteria being the main culprits.
Sandra McLachlan and her team reveal that cleavage of the TSHR A subunit can induce or amplify the immune response to the TSHR, resulting in autoantibodies that stimulate thyroid hormones. This finding increases understanding of why autoantibodies arise specifically to the TSHR, leading to Graves hyperthyroidism.
Research breakthrough identifies 291 genes associated with asthma, opening up new avenues for treatment and diagnostic development. The study focused on the arginase pathway, which regulates critical processes involved in allergic reactions.
Researchers identified nearly 300 asthma signature genes involved in pathogenesis, including arginase, which triggers asthmatic symptoms. The discovery could lead to targeted treatments for individual patients.
The XPERT TM study shows Xyzal significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with persistent allergic rhinitis. Long-term treatment reduced co-morbidity, lost productivity, and economic savings.
A recent study found that nearly 20% of North Carolina children experience un-diagnosed asthma symptoms, leading to missed school days and limited activities. The condition affects not only physical health but also sleep patterns, cognitive function, and learning ability.
A study of 114 asthmatic children found that higher exposure to nitrogen dioxide before a viral infection led to more severe asthma symptoms and exacerbations. This suggests that controlling air pollution could reduce healthcare costs associated with treating acute asthma attacks.
A study found that regular indoor swimming pool attendance is associated with increased lung damage and a higher risk of childhood asthma. The researchers measured lung proteins in children who swam regularly at indoor pools, finding significant associations with cellular damage and respiratory issues.
A new study by USC researchers found that exposure to cockroaches, weed killers, pesticides, and other environmental pollutants in the first year of life are linked to an increased risk of early asthma. Daycare attendance before 4 months also contributed to this risk.
Exposure to environmental toxins during the first year of life significantly increases asthma risk, with cockroach infestations doubling the likelihood, according to a study led by Dr. Frank Gilliland.
A study found that one-third of young adults who outgrow asthma may experience a relapse by age 26. Those highly allergic or with bronchial hyper-responsiveness are at greatest risk. The study followed 1,037 New Zealanders to age 26, with detailed respiratory histories every two years.
A new study reveals that dogs cause a stronger reaction in asthmatics than cats, even though more people are allergic to cats. The study found that dogs triggered a combination of reactions that included reduced air exhalation and increased nitric oxide release due to inflammation.
A study of 15 African American adults with persistent asthma found five primary themes hindering inhaled corticosteroid (IC) use, including reluctance, social distractions and misconceptions about side effects. Improving communication between healthcare providers and patients is crucial to overcoming these barriers.
Children prescribed asthma medications have lower rates of emergency room visits compared to those without prescriptions. However, asthmatic African-American and urban children experience more frequent ER visits due to asthma attacks.
A new imaging technique using hyperpolarized helium MRI offers a noninvasive method to study the airways of people with asthma. The technique provides information on ventilation and depicts structure and function of the airways, which can help correlate symptoms with treatment.
A study of 589 postmenopausal women found a significant association between menopause and sleep-disordered breathing. Additionally, researchers discovered that statin use can significantly reduce tissue rejection and improve pulmonary function in lung transplant patients. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating sleep-diso...
A study published in the April 2003 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that asthma hospital visits doubled between 1978 and 1990, but stabilized afterwards. Controller medication use increased, particularly inhaled corticosteroids, while reliever medication use decreased. The data suggests that asthma treatment is becomin...
Researchers found that mice lacking NKT cells remained resistant to asthma-inducing stimuli, while those with NKT cells developed airway hyper-reactivity and symptoms. The study suggests NKT cells play a key role in asthma development and may be targeted for treatment.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that allergy specialist care can significantly reduce emergency room visits for asthma. Patients receiving adequate inhaled corticosteroid therapy (at least four canisters per year) and/or allergy specialty care had a lower risk of hospitalization, with 27% showi...
A study of over 7200 patients found that budesonide decreased the risk of severe asthma attacks by 44% and reduced the need for systemic steroids. The drug also improved lung function and was well-tolerated, but had a negative effect on growth in children under 11.
Two new studies report associations between prenatal exposure to maternal smoking and early-onset asthma with deficits in children's lung function. In the first study, a two-month rifampin/pyrazinamide regimen was found to be effective in treating latent TB in high-risk, non-adherent groups, but with potential liver toxicity risks.
Birks, a renowned Boulder chemist, has won the ACS Award for Creative Advances in Environmental Science and Technology. He is developing smaller instruments to measure atmospheric gases using balloons, which may have medical benefits, such as tracking nitric oxide levels for asthma treatment.
A recent study suggests that bacterial infections can modify the allergic response, potentially preventing asthma and allergies in children. The research found that mice infected with M. pneumoniae showed a milder reaction to allergens than control mice.
A family history of asthma is a consistent risk factor for childhood asthma, but only partially identifies children at increased risk. Despite this, knowledge of the risk can motivate parents and healthcare providers to take proactive steps in prevention.
Researchers found that normalizing induced sputum eosinophil count reduces asthma exacerbations by 63% and severe asthma attacks by 67%. The strategy has implications for regular monitoring of airway inflammation to treat moderate to severe asthma.
Researchers found that asthma patients frequently move between severity categories, with no single parameter reliably predicting overall severity. This variability may lead to underestimation or overestimation of asthma severity, emphasizing the importance of proper management and daily maintenance treatments.
A study found that Advair Diskus can reduce inhaled corticosteroid doses by 60% without compromising asthma control. The treatment, which combines an inhaled long-acting bronchodilator and corticosteroid, was shown to improve pulmonary function, symptom-free days, and albuterol use in patients requiring higher doses of corticosteroids.
Exposure to inhaled corticosteroids was associated with a decreased risk of death and longer survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ICS plus salmeterol combination showed significant reduction in mortality risk.
The NHLBI initiative establishes partnerships between research-intensive and minority-serving institutions to investigate factors contributing to asthma disparities. The project focuses on psychosocial factors, ethnic variations in sensitivity to environmental allergens, and the interrelationship between genetic susceptibility and stress.
The University of Wisconsin will lead a research network to develop and test immune-based treatments for asthma in inner-city children, building on successful NCICAS interventions that have reduced asthma severity.
A study found that treating acid reflux significantly improved quality of life and reduced asthma symptoms in patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma. The use of a proton pump inhibitor, such as lansoprazole, was shown to offer significant benefits for these patients.
A recent study reveals that asthma affects over 42,000 US households, with moderate to severe persistent disease prevalent among individuals. Additionally, the research highlights the significant impact of asthma on daily activities, affecting two-thirds of respondents.
A German study found exposure to house dust endotoxin is associated with lower allergic sensitization in school children. Researchers also discovered that females are more sensitive to coughing agents than males. Occupational exposure to dust and fumes is linked to increased respiratory symptoms and asthma risk.
A JAMA study found that pharmacist interventions significantly improved peak flow rates for patients with asthma, but not those who received standard care. The study also showed a notable decrease in breathing-related emergency department or hospital visits among the intervention group.
A recent study found that breastfeeding had no significant effect on the risk of developing asthma or allergies in childhood. In fact, children who were breastfed for more than four weeks were twice as likely to develop allergic disease or asthma compared to those who were not breastfed.
A study of 24,690 British children found a dose-related association between maternal antibiotic exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of asthma, eczema, and hay fever. Another study on Alaskan sled dogs suggests that 'ski asthma' may be a model for exercise-induced airway injury in humans.
A new study confirms that cat exposure increases the risk of persistent wheezing and asthma in children whose mothers have asthma. In contrast, exposure to cats is protective for children without a family history of asthma, reducing the risk of wheezing by 40%.