Articles tagged with Asthma
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.
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.
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.
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%.
A Swedish study of over 3,000 children found that living with a cat significantly reduced the risk of developing asthma. Conversely, continuing smokers showed substantially lower lung function levels, indicating severe to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A study found that children exposed to dogs and cats in the home have a significantly reduced risk of developing common allergies, with exposure levels reducing allergy rates by up to 45%. The research suggests that early exposure to endotoxins from pets may help the immune system develop a different response, making it less likely for...
A study of 2,950 children found that in utero exposure to maternal smoking was linked to asthma and wheezing, with genetic susceptibility playing a significant role. Low body weight in COPD patients is also associated with greater muscle atrophy and poorer exercise capacity.
Researchers found that humming increased nitric oxide levels in the sinuses, boosting ventilation. Smoking by family members was linked to an increased likelihood of children being diagnosed with asthma before age 6. Obstructive sleep apnea was also associated with a significant increase in heart disease.
Researchers will quantify the long-term effects of PM2.5 particles on lung function and asthma exacerbations in children with moderate to severe asthma. The study aims to determine if environmental interventions can reduce asthma severity and improve lung function.
The study discovered a novel gene, ADAM33, linked to asthma susceptibility and airway changes in asthmatic patients. This gene is involved in generating bronchial hyperresponsiveness and may underlie abnormalities in asthmatic airway function.
Researchers found that viral infections in infancy can cause long-term changes in the body's anti-viral system, leading to chronic respiratory inflammation and distress. Mice infected with paramyxoviral virus developed airway hyperreactivity and mucus-producing cells, symptoms similar to asthma.
A new study by National Jewish Health reveals that smoking and pet ownership are common triggers of asthma attacks in children. Households with smokers differ from those with pets in terms of socioeconomic and psychosocial profiles, suggesting that addressing these triggers requires individualized approaches.
Researchers found significant effects of air pollution on children's lung function growth rates, with acid vapor showing the most consistent effect. A separate study found no association between antibiotic use in early life and asthma development at age 5.
A collaboration between students and scientists from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center aims to identify environmental triggers of pediatric asthma in Baltimore. The Baltimore Student Sun photometer Network (BSSN) will collect daily aerosol data, enhancing science, math, and technology skills for the students involved.
The article highlights the significant impact of behavioral factors on various diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and asthma. Research shows that negative emotions can lower immunity, while stress and depression can provoke the release of hormones that affect immune function.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment improved lung function in 56% of mild to moderate asthmatics with evidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydia pneumoniae infections. Lung function also showed improvement after treatment, with an average increase of 200 milliliters.
The new guidelines stress the importance of inhaled corticosteroids for controlling and preventing asthma symptoms. The update also highlights the need for further research on combination therapy, particularly in young children.
Asthma airway remodeling begins in childhood and continues into adulthood, affecting lung function and increasing the risk of respiratory complications. A new study found that 7.4% of children with asthma developed structural abnormalities in their airways at age 18, a rate similar to adults with asthma.
A study found that RSV prevention in premature infants during their first winter of life can lead to better lung function and fewer respiratory issues. The treatment reduced the risk of RSV infections by 85%, resulting in fewer colds, asthma attacks, and allergies.
A study by the American Thoracic Society found that non-smoking females with and without asthma experience decreased lung function due to secondhand smoke exposure. High levels of cotinine, a marker of secondhand smoke exposure, were associated with lower lung function in these women.
A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that obesity and smoking significantly increase asthma risk in adults. Women were 94% more likely than men to have asthma, while people in lower socioeconomic groups were 30% more likely to be affected.
The LODO study investigates whether low-dose theophylline can improve asthma symptoms and reduce airway inflammation. The therapy may also be more affordable, costing as little as one-fifth of popular asthma medications.
Research reveals racial disparities in asthma treatment, with black children experiencing worse symptoms and fewer medication use compared to white and Latino children. Lower income, family size, and single-parent households also contribute to poorer asthma outcomes.
A genomic study has identified 149 genes that are turned on or off during simulated asthma attacks in cynomolgus monkeys. The study uses microarray technology to analyze gene expression changes, providing valuable insights into the genetic regulation of asthma.
A study by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Asthma Clinical Research Network found that low to medium doses of inhaled steroids improve lung function in most asthma patients. However, high doses may not provide additional benefits but increase the risk of adverse effects.
Researchers found that asthma does not increase the risk of having a common cold, but individuals with asthma are more likely to develop severe respiratory symptoms when infected. Rhinovirus infection was also linked to longer-lasting and more severe lower-respiratory-tract symptoms in those with asthma.
A UT Southwestern study has found a link between Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria and asthma, suggesting that lingering infections may cause chronic respiratory issues. The research suggests that treating acute M. pneumoniae infections could help prevent later development of asthma.
A US study suggests that playing outdoor team sports in areas of high ozone concentration can increase the risk of developing asthma in children. The research found that children who played three or more sports in high-ozone environments were more than three times as likely to develop asthma compared to those who did not participate.
Research suggests that air pollution from vehicle emissions may cause new cases of asthma in children who participate in team sports, especially in communities with high ozone levels. This is contrary to conventional wisdom that air pollution worsens existing asthma but does not trigger it.
A study on preterm birth found that premature infants' lungs develop under different conditions after birth, affecting lung function. Leukotriene antagonists improved treatment for moderate to severe asthma by increasing pulmonary function and reducing symptoms. A personalized oral appliance also showed significant improvement in child...
Researchers developed a new technique, electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA), to produce monodisperse droplets of defined size for inhalation therapy. EHDA produced corticosteroid aerosols in quantities high enough for patient administration, showing promising results for more effective asthma treatment.
A large international study found that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of respiratory symptoms, including nocturnal chest tightness and breathlessness. The prevalence of passive smoking in workplaces varied widely across countries, with some areas experiencing as much as 53.8% exposure.
A large-scale study shows that levalbuterol is more effective and produces fewer side effects than racemic albuterol in children. The new formulation contains only the biologically active right isomer of albuterol, making it a valuable alternative for pediatric patients.
Undertreated asthma has a significant impact on women's lives, affecting their physical activities, relationships, and overall well-being. Many women report poorly controlled symptoms, anxiety, and worry about their condition.
Researchers found that asthmatic children from urban environments are not using preventive medications and devices correctly, and are not adhering to NHLBI guidelines during asthma flare-ups. This is particularly concerning given the high risk of developing asthma in African American children.
A team of researchers at Stanford Medicine has discovered a new gene family, the Tim family, that plays a crucial role in asthma development. The link between this gene family and the hepatitis A virus may help explain why asthma rates have increased where hepatitis A infection rates have dropped.
A new study has shown that the flu shot does not trigger asthma attacks in people with moderate to severe asthma. The study included 2,032 children and adults diagnosed with asthma, who received either a real or placebo flu vaccine, with all participants receiving the actual flu vaccine by the end of the study.
The OPTIMA study shows that low-dose budesonide alone reduces the risk of severe asthma exacerbations and poorly controlled days by half in previously untreated patients. Adding formoterol improves symptom control and reduces exacerbations in both previously untreated and corticosteroid-treated patients.
A recent study found that individuals with hookworm infections were half as likely to develop asthma compared to those without the infection. The researchers suggest that hookworms may alter the body's response to allergens, leading to reduced inflammation and increased resistance to asthma.
The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center is studying the effects of lifestyle interventions such as stretching, breathing exercises, and yoga on managing asthma symptoms. Asthma affects approximately 12 million American adults, resulting in significant healthcare costs.
A study of 4,910 four-year-old twins found that genetic factors account for the largest share of asthma prevalence, with genes contributing 68% and environment accounting for just 13%. Environmental factors such as family diet and air pollution are likely to be much less important than genetic make-up.
A study found that early exposure to a farming environment reduces the risk of childhood asthma and other allergic diseases. Children exposed to farms in their first year of life had lower rates of asthma, hay fever, and atopic sensitization compared to those exposed later.
A study in Manitoba found that altering drug benefits led to reduced prescriptions for inhaled corticosteroids among children with severe and mild to moderate asthma. Higher-income neighbourhoods were disproportionately affected. The authors emphasize the need for policies not to deter patients from using essential medications.
A long-term study of 150 children reveals that parents' emotional state and coping mechanisms play a significant role in the development of asthma. The research highlights two main risk factors: elevated IgE levels at six months and parenting difficulties, which increase the likelihood of asthma by 2-3 times.
A new study found that early parenting difficulties are associated with the development of asthma in genetically at-risk children between six and eight years old. Parenting difficulties, including maternal depressed mood and coping problems, were significantly and independently linked to asthma at school age.
Researchers discovered that fathers' cigarette consumption levels impact children's lung function, with higher levels associated with greater deficits. Non-asthmatic girls showed the greatest declines in pulmonary function tests, suggesting a potential link between paternal smoking and childhood respiratory health.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that premenopausal women using inhaled corticosteroids for persistent asthma experience accelerated bone loss in the hip compared to those not using the medication. The study suggests a potential long-term risk of hip fractures for these women.
A study found that managed care coverage improves the quality of care for children with asthma, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary emergency department visits. Children in managed care plans were more likely to see their primary care physicians before visiting the ER, leading to more appropriate treatment.
The ERS 11th Annual Congress presents first hard evidence on the dangers of passive smoking in adults, highlighting a significant link between exposure and asthma development. Women are particularly at risk due to greater exposure at home and workplace.
Researchers are conducting a study called Prevention of Early Asthma in Kids (PEAK) to explore the potential of early treatment in preventing asthma. The study involves enrolling children aged 2-4 with wheezing episodes and one additional risk factor, taking fluticasone or a placebo twice daily for two years.