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Study reveals link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence in US adolescents and adults

A recent study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence among US adolescents and adults. The study analyzed data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, finding that individuals who reported cannabis use in the past ...

Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology examines effects of climate change on allergic conditions

A recent study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology examines the effects of climate change on various allergic conditions, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and seasonal allergies. The research suggests that environmental warming can lead to longer-lasting pollen seasons and increased T2 inflammation.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateDec 13, 2023

Major breakthrough for severe asthma treatment

A landmark study found that 92% of patients with severe asthma can safely reduce inhaled steroid dose and more than 60% can stop all use, minimizing side effects like osteoporosis, diabetes, and cataracts. The SHAMAL study used biologic therapy benralizumab to control severe asthma without steroids.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 8, 2023

Annals of Family Medicine: papers explore how technology is changing medical practice and how doctors are adapting

A recent study published in Annals of Family Medicine explores how technology is changing medical practice, including the use of AI-driven tools to effectively diagnose patients. The study also examines the interplay between fulfillment of basic psychological needs at work and technology use in maintaining clinician well-being.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 28, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal article reveals key insights on the trends of asthma mortality

A recent study analyzed asthma mortality rates in China and the US from 1990 to 2019, revealing substantial differences in mortality rates and risk factors. The study found that smoking was a leading risk factor for asthma mortality in China, while high body mass index (BMI) was a larger public health challenge in the US.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2023

Language barriers may cause some children to be underdiagnosed for allergic conditions

A study found that language difficulties lead to underdiagnosis of allergic conditions like asthma and eczema in children who speak a language other than English. A case report highlights the risks of pharmacy translation software interfering with prescription filling, causing delays in securing life-saving medications.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Survey reveals 42% of primary care physicians are unfamiliar with biologics to treat asthma

A survey found that 42% of primary care physicians are unaware of biologic treatments for asthma, and 82% do not get necessary labs to determine treatment options. This lack of knowledge can lead to delayed referrals to asthma specialists and reduced effectiveness in managing symptoms.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 9, 2023

Eliminating mold after natural disasters is vital for those with mold allergy

New studies presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting highlight the dangers of excess mold on individuals with asthma. Effective methods for getting rid of mold and airborne allergens include HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UV-based technology.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 9, 2023

Community grant projects empower allergists to address barriers to allergy and asthma care

The Allergist's Foundation awards grants to support innovative projects addressing health disparities in underserved communities. Six grantees presented their work at the ACAAI National Scientific Meeting, focusing on topics such as cannabis education, food allergy management, and asthma-related outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateNov 9, 2023

Improvements in social, educational and economic-related characteristics of communities may reduce rates of early childhood asthma

Researchers found that neighborhoods with better socioeconomic and educational opportunities had lower rates of asthma-related emergency department visits among children under five years old. This suggests that improving social determinants of health in areas with high asthma morbidity may help reduce childhood asthma rates.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 23, 2023

Atmospheric scientists reveal much of Houston’s ozone exceedance due to air flows from the north

A University of Houston study found that most of Houston's ozone exceedance is due to transported pollutants from the central and northern US, while local photochemistry contributes to elevated ozone production. The research highlights the importance of reducing emissions at the Houston Ship Channel to mitigate future ozone pollution.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateSep 11, 2023

Burning candles and fumes from cooking is harmful for people with mild asthma

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that indoor air pollution from candle smoke and cooking fumes can cause irritation and inflammation in young individuals with mild asthma. The research found indications of DNA damage and signs of inflammation in the blood, highlighting the need for proper ventilation when cooking or burning c...

SourceAarhus University·JournalParticle and Fibre Toxicology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2023

NIH study shows association between better neighborhood conditions and lower childhood asthma rates

A new NIH study found that living in a well-resourced neighborhood with access to healthy food, parks, and clean air reduces the risk of childhood asthma. Children born in high-opportunity neighborhoods had significantly lower asthma incidence rates compared to those from low-opportunity areas.

SourceDuke Clinical Research Institute·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2023

New study highlights potential barriers to health equity in pediatric asthma

A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that residence in neighborhoods with higher opportunity or lower vulnerability is associated with a decreased risk of pediatric asthma. The study used a geographically diverse cohort of over 10,000 children and examined associations between neighborhood attributes and asthma in...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2023

Large study suggests people with low levels of vitamin K have less healthy lungs

A large study published in ERJ Open Research found that people with low levels of vitamin K in their blood are more likely to have poor lung function and experience respiratory issues. The research suggests that vitamin K may play a role in keeping lungs healthy, but further studies are needed to confirm this link.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2023

While resolving a key asthma challenge, Hamilton researchers also create a new method to detect proteins in body fluids and other materials

Researchers at McMaster University developed a new rapid test that can quickly identify eosinophils, key drivers of severe asthma, in complex biological samples. The test uses DNAzymes to track protein signatures and is designed to be simple and adaptable for mass manufacturing.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Blocking immune system 'messenger' may treat severe asthma

Researchers found that blocking histamine-releasing factor (HRF) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) interactions may provide relief for patients with severe asthma. The study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests two potential therapies, including HRF-2CA and a therapeutic antibody called SPF7-1.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

Does multimorbidity impact chronic disease treatment?

Researchers analyzed data from 120 clinical trials and found no evidence that treatment efficacies differ depending on the number of comorbidities. The study suggests that modest levels of comorbidities do not affect treatment outcomes, providing valuable insights for clinicians to make informed recommendations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 6, 2023

Salton Sea environment detrimental to respiratory health of local children

A UC Riverside-led study reveals the Salton Sea environment is toxic, causing sulfuric smells, dust storms, chemicals, and fires that contribute to chronic health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses. The study's findings have important public health implications for vulnerable child populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2023