Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
Researchers developed a predictive test to assess asthma risk in babies, allowing for preventive treatments and potentially bypassing disease development. The test identifies a network controlled by the IRF1 gene that drives an exaggerated inflammatory response in children who develop asthma.
Researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that psychological distress before COVID-19 infection was associated with a 32%-46% increased risk of developing long COVID and 15%–51% greater daily life impairment due to long COVID.
A University of Otago study found that retrofitting insulation can lower the onset of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. Homes with retrofitted insulation showed a 10% reduction in chronic respiratory disease incidence, while children under 15 were 15% less likely to develop asthma symptoms.
A new study identifies nitric oxide as a key molecule in the β2-adrenergic receptor feedback loop, mediating airway relaxation. The research team discovered that preventing nitric oxide's feedback mechanism leads to a powerful airway relaxant. Mice with a specific mutation in the β2 AR gene are resistant to bronchoconstriction and asthma.
Researchers found that oil spill cleanup workers were 60% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma or experience asthma symptoms one to three years after the spill. The study linked specific chemicals, including BTEX-H, to increased asthma risk.
The August issue of the CHEST journal features 47 articles on clinically relevant topics such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary vascular disease. A highlighted article examines barriers to palliative care in interstitial lung disease.
A monoclonal antibody, mepolizumab, decreased asthma attacks in Black and Hispanic children and adolescents living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The study identified three networks of genes associated with airway inflammation and asthma attacks that were reduced by the drug.
Researchers at Aston University have developed a new approach to tackle one of the underlying causes of asthma, not just its symptoms. The treatment, which targets the structural changes made by asthmatic airways, shows promising results in mice, reducing symptoms within two weeks and returning airways to near normal.
A study found eight classes of health conditions common among pediatric obese patients, including respiratory and sleep disorders. The researchers used a pattern mining algorithm on electronic health records of 49,694 patients to identify clinically similar subtypes.
A new study published in Mucosal Immunology demonstrates that early exposure to antibiotics can cause asthma and allergies in children. Researchers found that antibiotics alter the gut microbiome, leading to unwanted immune responses and increased allergy risk in later life.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved funding awards totaling $258 million to support 26 new research studies. These studies aim to fill evidence gaps and improve healthcare decision making for a range of high-burden conditions, including mental health, heart conditions, asthma, bone fractures, and sinus...
The American Academy of Family Physicians has been awarded a $31 million funding to conduct a large-scale study on the comparative effectiveness of asthma treatments. The study will focus on inhaled steroids and specific antibiotics, alone or together, in over 3,000 patients with asthma aged 12 and over.
Researchers found associations between census-tract measures of social determinants, such as educational attainment and violent crime, with pediatric asthma morbidity rates. These findings suggest opportunities for community-based interventions to reduce pediatric asthma morbidity.
Researchers found that patients who switched to a different medication experienced a significant reduction in exacerbations, with 89% continuing treatment. The study suggests that different medications work for different people, making it essential to try alternative options.
The July issue of CHEST journal features 62 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal has received an Impact Factor of 10.262, an increase from 2020's Impact Factor of 9.410.
A study found that one in three children with asthma are readmitted to hospital, with most presentations being preventable. Gaps in care and lack of follow-up appointments contribute to high readmission rates. Interactive digital symptom monitoring and community-based education programs can help reduce readmissions.
Researchers have discovered a unique biochemical profile in severe asthmatic patients, which could lead to more effective treatments. The study found a decrease in carnitine metabolism in severe asthmatics, playing an important role in cellular energy generation and immune responses.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) says inadequate access to nutritious food negatively impacts the health of many Americans, exacerbating social factors and leading to various health issues. The ACP recommends strengthening the nation's food insecurity response and empowering physicians to address social drivers of health.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic children are more likely to develop asthma, even in well-resourced neighborhoods. Neighborhood characteristics at birth and race/ethnicity-based inequities may play a role in the development of childhood wheezing and asthma.
Children are at higher risk of health changes due to air pollution and climate change impacts, including increased asthma rates and vector-borne diseases. Caregivers can take steps to minimize exposure by making personal and family changes such as using electric cars, reducing meat consumption, and improving indoor air quality.
Climate-related events and air pollution disproportionately affect socially and economically disadvantaged children, exacerbating health issues such as preterm birth, respiratory illness, and malnutrition. The authors emphasize the need for simultaneous adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect children's health.
A new analysis by University of Pittsburgh scientists demonstrates that institutional racism, rather than race-based biology, worsens asthma severity in Black people. The study links discriminatory lending practices from the 1930s to long-term environmental and health inequities, particularly in historically redlined neighborhoods.
A study by Queen Mary University of London found that 26% of patients with asthma are overusing rescue inhalers, which can lead to poor asthma control and increased risk of severe attacks. By reducing SABA overprescribing, hospitals can see a 70% decrease in asthma-related hospital admissions.
The American College of Chest Physicians' flagship journal CHEST published its June issue featuring 58 articles on various chest medicine topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal is set to expand with two new open-access journals, CHEST Pulmonary and CHEST Critical Care.
A study found epigenetic differences in airway cells of patients with asthma who have asthmatic mothers, suggesting impaired immune responses and potential new therapies for this subtype of asthma. The research was conducted in a diverse population and replicated in independent children's cells.
A new study by University of Chicago researchers found epigenetic differences in airway cells of patients with asthma who have asthmatic mothers, contributing to the development of severe asthma. The findings suggest that impaired immune responses may be an underlying cause of lack of therapeutic response to corticosteroids.
African Americans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to experience flare-ups due to inadequate sleep, which may boost their risk by up to 95%. The study, published on June 6, 2022, suggests that poor sleep quality may partially explain why African American patients tend to fare worse than white patients. ...
The NIH has launched a clinical trial testing dupilumab, an approved treatment for moderate-to-severe asthma, in children with poorly controlled allergic asthma living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The study aims to define the activity levels of gene networks associated with asthma attacks and improve lung function.
A study by NIH found that people with food allergies have a lower risk of becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, obesity and high body mass index (BMI) are associated with increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers found that severe asthma patients produce growth factors that block corticosteroids from working, leading to frequent breathing problems. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting these growth factors to improve outcomes for patients with severe asthma.
A recent study published in Pharmaceutics suggests that berberine can suppress the proliferation of lung cancer cells, reduce airway inflammation, and modulate genes involved in inflammation. The researchers used liquid crystalline nanoparticles to enhance safety and effectiveness.
A recent study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding are associated with lower odds of current asthma. The study analyzed over 2,000 mother-child pairs and discovered a 'dose-response' effect depending on how long the mother breastfed.
Researchers found no link between antibiotics given shortly before caesarean birth and early childhood conditions like asthma or eczema. The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, used UK healthcare databases to analyze millions of children born between 2006 and 2018.
A global study found a combination of two drugs dramatically reduces the chances of suffering an asthma attack. The combination of albuterol and budesonide lowers the number of sudden episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing in patients.
Researchers found that hypoxia can activate immune cells called ILC2s, which respond to harmless environmental allergens and drive mucus production and inflammation in the lungs. The study identifies adrenomedullin as a new target for treating inflammatory and allergic lung diseases.
The May issue of the CHEST journal features 56 articles on clinically relevant topics such as asthma, COPD, and critical care. The journal also includes a special Adult Cystic Fibrosis Series with latest epidemiologic data and challenges in managing CF.
A new study published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology shows that COVID-19 has increased anxiety and asthma symptoms among adults with asthma, while reducing food allergy-specific anxiety for parents of children with food allergies.
A new study has found that adults with asthma are more likely to become obese later in life. The research, which included over 8,700 participants from 11 European countries and Australia, revealed that non-allergic asthma, longer disease duration, and corticosteroid treatment were associated with increased obesity risk.
Researchers found that a common asthma medication can bind to and block the Nsp1 protein of SARS-CoV-2, preventing it from shutting down vital proteins in human immune cells. The study suggests that targeting this region could be an effective way to reduce damage inflicted by the virus.
Researchers found that IL-3 production in controlled asthma correlates with anti-inflammatory effects. Administration of IL-3 improved asthma symptoms by regulating immune cells and reducing inflammation.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered that double-stranded RNA molecules can activate the immune system response leading to bone deterioration in gum disease. The study found that dsRNA triggers the differentiation of osteoclasts, cells responsible for breaking down bone, leading to increased bone ero...
Researchers from Texas A&M University found that the absence of a functioning Nrf2 gene affects prenatal growth, especially when exposed to ultrafine particulate air pollution. This study highlights a possible mechanism by which ultrafine particles can impact placental function and prenatal health.
A new study found that follow-up care after an asthma-related emergency department (ED) visit can help prevent future ED visits for children. Patients who received follow-up care within two weeks of their ED visit were 12% less likely to return to the ED for asthma within 60 days and 13% less likely to revisit for asthma in the next year.
Researchers discovered that obesity changes molecular underpinnings of allergic inflammation in both mice and humans. The treatment in obese mice makes their skin worse instead of healing, but a specific drug can 'de-fatten' obese mice without changing body weight.
A population study found a significant link between mothers' exposure to disinfectants during pregnancy and their children's risk of developing asthma or eczema. The study, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, suggests that prenatal exposure to disinfectants may exert an effect on allergies in offspring.
A National Jewish Health-led study found that over a third of identified genetic risk factors for asthma are associated with altered function of airway epithelium. The research discovered genetic changes in genes related to mucus production and type 2 inflammatory pathways, increasing asthma risk.
A new study reveals that Latine children who prefer speaking Spanish are more likely to visit a community health center for their acute asthma symptoms than non-Hispanic white peers. Non-Hispanic Black children are also more likely to receive asthma-related care in emergency departments.
Researchers developed a novel drug to reduce airway mucus that exacerbates common lung diseases. The treatment works by blocking the secretion of mucins, which can block airways and cause life-threatening symptoms.
Researchers have identified a unique population of memory CD4 T-cells that produce IL-9, which plays a key role in allergic memory responses. Blocking this cytokine may lead to reduced lung inflammation and improved treatment options for seasonal asthma.
A metabolomic study of 14,000 individuals with asthma found that inhaled corticosteroid therapy leads to adrenal suppression, characterized by fatigue, headache, and abdominal pain. The study suggests that monitoring cortisol levels and prescribing the lowest effective dose may help mitigate side effects.
The Philadelphia Regional Center for Children's Environmental Health aims to identify and protect vulnerable communities from environmental exposures. The center will focus on four primary research areas: asthma prevention, lead exposure, air pollution, and endocrine disrupting chemicals.
A study of over 7,000 adolescents found that consuming a high-quality diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, was associated with significantly lower wheezing odds among those exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. This suggests that targeted public health interventions focused on improving access to higher quality foods may be effectiv...
A study found that higher doses of antibiotics are needed to eliminate bacterial infections with other microbes present. Researchers developed a model of the human airways to replicate poly-microbial infections, which often persist despite treatment in people with cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases.
Research led by Imperial College London estimates that higher cigarette taxes could have averted around 182,000 newborn deaths and 231,000 child deaths under one year old in 2018. The study found that increasing tobacco taxes in low- and middle-income countries can reduce neonatal and infant mortality rates.
The American College of Chest Physicians journal features cutting-edge original research on various chest medicine topics, including asthma, COPD, critical care, and sleep. The March issue includes a special series on nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease, offering insights into clinical epidemiology, risk factors, and diagnosis.
A national research study led by UCF physicians found that using inhaled corticosteroids significantly reduced severe asthma symptoms among Black and Latinx patients. The new guidelines resulted in improved asthma control, better quality of life, and fewer hospitalizations.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have identified Itaconate as a potential therapeutic target for severe asthma. The discovery could pave the way for effective new treatments, especially in children, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
A new patient-centered intervention reduced severe asthma exacerbations by 15% in African American/Black and Hispanic/Latinx patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. The study also found improved asthma symptoms and days of impairment, mirroring previous recommendations for patients with similar conditions.
A new study found that molds and yeasts are more prevalent in daycare centers than outside environments. The indoor mycobiome is influenced by factors such as building features and child density, suggesting a potential link between fungi and chronic respiratory diseases like asthma and allergies.
The study defines the lung macrophage as a major target of IL-9, which promotes allergic lung inflammation. The researchers found a correlation between IL-9 and the diagnosis of asthma in patients, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for treatment.