Research on asthma and respiratory disease. Covers brain-structure links, prevention trials, weight-loss drugs, and exercise for symptom control.
A study found that switching from a metered dose inhaler to a dry powder version for maintenance therapy reduces the carbon footprint of people with asthma by more than half. The researchers conclude that this substitution is an acceptable and worthwhile option for most patients who can safely manage their condition at home.
A new study found that Hong Kong's remote sensing enforcement program significantly reduced harmful chemicals at the roadside and in the atmosphere. The program led to a 22-39% reduction in total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide emissions from high-emitting vehicles.
A large population-based study found a significant association between lifetime workplace exposure to pesticides and an increased risk of COPD. The study, which included over 500,000 participants, controlled for other risk factors and found that even low levels of pesticide exposure were linked to a heightened risk of COPD.
A recent study found that 84% of adults with asthma experience discomfort while wearing a mask, and 75% report trouble breathing or shortness of breath. The study also discovered an association between poorer asthma control and higher symptoms while wearing a mask.
A new mobile management intervention program aims to improve asthma control in young Black American adults. The project, led by Karen MacDonell, will assess the effectiveness of technological components in traditional asthma education among Black Americans aged 18-30.
Researchers analyzed hospital visits, admissions, and deaths for 50,393 children with asthma to track trends. The study used health information exchange data, revealing a significant increase in pediatric asthma death rates despite a decline in hospital admissions.
A new study finds that exercise interventions can significantly improve physical activity levels, decrease sedentary time, and reduce asthma symptoms in individuals with asthma. Digital interventions, such as video appointments and mobile apps, may help overcome barriers to participation.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that LPS protects against developing asthma when combined with allergens containing cysteine protease enzymatic activity, but promotes development when paired with allergens lacking this enzyme. This protective effect relies on the production of GM-CSF by non-classical monocytes.
A new study estimates that nitrogen dioxide from traffic pollution contributes to nearly 2 million cases of pediatric asthma annually. Cleaner air in urban areas has led to a decline in these cases, but more work is needed to curb harmful emissions.
A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide lived in areas exceeding the WHO guideline for annual average PM2.5 exposure, resulting in an excess of 1.8 million deaths. Additionally, nearly 2 million asthma cases among children were attributable to NO2 pollution in 2019.
Younger male exposures to Ascaris roundworms show striking reductions in lung function and nearly five times higher odds of having asthma. The study highlights a previously overlooked risk factor for respiratory health in Europe.
Associate Professor Morten Arendt Rasmussen from the University of Copenhagen aims to develop a personalized dietary profile using a cohort of young people with asthma and other inflammatory diseases. The goal is to provide tailored diet recommendations that can help alleviate symptoms and improve health outcomes.
A new medication dupilumab has been added to the treatment options for children with moderate-to-severe asthma. The international multicenter Liberty Asthma VOYAGE trial found that dupilumab significantly reduced the rate of severe exacerbations and improved lung function in children aged 6 to 11.
Researchers found that the risk of developing asthma in infants depends on a complex interplay among the infecting virus, airway microbial composition and function, and the infant's immune response. Infants with distinct metatranscriptome profiles had unique risks of developing asthma by age five.
A research group from Tohoku University discovered that melatonin, a sleep hormone, exacerbates asthma by potentiating bronchoconstriction. Melatonin weakens the relaxing effect of bronchodilators through the activation of the melatonin MT2 receptor.
Researchers found that asthma causes immune cells to behave in a way that prevents brain tumor growth, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach. The findings suggest reprogramming T cells to act like those in asthma patients could be a new treatment for brain tumors.
A new study ranks live oaks and American sycamores as champions among 17 "super trees" that can mitigate air pollution and climate change in urban areas. The research provides a three-part framework for selecting suitable trees, identifying high-impact planting sites, and engaging with community leadership to make the project a reality.
The Liberty Asthma VOYAGE trial found that dupilumab significantly reduced the rate of severe exacerbations by nearly 60% and improved lung function and asthma control in children ages 6 to 11. Dupilumab was also shown to be safe, with minimal adverse reactions.
Seasonal air pollution may contribute to asthma emergency department visits even in areas with generally low pollutant levels. The study used Bayesian time-stratified case-crossover models to examine associations between air pollution and asthma seasons.
Research found a significant correlation between increased atmospheric temperature and asthma attacks in children. Lower SO2 levels during the state of emergency also contributed to reduced asthma exacerbations, suggesting that environmental factors play a crucial role in asthma management.
A large UK study found that individuals with atopic diseases like eczema or hay fever had a 23% lower risk of developing COVID-19. In contrast, people of Asian/Asian British ethnicity and those in crowded households faced a higher risk. The study suggests that some risk factors for severe disease may differ from those for infection.
A study of over 950 children with asthma found that those with well-controlled symptoms were less likely to be bullied, but reported worse control if teased about their condition. Children who experienced bullying/teasing were more likely to report activity restrictions and had poorer asthma control.
A national analysis found that children with poorly controlled asthma are more likely to require hospitalisation than those with well-controlled asthma or without asthma. Vaccinating this group can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection and associated illness.
A University of South Florida Health-led team discovered a lead candidate that selectively relaxes airway smooth muscle cells with no detectable drug desensitization. The biased beta-agonist, C1-S, offers a therapeutic option for asthma and obstructive lung diseases without the rapid loss of effectiveness seen with traditional β-agonists.
A study by Katariina Koivusaari found that high cow's milk consumption is associated with a higher risk of developing preclinical type 1 diabetes in genetically predisposed children. The study also linked high-temperature treated infant formula to an increased risk of asthma in children.
The American Thoracic Society has published a clinical practice guideline on the use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to guide asthma treatment. The guideline recommends using FeNO in addition to usual care for patients with asthma whose treatment is being considered, suggesting this may be eligible for the measurement.
The November issue of CHEST journal includes 69 articles on topics such as asthma, COPD, critical care and thoracic oncology. The journal also offers complementary web and multimedia activities to expand the reach of its research.
A new study reveals that many young adults with asthma are not prepared to transition to adult asthma care. The survey found that half of all respondents did not receive sufficient transition preparation from their pediatric providers, highlighting the need for better education and support.
A new study reveals that Latinos with asthma who contract COVID-19 are 4.6 times more likely to experience severe asthma flares, and these episodes last significantly longer than in non-Latino populations.
A new study followed 5,000 kids with asthma in Los Angeles for 15 years and found no significant increase in allergic sensitizations to environmental allergens. Despite rising temperatures and pollen loads, children with asthma were not more likely to become sensitized to specific pollens.
Itepekimab, a novel monoclonal antibody, has been found to be safe and effective in treating moderate-to-severe asthma. In a phase 2 trial, it significantly improved lung function and reduced asthma control events compared to placebo.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a psoriasis medicine worsened symptoms in patients with severe asthma. The trial tested risankizumab, an injectable treatment for psoriasis, and showed it did not improve asthma symptoms, but rather made them worse.
A new study published in Nutrients found that consuming fermented soy product ImmuBalance reduces eosinophilic-related inflammation in the bronchi of asthma model mice. The researchers also discovered a suppression of proteins that induce eosinophilic inflammation, suggesting beneficial effects for allergic asthma.
Researchers identified a protein leakage related to chronic airway diseases, which restricts breathing. Decreasing this leakage could improve asthma and COPD management by relaxing airways.
A group of researchers led by Indiana University School of Medicine's Benjamin Gaston will receive a research program project grant to fund the development of personalized therapeutic approaches for severe asthma. The grant will support three key projects focused on S-nitrosylation signaling, airway pH regulation, and androgen signaling.
A UK study found that social disadvantage in early childhood increases the risk of developing persistent asthma by 70%, with nearly two-thirds of the risk attributed to early life exposures. This highlights the need for public health measures and policies to support families and improve housing conditions.
A University of Illinois Chicago clinical trial aims to evaluate the impact of a healthy diet on asthma management in adults. Participants with uncontrolled asthma will be assigned to either an education-only group or a group receiving dietary counseling and guidance on the DASH eating plan, a diet approach proven for hypertension mana...
Researchers discovered that RSV's NS1 protein alters immune gene expression to evade the immune response. The study provides crucial data for targeting NS1 in drug or vaccine development and may shed light on the link between RSV and asthma.
Researchers developed a novel machine learning algorithm to identify previously unknown air pollutant mixtures linked to poor asthma outcomes in children. The study found that early exposure to individual and mixed pollutants can lead to longer-term problems with asthma, affecting about seven percent of US children.
Researchers investigated whether allergic diseases cause mental health conditions, finding little evidence of a causal relationship. The study used Mendelian Randomisation to identify genetic variants linked to allergies and mental health, but found no associations between the two.
Researchers at Uppsala University found that allergic stimulation activates mast cell precursor cells, which can produce cytokine IL-13 contributing to asthma development. This challenges the idea that only mature immune cells are involved in immune reactions.
A new community-based approach to managing asthma symptoms will be implemented in up to 40 public schools across the Bronx, enrolling 416 students aged 4-12. The study aims to reduce asthma symptoms among high-risk urban school children through a cluster-randomized controlled trial.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital identifies asthma, history of smoking, and chronic sinusitis as key risk factors for early COPD among US Hispanics/Latinos. The prevalence of early COPD was found to be 7.6 percent in this population, suggesting younger individuals are also susceptible to the disease.
Researchers found that certain species of gut bacteria accumulate human drugs, altering their types, activity, and metabolism. This can change the effectiveness of the drug both directly and indirectly, affecting side effects.
Research suggests that overweight and obese asthmatic children are less likely to respond to inhaled steroid medication, leading to more frequent asthma attacks. The study used genetic variants linked to BMI to investigate this link, finding a correlation between higher BMI z-scores and poor ICS response.
Patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial disease are hospitalized sooner and more often than their age- and sex-matched counterparts, according to a study published in CHEST. The risk is higher for people with compromised immune systems or damaged airways.
Researchers investigate how the internal circadian clock affects asthma severity. The study found that people with worse asthma experience greater drops in pulmonary function at night, and exhibit more symptoms-driven bronchodilator use during nighttime hours. This understanding could lead to new treatments for asthma.
A new study found office work triggers asthma in some workers, with poor ventilation and mould being common culprits. Employers who fail to make changes are more likely to lose employees, highlighting the importance of workplace adjustments to support staff.
A study of 814 babies found that those born to physically inactive mothers had lower lung function compared to those born to active mothers. Regular physical activity during pregnancy may reduce the risk of impaired infant lung function, potentially improving respiratory health later in life.
A new national study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that bisexual Americans had over two times the rates of asthma and other lung diseases compared to heterosexual adults. Higher levels of discrimination experienced by bisexual people may lead to increased stress, inflammation, and worsened asthma.
A novel CT scan-based approach detects changes in lung tissue indicating emphysema and airway constriction in patients with asthma. This finding may explain why conventional anti-inflammatory treatments are ineffective in some asthmatics, paving the way for personalized management of the disease.
Computational modeling reveals that smaller drug particles can reach the distal region of airways, improving treatment efficacy. The study aims to enhance inhaler design and reduce drug loss, benefiting patients with respiratory illnesses.
Researchers have modelled how drugs are delivered to the respiratory tract via an inhaler to better treat lung diseases. Finer drug particles of around one micron are better able to travel further into the lungs.
Researchers found individuals with well-controlled asthma have significantly lower odds of hospitalization and ICU admission compared to those with uncontrolled asthma. Asthma patients using their medications showed a decrease in worsened COVID-19 outcomes.
The European Respiratory Society has announced the press registration and program for its upcoming International Congress 2021. Over 4,000 presentations on various lung health topics will be presented during the event.
A new clinical trial aims to test a personalized treatment for severe asthma targeting a specific mutation found disproportionately in people of color. The trial, led by Boston Children's Hospital, will test dupilumab, an existing drug that blocks the mutated IL-4 receptor, in patients with and without the mutation.
A study by University of New South Wales found that 80% of asthma-related hospital presentations in Australia are potentially avoidable through a comprehensive care pathway. The study identified variations in care pathways, including inconsistent use of clinical guidelines and inadequate follow-up with GPs.
A new evidence review finds that commonly used household products increase the risk of asthma due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by paints, cleaning products, and more. The study suggests labelling these products with health warnings and advising people to ventilate their homes while using them.
Children's Hospital Colorado is part of a national clinical research network studying pediatric asthma. The hospital will conduct a seven-year study on early-life determinants of chronic asthma to potentially reduce exacerbations and prevent development.
A study published in Cell found a connection between breast milk, beneficial gut bacteria and the development of the immune system. The researchers discovered that babies whose intestinal flora can break down Human Milk Oligosaccharides have less inflammation in the blood and gut.