A Dutch study investigated treatment options for tennis elbow, comparing corticosteroid injections and physiotherapy. Corticosteroid injections showed significant improvement at 6 weeks, but high recurrence rates. Physiotherapy offered better long-term results with lower recurrence rates.
Researchers found intranasal corticosteroids more effective than antihistamines for seasonal allergies, especially in patients with severe disease. The study suggests revising guidelines to recommend regular use of steroids for severe cases and as-needed use for mild cases.
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 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 Mayo Clinic study published in Cancer journal reveals that daily alcohol consumption by women whose mothers, sisters or daughters have breast cancer may increase their risk for getting the cancer. The study found an increased risk among first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer, but less evidence among second-degree relatives.
A recent NHLBI study found that inhaled corticosteroids do not significantly slow the progression of COPD, a disease affecting approximately 16 million Americans. However, patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids did experience fewer respiratory symptoms and improved lung sensitivity.
A study by the NIH/NHLBI confirms inhaled corticosteroids provide superior asthma control in children with mild to moderate asthma. However, growth rate was slightly reduced in the first year, but this effect was short-term and temporary.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that anti-IgE therapy significantly improved symptoms in patients with allergic asthma, with 33% and 43% completely eliminating oral corticosteroid use. This new approach may greatly improve treatment outcomes for those with allergic asthma.
A new study found that 16% of insured individuals who use inhaled beta-agonists for short-term asthma relief overuse their medication, while 63% who use inhaled corticosteroids for long-term relief underuse them. The study also revealed a gender bias, with women more likely to underuse and men more likely to overuse.