Asthma News and Research

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Asthma is a common inflammatory disease affecting the airways that leads to shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Symptoms range from mild to severe but are generally manageable with appropriate treatment.

Air pollution may directly affect biology of upper airways to cause chronic sinus problems

Although human population studies have linked air pollution to chronic inflammation of nasal and sinus tissues, direct biological and molecular evidence for cause and effect has been scant.

18 Apr 2017

DNA methods can help identify microbial hot spots in buildings

Usually associated with humid and sordid slums, mold is a frequent finding in wealthy homes too. Even the fanciest buildings may harbor hot spots where fungi and other microorganisms subtly proliferate, triggering problems that range from unpleasant smells to severe sickness.

13 Apr 2017

Lung experts develop new smartphone app for self-management of asthma

A new and unique smartphone app to help people with asthma manage their condition has been developed by lung experts at the Nottingham Respiratory Research Unit and the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline.

12 Apr 2017

Patients with inducible urticaria can benefit from treatment with asthma drug

Patients who develop itchy wheals in response to cold or friction benefit from treatment with omalizumab, a drug normally used to treat asthma.

7 Apr 2017

Pet exposure may lower risks of allergy and obesity in children

If you need a reason to become a dog lover, how about their ability to help protect kids from allergies and obesity? A new University of Alberta study showed that babies from families with pets--70 per cent of which were dogs--showed higher levels of two types of microbes associated with lower risks of allergic disease and obesity.

6 Apr 2017

Children's hands may carry significant levels of nicotine, study shows

Children may carry significant levels of nicotine on their hands just by coming into contact with items or surfaces contaminated with tobacco smoke residues, even when no one is actively smoking around them at the time.

6 Apr 2017

Are we sleeping less than we used to?

There's no solid evidence that we sleep fewer hours today than we ever did, this is something I have gone into large amounts of detail in my book, in my published papers and at a recent meeting at the Royal Society of Medicine.

6 Apr 2017

Research projects provide better understanding on opportunities and risks of nanomaterials

In the past six years, the National Research Programme "Opportunities and Risks of Nanomaterials" (NRP 64) intensively studied the development, use, behaviour and degradation of engineered nanomaterials, including their impact on humans and on the environment.

6 Apr 2017

Novel point-of-care testing strategy can speed up treatment for respiratory illnesses

Doctors and researchers in Southampton have developed a novel way of using a swab test which can rapidly diagnose flu and other viral infections in patients with severe respiratory conditions - resulting in shorter courses of antibiotics and less time in hospital.

5 Apr 2017

Five ways to better prepare for planned or elective surgery

What's a tried-and-true way to prepare for surgery and anesthesia? By paying close attention to the healthcare professionals who will be delivering your care and providing them with essential information about your health status, history, and habits.

31 Mar 2017

High-fat maternal diet may change immune response of offsprings' respiratory system

Women who follow a high-fat diet during pregnancy may increase their children's risk for asthma. A mouse study by Oregon Health and Science University researchers suggests that consistent consumption of fat-laden foods may change the immune response of the offsprings' respiratory system.

29 Mar 2017

Study finds suboptimal asthma control among school students in the UK

Poor asthma control and knowledge are common in children with doctor-diagnosed asthma, according to research by Queen Mary University of London.

29 Mar 2017

New research suggests need for oral food challenge to properly diagnose additional nut allergies

Many patients with a history of a single tree nut allergy are told to avoid all other tree nuts. But is that necessary? If you have a tree nut allergy and were advised to avoid other tree nuts based only on a positive blood or skin prick test, you may not be allergic to the other nuts.

27 Mar 2017

Review provides new understanding of cytokine mediated effects on inflammatory disorders

Researchers studying chronic inflammation that can lead to the development of lung diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and cancer, are focusing on the role cytokines play in regulating the behavior of fibroblast cells and the extracellular matrix.

24 Mar 2017

Few steps to protect ourselves and our families from air pollution

The World Health Organization reported this month that pollution and environmental risks are responsible for 1.7 million child deaths per year.

23 Mar 2017

Supported self-management helps people with asthma control illness, say researchers

People with asthma should be given tailored support to help them manage their condition, experts say. Helping people with asthma take control of their own illness reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, reduces emergency use of health services and even prevents deaths, research has shown.

17 Mar 2017