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.

Exclusive breastfeeding for first 3 months associated with lower risk of respiratory allergies

In an Acta Paediatrica study, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 3 months was linked with a lower risk of respiratory allergies and asthma when children reached 6 years of age.

4 Mar 2020

Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy influences child's gut immunity

A woman's mental health during pregnancy has a direct influence on the development of her child's immune system, according to a new study from pediatric researchers at the University of Alberta.

3 Mar 2020

Two common Staph bacteria living on human skin exacerbate Netherton syndrome

Netherton syndrome, a rare skin disease caused by a single genetic mutation, is exacerbated by the presence of two common Staphylococcal bacteria living on human skin, one of which was previously thought to only offer protective properties, report University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers.

3 Mar 2020

Health effects of the Australian bushfires

A viewpoint published in the journal JAMA internal Medicine February 28, 2020, discusses the lessons learned from the recent Australian bushfires in regards to climate change and public health.

2 Mar 2020

Smaller carbon footprint improves global health and economy

A viewpoint published in the journal JAMA February 28, 2020, discusses how a low-carbon future could improve global health and provide economic benefit.

2 Mar 2020

Length of pregnancy related to chemical DNA changes in newborns

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have together with an international team mapped the relationship between length of pregnancy and chemical DNA changes in more than 6,000 newborn babies.

2 Mar 2020

Five things to know about drug interactions with cannabinoids

A practice article provides 5 things to know on how drugs can interact with cannabinoids in CMAJ.

2 Mar 2020

Boosting immune cells to treat eczema

A new drug regimen is reported to have marked benefits in treating the troublesome and distressing skin condition called eczema. The study, published in February 2020 in the journal Science Translational Medicine, shows that boosting the levels of a type of immune cell called natural killer cells can be a more effective way to treat eczema in a mouse study.

27 Feb 2020

Chronic cough could be eased with new drug

A pair of studies have shown that chronic cough and its distressing symptoms could be eased with the help of a new drug. Also, the drug does not have side effects that can restrict its use, explain the researchers. The results of the two studies are published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, and the European Respiratory Journal, respectively.

26 Feb 2020

Breakthrough research may lead to improved therapeutic options for people with asthma

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have made a breakthrough that may eventually lead to improved therapeutic options for people living with asthma.

26 Feb 2020

NPS MedicineWise launches educational program to improve treatment of pediatric asthma

With a 2019 Australian study finding that only just over half (54%) of children treated in general practice were managed following Australian and international pediatric asthma clinical practice guidelines, the latest educational program from NPS MedicineWise launching today will provide an opportunity for health professionals to refresh their knowledge about basic principles in diagnosing and managing asthma for children of different ages.

26 Feb 2020

Transferring knowledge, not anxiety, can help food-allergic children cope with their fears

A new article in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology discusses the difficulties faced by parents of children with food allergies in not transferring their own anxieties to their children.

25 Feb 2020

Local med-tech company, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., named as a 2-time finalist in the KICC Awards 2020

The Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Awards brings the business community together to celebrate the achievements of local businesses and individuals.

From Bedfont® Scientific Ltd 24 Feb 2020

Daily moisturizer does not prevent eczema according to new research

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, and dry due to inflammation. Most commonly found in babies and children, previous recommendations say that daily moisturizer use is crucial in preventing eczema bouts.

20 Feb 2020

Brisbane’s grass pollen season the worst on record, says QUT professor

Brisbane’s grass pollen levels over the past two months have been up to four times higher than levels recorded anywhere in Australia since comparative records have been kept, QUT’s Professor Janet Davies told a federal parliamentary inquiry this week.

20 Feb 2020

Study identifies precise receptor chain involved in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory disorder, affects some 30 million Americans every year. It is the most common cause of eczema, a condition marked by unbearably itchy, flaky patches of skin.

19 Feb 2020

Association between HMO concentrations and infant weight, body composition

Breastfeeding affects infant growth and, researchers have found, helps prevent obesity, both in childhood and later in life. However, the components of breast milk responsible for these beneficial effects remain mostly a mystery.

18 Feb 2020

Cleaning products may raise the risk of childhood asthma finds study

According to a new study from researchers at Simon Fraser University's Faculty of Health Sciences (SFU), exposure to household cleaning products as babies could raise the risk of childhood asthma in children to the age of 3 years. The study titled, "Association of use of cleaning products with respiratory health in a Canadian birth cohort," was published in the latest issue of the journal CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

18 Feb 2020

Tips to avoid any risk of allergic reactions on Valentine’s Day

Are you allergic to Valentine’s Day? More than 50 million Americans might be, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Choosing the wrong meal or gift could turn your romantic night into an unforgettable one — in the emergency room.

14 Feb 2020

Sex-differences in airway anatomy develop during puberty, study reveals

Sex differences in airway size are not innate, but likely develop because of hormonal changes around puberty, reports a new study by the University of Waterloo.

14 Feb 2020