Asthma

Ginger compounds may be effective in treating asthma symptoms

Gourmands and foodies everywhere have long recognized ginger as a great way to add a little peppery zing to both sweet and savory dishes; now, a study from researchers at Columbia University shows purified components of the ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created 3 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Researchers identify a potential new risk for sleep apnea: Asthma

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have identified a potential new risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea: asthma. Using data from the National Institutes of Health (Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)-funded Wisconsin ...

Sleep apnea created 3 hours ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Newly described type of immune cell and T cells share similar path to maturity, according to new study

(Medical Xpress)—Labs around the world, and a core group at Penn, have been studying recently described populations of immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Some researchers liken them to foot soldiers that ...

Immunology created May 14, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Asthma study finds children being stigmatised in India

Chidren with asthma in India are being prevented from receiving effective treatment by a range of widely-held myths and misconceptions, says a University of Sydney study.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created May 14, 2013 | popularity 3 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Online support a breath of fresh air

A multi-site pilot project developed by University of Alberta researchers is providing a breath of fresh air for children with asthma and severe allergies by helping them interact with peers online and boosting ...

Health created May 13, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

FDA approves once-a-day inhaler from Glaxo

The Food and Drug Administration says it has approved a new once-a-day inhaler drug from GlaxoSmithKline for patients with chronic lung disease.

Medications created May 10, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

New research reveals swimming beneficial for young people with asthma

New research by medical students working in the Breathe Well Centre of Research Excellence at the UTAS School of Medicine has revealed swimming has health benefits for young people with asthma, with no adverse effects on ...

Inflammatory disorders created May 10, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Brain diseases affecting more people and starting earlier than ever before

Professor Colin Pritchard's latest research published in Public Health journal has found that the sharp rise of dementia and other neurological deaths in people under 74 cannot be put down to the fact that we are living longer ...

Health created May 10, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Allergic disease worsens respiratory symptoms and exacerbations in COPD

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who also have allergic disease have higher levels of respiratory symptoms and are at higher risk for COPD exacerbations, according to a new study from researchers ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created May 10, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Palivizumab cuts number of days of wheezing in preemies

(HealthDay)—Many pre-term babies suffer recurrent episodes of wheezing. Now, researchers say a common infection is a likely culprit and they may be able to prevent the breathing problems.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created May 09, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Nearly 5 million asthmatics could benefit from antifungal therapy

An estimated 4,837,000 asthmatics with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) could benefit substantially from antifungal treatment, say researchers from The University of Manchester and the University of Toronto.

Inflammatory disorders created May 08, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Staying on the meds: Involving young patients in the treatment for their chronic illnesses

Researchers at The University of Nottingham have examined why large numbers of children and young people sometimes don't take their medication, despite suffering from a range of chronic and potentially life-threatening ...

Health created May 08, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Assessing the impact of indoor air pollution on Europeans

The health impact of indoor air pollution is a real environmental health issue, which is believed to have a bearing on respiratory conditions such as asthma. This has prompted a European study to take action. ...

Health created May 07, 2013 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Want tots without allergies? Try sucking on their pacifiers

(HealthDay)—A new Swedish study suggests that parents who want to protect their infants from developing allergies should try a simple approach to introducing their children to the wide world of microbes: ...

Immunology created May 06, 2013 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (13) | comments 2 | with audio podcast

Oral drops can give kids needle-free relief from asthma, allergies

Allergy shots are commonly used to treat children with severe environmental allergies and asthma, but under-the-tongue drops may offer yet another beneficial—and stick-free—option for pediatric allergy sufferers, according ...

Immunology created May 06, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0


Asthma (from the Greek άσθμα, ásthma, "panting") is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma is clinically classified according to the frequency of symptoms, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate. Asthma may also be classified as atopic (extrinsic) or non-atopic (intrinsic).

It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Treatment of acute symptoms is usually with an inhaled short-acting beta-2 agonist (such as salbutamol). Symptoms can be prevented by avoiding triggers, such as allergens and irritants, and by inhaling corticosteroids. Leukotriene antagonists are less effective than corticosteroids and thus less preferred.

Its diagnosis is usually made based on the pattern of symptoms and/or response to therapy over time. The prevalence of asthma has increased significantly since the 1970s. As of 2010, 300 million people were affected worldwide. In 2009 asthma caused 250,000 deaths globally. Despite this, with proper control of asthma with step down therapy, prognosis is generally good.

This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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