Asthma

Researchers find common childhood asthma unconnected to allergens or inflammation

Little is known about why asthma develops, how it constricts the airway or why response to treatments varies between patients. Now, a team of researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College, Columbia University Medical Center ...

Inflammatory disorders created May 23, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Vitamin D could provide new and effective treatments for asthma

(Medical Xpress)—Scientists at King's College London have discovered that Vitamin D has the potential to significantly reduce the symptoms of asthma. The study, led by Professor Catherine Hawrylowicz from ...

Immunology created May 20, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

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 May 19, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | 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

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

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

A text message a day keeps the asthma attack away

(Medical Xpress)—Simply sending children with asthma a text message each day asking about their symptoms and providing knowledge about their condition can lead to improved health outcomes. In a study by ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created Apr 30, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Baby's life saved with groundbreaking 3-D printed device that restored his breathing

Every day, their baby stopped breathing, his collapsed bronchus blocking the crucial flow of air to his lungs. April and Bryan Gionfriddo watched helplessly, just praying that somehow the dire predictions ...

Medical research created May 22, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 0

Study finds new pneumococcal vaccine appears to be as safe as previously used vaccine

The new 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) appears to be as safe as the previous version used prior to 2010, the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), according to a Kaiser Permanente study published ...

Medications created May 22, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Monoclonal antibody appears effective and safe in asthma Phase IIa trial

A novel approach to obstructing the runaway inflammatory response implicated in some types of asthma has shown promise in a Phase IIa clinical trial, according to U. S. researchers.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created May 21, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Early childhood respiratory infections may explain link between analgesics and asthma

A new study conducted by Boston researchers reports that the link between asthma and early childhood use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be driven by underlying respiratory infections that prompt the use of these analgesics, ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes created May 20, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Exposure to traffic pollution increases asthma severity in pregnant women

Air pollutants from traffic are associated with increased asthma severity levels in pregnant asthmatic women, according to a new study.

Health created May 20, 2013 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

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 May 19, 2013 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Most Michigan parents, grandparents prefer research hospitals for pediatric care

Four out of five parents and grandparents in Michigan say they'd rather take children to a hospital that does medical research for children than one that does not, according to a new poll from the University of Michigan.

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


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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Researchers find common childhood asthma unconnected to allergens or inflammation

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