A new study shows that a new treatment called bronchial thermoplasty significantly improved breathing in people with asthma.

Bronchial thermoplasty involves delivering radio-frequency energy to the smooth muscle that lines the airway walls. The energy heats the tissue to about 149 degrees Fahrenheit. This reduces muscle mass, but doesn’t destroy or scar the muscle. With less muscle, the airway can’t narrow as much in response to irritants that often trigger asthma. Airway narrowing is a hallmark of asthma. (FoxNews.com)

November 19, 2005

U.S. regulators yesterday asked the makers of three popular asthma medications to add warnings to their labels stating that the drugs could increase the chances of severe asthma episodes that could result in death. (Washington Post)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Asthma

September 21, 2005

Can acid reflux worsen symptoms for asthma patients?

Probably, said UAB's Asthma Clinical Research Center (ACRC), one of twenty American Lung Association-funded research facilities. (myDNA.com)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Asthma

August 10, 2005

While asthma does not seem to increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease, it may be a risk factor for stroke, researchers report ... It is unclear "why asthma might increase the risk of stroke but not of coronary heart disease," the investigators write. (Reuters)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Asthma

July 17, 2005

There may be a silver lining for individuals who suffer from asthma or allergies. Scientists say genes that promote these disorders may also protect against a deadly brain cancer. A recent study found that asthmatics and people with allergies are at lower risk of developing the most common type of brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme. (HealthDay News)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Asthma

July 13, 2005

A panel of lung experts is being convened today to advise the government on whether three popular asthma drugs should stay on the market or be withdrawn because of safety concerns. The drugs are Advair and Serevent, made by GlaxoSmithKline, and Foradil, made by Novartis and sold in the United States by Schering Plough. (NYTimes.com)

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Asthma

March 09, 2005

"Cockroaches worsen asthma symptoms in children far more than furry pets or dust mites, U.S. researchers reported Tuesday ... Cockroaches produce allergic reactions from their saliva, fecal material, secretions and cast off skin."

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Asthma

March 05, 2005

Household mold odor increased asthma risk about 2.5 times for kids. No connection was seen between asthma and visible mold, water damage, or the presence of moisture.

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Asthma

February 08, 2005

"Allergies or asthma during pregnancy may increase the risk of giving birth to a child who develops autism."

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Childhood Allergies

December 19, 2004

"Stressful events can significantly increase the risk of an asthma attack in young children up to seven weeks afterward."

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Childhood Allergies

December 05, 2004

"Researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin have found that farm children had significantly lower rates of asthma or wheezing than other rural children."

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Childhood Allergies

November 23, 2004

A study shows that vacuuming and an air filter can go a long way towards improving a child's asthma symptoms and reducing asthma triggers had the same effect as taking medications—without the side effects.

Posted by news editor | Filed under: Asthma