Although guidelines don’t recommend antibiotics for asthma, almost 1 million children with the respiratory condition are prescribed the medications each year in the United States, a new study finds.
“We are trying to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, and this suggests that we as pediatricians are prescribing them way too often,” said lead researcher Dr. Ian M….
Archive for May, 2011
Too Many Kids Getting Antibiotics for Asthma
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Food Allergies Common among Children and Linked to Environmental Allergies and Asthma Later in Life
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Early results from the largest cross-sectional national allergy study ever conducted, to be released later this month, demonstrate that food allergies commonly occur in infants and toddlers, while environmental allergies, such as to dust, ragweed and mold, are more common in older children and adults. The study, based on laboratory testing from more than 2…
Bacteria May Have Role in Asthma
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
People with severe asthma are more likely to have antibodies against the disease-causing bacteria Chlamydia pneumoniae than the general population and in some cases antibiotic treatment can greatly improve symptoms according to research presented today at the 111th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology.
“We conclude that a subset of severe asthmatics harbor infectious…
Don’t kill the birthday guest
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
The job of a children’s birthday party host seems straightforward: Thomas the Tank Engine or princess theme? Traditional yellow cake with icing or ice cream cake? Jelly beans or arts and crafts in the gift bags?
To which we suggest a modern twist: Don’t kill any of your guests.
For the gracious host, it’s simply good etiquette….
Asthma Patients Find Relief at High Altitude
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Patients with severe asthma related to sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus show significant improvement of symptoms and inflammatory parameters when exposed to a high-altitude environment, according to research presented here at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2011 International Conference.
Encouraged that a uniquely dry climate at high altitudes can offer an environment that is nearly free of…
A Food Diary: Simple And Effective
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Food allergies are on the rise worldwide, as is research into possible causes and cures. But even though doctors are seeing more patients with food-related symptoms, correctly diagnosing food allergies remains tricky.
Most of us eat multiple ingredients with every bite of food we take. So stomach cramps from eating spaghetti and meatballs could be the…
Cat Allergy Vaccine Safe and Effective, Study Suggests
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
Good-bye itching, watering eyes and sneezing. McMaster University researchers have developed a vaccine which successfully treats people with an allergy to cats.
Traditionally, frequent allergy shots have been considered the most effective way to bring relief — other than getting rid of the family pet — for the eight to 10% of the population allergic to…
Asthma treated with integrative medicine
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
An innovative study investigated the effect of a simple holistic approach to asthma treatment in adults. Researchers included several forms of treatment including nutrition and supplements, a botanical medicine, yoga, and keeping a journal. These interventions resulted in significant improvements compared to a group treated only with conventional medications.
This study is important because holistic practitioners…
Is It a Cold? Or an Allergy? Symptoms may be similar, but the causes are not
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
Colds and allergies can cause similar symptoms, and finding out which condition you have is the first step in getting relief, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).
Colds are caused by one of more than 200 viruses that get transmitted from person to person. Allergies, which are not contagious, are caused…
Five Things You Don’t Know About Springtime Asthma
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
With spring comes birds, bees and for some, a wheeze.
More than 24 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma, but millions more may be at risk for the condition and not know it.
Allergists who are members of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) want people to be aware of these five little-known…
