MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'asthma'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:45:45 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062239&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fasthma-treatment-used-for-chronic-sinus-infections%2F2011.07.25 Many people are already aware of nebulizer treatments to help with breathing during asthma attacks and other pulmonary conditions. What many people may not be aware of is that such nebulizer treatments can also potentially be used for chronic sinus infections. One of the best known companies offering such treatment is Sinus Dynamics. Using one of several different nebulizers, compounded liquid medications (antibiotics and/or steroids) selected by the physician are nebulized/atomized which the patient then breathes into the nasal passages. The small size of the particles allow medication to theoretically move through the tiniest of sinus openings directly onto the infected tissue. Treatments are quick generally lasting 3 – 5 minutes (depending on medication and device). Here’s a vid... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062239 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5062239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5027419&cid=t_90456_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FiaIZOsGCV0Y%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt, Margaret McFall-Ngai, and Elio Schaecter On episode #11 of the podcast This Week in Microbiology, Vincent, Margaret, Michael and Elio review the presence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes in chicken meat and in humans, and a beneficial effect of Helicobacter pylori colonization on the development of allergen-induced asthma. Click the arrow above to play, or right click to download TWiM #11 (47 MB, .mp3, 68 minutes). Subscribe to TWiM (free) on iTunes, Zune Marketplace, via RSS feed, by email or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: Beta-lactamase genes in Enterobacteriaceae of humans and chickens (EID) Is drug resistance in humans coming from chickens? (Wired) Pew Commission on industrial... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5027419 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:40:00 +0100 5027419 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028222&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F07%2F11%2Fresearch-shows-vaccinations-are-causing-surge-of-asthma-in-children%2F According to the organization ‘Children & Asthma in America’ there are at least 7 million children in the USA who suffer from the debilitating illness asthma. After carrying out a landmark survey researching the current state of asthma and asthma management among children in the United States, ‘Children & Asthma in America’ revealed that a massive 1 in 10 children suffer from the disease. (http://www.asthmainamerica.com/children…) Many people are unaware that certain childhood vaccines contain yeast. Yeast is a substance which can cause breathing problems and asthma in any child who as a yeast allergy. One of the vaccines containing yeast is the Hib vaccine which is said to protect a child from Haemophilus Influenzae type B infection. This is a serious bact... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028222 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:08:47 +0100 5028222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789637&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FcIcZrWjZnAo%2F Good morning and nice to see you again. A busy morning here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we have been hustling various short people off to the local school house for some learning. To cope, we are, of course, sipping that needed cup of stimulation. Please feel free to join us. Meanwhile, we are gearing up for another busy day of phone calls and our own version of R&D. And so here are some tidbits as you gear up for your own challenges. Hope all goes well and be in touch… Allergan Licenses Drug For Retinal Disease (Reuters) Osteoporosis Drug Linked To Rare Thigh Fractures (Wall Street Journal) Ranbaxy May Pay $1B Fine For Manufacturing Problems (Economic Times) Glaxo Is Ready To Settle Another 1,000 Avandia Lawsuits (Bloomberg News) Merck And Astra Asthma Pills As Goo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789637 Thu, 05 May 2011 12:09:04 +0100 4789637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789202&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F-H_4y3WUGN8%2F Hospital Earnings: Tenet Healthcare, the object of an unwanted takeover bid by Community Health Systems, said first-quarter profit fell 16% due to increased income-tax expenses as revenue rose, Dow Jones Newswires Reports. Meantime, on Monday, Community Health boosted its all-cash bid for the hospital operator to $7.25 from $6 per share. Looking for Love?: Germany’s Bayer AG would consider a merger of its health unit with a similarly sized drug company, Bloomberg News reports, citing an interview with the company’s CEO. Marijn Dekkers says that three or four companies would qualify; he wouldn’t elaborate, but BN says Eli Lilly, Amgen and Bristol-Myers Squibb have annual revenue of roughly the same amount as Bayer’s health-care business. Wheezing Stats: New CDC figur... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789202 Wed, 04 May 2011 12:35:57 +0100 4789202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4767995&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Foops-pre-term-labor-drug-does-more-harm-than-good-to-pregnant-moms%2F2011.04.29 The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a new warning about a medication that has been used for years and it has sent shock waves throughout my specialty. Terbutaline is an FDA approved medication that is used for asthmatic patients or patients who have significant narrowing of the airways. However for years it has been used as an “off-label” medication to treat preterm labor but now that’s about to change. An off-label drug means it hasn’t been approved for that specific use by the FDA. According to the FDA, the injectable form of Terbutaline should only be used for a maximum of 24 to 72 hours because the drugs association with heart problems and death.  The FDA goes on to say that the oral version (pills) should not be prescribed to treat preterm labor because it�... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4767995 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:00:30 +0100 4767995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4758707&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F04%2F27%2Fjournal-of-the-american-medical-association-2011-vol-305-no-7%2F This study aimed to describe the inpatient resource utilisation, clinical characteristics, and admission reasons of patients recurrently readmitted to children’s hospitals in the United States. The article concludes that among a group of paediatric hospitals, 18.8% of admissions and 23.2% of inpatient charges were accounted for by the 2.9% of patients with frequent recurrent admissions. Many of these patients were rehospitalised recurrently for a problem in the same organ system. An NHS Athens password is required to access this article online, alternatively contact the Library for a copy of the article. Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Asthma, Child, Children's Health, Chronic Diseases, Health Economics, Patient Readmission (Source: Fade ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4758707 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:54:03 +0100 4758707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696622&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdense-nasal-hair-may-reduce-asthma-risk-in-allergy-sufferers%2F2011.04.10 Researchers in Turkey found that there is an association between nasal hair density and risk of asthma developing in patients with seasonal rhinitis patients. No joke… They published their findings in the International Archives of Allergy and Immunology in March 2011. The rate of asthma found in patients with little or no nasal hair was 44.7% whereas only 16.7% of patients with a dense forest of nasal hair had asthma. They hypothesize that increased nasal hair improves allergen filtration thereby preventing the allergens from irritating the airway. The assumption here being that allergen irritation of the airway can potentially cause asthma. IF this is true (and that’s a big if)… patients with allergies should be encouraged to grow nice thick nasal hair to prevent future ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696622 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0100 4696622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653335&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fshould-home-allergy-shots-be-permitted%2F2011.03.28 DISCLAIMER: This post is not meant to condone or promote allergy shots to be given at home. It is meant to promote discussion and make patients aware of the issues involved. Allergy shots, unlike medications like claritin and flonase, offer patients with significant allergies a way to potentially be cured of their misery without the need for daily medication use. However, there is a small, but substantial risk for anaphylaxis and even death with allergy shot administration. After all, a patient is being injected with the very substances that cause their allergies. As such, many allergists will allow allergy shots to be administered ONLY within a medical setting. Also, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) specifically forbids allergy shots to be administered at home... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653335 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4653335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580905&cid=t_90456_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Fb_8uqx_i6EA%2F The LITFL Review is your regular and reliable source for the highest highlights, sneakiest sneak peaks and loudest shout-outs from the webbed world of emergency medicine and critical care. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580905 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:19:27 +0100 4580905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560400&cid=t_90456_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F03%2F07%2Finfertility-asthma-link-confirmed%2F It’s time to start repeating some of our earlier studies to see if they hold up with the larger dataset we’ve now gathered in collaboration with our nearly 25,000 marvelous members. The very first discovery we announced, back in September 2009, was an association between Infertility and Asthma. The 2009 finding was based on an analysis of 324 members, and revealed that members with Infertility were 1.9x more likely to report Asthma. We just re-ran the analysis (15 months later), with data from 3,735 members (11.5x larger sample!) and we discovered that… the association still holds.     The gritty details: within the 253 people reporting infertility, 51 (20%) reported having asthma (the remaining 202 out of 253 specifically said they did NOT have asthma). Wi... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560400 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:21:07 +0100 4560400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4549790&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F47MSsq47ErA%2F photo: Thinkstock The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered more than 500 prescription cough, cold and allergy products off the market Wednesday, saying its office had not evaluated the medication for safety, effectiveness and quality. “Removing these unapproved products from the market will reduce potential risks to consumers,” said Deborah Autor, director of the Office of Compliance in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a news release from the agency. The FDA said removing the products from the market poses no harm to consumers, but taking the unapproved drugs may put the health of people at risk. “There are many FDA-approved prescription products, as well as appropriately marketed over-the-counter products, available to treat cough, cold, a... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4549790 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:31:54 +0100 4549790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522082&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FrGuppGZlfW4%2F If Wilbur can’t get past the co-op board, will a dog or cat do? If kids who live in close proximity to farm animals seem to develop asthma at lower-than-average rates, can urban or suburban children reap the same benefits by acquiring a dog or cat? That was our first question after reading a recent WSJ story by Shirley Wang, which covered a study suggesting the greater variety of microbes farm kids are exposed to seem to be beneficial. The first author of the study told Wang that conventional house pets wouldn’t likely offer the same benefit; the pig and cow exposure seemed to confer the benefit. The theory behind the general “hygiene hypothesis” is that we’re all born with a predilection for allergies, but early exposure to microbes can help tilt the develo... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522082 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:53:08 +0100 4522082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517154&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FxT1HqOFnW8I%2F Abbott’s Pain Relieved: A $1.8 billion patent-infringement jury verdict against Abbott Labs was overturned yesterday by a federal appeals court, disappointing Johnson & Johnson, one of the plaintiffs, the WSJ reports. J&J and New York University had claimed Abbott’s rheumatoid arthritis treatment Humira infringed their patent for a competing drug, Remicade; the federal appeals court decided that the two therapies were developed using different strategies, the paper says. Organ Policy: The United Network for Organ Sharing is considering whether to change its kidney-transplant criteria to give more weight to the recipient’s age and health status over time spent on the waiting list, the Washington Post reports. The goal would be to get the greatest number of healthy ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517154 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:25:47 +0100 4517154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512539&cid=t_90456_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FURbROMenEQM%2F Bad news, allergy sufferers — your torture time is about to be seem even more interminable, and climate change is to blame. “A new study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows a link between warming temperatures and a longer ragweed pollen season,” according to TIME. As if there weren’t already enough reasons to be bummed out about global warming. But before you start building yourself a hermetically-sealed bubble to keep out that nasty pollen, try one of these ten allergy home remedies that are all available over the counter, if not in your very own kitchen. (As always, consult with a health care practitioner before embarking on any new herbal regimen.) Sure, seeing a doc may defeat the purpose of exploring at-home allergy remedies, but you co... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512539 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:41:32 +0100 4512539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495436&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FUG_9mGgMAXg%2F And so, another work week will soon draw to a close. You know what that means: daydreaming about weekend plans. And this will be a long weekend here in the states. We expect to catch up with family, promenade with the official Pharmalot mascots and tend to sundry chores. What about you? Will you spend time with a special person? Take a long walk? Curl up with an e-book? Whatever you do, we hope you have a swell time. Meanwhile, here are some items to get you started. Be safe and stay in touch… FDA Rules For Biosimilars Are Coming Soon (Bloomberg News) Canada Lost More Than 3,600 Jobs Last Year (InPharma-Technologist) Inspire Pharma Restructures And Cuts 65 Jobs (Raleigh News & Observer) AstraZeneca To Invest $150M In Plant In Russia (Reuters) FDA Defends Record For Approving Dev... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495436 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:07:48 +0100 4495436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4445956&cid=t_90456_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F6-7jj8-X1aU%2F photo: Thinkstock Turns out, giggling is actually good for you – and simpler than strapping on Pilates paraphernalia, and sillier, perhaps, than even Zumba. Studies show laughter, which lowers the heart rate, whittles the waistline, and gives the lungs a hearty workout, may be even healthier for the body than today’s trendiest forms of exercise. Enrollment is surging at improv classes and circus schools, and a growing number of Americans are also joining laughter clubs, where they learn to chuckle their hellos and goodbyes, mime their way through complicated jokes, and invent songs made of “ho-ho-ho” and ‘ha-ha-ha’ sounds. Why all this clowning around? Health experts say it’s not just for kicks. Recent research shows that laughter comes with a whole host of health benefits. �... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4445956 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:23:26 +0100 4445956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265735&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fleading-healthcare-systems-collaborate-on-best-practices-for-common-conditions%2F2010.12.17 Six of the nation’s leading healthcare systems will collaborate on outcomes, quality, and costs across eight common conditions or procedures in an effort to share best practices and reduce costs with the entire healthcare system. Cleveland Clinic, Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Denver Health, Geisinger Health System, Intermountain Healthcare, and Mayo Clinic will to share data among their 10 million patients with The Dartmouth Institute, which will analyze the data and report back to the collaborative and the rest of the country, according to a press release. The collaborative will focus on eight conditions and treatments for which costs have been increasing rapidly and for which there are wide variations in quality and outcomes across the country. The first three conditions to be studies are ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265735 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:00:00 +0100 4265735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4237893&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-food-allergy-guidelines%2F2010.12.07 The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) issued comprehensive food allergy guidelines to help primary care physicians and subspecialists diagnose and manage patients. The guidelines were published online at the NIAID food allergy guidelines portal, which also has a frequently asked questions section. The agency will release a patient synopsis early next year. The guidelines establish consistent terminology and definitions, diagnostic criteria and patient management practices. Additional topics covered by the guidelines include the prevalence of food allergy and management of acute allergic reactions to food, including anaphylaxis. The report also identifies gaps about what is known about food allergy. NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, MACP, said, “Because thes... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4237893 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:00:00 +0100 4237893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4214211&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FFu9zbf50qTQ%2F Can Caffeine Actually Combat Asthma Symptoms? Maybe slightly, and temporarily, but not enough to mean tossing your meds. (via The New York Times) Post from: BlissTree (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4214211 Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:00:58 +0100 4214211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179326&cid=t_90456_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FgROxfIp6PKo%2F Evidence based review of acute severe asthma including clinical recognition and management (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179326 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 02:00:08 +0100 4179326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175993&cid=t_90456_175_f&fid=39258&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmypatraining.com%2F2010%2F11%2F17%2Fwhat-does-it-feel-like-to-have-asthma%2F Just a  quick clip of a silly demonstration of what it feels like to have asthma.  We studied plenty of the medical aspects of the illness, but sometimes a quick demonstration communicates things a lecture can’t. (Source: Palpating the Field) Palpating the Field blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175993 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:49:19 +0100 4175993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175806&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FK2VAkKPh3F8%2F Fourth of July Fail: The smoke caused by fireworks is bad for us, especially for people who have asthma. (via Science Daily) Post from: BlissTree (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175806 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:31:27 +0100 4175806 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164525&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2F5-tips-on-how-to-be-a-healthcare-survivalist%2F2010.11.13 There are plenty of “survivalists” out there who stock their basements with canned goods, getting ready for some unexpected (and unlikely) apocalypse. Meanwhile there are things that are much more likely to happen to you — like getting sick — which many of us don’t prepare for at all. So to help you get started, here are five important tips on how you can become a healthcare survivalist: 1.  Take care of your chronic conditions. Whether it’s high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, depression, asthma or any other kind of ailment, do what it takes to manage your own care. Take your medications and follow your doctors’ instructions. Why? Because if you don’t, your condition can get worse and lead to even more serious problems. As much of a pain as it may (... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164525 Sat, 13 Nov 2010 22:00:47 +0100 4164525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4125081&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FLHzQam6AuGA%2F photo: Thinkstock The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America just posted their list of the best and worst cities to live in if you suffer from allergies. The foundation based their rankings off of three factors: Airborne pollen counts; the number of allergy specialists in each city, per capita; and the number of allergy medications used per patient. We know just how varied the severity of our seasonal allergies can be in new cities — the Midwest is very different from New York City, which is very different from upstate New York. Where do you find that you have the worst allergies: In the country with tons of vegetation, or in a city with lots of pollution? The 5 Worst American Cities for Allergies: 1. Dayton, OH 2. Wichita, KS 3. Louisville, KY 4. Knoxville, TN 5. Jackson, MS The 5 Bes... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4125081 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:41:40 +0100 4125081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4119219&cid=t_90456_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D73 Asthma, a chronic disease, affects over 23 million Americans and causes over 444,000 hospitalizations and 3,447 deaths per year.  But now, bronchial thermoplasty is being developed as an exciting new non-drug therapy for severe asthma.   Bronchial thermoplasty is a recently-approved outpatient procedure that consists of a single-use catheter and RF controller delivered with a bronchoscope.  The treatment uses RF energy to reduce the airway’s smooth muscle tissue from the lining, thus, decreasing the ability of the airway’s smooth muscles to constrict.  I spoke with Dr. Alan Leff, MD, an authority on asthma treatments, and he explained, “Generally, treatment options for severe asthma are not too good. Although there are currently more convenient pharmaceuticals available for les... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4119219 Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:31:09 +0100 4119219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082043&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fconfessions-of-a-sneeze-supressor-can-holding-in-your-ah-choo-hurt-you%2F photo: Thinkstock I admit it: I hold in my sneezes. I’ve been doing it since I was little. I believe it stems from the fact that my father has the loudest sneeze I’ve ever heard. When I was a kid, my dad would sneeze in the basement and I’d be roused from slumber all the way up on the second floor. So naturally, over the years I’ve honed my sneeze to be as silent as possible. Sometimes people around me don’t even realize that I’ve sneezed. (I’m that sneaky.) I’d guess that several of my co-workers think I suffer from some kind of twitch. Is this better than an obnoxiously loud sneeze? In my book, yes. Of course, throughout my life, I’ve been warned by all my non-scientist family and friends about how suppressing my sneezes will kill my ... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082043 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 19:39:59 +0100 4082043 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965413&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpollen-as-microscopic-art%2F2010.09.13 Martin Oeggerli, a Swiss scientific photographer, has turned his talents to the bane of seasonal allergy sufferers and produced a pretty impressive gallery of colorized electron microscope images of pollen grains. The color isn’t true to life in all of the images, but it’s altered to better show the textures in the pollen grains: Micronaut: Image Gallery - Spectacular Pollen (Via BoingBoing) *This blog post was originally published at Medgadget* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965413 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 16:00:11 +0100 3965413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3957917&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2010%2F09%2F10%2Fthe-possible-role-of-vaccines-in-causing-retrogressive-changes%2F Harold E. Buttram, MD 09/10/2010 Vactruth.com The Possible Role of Vaccines in Causing Retrogressive Changes: Reminiscences of America’s Children in the 1930s, and the Profound Changes That Have Taken Place Since Then. Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines Meeting Vaccine Safety Advocate Harold E Buttram, MD, Presentation September 2, 2010, FDA, Rockville, MD As one of America’s senior citizens who grew up in a Midwestern state in the 1930s, and as a doctor who treated many children with autistic spectrum and related disorders in the later years of my practice, I may have a special vantage point of time and experience in regard to the changes that have taken place in the health of America’s children since the relatively innocent times of the 1930s. At a summer camp in the New Mex... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3957917 Fri, 10 Sep 2010 14:26:20 +0100 3957917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933262&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJazH3xTlCO4%2F More than 48 percent of all Americans took at least one prescription drug each month in 2008, which amounts to a 10 percent increase over the previous decade, according to a new report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the use of multiple prescription meds rose by 20 percent, while the use of five of more drugs increased by 70 percent. In fact, one out of every five Americans was using five or more drugs by 2008, and one out of every five children used at least one prescription med compared with nine out of 10 adults aged 60 and over. Children up to age 11 were using penicillin and drugs for asthma and allergies, while adolescents were taking meds for asthma, depression and ADD (please click on this link) to see the charts. Consequently, US spending for prescripti... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933262 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:41:00 +0100 3933262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929221&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.organizedwisdom.com%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F09%2Fnew-drugs-approved-summer-2010.html New drugs not only offer hope, but possibly a better quality of life, for those awaiting new treatments. However, new drug approvals can also spark controversy. The FDA approved 17 new drugs this summer (June-August 2010). Many offer new promise, and one in particular promises a great deal of future debate.Since nearly one in three Americans has high blood pressure, it isn't surprising that two of the 17 newly approved drugs are antihypertensives. The most recently approved drug is Tekamlo (aliskiren and amlodipine) from Novartis, a single-pill combination drug for high blood pressure. Tribenzor is a new three-in-one combination drug that is taken once-daily to treat high blood pressure.  The most controversial newly approved drug is the emergency co... The Health Wisdom Blog™ (by OrganizedWisdom) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929221 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:33:14 +0100 3929221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3895930&cid=t_90456_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fsciencebase-science-news-links-for-august-16th-through-august-23rd.html These are the latest science news links and snippets from Sciencebase: That underwater hydrocarbon plume is still there – Things in the Gulf of Mexico may not be cleaning themselves up quite as fast as some had claimed and many had hoped. Surprise, surprise Paracetamol use and risk of asthma in teenagers studied – NHS Choices – Health News – It is not possible in a study of this design to determine whether the positive association observed was causal. Piped David Bradley – My main science blogs, going down the tubes? Yahoo Pipes pulls in all the feeds from Sciencebase (science), Sciencetext (tech), ReactiveReports (chemistry), SciScoop (forum), and ImagingStorm (scientific photos) New colour-change test for melamine contamination of milk products – Firs... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3895930 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:00:06 +0100 3895930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3848854&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsocial-rejects-not-just-sad-but-sick%2F photo: Thinkstock New research shows that too much social rejection could lead to a variety of diseases. It prompts brain activity that causes inflammation in the body, and chronically high levels of inflammation can be a factor in the development of diseases like asthma, heart disease, and depression. Some people are more sensitive to social rejection, which causes them to be more prone to inflammation than others. So, does this mean that getting picked last for the kickball team caused my asthma? One more thing to write down in my revenge notebook… How do you thicken up your skin so that getting rejected doesn’t affect you as much? Let us know in the comments section, below. via Mercola Blog Post from: BlissTree Social Rejects: Not Just Sad, but Sick (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3848854 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:27:09 +0100 3848854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767337&cid=t_90456_160_f&fid=36189&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinmdblog.com%2F227%2Fhow-to-choose-safe-natural-skin-care-products%2F Choosing safe and natural skin care products can be very hard.   It isn’t that manufacturers don’t “claim” to provide them.  It’s just that their claims are not always completely honest. Safety is actually the big issue here.  If you are like most people, you would like naturally occurring ingredients, because you think they are safer than artificial ingredients. In many cases, you are right.   But, there are a few exceptions. Lead, mercury, cadmium and other heavy metals are found in nature.   They are probably not on the list of ingredients in your favourite cosmetics, they can be there as contaminants in natural plant extracts. Numerous contaminants are present in tap water, which is why water must be purified before it is used in skin care products. P... Skin MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767337 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:43:12 +0100 3767337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742249&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftea-brewed-from-angels-trumpet-causing-hospitalizations-in-kids%2F2010.07.10 Toxicity reports are re-emerging in southern California this week after a dozen hospitalizations of kids using teas made from a fragrant flowering plant called Angel’s Trumpet. A tea made from the plant is used to produce hallucinations, but they can progress to extremely unpleasant experiences. Moreover, Angel’s Trumpet can be deadly, accelerating the heart rate and causing fatal cardiac rhythmic disturbances and bronchoconstriction that can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Terra Sigillata* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742249 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:00:59 +0100 3742249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3729844&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Ftop-7-smoking-myths-that-stop-you-from-quitting%2F You just smoke when you’re stressed; you think it’s good for your figure; or you think it’s your body, and you’ll do what you want. There are a lot of excuses that keep you puffing away, but deep down you probably know you should quit. AOL Health’s “Myths That Keep You Smoking” may change your mind about your favorite excuse. 1. Quitting will make you fat: Thin models and actresses who smoke, and ads like the one above from Virginia Slims make you think that cigarettes are the key to keeping your figure, but quitting doesn’t have to mean gaining tons of weight. The average quitter gains about 10 pounds at first, but studies have shown that health-minded quitters tend not to gain as much weight: Clearing up your lungs actually makes it easier ... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3729844 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:54:12 +0100 3729844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683592&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsmell-test-fragrance-company-scenting-low-income-housing-to-make-residents-happy%2F Scent-branding is part of the marketing plan for several retail outlets, hotels, and even casinos. Just step into a W Hotel and note the eerily similar smell to the last one you visited. Like color and light, smells can evoke emotions, making consumers happy and thus more likely to spend, return, and build brand loyalty. But one scent company is actually applying this to a living space: International Flavors and Fragrances has created a special scent that they’re planning to pump into a low-income housing building in the South Bronx, New York, filling the hallways and common spaces with – we kid you not – L’Eau Vert du Bronx du Sur. The “Green Water of South Bronx” is meant to evoke happiness and optimism for the 200 building residents. We wouldn’t necessa... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683592 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:37:31 +0100 3683592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648494&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmedical-journals-a-social-media-model-for-the-21st-century%2F2010.06.10 The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is the official publication of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and a good example for all medical and scientific journals about how they should embrace social media: Proper RSS feed (major element with peer-reviewed journals) Blog that serves as a journal club Twitter account Podcasts Facebook page *This blog post was originally published at ScienceRoll* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648494 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:00:08 +0100 3648494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625775&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FFlHBJzIb66I%2F In a much-needed effort to burnish their images, drugmakers repeat a mantra about wanting to help patients beat this or that illness, and that patient safety is a prime concern. Yet this week, we are treated to a curious spectacle in which the FDA had to order at least two companies to make anticipated labeling changes for their long-acting beta-agonists, or LABAs, which should never be used alone to treat asthma (see this). The FDA warning was expected since February, but the agency strengthened its recommendations this week (see the initial and revised alerts). But GlaxoSmithKline - which sells Advair, a $7.8 billion seller - and AstraZeneca, which markets Symbicort, a $2.3 billion product - pushed back (these drugs include a corticosteroid). And so as Reuters points out, the FDA was fo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625775 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:41:02 +0100 3625775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3585575&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fnutrition-the-raw-milk-controversy%2F photo: Thinkstock Raw milk (that is, milk that’s unprocessed and non-homogenized) is thought of among some people as a natural treatment for allergies, asthma, and some stomach problems. According to The Los Angeles Times, the FDA thinks it’s dangerous to consume because of the risk of E coli and other dangerous bacteria. In fact, last March, 13 people fell ill in Michigan because of tainted raw milk. The FDA has prohibited sale of raw milk across state lines, but raw milk currently can be sold in 27 states. Proponents of raw milk, who are largely health-conscious moms, believe that they should have the right to choose what kind of milk they and their families drink. In some states, you can buy the milk in stores; in others, you have to go straight to the source – family far... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3585575 Thu, 20 May 2010 20:56:06 +0100 3585575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573661&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FIrZKG_Vs4oU%2F Also: why health-care costs are rising in Utah, what exposure to microbes may mean for allergies and asthma. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573661 Tue, 18 May 2010 12:00:20 +0100 3573661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566612&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.organizedwisdom.com%2Fhealth%2F2010%2F05%2Ffollow-friday-featuring-5-patient-experts.html Meet these patient experts who rise above when it comes to inspiring and providing support to others. These individuals not only share their experiences and expertise, but they raise awareness and offer insights so that others can identify and be better informed. @breathinstephen Marathons and severe asthma—no way? Think again. Stephen Gaudet has lived with severe refractory asthma since birth. Beating most odds, he has walked his way into the record books by becoming the first person with documented severe lung disease to finish the Boston marathon. Just this past April, he finished it again to raise awareness about current asthma research. His Breathin' Stephen blog is simply inspiring. He chronicles his fitness routine and shares tips for the benefit of others. His message is cle... The Health Wisdom Blog™ (by OrganizedWisdom) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566612 Sat, 15 May 2010 00:59:10 +0100 3566612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560177&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fhealth-department-whats-really-in-your-perfume%2F photo: Thinkstock At Blisstree, we like to smell as delightful as the next woman, but we haven’t put that much thought into what’s in the perfume we spritz on every morning. Have you? We all should, according a report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Rather than list specific chemicals on bottles of perfume, many perfumes just list the ingredient, “fragrance.” This is like ingredients in your favorite soup being listed as “food.” Looking at a sample of 17 popular perfumes, it was found that each had an average of 14 unlisted ingredients in them. In fact, the 17 fragrances contained an average of ten chemical sensitizers each, which can trigger allergies, asthma, headaches, and dermatitis when inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Food manufacturer... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560177 Thu, 13 May 2010 15:43:09 +0100 3560177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529787&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-a-gynecologist-thinks-about-lung-cancer%2F2010.05.04 A new report on lung cancer in women has been published by the Women’s Health Policy and Advocacy Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Called “Out of the Shadows,” the report seeks to raise awareness about lung cancer, currently the leading cause of cancer death in women, and more importantly, to increase funding for research for its prevention, detection and treatment. (HT to Booster Shots, the LA Times‘ fabulous health blog, for highlighting the report.) I encourage you to read the report, which is well written and comprehensive. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at The Blog that Ate Manhattan* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529787 Tue, 04 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100 3529787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3519527&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=39123&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fnursingcomments%2Ftdtc%2F%7E3%2FsfvKxgIImrI%2F           Your lungs have 2 main parts: bronchial tubes (also called airways) and alveoli (also called air sacs).  When you breathe, the air moves down your trachea (or wind pipe) through your bronchial tubes and into your alveoli.  From the alveoli, oxygen goes into your blood while carbon dioxide moves out of your blood.  If you have chronic bronchitis, the lining in your bronchial tubes gets red, swollen and full of mucus.  This mucus blocks your tubes, and makes it hard to breathe.  If you have emphysema, your alveoli are irritated.  They get stiff and can’t hold enough air.  This makes it hard for you to get oxygen into and carbon dioxide out of your blood.  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also called COPD) is a chronic lung disease.  Coping with the dis... Nursing Comments blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3519527 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:16:42 +0100 3519527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487031&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fu9GalMW7ZcU%2F Last week some experts played down the World Health Organization’s announcement that it was “very concerned” about the potential health effects of inhaled ash from the Iceland volcano. But we wanted to follow up on that point: can it really be safe to breathe in the same stuff that threatens to destroy jet engines? Ronald Crystal, chief of pulmonary medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, tells the Health Blog it’s all in the context. He knows of which he speaks: when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, he was then chief of the pulmonary branch of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and briefed President Carter on potential health consequences. There weren’t a lot of studies specific to volcano eruptions to consult, says Crystal. Instead, he looked ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487031 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:23:28 +0100 3487031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479657&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fbzg2dOB_5JE%2F Whether or not Europeans should be concerned about inhaling the ash from Iceland’s volcano depends on whom you ask. A spokesman for the World Health Organization says the agency is “very concerned” about the potential health effects of ash that drifts down to ground level, the Associated Press reports. In fact, he advises that a mask might be appropriate for Europeans who venture outside in areas where ash is reaching the ground. But other experts are more sanguine, favorably comparing volcanic ash to cigarette smoke or plain old pollution. “Not all particles are created equal,” Ken Donaldson, professor of respiratory toxicology at the University of Edinburgh, told the AP. He says only those who are very close to the volcano itself are likely at risk. Another expert says as the partic... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479657 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 20:37:22 +0100 3479657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3454232&cid=t_90456_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F09%2Fmy-love-hate-relationship-with-dairy-products%2F I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with dairy products. I love, generally speaking, how they taste. I also like the fact that dairy products (e.g. cream, cheese) are relatively rich in protein and fat, and (importantly) not so rich in carbohydrate. Their nutritional profile is, therefore, kinda in line with ‘primal’ foods such [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3454232 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:44:45 +0100 3454232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3403859&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FQUdJc3XXymY%2F A proposal by British doctors to ban smoking in private cars has drivers, well, fuming. The Royal College of Physicians says passive smoke results in 300,000 extra visits by children to the doctor every year in the U.K. Banning smoking in autos, as well as in public places where kids congregate, would help fight problems like asthma and bacterial meningitis affecting tens of thousands of children, according to the 20,000-member group. The recommendation includes banning lighting up in cars even when children aren’t along for the ride. That goes beyond previous proposals by medical groups that urged no-smoking rules only when kids were in the car. Reuters notes that smoking in cars carrying children is already against the law in some parts of the U.S., Canada and Australia, while oth... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3403859 Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:00:49 +0100 3403859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3359244&cid=t_90456_167_f&fid=38576&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.drbriffa.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2Fvitamin-d-supplementation-found-to-help-prevent-flu-in-children%2F Back in February I wrote a post that was largely focused on my experience of supplementing with vitamin D, and specifically the fact that I had not had a single infection (e.g. cold or flu) since starting supplementation. I still, by the way, have not had an infection. Not even a hint of one. This [...] (Source: Dr John Biffa's Blog) Dr John Biffa's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3359244 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:54:33 +0100 3359244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358922&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F12%2Fbmj-2010-vol-340-no-7745%2F Contents page Fade Fave: Parent initiated prednisolone for acute asthma in children of school age: randomised controlled crossover trial Fade Skinny: A short course of oral prednisolone initiated by parents when their child experiences an episode of acute asthma may reduce asthma symptoms, health resource use, and school absenteeism. However, the modest benefits of this strategy must be balanced against potential side effects of repeated short courses of an oral corticosteroid. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Filed under: Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Journals Tagged: Asthma, Athens Password, Children, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Prednisolone (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358922 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:35:37 +0100 3358922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322438&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FEHP0aLsDTKU%2F The FDA is not supposed to be in the business of practicing medicine. Their role related to medicine is to approve or not approve medications, and to warn doctors of potential problems with certain types of drugs. Some doctors are now expressing concern about the latest recommendation from the FDA, calling for earlier discontinuation of certain asthma drugs. The doctors, experts in the field of treating asthma, are saying that this recommendation may be very risky for some patients. They expressed their concern at press meeting held at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) 2010 Annual Meeting. Last month, the FDA came out with warnings about using certain types of asthma medications after a certain amount of time (FDA Urging Caution with Asthma Pumps). The FDA bas... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322438 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:59:04 +0100 3322438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287809&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FIRWQnw1WH60%2F They seem to be everywhere: medication pumps and devices for people with asthma. For people who have asthma, these pumps and inhalers are literal life savers sometimes. Asthma medications that are inhaled by pump, disk, or inhaler, come in a couple of categories: Immediate action and prophylactic (preventative), although some medications provide a bit of both. The immediate action medications are ones such as Ventolin, which helps open the airways and allows for air exchange. The preventative ones often have long-acting beta agonist, or LABA, in them, to help keep the airway open. These medications include Advair and Symbicort, which combine LABA with corticosteroids, and Serevent and Foradi, which contain the LABA only. Because these inhaled versions of medication are everywhere, it does ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287809 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:16:53 +0100 3287809 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3287713&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FuZNK_D8vLKc%2F Safety experts advising the FDA have been sending up flares about various asthma drugs for several years. In 2007, a panel said GlaxoSmithKline’s Serevent and Advair should carry a warning about risks to children. In 2008, experts said Serevent and Norvartis’s Foradil shouldn’t be used for asthma any more. Today, the FDA itself said it had heard enough. The agency said it plans to impose new “safety controls” over those three drugs as well as AstraZeneca’s Symbicort, warning that they should be for the shortest time possible to obtain asthma control and then discontinued. Here’s the FDA announcement and a Q&A from the agency. The drugs are so-called long-acting beta-agonists that are used by about six million asthma patients. The FDA said single-agent L... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3287713 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:53:51 +0100 3287713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212401&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FF_lmnSKc8Do%2F Although teaching an infant how to swim may not prevent drownings, it is an enjoyable activity for both parent and child. For that reason, doctors are not saying “don’t swim with your baby,” but they are issuing a warning so parents can be aware of certain issues. According to a study published recently in the European Respiratory Journal, children who are exposed to large amounts of chlorine early in life may have a higher risk of developing asthma or respiratory problems – particularly if they have a family history of such problems. The issue isn’t the swimming, but rather the air quality in indoor pools and the chlorine in all pools. Researchers looked at over 400 children and their health history and swimming habits. What the researchers found was that 36%... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212401 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:42:53 +0100 3212401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3193423&cid=t_90456_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsecondhand-smoke-sleep-in-children-with.html A new study examined the relationship between sleep and exposure to secondhand smoke in children.The study involved 219 children with asthma. They were exposed regularly to tobacco smoke at home. Their sleep patterns were reported by their parents.Exposure to tobacco smoke was tested by measuring the levels of “cotinine” in their blood. Cotinine is a chemical that the body makes from nicotine.Results show that exposure to secondhand smoke was associated with increased sleep problems. The children took longer to fall asleep. Their sleep was more disturbed. And they were sleepier during the day.It also was associated with sleep disordered breathing and parasomnias. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep-related breathing problem in children. Types of parasomnias include nightmares, be... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3193423 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:17:00 +0100 3193423 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223224&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fblog%2F114101 Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on the connection between Winter and increased asthma. The onset of cold weather can increase asthma attacks and make people with asthma feel worse. Dr. Sanjay Gupta says "cold air can exacerbate the condition as can getting sick." There are more colds and other viruses around. These illnesses can be problematic for people with asthma. Take a look: Permalink | Recent Headlines | News Feeds (Source: HealthNewsBlog.com) HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223224 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:00:00 +0100 3223224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3133807&cid=t_90456_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fhow-does-alcoholism-treatment-work%2F Does Treatment and Self-help Work? Alcoholism can be treated similarly to other chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma in adults. There are a variety of treatment options, depending on the individual’s particular situation and needs. Clinical studies have repeatedly found that treatment substantially reduces drinking among alcoholics. Many alcoholics, like individuals with other illnesses, need to use a variety of services to treat their illnesses. Even if people with alcoholism relapse during their treatment, their lives, their families, their workplace and society at large benefit for as long as they remain abstinent. Largely due to the success of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other voluntary recovery organizations, some alcoholics recover without medical treatment... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3133807 Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:51:43 +0100 3133807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115029&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F23%2Foccupational-and-environmental-medicine-2010-volume-67-number-1%2F Fade Fave: Lung function and indicators of exposure to indoor and outdoor particulate matter among asthma and COPD patients Fade Skinny: Finds no consistent associations between lung function and 24 h average particle number or particle mass concentrations were found in panels of patients with mild to moderate COPD or asthma. More detailed exposure assessment did not change the observed associations. (NHS Athens is required to access this article online) Posted in Athens Password, Current Awareness, E-Journals Tagged: Asthma, Athens Password, COPD, Current Awareness, E-Journals, Exposure, Particulates (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115029 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:42:25 +0100 3115029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3059778&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FQT5qo6Uv8dY%2F PRESS RELEASE – Health Canada One Lot of Zaditen Tablets (for Asthma) Recalled Due to Potential Health Risks OTTAWA – Health Canada is advising consumers that Montreal-based Paladin Labs Inc., the manufacturer of the prescription asthma drug Zaditen, is recalling lot #440494, which is packaged as blisters of 14 – 1mg tablets. Lot #440494 has been found to have less of its active pharmaceutical ingredient (ketotifen) than indicated on the label. An active pharmaceutical ingredient is a substance or mixture of substances in a drug that delivers the therapeutic benefit to a patient. Use of product from lot #440494 could result in different adverse events due to decreased effectiveness. Individuals currently stabilized on Zaditen may notice a worsening of their asthma sympt... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3059778 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:33:59 +0100 3059778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3018956&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F23%2Fscreening-cant-hurt-can-it%2F The next Grand Rounds is hosted by How To Cope With Pain and, not surprisingly, the main theme will therefore be pain. Now, I had a personal story in mind on the downside of testing, but I didn’t have a good title that fit the theme. Till, this Saturday when I a saw a perfect [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3018956 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:45:56 +0100 3018956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012448&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fmaternal_depression_may_increae_childrens_asthma_symptoms.htm Results may be tied to fatigue and forgetfulness in managing children's disease Ekaterina Pesheva Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions Maternal depression can worsen asthma symptoms in their children, according to research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center published online in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology. Analyzing data from interviews with 262 mothers of African-American children with asthma - a population disproportionately affected by this inflammatory airway disorder - the Hopkins investigators found that children whose mothers had more depressive symptoms had more frequent asthma symptoms during the six-months of the study. Conversely, children whose mothers reported fewer depressive symptoms had less frequent asthma symptoms. Researchers tracked ups and downs in maternal depr... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012448 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:44:00 +0100 3012448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012458&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FPDbm2kwjI2w%2F Children who have asthma are at higher risk of developing problems if they contract the H1N1 flu, more so than if they have the seasonal flu, say researchers. Researchers in Toronto, Canada, investigated the differences between 58 children with H1N1 who were admitted to the Hospital for the Hospital for Sick Kids, in Toronto, and 200 who had been admitted to the same hospital with complications from the seasonal flu, between 2004 and 2008. The researchers found that 22% of the children who were admitted because of H1N1 had asthma, while only 6% of those with seasonal influenza were asthmatic. In addition, about 50% of those children with H1N1 who had to be admitted to the intensive care unit had asthma (study). Other differences included: Older children were admitted with H1N1 than with t... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012458 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:37:45 +0100 3012458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3008403&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FY_ZL_OpHAJY%2F Top of the morning, everyone. For some inexplicable reason, we are brimming with energy today. Before we can cash in, however, we must hustle short people off to the schoolhouse. So while we engage, here are a few items to help you tap into your own reservoirs. Hope the day is a good one… AstraZeneca Seeks FDA Approval For Brilinta (Reuters) Pfizer May Sell Generics In Japan (Reuters) AstraZeneca May Face 6,000 Seroquel Lawsuits In State Courts (Bloomberg) FDA Panel Backs Pfizer/Wyeth’s Prevnar 13 Vaccine (Associated Press) Xolair Asthma Med Not Recommended For Children (Reuters) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3008403 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:37:26 +0100 3008403 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920271&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F5PTP1wszArM%2F In this study, researchers were looking at how patients managed their inhaled and oral medications. They evaluated 182patients who were experiencing difficulties in managing their asthma symptoms. The researchers found that: 35% filled fewer than half their inhaled combination medications 21% filled more than inhaled medications they were supposed to 45% filled between half and all the inhaled medications they were supposed to 45% didn’t take their oral prednisolone as prescribed the majority admitted not taking their oral medications as prescribed 65% of those who didn’t take their oral medications properly also didn’t take their inhaled medications properly In this study, it was women were more likely to not follow their medications than men. The researchers admit, ho... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920271 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:09:31 +0100 2920271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2881214&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FuDJLdLUlsM8%2F The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is set to test the H1N1 vaccine in people who have asthma, news reports say. According to a press release issued on Friday, October 9, “People with severe asthma often take high doses of glucocorticoids that can suppress their immune system, placing them at greater risk for infection and possibly serious disease caused by 2009 H1N1 influenza virus,” says NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. “We need to determine the optimal dose of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine that can be safely administered to this at-risk population and whether one or two doses are needed to produce an immune response that is predictive of protection.” It’s thought that people who have asthma and have to take steroids to keep the disease under control ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2881214 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 07:16:59 +0100 2881214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2876117&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F_HetwPv1Tko%2F Asthma is a serious illness that makes it difficult to breathe. It can attack anyone at any time (Let’s Talk About…Asthma). If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience an asthma attack, take a straw. Close your mouth around it and pinch your nose. Now try taking deep breaths in – and out – through the straw. That may give you a tiny idea of what it’s like. Some places around the world and here in North America are worse than others for people with asthma. Smog and pollution is a number one enemy to an asthmatic. But where is it worse in the United States? The Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America compiles an annual list of the top 10 worst cities for asthma, called Allergy Capitals. For 2009, they are: 1.   St. Louis, MO 2.   Milwaukee, WI ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2876117 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 06:29:00 +0100 2876117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851198&cid=t_90456_77_f&fid=37259&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.horizonpress.com%2Fblogger%2F2009%2F10%2Faspergillus-and-disease.html Aerosolized Aspergillus spores are found nearly everywhere so we are routinely and almost constantly exposed to them. Such exposure is a normal part of the human condition and generally poses no adverse health effects. Nevertheless, Aspergillus can and does cause animal disease in three major ways: through the production of mycotoxins; through induction of allergenic responses; and through localized or systemic infections. With the latter two categories, the immune status of the host is pivotal. Allergies and asthma are thought to be caused by an active host immune response against the presence of fungal spores or hyphae. In contrast, with invasive aspergillosis, the immune system has collapsed and little or no defence can be mounted. Suggested reading: Microbial Toxins: Current Research a... Microbiology Blog: The weblog for microbiologists. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851198 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:39:00 +0100 2851198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2812459&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F6_HAGV8YE8Y%2F It wasn’t that long ago that parents were told that their children’s asthma was psychosomatic, or in their head. Or they were told the opposite, that they had to protect their children from everything, lest their asthma kick in. Thankfully, we know that both are not true, although there’s a kernel of truth (albeit a small one) in both. “It’s all in your head.” This was a particularly common idea when it came to asthma. Likely, this came to be because asthma can be exacerbated, made worse, by physical or psychological stress. The stress doesn’t cause the asthma, but it can cause the body to react in such a way that the airways start to constrict, close up. As well, most usual day-to-day activities don’t cause asthma, not even many extreme acti... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2812459 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 15:33:50 +0100 2812459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2800519&cid=t_90456_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F09%2F15%2Fcrowdsourced-health-confirms-infertility-asthma-finding%2F CureTogether Data Reveals Link Between Self-Reported Infertility and Asthma ——————————————————————————————————————– Announced at Mayo Clinic Transforming Healthcare Conference on September 15: Patients at CureTogether who report infertility are 1.9x more likely to report having asthma than patients who don’t report infertility. This comes from an analysis of 324 patients. Within the 34 people reporting infertility, 13 (38%) reported having asthma (the remaining 21 out of 34 specifically said they did NOT have asthma). Within the 290 people reporting &#82... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2800519 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:26:28 +0100 2800519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2745526&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F9Q2Rpzndu3w%2F If your child has asthma, you may want to consider encouraging swimming as a sport to try. Exercise is important for all children, even those with asthma. Unfortunately, for some with asthma, finding a physical activity they can do without triggering an asthma attack can be difficult. Swimming may be just the ticket, in that case. Researchers studied children with asthma as they participated in a 6-week swimming program. Fifteen children swam and 15 didn’t, as they were part of the control group. After six weeks, the researchers found that not only was there a significant improvement in the asthma symptoms among the swimming group, they also benefited from it in terms of less snoring while sleeping. Long-term follow up showed that the children in the swim program still showed improve... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2745526 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:17:38 +0100 2745526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2741320&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F28%2Ffriday-foolery-2-how-to-use-your-inhaler-not%2F For the first time seen on Allergynotes: “Compliance” or “Are you using your inhaler right.” I really had to laugh out loud when I saw it, and so did my daughter and husband. Therefore I would like to share it with you. Text with the video: As a doctor half the battle is figuring out if your [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2741320 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:42:59 +0100 2741320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727063&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F24%2Fprojection-of-mesothelioma-mortality-in-great-britain-research-report%2F In this report, the model has been refined and refitted using the MATLAB’s fminsearch function and the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, a Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique. Publisher: HSE Size of Publication: 50p Published: 24/08/2009 Posted in Epidemiology, Grey Literature, Public Health Tagged: Asthma, Epidemiology, Grey Literature, Health and Safety, Occupational Health, Research, Statistics (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727063 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:04:48 +0100 2727063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2674330&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FNhyUZ7hnq2I%2F This news shouldn’t be surprising. A new report says that people involved in or exposed to the collapse of the Twin Towers have a greater chance of developing asthma. With all the dust and debris that flew during that event, it makes sense that there would be some lasting health effects. About “1 in 7, or 13.5 percent of adults who encountered intense dust clouds after the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11 were later found to have asthma.” Those with no dust exposure came in at 8.4 percent with asthma. This was true of those in buildings who were rescued and the rescue workers themselves. In fact, rescue workers had the highest rates of asthma. All the more reason we appreciate their brave efforts. Image: sxc.hu. Share and Enjoy: ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2674330 Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:53:07 +0100 2674330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2626094&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FZLu1WHeuBow%2F I always wondered why some kids get asthma at a very young age, while others don’t. Certainly environmental factors, such as pollution, are a big factor. But now researchers are also looking at stress as a possible cause. It’s not such a big leap. Stress certainly can aggravate asthma, so why not add to its development? More than that, however, researchers are combining stress and pollution to determine their effect on asthma. Specifically, the stress of parents. They found that kids with “with stressed-out parents who lived around high levels of traffic-related pollution were at a higher risk of developing asthma.” Again, this is scientific numbers following logic. Parents who are stressed out surely will pass along this stress to their children. Combine that with... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2626094 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:01:55 +0100 2626094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2610990&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fdepression_psychological_stress_worsen_childrens_asthma.htm Lois Baker Young people with asthma have nearly twice the incidence of depression compared to their peers without asthma, and studies have shown that depression is associated with increased asthma symptoms and, in some cases, death. How stress and depression play upon one another to worsen asthma is a lingering question. A new study publshised in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology by University at Buffalo researchers has shown that depressed children with asthma exhibit a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system along with increased airway compromise. Bruce D. Miller, MD, and Beatrice L. Wood, PhD, professors of psychiatry and pediatrics in the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, designed and carried out the study in collaboration with other UB researchers. It i... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2610990 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:19:00 +0100 2610990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2611010&cid=t_90456_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FwH1ZsYdPKOI%2F I’m always a bit leery of surveys that tell me patients aren’t taking their medication. The blame always seems to fall on the patient, rather than doctors who don’t take the time to speak with patients so that they understand what to do to treat their disease. The latest of these studies involves asthma. The study says that two-thirds of physicians treating asthma believe that less than 50% of their patients take their daily asthma controller. My first question when I heard this was, did the doctor properly explain how to use their controller? Did they do it in detail, and talk about why and how it should be administered. I say this because I have asthma and years ago I was handed a new asthma inhaler by a doctor who had no time to discuss anything. Have a question? For... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2611010 Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:33:12 +0100 2611010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2593105&cid=t_90456_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fwhat-makes-it-more-likely-for-new.html Conclusions: Several factors associated with failing to fill an initial prescription for asthma can be addressed through simple interventions: screening for difficulties a patient may have in filling prescriptions, avoiding nonformulary medications, and recognizing the barrier that high copays present. In addition, for employers and policymakers, decreasing copay may improve adherence and, therefore, asthma control. (Source: Zackary Sholem Berger) Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2593105 Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:07:00 +0100 2593105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2588439&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=38374&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FePharmaSummit%2F%7E3%2FoNfbl0thb-E%2Fcdc-creates-tool-to-track-chronic.html (Source: ePharma Summit) ePharma Summit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2588439 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:26:00 +0100 2588439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788894&cid=t_90456_101_f&fid=38977&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portable-essentials.com%2F2009%2F06%2Frecovery-continues.html Since I got my asthma medications adjusted, things have been improving. I can take a deep breath without wheezing (assuming I don't get my lungs coated in dust like I did yesterday... left me coughing a lot.). So, due to my EMS work that I love, I take two steps forward and one step back, but things are improving.  And I can *run* again to get to someone (proved that on Thursday getting to a patient) without being winded. Starting to taper down the prednisone, and should be off it by the end of next week.My knee is better also. Just a little fluid left below the knee. I keep putting compression on it, and it is going down.Hoping to get back on my bike this week. :-) (Source: Back of the Medic) Back of the Medic blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788894 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 20:09:00 +0100 2788894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788895&cid=t_90456_101_f&fid=38977&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portable-essentials.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fasthma-attacks-again-misadventures-in.html Sometimes, I amaze myself at how stupid I can be. I mean, I treat people for asthma often enough, that as an asthmatic myself, I should know better about getting help when I need it. But nooooo... I, like many other EMTs and paramedics, think that we know enough to take care of ourselves when we get sick or hurt. It is an arrogant trait, one that we really shouldn't have.On May 17th, I had an asthma attack while returning from an EMS assignment. We had gone through a big dust cloud that was created by an RV in front of us while driving down a dirt road on a mountain. I wasn't affected initially. In fact, earlier in the day, I used my albuterol preventatively due to the heat and dust that was being created from the mountain bike race I was providing EMS services at.On a scale of mild to sev... Back of the Medic blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788895 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:30:00 +0100 2788895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424362&cid=t_90456_131_f&fid=34994&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnxp.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F05%2Feczema-asthma.php Skin-Derived TSLP Triggers Progression from Epidermal-Barrier Defects to Asthma:Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common allergic skin inflammation that has a particularly high prevalence among children. Importantly, a large proportion of people suffering from eczema go on to develop asthma later in life. Although the susceptibility of eczema patients to asthma is well documented, the mechanism that mediates "atopic march"- the progression from eczema to asthma - is unclear. We used genetic engineering to generate mice with chronic skin-barrier defects and a subsequent eczema-like disorder. With these mice, we were able to investigate how skin-specific defects predisposed the lungs to allergic asthma. We identified thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine that is secreted by barrier-d... Gene Expression blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424362 Tue, 19 May 2009 19:18:00 +0100 2424362 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416980&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_doubleexposure_to_acute_stress_and_chronic_family.htm Conclusion: These findings suggest that acute negative life events have a particularly strong impact among a subgroup of children with asthma who are under high chronic family stress. The heightened inflammatory profile in this group suggests an explanation for why children experiencing life stressors are at greater risk for asthma exacerbations. Source... © 2009 American Psychosomatic Society (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416980 Mon, 18 May 2009 08:41:00 +0100 2416980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405782&cid=t_90456_129_f&fid=36036&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fkelly-building-a-crohns-disease-community%2Fwhen-crohns-is-the-least-of-your-health-concerns%2F As the title suggests, when Crohn’s disease is the least of your health concerns you know it’s got to be bad.  This week has been a crazy week.  Monday I had a huge scare at work.  I started taking blood pressure medicine on Friday because my blood pressure has been a little high for the last six months (my diastolic  has been between 85-100) and since I eat well and don’t have any weight to lose, my general doctor decided that maybe the blood pressure medicine would help. He put me on a calcium channel blocker called Adalat.  The way it works is by dilating the capillaries. My whole body turned red after I took this medicine and then right after my the redness my heart started beating like crazy. I went to the clinic at work where they checked me out, called in the doct... Life with Crohn's blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405782 Thu, 14 May 2009 16:32:06 +0100 2405782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353910&cid=t_90456_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fmayo-microsoft-big-name-collaboration-even-more-potential-come Mayo Clinic and Microsoft are today launching a combined product called the Mayo Clinic Health Manager (and they’ll be showing it Thursday 23rd at the Health 2.0 Meets Ix conference). (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353910 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:02:19 +0100 2353910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2318536&cid=t_90456_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fzimney-health-and-medical-news-you-can-use%2Fasthma-treatment-not-always-helped-by-ppis-like-nexium%2F This study demonstrates that silent GER does not play a role in worsening asthma symptoms and control,” said Robert A. Wise, M.D., a coauthor of the paper and a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Based on these results, we also believe that doctors do not need to test for GER in asthma patients unless the patient is reporting symptoms of acid reflux.” If you have asthma and are taking a PPI like Nexium, talk to your doctor about whether it’s necessary. (Source: Dr. Z's Medical Report) Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2318536 Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:40:19 +0100 2318536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2256396&cid=t_90456_97_f&fid=35606&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theangriestpharmacist.com%2F2009%2F03%2F08%2Fa-bunch-of-new-shirts%2F UPDATE: The Angriest POSTAGE STAMPS - HAHA! I sat down and created a bunch of new shirts today. Some of them are funny, some are stupid, some are offensive. There’s a little something for everyone! You can view ALL of my memorabilia here: http://www.zazzle.com/TheAngriestPharm [ALL LINKS WILL OPEN IN A NEW WINDOW] MAY CAUSE RANDOM STREET DANCIN’ SHAKE WELL FREE SOMA - Just follow the arrow and take care of business - Oh no! Another sex/penis joke t-shirt…. TAKE WITH FOOD — Around the world. - This one is more racist than anything. Sue me… FUTURE PHARMACIST - Has an arrow pointing to babymaker. ALCOHOL — the single force keeping your pharmacist from choke slamming you. YOUR DOCTOR HAD ONE SEMESTER OF PCOL. I HAD EIGHT. PHARMACIST — ALL things to ALL... The Angriest Pharmacist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2256396 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:41:23 +0100 2256396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2256175&cid=t_90456_88_f&fid=38153&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ozemedicine.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D506 To make life easier for ED resuscitation staff confronted with the asthmatic patient who is becoming exhausted and cyanosed, a hopefully easy to follow guideline derived from RCH and NSW NETS guidelines has been created on the Ozemedicine wiki. see guideline here It has been designed with links to further information on the drugs used as well as to contact details for retrieval services and the referenced articles. Unfortunately, each hospital tends to have their own procedures for creating salbutamol, aminophylline and magnesium sulphate, but hopefully the ones outlined are easy to follow and are standard, at least in NSW and Victoria. (Source: Oz E Medicine - emergency medicine in Australia) Oz E Medicine - emergency medicine in Australia blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2256175 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:33:02 +0100 2256175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2255963&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.organizedwisdom.com%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F03%2Fwhy-you-should-never-ignore-shortness-of-breath-and-other-health-lessons-learned-from-celebs.html The OrganizedWisdom team was saddened to learn of Robin Williams' hospitalization and aortic valve replacement. While he surely gave his family, friends, and fans a big scare, doctors say the surgery should be routine (just as long as the patient can refrain from telling jokes while they're holding their scalpels). The silver lining is that every time a celebrity comes forward to disclose a health condition, thousands of average Joes pay closer attention to their own symptoms and get them checked out. In this case, Williams complained of shortness of breath, which can be a symptom of asthma, COPD, heart attack, and heart failure. It's definitely something to tell your doctor about if you've experienced it.OrganizedWisdom has tracked down great resources ... The Health Wisdom Blog™ (by OrganizedWisdom) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2255963 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 13:10:11 +0100 2255963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2249135&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D6306 Children who watch television for more than two hours a day have twice the risk of developing asthma, British researchers reported today. read more | digg story from the Malaysian Medical Resources TV linked to higher asthma risk (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2249135 Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2249135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2188088&cid=t_90456_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fdogs-for-autistic-children-preliminary.html The primary purpose of dog adoption is to assist relationship development for many people, often referred to as RDI. So I thought it would be interesting to share what we have experienced to date.Prior to Thatcher’s arrival, we spent six months visiting the dog park on a regular basis as my youngest son had a great fear of dogs. This was a more intensive version of the general desensitization programme for the previous two years.So far we’ve experienced several significant developments. Firstly, both the boys have learned to pronounce ‘th’ in six weeks of daily practice. Secondly, my older son, who has a tendency to speak inaudibly, now manages to speak more loudly on occasions. All of the children have learned that if they do not tidy their toys, the toys are likely to be chewed o... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2188088 Sun, 15 Feb 2009 07:28:00 +0100 2188088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2151030&cid=t_90456_167_f&fid=36988&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.happynutritionistsnuggets.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fmore-healthy-breakfast-info-for-teens.html When your teens are in school, they are not under your watchful eye...what are they eating? Are they getting enough of the nutrients they need?Here's another great article with some studies, read and enjoy!---------------------------------------------------Recent research from the Harvard School of Public Health shows that teenagers who get enough of the nutrients commonly found in fruits and fish are more prone to healthy lungs and to have less risk of asthma, coughing and wheezing. The study results were published Monday July 9th, 2007 in the July issue of Chest. Burns and her team of researchers found that teens with the lowest intake of fruit and especially vitamin C had weaker lungs compared to the others. Teens that ate less vitamin E, found in vegetable oil and nuts, were more lik... Happy Nutritionist's Nuggets blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2151030 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:27:00 +0100 2151030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2195231&cid=t_90456_129_f&fid=36029&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Fasthma%2Fair-pollution-and-asthma%2F I’ve been reading about the air pollution in the nation’s smoggiest town, Arvin, California, this morning. How awful! It’s bad enough that we may be genetically predisposed to asthma, but to have healthy parents and polluted air…it’s just awful! We visit my mother-in-law in the San Fernando Valley every summer, and the sight of the air pollution always amazes me. As I’ve mentioned before, I think I’m able to create psychosomatic asthmatic episodes; the sight of that smog brings one on every time! What I find truly interesting though is my husband’s asthma. He was born in central Oklahoma and lived there until he was about 4 years old. They moved to Northridge, California, and he lived there until he was 24. He says that he has worse asthma pr... Life with Asthma blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2195231 Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:05:11 +0100 2195231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2115521&cid=t_90456_99_f&fid=34593&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2FAyaJ%2F%7E3%2FuVF_cS8M55s%2Fflu_beats_sex.php Every disease has a website, it seems, and common diseases may have many. The UK has a charity devoted to asthma that has a site, AsthmaUK.com, with an interesting feature, an "asthma trigger" section that discussed things that may bring on asthma symptoms in people with asthma. Asthma is a disease involving airway dysfunction where it becomes difficult to exhale. You can get an idea of how debilitating this can be by taking an ordinary drinking straw and while breathing in normally only breathe out through the straw. Try it. Very distressing, you'll find. So you don't want to trigger the kind of airway twitchiness that brings this on. Hence the "trigger" section of AsthmaUK's website. If you look at it you'll find that a lot of different things can trigger asthma in different people. You... Effect Measure blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2115521 Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:20:41 +0100 2115521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2101019&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fhnblog.pl%3Fhnblog%3D110091 The horrible looking creature above is a dust mite and it is known to trigger asthma attacks. Dean Smith, Executive Director of the American Asthma Foundation, says "although dust mites are known to trigger asthma attacks, until now we did not know why the allergic response to the mites was so strong." The mystery was solved as a result of research funded by the American Asthma Foundation's Strategic Program for Asthma Research (SPAR). The lead investigator, Dr. Christopher Karp, and his colleagues found that house dust mites trick the immune system into believing that it is facing a bacterial infection. Thus misinformed, the immune system mounts a strong allergic response to the mites, a response that can trigger asthma attacks. They have the cause so maybe now they can come up with a cu... HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2101019 Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2101019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075153&cid=t_90456_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fchristmas-trees-and-allergies-a-survival-guide%2F It’s been a wild and wooly holiday season in the greater Seattle area this year with temperatures below freezing and lots of snow on the ground - both distinctly unusual phenomena in this neck of the woods. The roads have often been impassable and there’ve been widespread power outages, which have caused us to spend a lot of time at home, hunkered down by the fire and the Christmas tree. This in turn led me to recall a piece I wrote a year ago about Christmas trees and allergies, which I thought I’d reprise for today, December 25. Both real and artificial Christmas trees can cause problems for some people with allergies. It’s not known how many people suffer from Christmas tree-related allergies. But if you find yourself with a runny nose, itchy eyes or maybe even i... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075153 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:40:08 +0100 2075153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2060978&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5687 As a Wii convert I have to say Wii video games would not only improve cognition but your fitness. The Palm Pistol is basically a hand gun for those with arthritis. Definitely not a medical device! from the Malaysian Medical Resources Video Games Improve Cognition in Elderly Adults, Serevent and Foradil May Carry High Asthma-Related Risks, FDA Disapproves Palm Pistol As Medical Device (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2060978 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2060978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2033921&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fa_q0DjFeWOA%2F An FDA advisory panel said yesterday that two drugs, Serevent and Foradil, shouldn’t be used for asthma any more, and two others, Advair and Symbicort, should. So what’s the difference between these drugs? This morning’s New York Times gives quick overview of asthma by way of explanation. Asthma strikes when airways in the lungs spasm and swell, restricting the supply of oxygen. Steroid treatments reduce swelling, and beta agonists treat spasms. Serevent, from GlaxoSmithKline, and Foradil, from Schering-Plough and Novartis, are longer-acting beta agonists that are supposed to be used with steroids. If they’re not, they can increase the risk for even worse asthma attacks. The FDA panel worried that a lot of people don’t take the steroid as they should. Advair, ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2033921 Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:40:04 +0100 2033921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2021484&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5516 from the Malaysian Medical Resources Brand Name Drugs No Better Than Generics, Asthma Risk Higher in Children Born By C-Section, Rheumatoid Arthritis Increases Risk of Cardiovascular Death (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2021484 Sun, 07 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2021484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018094&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F476110210%2F In an advance of an advisory committee meeting next week, FDA staffers are recommending approval be withdrawn for several asthma meds known as long-acting beta agonists, or LABAs, for children younger than 18 years old, due to an increased risk of asthma-related deaths and attacks (back story here and here on FDA concerns and requests for more data). The drugs include Glaxo’s Advair and Serevent, AstraZeneca’s Symbicort and Novartis’ Foradil, which Schering-Plough markets in the US. The FDA staffers, in fact, also urge yanking approval of Serevent and Foradil for asthma in people of all ages and question whether LABAs should still be approved for treating ashtma (these are the FDA briefing materials). Serevent and Foradil contain LABAs only, while Advair and Symbicort com... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018094 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:24:51 +0100 2018094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2011566&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F473498128%2F ‘Tis the middle of the week and that can mean only one thing - the need to dig out from under meetings, deadlines and projects. To help you cope, we have unearthed a few items of interest. Hope your day goes well, no matter what… Merck Shifts Seattle Chief To Boston Lab (Bio-ITWorld) Gardasil Allergic Reactions Are Uncommon: Study (Yahoo/Reuters) Glaxo To Cut 200 Jobs At UK Plant (BBC) Asthma Sufferers Concerned Over New Inhalers (Arizona Republic) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2011566 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:19:30 +0100 2011566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2005307&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=34468&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbrowsing.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fcaesarian-increases-asthma-risk.html Is the headline given to this Thorax paper by the BBC, which also reports that the association was even stronger in children who had two parents with allergies.The study is: well, I can't actually find it in Thorax, or anywhere else, so perhaps the BBC (and all the other media sources that appear in a search of G**gle for the author's name and the word "asthma") have got an advance copy.I will try to come back to this another day and fill in the gaps. Meanwhile if you can find the Thorax paper, leave me a comment. Especially if I have missed it. (Source: Browsing) Browsing blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2005307 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:12:00 +0100 2005307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985775&cid=t_90456_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsandnsurf.medbrains.net%2F2008%2F11%2Facute-asthma-lecture-notes%2F AFTB lecture notes - Acute asthma CLINICAL RECOGNITION OF SEVERE OR CRITICAL ASTHMA Severe asthma indicated by any one of (admit every patient with severe): PEFR (or FEVI) >33≤50% predicted or best, or < 100 L/min (or I L for FEVI). Unable to complete sentences in one breath. Respiratory Rate ≥ 25 / min. Pulse > 120 / min (≥110 / min [...] (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985775 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:33:16 +0100 1985775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1980680&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D5381 a Smoking During Pregnancy Leads to Vascular Damage in Children, Asthma Often Misdiagnosed, Researchers Consider Fast-Food Ad Ban (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1980680 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1980680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1927874&cid=t_90456_99_f&fid=35344&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzackarysholemberger.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F11%2Fpublic-appearances-1.html I got an award, so I'll be giving a talk at General Internal Medicine Grand Rounds at Johns Hopkins on November 14th. Drop by. (Source: Zackary Sholem Berger) Zackary Sholem Berger blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1927874 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:02:00 +0100 1927874 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1901924&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract_childhood_adversity_earlyonset_depressiveanxiet.htm Conclusions: Childhood adversities and early-onset depressive/anxiety disorders independently predict adult-onset asthma, suggesting that the mental disorder-asthma relationship is not a function of a shared background of childhood adversity. (Text has been reformatted for visual clarity; ed.) Source... © 2008 by American Psychosomatic Society (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1901924 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 07:33:00 +0100 1901924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1863007&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fanxiety_in_pregnancy_a_risk_factor_for_asthma_in_the_child.htm Stressed pregnant women, particularly late in pregnancy, have an increased risk of their child going on to develop asthma according to a British study. Very anxious pregnant women are 65% more likely to have a child who later develops asthma than mothers with a lower level of anxiety. Asthma, the commonest chronic pediatric condition, affects approximately one child in ten. Although the causes are not yet entirely clear, it is known that attacks can be provoked by psychological or emotional factors. Two studies have recently demonstrated a connection between anxiety in those close to the child such as the mother and early onset of wheezing. But both of those studies only examined the postnatal period. Yet experiments with adult mammals exposed to in-utero stress have shown changes in both ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1863007 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:08:00 +0100 1863007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856094&cid=t_90456_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FpltZ5UlUJRE%2F When I was young my mother would ask me to help her pollinate some of her prized orchids. She would name them ‘var X var’ and the new plant would be slightly different than the one it came from. Little did I know that I was being introduced to genetics. When I got into high school Biology and fell in love with the Punnett square, the rest was history. I pursued Mendel and trained with the leading scientist /adviser in plant breeding in the Philippines, the same professor who trained my mother in college. It was exciting to study the chromosomes of ancient corn species, and later to find the genes that let rice adapt to flood-prone fields. But it was my love for medicine that brought me away from plants and my jade mountain. I went 3000 miles away to the east coast, USA to study... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856094 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:42:46 +0100 1856094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1812730&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D4573 a Babies Given Acetaminophen More Likely to Develop Asthma, Psoriasis Drug Showing Promise, Diabetes Affects Gastric Bypass Results (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1812730 Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1812730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1786161&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2F911s_health_effects_continued_for_years.htm Two to three years after the disaster, psychological trauma and new respiratory problems were still elevated across all groups A new analysis from the World Trade Center Health Registry provides the most comprehensive picture yet of how 9/11 affected enrollees' physical and mental health two to three years after the disaster. The report - released by the Health Department in the Journal of Urban Health, also includes the first estimates of respiratory health problems among lower Manhattan workers and residents from the registry, indicating that both groups suffered new cases of asthma. The new analysis examines health effects among all 71,437 participants of the World Trade Center Health Registry - an estimated 17.4% of the people whose exposure to the disaster would have made them eligibl... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1786161 Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:25:00 +0100 1786161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1717180&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D4147 Another Insidermedicine update for you…. a Arthritis Vaccine in Development, Boys More Likely to Shed Asthma Symptoms, FDA Considers Bisphenol A Safe (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1717180 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1717180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1657160&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2008%2F07%2F26%2Fcould-you-be-allergic-to-thunderstorms%2F It’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and with summer comes all kinds of storms. And all kinds of opportunities for allergies. Here’s something you may have never thought of, though: you may be allergic to thunderstorms. Yeah, for real. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, keep an eye to the sky and an ear on the weather reports, since the pollen and mold spores that are sucked into the cloud base at the start of a storm can be broken down into even smaller particles and inhaled even more easily, triggering attacks or flare-ups. The fix? When a storm’s a-brewing, head inside and shut the windows since the greatest risk is at the onset of a storm. Pregnant with asthma? Check out Marijke’s post at Womb Within for ideas on asthma medications. Tags: allergies, Asth... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1657160 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:50:30 +0100 1657160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1531620&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fchildhood_stress_increases_allergies_risk_later_in_life.htm Moving house or the separation of parents may significantly increase the risk of children developing allergies later on according to results from a long-term study correlating life-style, immune system development and allergies. Stress events during childhood are suspected of playing a role in the later development of asthma, allergic skin disorders, or allergic sensitizations. Dramatic life events such as the death of a family member, serious illnesses of a family member or the separation of parents, but also harmless events like for example moving house are suspected of increasing the risk of allergies for the children affected. While a link between stressful events and the development of allergies has been known for some time, the mechanisms behind this remained unexplained. The immune ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1531620 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:54:00 +0100 1531620 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512329&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F310409734%2F For the past few years, safety questions have hovered over Advair, a long-acting beta agonist that includes a steroid and a $6 billion seller. An FDA alert was issued in 2005; last November, an FDA panel recommended more warnings for kids both Advair and Glaxo’s Serevent, which doesn’t include a steroid; and the agency asked drugmakres for more data as a prelude to an advisory committee meeting later this year. In an attempt to get out in front of the controversy, Glaxo sponsored a review in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that Advair decreases the risk of severe side effects, doesn’t appear to alter the risk for hospitalization, and may not change the risk for asthma-related deaths when compared with the use of steroids alone. In reaching this conclusion, the resea... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512329 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:45:27 +0100 1512329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494644&cid=t_90456_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Flindsey-lohan%25e2%2580%2599s-asthma-attack-a-wake-up-call-on-albuterol%2F I don’t really know if Lindsay Lohan had an asthma attack at 30,000 feet, or whether she spent two hours in an LA emergency room or had to be admitted for treatment, because the news reports are conflicting and unclear as of this writing. But I do know that millions of Americans suffer acute asthma attacks every year (11 million during each year between 1997 and 2004), and that they often require emergency room treatment (1.8 million asthma ER visits for each year between 2001 and 2003) and hospitalization (an average of 500,000 hospital admissions each year). Worse yet, there were about 4,200 deaths from asthma each year between 2001 and 2003. Those alarming statistics come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). What these numbers mean is that a lot of people depend on albuterol-ba... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494644 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:06:36 +0100 1494644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1492360&cid=t_90456_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Flindsey-lohan%25e2%2580%2599s-asthma-attack-a-wake-up-call-on-albuterol%2F I don’t really know if Lindsey Lohan had an asthma attack at 30,000 feet, or whether she spent two hours in an LA emergency room or had to be admitted for treatment, because the news reports are conflicting and unclear as of this writing. But I do know that millions of Americans suffer acute asthma attacks every year (11 million during each year between 1997 and 2004), that they often require emergency room treatment (1.8 million asthma ER visits for each year between 2001 and 2003), and hospitalization (an average of 500,000 hospital admissions each year). Worse yet, there were about 4,200 deaths from asthma each year between 2001 and 2003. Those alarming statistics come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). What these numbers mean is that a lot of people depend on albuterol-based... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1492360 Tue, 03 Jun 2008 19:44:45 +0100 1492360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1463842&cid=t_90456_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F296466518%2F (Image credit www.about.com)  A University of Carolina study monitoring 1200 newborns found that first borns were more likely to carry a gene variant which raised their risk of developing an allergy before the age of 10.  The study suggested that a first born experienced different conditions in the uterus from subsequent siblings. The researchers measured levels of an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the babies’ umbilical cord blood.  This is known to play a key role in the development of allergic responses.   First born babies were more likely to have high levels of IgE, and those that did were also more likely to show signs of an allergic response when they were subsequently tested, using a skin prick test, at the age of four and ten. The researchers also believe the... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1463842 Fri, 23 May 2008 10:22:01 +0100 1463842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1451955&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fmaternal_prenatal_stress_affects_babys_immune_system.htm Women who are psychologically stressed during pregnancy may pass some on to their fetuses in the form of increased sensitivity to allergen exposure and possibly future asthma risk, according to researchers from Harvard Medical School who presented their findings at the American Thoracic Society's 2008 International Conference in Toronto on Sunday. "While predisposition to asthma may be, in part, set at birth, the factors that may determine this are not strictly genetic. Certain substances in the environment that cause allergies, such as dust mites, can increase a child's chance of developing asthma and the effects may begin before birth," said Rosalind J. Wright, M.D., MPH, assistant professor of medicine at Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Mother's stress during ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1451955 Mon, 19 May 2008 08:18:00 +0100 1451955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1373904&cid=t_90456_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fworld-asthma-day-is-may-6-2008%2F This year marks the 10th anniversary of World Asthma Day, which occurs on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. It is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), in collaboration with healthcare groups and asthma educators to raise awareness about asthma and improve asthma care throughout the world. This year’s theme is “You Can Control Your Asthma.” Asthma control is the goal of treatment and can be achieved in the vast majority of asthma patients with proper management. A person’s asthma is under control when he or she has: • No (or minimal) asthma symptoms. • No waking at night due to asthma. • No (or minimal) need to use “reliever” medication. • The ability to do normal physical activity and exercise. • Normal (or near-normal) lung function test results (PEF and FEV1). ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1373904 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:34:02 +0100 1373904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1332468&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F03%2F27%2Fasthma-singulair-suicide%2F No, not yet. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today notified the maker of Singulair, a popular drug used to treat asthma, that it wanted more information and data about its use and suicide and suicidal thoughts. According to a report at WebMD, “In response to inquiries received by the FDA, the FDA has asked Merck to evaluate Singulair study data for more information about suicidality and suicide. The FDA is also reviewing its postmarketing reports of behavior/mood changes, suicidality, and suicide in patients who took Singulair.” In a statement, Merck said its analysis of more than 11,000 patients in 40 clinical trials of Singulair found no reported suicides or suicidal thoughts or behavior. You can read more about the issue from this Reuters report on the F... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1332468 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:41:19 +0100 1332468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1329003&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F26%2Ftwice-as-nice-latest-nice-guidance%2F Antenatal care Diabetes in pregnancy Prophylaxis for Infective Endocarditis Maternal and child nutrition Mental wellbeing of children in primary education Sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome (obstructive) - continuous positive airway pressure Asthma (in adults) - corticosteroids Intraoperative nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery Suburethral sling insertion for stress urinary incontinence in men (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1329003 Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:53:16 +0100 1329003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1207469&cid=t_90456_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F229712151%2Fasmanex_twisthaler_from_scheri.html Schering-Plough Corp (NYSE:SGP) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its once-a-day asthma corticosteroid inhaler for children. The inhaled steroid for the prevention of asthma attacks can be used with children as young as 4.Asmanex Twisthaler received FDA approval two years ago as a maintenance treatment to prevent flare-ups in adults and children over the age of 12. The dosage for children under 12 is roughly half the adult dosage of 220 micrograms. While other asthma product exisit for young children all must be taken more often throughout the day.The unique aspect of the Twisthaler is that it does not have a propellant like other inhalers. It is activated as the patients inserts the inhaler into their mouth and inhales. A counter on the product keeps track ... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1207469 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 16:00:20 +0100 1207469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1204765&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F229225924%2F And so Monday is over. Hope yours was as interesting as ours. Now, though, the time has come to catch up on sundry tasks - recycling, for instance, must be carted off the Pharmalot corporate campus this evening - and we hope to indulge later with a good book. See you all in the morning… Schering-Plough Asthma Inhaler Approved For Children (Yahoo/AP) Glaxo Vaccine May Prevent Recurrence Of Lung Cancer After Surgery (The Telegraph) Three Pfizer Employees In Nigerian Court In Trovan Case (Agence France Presse) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1204765 Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:29:35 +0100 1204765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1204678&cid=t_90456_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F229189316%2Flow_dose_recommended_for_pregn.html The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a new Practice Bulletin that recommends that pregnant women with asthma should continue to use their asthma medication but in the lowest dosage needed to control their symptoms.The bulletin states that women with moderate to severe asthma must be monitored for "fetal growth restriction and signs of possible preterm birth" throughout the pregnancy."Previously, there was limited guidance regarding the management of asthma during pregnancy," Dr. Andrew J. Satin, chairman of the ACOG's Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics, said in a prepared statement. "With the growing number of asthmatics in the U.S., it became a priority to formalize recommendations for ob-gyns, who will likely see an ... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1204678 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 22:00:41 +0100 1204678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1197924&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=34470&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thehealthcareblog.com%2Fthe_health_care_blog%2F2008%2F02%2Frising-asthma-r.html Asthma, a respiratory condition that develops when air passages in the lungs are inflamed and airways narrow, kills some 5,000 people in the United States annually. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 255,000 people died of asthma world-wide in... (Source: The Health Care Blog) The Health Care Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1197924 Sun, 03 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1197924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1154078&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fchildren_of_psychologically_stressed_mothers_more_prone_to_a.htm Children whose mothers are chronically stressed during their early years have a higher asthma rate than their peers, regardless of their income, gender or other known asthma risk factors. "It is increasingly clear that traditional environmental risk factors do not fully explain the origins of asthma," said lead investigator, Anita Kozyrskyj, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba, Canada. "Evidence is emerging that exposure to maternal distress in early life plays a causal role in the development of childhood asthma. In a cohort of children born in 1995, we found that maternal distress which persists beyond the postpartum period is associated with an increased risk of asthma at school-age." The findings appeared in the American Journal of Respir... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1154078 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:43:00 +0100 1154078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1129565&cid=t_90456_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F211097909%2F The era of personalized medicine won’t work unless we can also find our way into the era of reliable diagnostic testing.  And in the case of breast cancer — one of the diseases with good personalized drugs for certain types of tumors — the diagnostic tests aren’t working very well, the WSJ reports. As a result, many women who would benefit from drugs such as Genetech’s Herceptin or GlaxoSmithKline’s Tykerb are going without because faulty tests say their tumors wouldn’t respond to the drugs. At the same time, errant tests also cause other women are to take drugs that aren’t right for their type of tumor. “If we tried to market pregnancy tests with this rate of inaccuracy, they would be taken off the market,” says Allen Gown, chie... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1129565 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:22:54 +0100 1129565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1103485&cid=t_90456_140_f&fid=35436&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseroxatsecrets.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F18%2Fdont-just-take-my-word-for-it-have-a-look-at-medicationscom%2F An interesting web site - medications.com This registry is a place to share positive or negative side effects of using Paxil. If you directly experienced a side effect while using Paxil, then we encourage you to enter it here. Please note that entries here are the experiences of individual users, and in no way means that you or anyone else will experience the same side effect, since the same medication affects people in different ways. Please always contact your physician. Have a look at the 150 entries for Paxil side effects here. I wonder which are real and which might have written by employees of Glaxo… who knows? “I had always been a teetotaller purely because I didn’t enjoy alcohol and hated losing control. At the grand old age of 44 I was prescribed Seroxat and sud... seroxat secrets... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1103485 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:36:08 +0100 1103485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1091279&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F13%2Fcks-is-not-just-for-christmas-but-you-never-thought-it-was%2F The following Prodigy guidance have been reviewed and converted to the Clincal Khowledge Summaries (CKS) format Asthma Conjunctivitis — infective Gingivitis and periodontitis Herpes simplex — oral MI—secondary prevention If you’re not familiar with Clinical Knowledge Summaries, they are concise summaries on the management of 500 commonly encountered scenarios in primary and first-contact care, based on the latest evidence on common acute and chronic diseases and disease prevention. CKS can be accessed from the National Library for Health via your Athens password (register here if you work in the NHS in the North West). If you need any training in using this or any other electronic resources and you work for Liverpool PCT, contact us using the form below. [contact-form] (Sourc... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1091279 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:47:13 +0100 1091279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1070965&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F12%2F05%2Fstate-of-heatlhcare-2007%2F The NHS has improved dramatically over the last few years, but still cannot guarantee that basic minimum standards are being met for patients throughout England and Wales, according to State of Heatlhcare 2007: Improvements and challenges in services in England and Wales. More than a quarter of NHS hospitals failed to provide adequate emergency services for children and 48% could not provide children with a satisfactory service in outpatient clinics, the Healthcare Commission said in its annual report on the state of the nation’s healthcare. Key findings are: The health of the population is improving with significant increases in life expectancy, but there are major disparities around the country, particularly in poorer areas where there are often fewer GPs. Men are living over four... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1070965 Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:43:28 +0100 1070965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1057470&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F192013146%2F Afternoon naps are lovely, but now is not the time. Still, there may be a few minutes to stretch, grab a cup of something hot or even stroll outdoors for a few minutes. However you choose to invigorate yourself, here are a few items to stimulate the brain cells as well… UK’s NICE Recommends Cheapest Asthma Inhalers For Kids (Thomson Financial) ChemGenex Seeks Partner For Its Leukemia Drug (Bloomberg News) AstraZeneca Finds Buyer For German Plant (InPharma-Technologist) Share / E-mail (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1057470 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:15:42 +0100 1057470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1055601&cid=t_90456_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F11%2F28%2Fnice-isnt-just-a-place-in-the-south-of-france%2F Alcohol and schools intervention Asthma (in children) - corticosteroids Hypercholesterolemia - ezetimibe Asthma (for severe persistant allergic) - omalizumab Grenz rays therapy for inflammatory skin conditions Percutaneous Pulmonary valve implantation for right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction Mini/Micro screw implantation for orthodontic anchora ge Laparoscopic techniques for hysterectomy Soft palate implants for simple snoring Soft palate implants for obstructive sleep apnoea Transcranial magnetic stimulation for severe depression (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1055601 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:26:40 +0100 1055601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1051274&cid=t_90456_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F190894909%2Ffda_probing_advair_and_sereven.html The U.S. Food and Drug Administration staff posted documents containing concerns about rare and potentially fatal side effects of Advair and Serevent when used by children.Used to treat asthma, GlaxoSmithKline stated that they are confident that the benefits of Advair and Serevent outweight any risks. Nine cases of adverse event in children under 16 were reported, including 5 deaths, since GSK was granted pediatric exclusivity in March 2006 according to papers posted on the FDA website.Advair, GSK's biggest product with sales of $6.8M worldwide, contains servent, a long-acting beta agonist that is used to ease breathing. The company stated that it had provided clinical data that it believes proves the safety of both products."GSK has submitted a thorough safety review of salmetero... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1051274 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:00:43 +0100 1051274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1048038&cid=t_90456_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F189697339%2F Agency medical staffers aren’t so sure and they’re recommending a more in-depth safety review of Serevent and Advair, according to documents posted on the FDA website in advance of a pediatric advisory committee meeting this coming week. These are Glaxo’s biggest-selling meds, by the way. Although FDA staffers didn’t identify side effects unique to kids, they did find five deaths among nine adverse-event reports in children during a 13-month review Serevent. Three of the nine cases were associated with overdoses. Both meds, which contain the active ingredient salmeterol, already carry a Black Box warning about a risk of asthma-related death. “There is no available pediatric data to indicate that the increased risk of asthma death and life-threatening exacerba... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1048038 Sat, 24 Nov 2007 07:09:28 +0100 1048038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1037732&cid=t_90456_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F11%2F20%2Fanaphylaxis-the-dread-attack.html  By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DHave you heard the one about the boy who ran through the kitchen into the backyard and dropped dead? No, this is not a bad joke. It is a real case report published in the 80’s. Imagine, if you will: a young boy with known allergy to fish running through the kitchen while his mother is boiling some fish stock. He inhales a few molecules of the fish protein that dissolved in the cooking vapor, and dies within minutes! To put things in perspective: we are not talking here about toxins, that can kill at microgram concentrations (millionth of a gram), and not even nanogram concentrations (billionth of a gram), but picograms (trillionth of a gram). This is probably as potent a killer as they come.Anaphylactic shockThe cause of this deadly attack is known ... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1037732 Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:38:22 +0100 1037732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1031207&cid=t_90456_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fresearch_links_asthma_and_posttraumatic_stress_disorder.htm For the first time, a study has linked asthma with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adults in the community. The study of male twins who were veterans of the Vietnam era suggests that the association between asthma and PTSD is not primarily explained by common genetic influences. The study included 3,065 male twin pairs, who had lived together in childhood, and who had both served on active military duty during the Vietnam War. The study found that among all twins, those who suffered from the most PTSD symptoms were 2.3 times as likely to have asthma compared with those who suffered from the least PTSD symptoms. The research is published in the current issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, published by the American Thoracic Society. The study i... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1031207 Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:12:00 +0100 1031207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1030161&cid=t_90456_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F185425831%2Fasthma_linked_to_defensive_pro.html Reporting in the Nov. 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Yale University researchers believe that a protein that may have evolved to protect airways may be a biomarker for severe asthma.Researchers found that people with severe asthma were more likely to have elevated levels of a protein called YKL-40 when compared to people without asthma."We believe that it's a marker of the inflammatory response associated with asthma," said the study's lead author, Dr. Geoffrey Chupp, an associate professor of medicine at Yale University School of Medicine. And, he added, "These new novel family of molecules could be very important in asthma pathogenesis. Down the road, there could be new treatments and new ways to characterize asthma."HealthDay reports that:YK... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1030161 Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:00:05 +0100 1030161 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1017687&cid=t_90456_97_f&fid=35050&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmaGazette%2F%7E3%2F182215573%2Fthe_nose_knows_electronic_nose_can_smell_asthma.html The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is reporting that an electronic device can sniff out people with asthma from those that are healthy.An electronic nose senses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in breath and exhaled breath contains thousands of VOCs. With pattern recognition, the electronic nose could be used to recognize the markers for asthma or other lung diseases in VOCs.Dr. Peter J. Sterk from the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands and colleagues tested the theory of the electronic nose and compared the exhaled breath of patients with a pre-diagnosis of asthma with that of healthy patients. The study compared 10 young adults with mild asthma to 10 similar healthy people and 10 older adults with severe asthma were compared to 10 healthy adult... PharmaGazette blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1017687 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:30:16 +0100 1017687