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• May 6, 2008

  Health Tip: Facts About Hay Fever
  And how to minimize symptoms
• On the road with allergies and asthma: coping tips
  Despite the high cost of fuel and long airline security lines, millions of summer travelers will be hitting the nation's roads and airports this summer for vacation. But for the seasonal allergy sufferer, traveling can produce unique obstacles and challenges, particularly in the summer.

• May 2, 2008

  Nasal symptoms often accompany stubborn asthma
  Asthmatics who do not respond well to asthma treatment are likely to also have moderate-to-severe nasal inflammation or "rhinitis," Brazilian researchers have observed.
• Expert sees peanut allergy solution within 5 years
  A form of immunotherapy that could get rid of a person's allergy to peanuts is likely within five years, even as the condition appears to grow more and more common, a U.S. expert said on Thursday.
• Obesity May Worsen Impact of Asthma
  Heaviest lose ability to inhale as deeply or exhale as fully as normal weight individuals

• May 1, 2008

  Asthma attacks worsened by obesity
  In asthma patients, dynamic hyperinflation, following a test measure airway hypersensitivity, is greater in obese individuals than in their nonobese counterparts, which helps explain why asthma is perceived to be more severe in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI), investigators in New Zealand report.
• Free Asthma Screenings Offered in May
  National program aims to educate patients on best ways to get condition under control

• April 30, 2008

  Tree-Lined Streets Associated With Lower Childhood Asthma Rates
  Plants may help improve air quality and encourage youngsters to play more outdoors

• April 29, 2008

  "Hair of the dog" keeps children's allergies at bay
  Having a dog in the house reduces the risk that young children will develop allergies, German researchers said on Tuesday.
• Homemade spacers may be as good as commercial type
  Homemade devices to help children take inhaled asthma medication more easily may be just as effective as the commercial versions, according to a new review of all existing studies comparing them.

• April 26, 2008

  U.S. Air Pollution Standards Don't Protect Asthmatic Kids
  Children suffer even when pollutants fall below acceptable levels, study finds

• April 25, 2008

  Exhaled nitric oxide helps predict asthma risk
  Levels of nitric oxide in exhaled breath are higher in young children with frequent recurrent wheeze and these children are at higher risk for asthma, compared with young children who only wheeze occasionally, research shows.

• April 21, 2008

  Allergies Can Dig Into Gardening's Fun
  But planting low-allergen species, avoiding high pollen hours can help

• April 18, 2008

  Dust mites resist removal for asthma prevention
  Neither the most labor-intensive nor the most costly interventions to rid a residence of dust mite allergens have any effect on the symptoms of asthma patients who are sensitive to house dust mites, according to a large analysis of clinical trials by researchers in Denmark.

• April 17, 2008

  Dust Mites Trump Asthma Prevention Guidelines
  Study finds that despite heroic efforts, most strategies are doomed to fail

• April 16, 2008

  Some athletes may abuse allowed drugs
  Organizations responsible for monitoring doping among athletes should consider tighter restrictions on the use of certain drugs now permitted for therapeutic purposes or to control pain, the authors of a new analysis of doping data from Belgium and the Netherlands conclude.

• April 13, 2008

  Spring and Pollen Are in the Air
  Expert says common sense and planning can stop allergy attacks in their tracks

• April 11, 2008

  Tailored asthma intervention shows promise
  Asthma symptoms and hospital admissions decreased among children whose families participated in a specialized home-based asthma management program, researchers found.

• April 10, 2008

  Researchers Find Gene Mutation That Increases Asthma Risk
  Study finds variant and protein it expresses may cause some cases of the disease

• March 28, 2008

  FDA Probing Possible Link Between Asthma Drug and Suicide Risk
  Singulair, top-selling drug for teens, under review by U.S. agency and manufacturer Merck

• March 27, 2008

  Health Tip: Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction
  Reactions can range from mild to severe

• March 26, 2008

  Health Tip: Can't Keep Asthma Under Control?
  Some possible reasons why

• March 25, 2008

  Health Tip: Have Hives?
  Some common triggers

• March 13, 2008

  Aspirin Reduces Asthma Risk Among Older Women
  Study found 10 percent fewer new cases over a decade

• March 6, 2008

  Heparin Problems Reported in Germany
  Adverse reactions similar to those in U.S., but product source is different, FDA says

• March 5, 2008

  FDA Finds Contaminant in Baxter's Recalled Heparin Products
  But officials can't say if it's responsible for adverse events, deaths reported

• March 4, 2008

  Oral Allergy Immunotherapy Helps Control Asthma
  Drops or tablets avoid the pain and side effects of shots, review finds
• Dust mites, roaches can weaken skin barrier: study
  Dust mites and cockroach allergens can weaken defence mechanisms of the human skin, making it more permeable and vulnerable, a study in South Korea has found.

• February 28, 2008

  Daily asthma meds keep lungs in play during exercise
  Taking asthma medication daily can help prevent the tightening of the airways or "bronchoconstriction" with physical exertion that affects many children with asthma, a new study from Poland confirms.

• February 27, 2008

  Mom's cleaning products tied to kids' wheezing
  Children exposed to cleaning products and other household chemicals before or after birth may be at increased risk of breathing problems, results of a study published Wednesday hint.

• February 25, 2008

  Laser Screen Detects Diseases in Breath
  Chemical molecules in exhalations hint at wide range of conditions

• February 19, 2008

  Laser could provide breath test for cancer, asthma
  A new laser analyzer might be able to help doctors detect cancer, asthma or other diseases by sampling a patient's breath, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday.

• February 18, 2008

  Mix-Up Behind FDA's Failure to Inspect China Blood-Thinner Plant
  Agency error means facility linked to fatal lots of injected heparin was ignored, officials say

• February 16, 2008

  Allergy Disorders Linked With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  Study also found IBS 2 times more likely in people with depression

• February 15, 2008

  New target promises better asthma and allergy drugs
  Scientists said on Friday they were a step closer to developing a new class of easy-to-take asthma and allergy drug, capable of tackling the underlying cause of disease rather than just the symptoms.

• February 14, 2008

  Lung disease in childhood raises adult death risk
  A history of bronchitis, pneumonia, or asthma in childhood appears to raise the risk of death from lung disease in adulthood, according to a UK study.

• February 12, 2008

  Health Tip: Allergy Shots Aren't for Everyone
  Who should avoid them

• February 11, 2008

  Smoky bar triggered deadly asthma attack - US study
  A woman in her late teens died from an acute asthma attack triggered by secondhand cigarette smoke shortly after arriving at her job as a waitress in a bar in Michigan, researchers reported on Friday.

• February 8, 2008

  Dutch kids may get asthma meds without a diagnosis
  According to a Dutch study, less than half of all children prescribed asthma medication have been formally diagnosed with asthma by their doctor.

• February 7, 2008

  Intimate partner violence takes a toll on health
  New research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the prevalence of chronic health conditions is increased among victims of intimate partner violence.

• February 4, 2008

  Lowest asthma med doses advised during pregnancy
  Pregnant women with asthma should continue to take their asthma medications, at the lowest dose needed to control symptoms, according to recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

• February 1, 2008

  Pregnant Women With Asthma Should Stay on Low Dose of Meds
  Group sets guidelines on monitoring for fetal growth restriction, preterm birth
• Severe Asthma Unlike Mild Asthma
  Researchers suggest it's different form of the disease

• January 31, 2008

  Oral penicillin allergy test may be safe for some
  Patients with a remote history of an allergic reaction to penicillin that was not life-threatening appear to be able to tolerate an oral penicillin test, even if the results of skin tests are positive, according to study results reported by Israeli investigators.

• January 30, 2008

  Many children stung by fire ants in southeast U.S.
  A new study suggests that many children in the southeastern United States are stung by fire ants, as evidenced by signs of an immune system reaction to the fire ant venom. Although this can put them at risk for a potentially severe allergic reaction the next time they are stung, the prevalence of severe reactions in this group is very low.

• January 28, 2008

  Cold drugs send 7,000 U.S. children to ER each year
  Over-the-counter cough and cold drugs send an estimated 7,000 U.S. children under the age of 12 to emergency rooms every year, most for overdoses, researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, reported on Monday.
• Breast milk protects mice from allergic asthma
  Lactating mice that develop tolerance after exposure to airborne antigens appear to be able to transfer this immunity to their offspring though breast-milk.
• Breast-Feeding Protected Mice From Asthma
  Mothers conferred immunity to allergen; not known if findings apply to humans

• January 26, 2008

  Allergy Shots Are Effective Treatment for Symptoms
  Immunotherapy works for allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis or insect bites
• Rituxan may treat severe eczema: pilot study
  In a small study of patients with severe eczema, treatment with Rituxan (also known as rituximab and MabThera) led to "an impressive improvement," Swiss researchers found.

• January 24, 2008

  Smoking linked to lower allergy risk in some
  Smoking, or exposure to parents' smoking, may lower the risk of allergies developing in young people who are genetically prone to them, a study suggests.
• Allergies blamed for some cases of irritable bowel
  People with allergies appear to be more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) than do those without allergies, suggesting that the conditions may be linked in some instance, Chicago-based researchers report.

• January 23, 2008

  Small bird flocks pose bird flu risk for humans
  Europe must stay alert to the risk of bird flu affecting humans and focus on small flocks kept by amateurs and small breeders as the main danger, a senior scientist said on Wednesday.

• January 18, 2008

  Mediterranean Diet for Mom Fends Off Asthma, Allergies in Kids
  But eating red meat more than 3 times weekly may increase risk, study suggests
• Maternal Distress Raises Risk of Childhood Asthma
  Study finds moms with persistent depression, anxiety more likely to have children with airway disease
• Maternal distress linked to asthma in children
  Young children of mothers with chronic anxiety and depression are at increased risk of developing asthma, findings from a long-term, population-based study indicate.

• January 15, 2008

  Many children outgrow egg allergy
  Most children seem to outgrow allergies to eggs, but it may take longer than past research has suggested, according to a new study.

• January 11, 2008

  Health Tip: What's Involved in a Sneeze
  How your body reacts to an irritant
• Delaying solid foods may not prevent allergies
  Contrary to conventional wisdom, putting off solid foods for the first few months of an infant's life may not lower the risk of childhood allergies and asthma, a new study suggests.

• January 7, 2008

  Breast-Feeding Seems to Protect Against Some Allergies
  It helps high-risk infants prone to eczema, asthma and food allergies, report suggests

• January 4, 2008

  Obesity may worsen asthma symptoms
  A new study shows that obese adults tend to suffer more severe asthma symptoms than their normal-weight counterparts -- suggesting that excess pounds exacerbate the lung condition.

• January 3, 2008

  Special camps help kids with asthma cope
  Attending a special asthma camp can help children improve their asthma management skills, a new study shows. However, more than one third of the children still had poorly controlled asthma, despite being under a doctor's care.

• December 28, 2007

  Pesticides May Cause Asthma Among Farm Women
  But researchers admit study doesn't prove cause and effect

• December 26, 2007

  Secondhand smoke may raise child allergy risk
  Young children who were exposed to cigarette smoke as babies may be more likely to suffer certain allergies, a new study suggests.
• Fewer Children Outgrowing Allergies to Milk, Eggs
  Reactions are less predictable, more aggressive than 20 years ago, studies find

• December 24, 2007

  Strategies reduce return hospital visits for asthma
  Preprinted order sheets and access to a pediatrician are among strategies that can reduce the rate of return visits to the emergency department for children with asthma, a group of doctors from Canada has found.

• December 21, 2007

  Allergies may protect against pancreatic cancer
  Having a history of allergies or hay fever may offer protection from deadly pancreatic cancer, according to a study appearing in the International Journal of Cancer.

• December 20, 2007

  Parents' Smoking Boosts Child's Allergy Risk
  Secondhand fumes doubled the odds, study found

• December 15, 2007

  Asthma drugs not linked to fracture risk: study
  Inhaled and oral bronchodilators do not appear to increase the risk of fracture in people with chronic lung disease, according to Danish investigators who suggest that the "severity of the underlying lung disease" may be responsible.
• Childhood asthma persists in most children
  More than half the children who develop asthma before 6 years of age continue to have asthma at age 12 years, according to results of a Canadian study.
• Traffic Pollution Hurts Asthmatic Kids' Lungs
  Children living near crowded roadways face more than 50% risk of breathing trouble, study finds

• December 14, 2007

  Milk, egg allergies harder to outgrow: study
  Childhood allergies to milk and eggs appear to be harder to outgrow than in the past, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday.
• Pot smoking contributes to lung disease
  Long-term marijuana smoking significantly impairs lung function, according to a study published this month, which also found that smoking one cannabis joint has the adverse effects of up to five tobacco cigarettes.

• December 9, 2007

  Ethnic differences seen in parents' views of asthma
  Parents' cultural backgrounds may sway their views of their children's asthma, including their trust in the medications used to prevent attacks, a study of British parents suggests.

• December 7, 2007

  Overweight asthmatics have more hospital admissions
  Excess pounds may increase the likelihood of being hospitalized for a severe asthma attack, a new study suggests.

• December 6, 2007

  Two epinephrine doses may be needed for anaphylaxis
  Some patients who are at risk for a severe allergic reaction caused by a food allergy will require two doses of epinephrine, rather than just one, according to the findings of a new study. Researchers therefore recommend that allergic patients carry two doses of epinephrine.

• December 4, 2007

  Peanut allergies strike earlier, study says
  Allergies to peanuts and other foods are showing up in children at younger ages for reasons that are not clear, researchers said on Monday, and some urged parents to postpone exposing susceptible children to peanuts.

• December 2, 2007

  'Tis the Season For Allergy, Asthma
  Everything from Christmas trees to fake snow can trigger symptoms, experts warn

• December 1, 2007

  Kids who sneeze at cats may develop asthma: study
  Children who are sensitive to cats appear to have an increased risk of developing asthma or hay fever as young adults, study findings suggest.

• November 29, 2007

  Glaxo asthma drug needs kid risk warning-FDA panel
  U.S. regulatory advisers on Wednesday recommended strengthening safety warnings on GlaxoSmithKline Plc's asthma drug Serevent amid new reports of deaths in children taking the drug.
• Family history a risk factor for asthma death
  An analysis of genealogy records linked to death certificates in Utah suggests that the risk of dying from an asthma attack is hereditary.
• Health Tip: Severe Food Allergy?
  Create an emergency action plan

• November 28, 2007

  Glutamine supplements may help tiniest babies
  Very low-birth-weight infants given supplements of the amino acid glutamine have a reduced likelihood of developing eczema during the first year of life, researchers report.

• November 27, 2007

  Glaxo confident as FDA probes asthma drugs in kids
  The safety of GlaxoSmithKline Plc's top-selling asthma drugs Serevent and Advair is back in the spotlight this week as a U.S. regulatory panel meets to consider their safety in children.

• November 22, 2007

  Post-traumatic stress disorder associated with asthma
  Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with asthma even after considering the potential influence of other contributing environmental and genetic risk factors, according to a report in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

• November 21, 2007

  Doctors offer holiday hints for allergy-prone
  Family feasts, air travel and even moldy Christmas trees make the holiday season a risky time for allergy sufferers, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) warns.
• Less frequent shots for bee allergy not safe
  For people getting allergy shots for bee-sting allergies, six months is likely too long to wait between treatments, a study suggests.
• Maternal asthma effects infant eczema risk
  Breast-feeding infants in the first 2 years of life provides protective effects, but these protective effects are weakened if the mother has allergies or asthma, according to findings published in the current of the Journal of Pediatrics.

• November 17, 2007

  Girls who aren't milk-drinkers may have asthma risk
  Young girls who drink milk infrequently may have a higher risk of asthma than their peers, particularly if they are overweight, a new study suggests.
• Live Christmas Trees Can Trigger Mold Allergies
  Spore counts soar when evergreens are brought indoors, researchers find

• November 14, 2007

  Jennifer Garner Puts Flu Shot in the Spotlight
  Actress and new mom calls vaccine 'family priority' this season

• November 13, 2007

  Weight gain may make asthma control more difficult
  Weight gain is associated with an increased risk of poorly controlled asthma, according to findings presented in Grapevine, Texas, at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
• Experts Release New Asthma Care Guidelines
  They're the first in a decade and focus on preventing attacks

• November 9, 2007

  City kids with asthma may need more check-ups
  Young inner-city children with asthma may need more frequent check-ups with the doctor to keep the condition under control, research suggests.

• November 8, 2007

  Brain tumor risk decreased in allergy patients
  Patients with allergic conditions have a decreased risk of glioma, according to a report in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Gliomas are tumors of the central nervous system that are difficult to treat and are usually rapidly fatal.
• "Electronic nose" can smell asthma
  An electronic nose, a device that senses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath, can distinguish patients with asthma from healthy individuals, according to a report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
• Health Tip: Some Medications May Aggravate Asthma
  Including some pain relievers

• November 6, 2007

  Health Tip: When Air Quality is Bad
  Asthma attacks are more likely

• November 3, 2007

  Allergies may protect against brain cancer
  A history of allergies may reduce the risk of a particular type of brain tumor called glioma, investigators report in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

• November 2, 2007

  Breast milk helps lungs but not if mom has asthma
  Breast-feeding seems to protect children from asthma later in life, but only when the mother does not have the respiratory disorder herself, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.

• November 1, 2007

  Non-allergic nasal inflammation common
  Among adolescents and adults with nasal inflammation or "rhinitis", about one fourth of cases are not attributable to allergies, results of a Danish study indicate.

• October 30, 2007

  Asians seek out the sun despite cancer threats
  It's autumn in Hong Kong but the island's beaches are still crowded with sun worshippers desperate to catch the last rays of sunshine before winter.

• October 28, 2007

  Steroid puffs may aid first responders
  Prophylactic use of inhaled corticosteroids reduced respiratory symptoms and improved quality of life for firefighters and other emergency responders involved in the World Trade Center collapse after 9/11, according to a presentation here at CHEST 2007, the annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians.

• October 26, 2007

  Effects of diet supplements on allergies uncertain
  A review of studies examining the usefulness of diet supplements - prebiotics and probiotics -- in preventing the development of allergic disease and food hypersensitivity in high-risk infants found insufficient evidence to support the routine use of these supplements. However, there was some evidence suggesting that prebiotics added to infant formula may lower the risk of eczema.
• Most Asthmatics Don't Have Illness Under Control
  More than half suffer symptoms at least once a week, survey shows

• October 24, 2007

  Steroid nasal spray deemed safe for nasal allergy
  Fluticasone furoate nasal spray (Veramyst) can be safely used as a long-term treatment for year-round nasal allergies, also known as perennial allergic rhinitis, according to a report in the journal Allergy.
• Incorrect use of dry powder inhalers common
  One in three patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) use their dry-powder inhalers improperly, researchers told attendees here at CHEST 2007, the 73rd scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians.
• Inhaler Eased Lung Problems in 9/11 Workers
  Firefighters who used drug early gained some symptom relief, study found
• Food flavoring workers at risk for lung disease
  Workers involved in producing diacetyl, a chemical used in food flavoring, are at increased risk for developing bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), new research suggests.
• Uncontrolled Asthma Leads to Missed School, Work
  Lack of consistent medicine use likely important cause, experts say
• Drug Company-Funded Asthma Drug Studies More Positive
  Expert review finds fewer adverse effects reported

• October 19, 2007

  Depression, anxiety tied to allergies in kids
  Research in psychiatrically ill children and adolescents suggests that those with depression, anxiety and other so-called "internalizing" disorders are more likely to have allergies.
• New Drug Eases Asthma Symptoms
  Blocks inflammatory activity of two immune system molecules, researchers report.

• October 18, 2007

  Vegetables, fish may protect kids from asthma
  Children who eat their fish and green beans may have a lower likelihood of developing allergies or asthma, a study suggests.

• October 17, 2007

  Too much support may hamper kids' development
  Moms and dads who both offer lots of support and reassurance when their young children express negative emotions may not be doing them a favor, new research shows.
• Most kids with skin rash don't develop asthma
  Contrary to common belief, only a minority of infants and young children with eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, go on to develop asthma, according to a report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

• October 12, 2007

  Overweight kids at risk for asthma hospitalization
  Overweight children seen in the ER for an asthma flare-up are more likely to be admitted to the hospital than their non-overweight peers, according to a report in the journal Pediatrics. Moreover, this finding holds true regardless of illness severity.
• Housework could pose health hazards, study says
  Housework might be bad for your health, according to a study suggesting that tidying up as little as once a week with common cleaning sprays and air fresheners could raise the risk of asthma in adults.
• Home Spray Cleaners Could Raise Asthma Risk
  Spritzing just once a week boosted odds by 50%, study found.

• October 11, 2007

  Routine health care lags for U.S. children: study
  U.S. children are receiving less than half the routine care they need, even if they are covered by health insurance, researchers said on Wednesday.
• Chronic Illness Often a Taboo Subject: Survey
  Just a third of U.S. adults feel comfortable discussing it.
• Bacteria in newborn airways may raise asthma risk
  Newborns who harbor certain types of bacteria in their throats, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia, and Haemophilus influenzae, which causes upper respiratory infections, are at increased risk for developing recurrent wheeze or asthma early in life, new research shows.

• October 10, 2007

  Teens who exercise smoke less, wheeze less
  New research suggests that teenagers who exercise are less likely to develop symptoms of asthma -- a finding that appears to be largely explained by their lower rates of smoking.
• Early Bacterial Infection May Boost Asthma Risk
  Babies exposed to certain germs more likely to develop breathing problems, study finds.

• October 9, 2007

  Menstrual irregularity linked with lung function
  Women who have irregular menstrual periods with unpredictable flow are more likely than other women to have abnormal lung function and asthma, according to a new report.

• October 8, 2007

  Nurses best at teaching kids about skin rashes
  A clinic led by nurses appears to be more effective in reducing the severity of dry skin rashes or "atopic eczema" in infants, children and adolescents than a clinic led by a dermatologist, the results of an Australian study suggests.
• Family, neighborhood can affect children's asthma
  For children with asthma, problems in the family or in the neighborhood may make their condition worse, a new study suggests.

• October 5, 2007

  Fewer early infections don't mean more allergies
  The idea that an increase in allergies and asthma is a result of a reduction in childhood infections seems not to hold up, researchers report.

• October 4, 2007

  Largest Study of U.S. Children Readies for Launch
  22 new centers now added, first participants set to join next year, officials say.

• September 30, 2007

  Do Blacks Have Genetic Weakness to Asthma?
  Study suggestion questioned by experts.

• September 28, 2007

  Trouble at Home Boosts Kids' Asthma
  As environments got worse, symptoms worsened, too, study found

• September 26, 2007

  Britain failing to tackle allergy epidemic
  Allergy has reached epidemic proportions in the UK, but the health service is ill-equipped to deal with the growing problem, a report said on Wednesday.
• FDA approves sale of generic asthma inhaler
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. approval to sell generic Accuneb (albuterol sulfate) to treat asthma, the company said Wednesday.

• September 25, 2007

  Aerobic fitness improves asthma control in kids
  Children with asthma are likely to breather easier, with less medication, and feel better overall, if they boost their physical fitness levels, a study from Brazil indicates.

• September 24, 2007

  Genes may raise asthma risk for blacks - US study
  Blacks in the United States are more likely than whites to need urgent care for asthma, for reasons that may be genetic, researchers reported on Monday.

• September 21, 2007

  Working teens more likely to have nasal irritation
  Teens at the very beginning of their working lives face an increased risk of irritation and inflammation of the nose, especially if they are employed in high-risk occupations, German researchers report.

• September 19, 2007

  Asthma flares harm lung function: study
  Intermittent periods of worsening airway inflammation, indicated by exacerbations in asthma, lead to excess lung function decline, according to a study published this month.

• September 18, 2007

  Exercise-related asthma common in college athletes
  Asthma provoked by physical exertion is a common and often unrecognized occurrence in collegiate athletes, a study shows.

• September 17, 2007

  Pesticide exposure tied to asthma in farmers
  Exposure to several commonly used pesticides appears to increase the risk of asthma, US researchers report.
• Allergy-Induced Asthma More Common in Affluent Countries
  Local environments affect asthma type, study concludes.

• September 14, 2007

  Oil Spill Cleanup May Hurt Workers' Lungs
  First-ever study finds long-term respiratory woes

• September 11, 2007

  Skin condition becoming more common in US kids
  A new nationwide study confirms that cases of atopic dermatitis are on the rise among US children.

• September 7, 2007

  Depression May Be World's Most Disabling Disease
  Global study finds it takes bigger toll than other chronic conditions.
• 1 in 3 Varsity Athletes Has Exercise-Induced Asthma
  Condition arises even in those with no asthma history, study finds

• September 6, 2007

  Parents of asthmatics need back-to-school plan
  Parents of children with asthma should make managing the disease part of their back-to-school preparation plans, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) advises.

• September 4, 2007

  Fears could hamper kid's asthma therapy: U.S. study
  If doctors hope to improve asthma symptoms in the 6 million U.S. children with the disease, they may first want to have a chat with their parents, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
• Parents' Worries Hamper Kids' Asthma Treatment
  Moms and dads withhold drugs because of side effect concerns, study finds

• September 3, 2007

  Hay fever may hurt high schoolers' test scores
  Having hay fever -- or taking medication to treat it -- could impair students' performance on key exams, UK researchers report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

• August 31, 2007

  Damp, Moldy Homes May Cause Depression
  But researchers say more study is needed to prove a link.

• August 30, 2007

  Pollen, Fruits, Veggies Help Trigger Oral Allergy Syndrome
  Cooking foods can reduce or prevent allergic reactions, group suggests

• August 29, 2007

  New U.S. guidelines look hard at childhood asthma
  New guidelines unveiled by U.S. federal health experts on Wednesday for tackling asthma carve out a new age group, children 5 to 11, for unique treatment.
• New Asthma Guidelines Stress Disease Control
  They also place greater focus on children with the respiratory condition.

• August 28, 2007

  Health Tip: Weather Can Affect Asthma
  Here are conditions that can contribute to attacks

• August 26, 2007

  Ragweed Season Doesn't Mean Suffering
  There are ways to minimize the risk, experts say

• August 24, 2007

  Shaken by product safety woes, China declares 'war'
  China has launched a 4-month "war" on tainted food, drugs and exports, state media reported on Friday, as beleaguered officials embraced time-tested campaign tactics to clean up the country's battered image.

• August 23, 2007

  Penicillin allergy more common in women than men
  Penicillin allergy is more likely to develop in women than in men, even after factoring in the effects of other allergy risk factors, according to study findings published in the of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

• August 22, 2007

  Traffic Fumes Plus Genes Boosts Kids' Asthma Risk
  Study finds some children are more vulnerable

• August 15, 2007

  Direct-to-Consumer Drug Ads Booming Despite Criticisms
  Experts suggest a shutdown on such pitches to the public.

• August 13, 2007

  Placebo effect seen in kids during allergy testing
  A "placebo effect" can cause a diverse array of symptoms in children when undergoing food allergy testing, according to the results of a study published in the current issue of Allergy. One of these effects is that some patients believe they have had an allergic reaction when they have actually received with the placebo.

• August 10, 2007

  Cashews cause worse allergic response than peanuts
  Peanuts may be more notorious, but cashews seem to trigger more severe allergic reactions in children. In a study of 141 children with allergies to cashews or peanuts, British researchers found that cashew reactions were generally more serious.
• Treating hay fever prevents asthma in some kids
  Children who suffer from hay fever, due to allergies to mold or pollen, are less likely to go on to develop asthma if they get immunotherapy to combat their sensitivity to allergy-triggers, researchers say.

• August 9, 2007

  Allergies not linked to asthma in urban adults
  Asthmatic adults living in inner-city areas are often allergic to many triggers, such as dust mites or pets, but this sensitization does not appear to increase the severity of their asthma.

• August 6, 2007

  Farms Shield Kids From Bowel Disease
  Barnyard dirt may bolster young immune systems, research suggests.

• August 2, 2007

  Eczema in child greatly increases mom's stress
  Mothers of young children with moderate to severe eczema report higher stress levels than mothers of children with diabetes or profound deafness, findings from a small study suggest.

• July 31, 2007

  Health Tip: Use Your Inhaler Correctly
  Follow the product's instructions

• July 30, 2007

  Caffeine plus exercise may offer sun protection
  A morning jog and a cup of coffee might help protect you against skin cancer, if the results of new animal research can be applied to humans.

• July 27, 2007

  Under-the-tongue immunotherapy curbs cat allergy
  People who are allergic to cats may not have to get rid of their pets to find relief, if the findings of a new study hold up.
• Nurses, cleaners at increased risk for asthma
  Nurses are roughly twice as likely as people with other jobs to develop asthma, according to a report in The Lancet medical journal. A heightened, albeit slightly lower, risk is also seen in cleaners.
• Nurses, Printers at Increased Asthma Risk
  1 in 4 new cases linked to on-the-job exposures, research suggests

• July 23, 2007

  Warm-up helps asthmatic athletes breathe easier
  People with asthma can reduce the airway tightening that can accompany physical activity by warming up with short bouts of high-intensity exercise before a workout, a new study shows.
• Lactose Intolerance Doesn't Mean Goodbye to Dairy
  Kids need milk products for strong bones, pediatricians say.

• July 20, 2007

  Teens with asthma welcome Web-based management
  Teens with poorly controlled asthma welcome the opportunity to use the Internet and instant messaging to manage their disease, Dutch researchers report.

• July 16, 2007

  Health Tip: Prevent Poison Ivy Rash
  Avoid the reaction after exposure

• July 9, 2007

  Poor diet may harm teens' lung function
  Teens who don't eat enough fruit and vegetables may be putting their respiratory health at risk, US and Canadian researchers report.
• Fruit, Fish Help Teens Fight Asthma
  The foods contain inflammation-fighting antioxidants, experts say.

• July 6, 2007

  Dental assistants at risk of lung problems
  Dental assistants who work with substances called methacrylates may be at risk of developing asthma or chronic respiratory symptoms, a study has found.
• Breathing Technique Cuts Asthma Symptoms
  Papworth method emphasizes nose breathing, adjusting breaths to activity
• FDA adds black box to Genentech asthma drug Xolair
  U.S. regulators on Monday finalized a strong new label warning patients and doctors about a potentially deadly allergic reaction from Genentech Inc.'s asthma drug Xolair.

• July 2, 2007

  Cats may be trouble for any allergy sufferer
  People with allergies may have some constriction in their airways when they're around a cat, even if they're not specifically allergic to cats, a study published Monday suggests.
• Scientists Spot Key Food Allergy Molecule
  Interleukin-12 could determine people's reaction to certain proteins, they say
• Cats Can Hamper Breathing Even in Non-Allergic
  People with allergies to mold, dust mites -- but not cats -- showed airway trouble when felines around.

• June 29, 2007

  Old breathing technique useful in asthma sufferers
  A breathing technique for asthma sufferers introduced some 40 years ago can reduce asthma symptoms and improve mood, results of a controlled trial indicate.

• June 28, 2007

  Placebo response strong with asthma
  Findings from a new study indicate that asthma patients often exhibit a placebo response -- that is, they show an improvement in their condition even when they just think they are being treated.
• Five percent of U.S. adults report food allergy
  More than 5 percent of U.S. adults may have food allergies, and many of them say food labels make it hard to protect themselves, according to a government study.

• June 26, 2007

  More U.S. children suffer chronic health problems
  The number of U.S. children with chronic health problems, such as obesity, has soared in the past four decades, foreshadowing increases in adult disability and public health-care spending, researchers said on Tuesday.
• Rise in Child Chronic Illness Could Swamp Health Care
  Diabetes, asthma will follow American kids as they age, experts warn.

• June 23, 2007

  Stay Out of Poison Ivy's Way
  But if you do make contact, experts have tips on easing allergy symptoms.

• June 21, 2007

  Selenium supplement no help in asthma
  Even though selenium levels seem to be low in adults with asthma, selenium supplementation appears to have no clinical benefit, according to the results of a study from the UK.
• Life on the farm may not be so healthy
  Farm workers seem to have an elevated risk of developing a serious lung condition more typically seen in smokers, a study has shown.

• June 18, 2007

  Whole grains may cut risk of inflammatory diseases
  The health benefits of whole grains may extend beyond the heart, according to a new study that links the foods to a lower risk of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or asthma.

• June 15, 2007

  Most asthma patients have uncontrolled disease
  In a recent U.S. survey of asthma patients, more than half reported that their disease is uncontrolled and that they have never received an asthma action plan, according to a report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
• Pharmacy program improves asthma care
  Some advice and help from a pharmacist may help asthma sufferers get their condition under better control, according to an Australian study.

• June 14, 2007

  Early antibiotic use tied to childhood asthma
  The use of commonly prescribed "broad-spectrum" antibiotics, which destroy a wide range of bacteria, during infancy may raise the risk of asthma later in childhood, according to a Canadian report in the journal Chest.

• June 13, 2007

  Young kids' snoring may be allergy-related
  Snoring in children may be a manifestation of allergic disease, Australian researchers report.

• June 12, 2007

  Giving antibiotics to babies boosts asthma risk
  Children who received antibiotics as babies have a higher risk of developing asthma by age 7, Canadian researchers said on Monday.
• Probiotic treatment may limit eczema in infants
  Oral supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri to the mother during pregnancy and to the infant after birth may help reduce the development of eczema and allergy associated with immunoglobulin E, a key protein involved in the allergic response, according to Swedish researchers.

• June 11, 2007

  Naltrexone cream helps alleviate chronic itching
  The application of naltrexone, an "opiate receptor antagonist," to the skin is significantly more effective than placebo in relieving chronic itching, also know as pruritus, in patients with allergic dermatitis, Swiss and German researchers report in the June issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
• Antibiotic Use in Infants May Up Asthma Risk
  The drugs might kill off bad and good bacteria, study suggests.
• Asthma Uncontrolled in 55% of Cases: Survey
  More education is needed to keep attacks at bay, researchers say

• June 8, 2007

  Health Tip: Asthmatics Can Still Play Sports
  If they follow doctor's orders

• June 6, 2007

  Indoor pools may harm infants' lungs
  Infant swimming lessons in an indoor pool may have the unintended effect of raising some children's risk of asthma later on, new research findings suggest.

• June 4, 2007

  Asthma Risk Higher For Infants Who Swim Indoors
  Poor ventilation, overchlorination can damage developing lungs, study says.

• June 1, 2007

  Apple juice may help protect kids from asthma
  Drinking apple juice from concentrate daily may help ward off asthma symptoms in children, a study from the UK hints.

• May 31, 2007

  Discrimination Linked to Health Problems Among Minorities
  Study of Asian-Americans suggests higher rate of heart trouble, pain, other problems.

• May 30, 2007

  Increased sarcoidosis in WTC rescue workers
  There is an increased incidence of sarcoidosis and "sarcoid-like" granulomatous pulmonary disease (SLGPD) among Fire Department of New York (FDNY) members who were rescue workers in the World Trade Center disaster, according to findings published in the medical journal Chest.

• May 29, 2007

  Asthma wheezing in boys associated with obesity
  Boys who are obese and whose mothers smoked during pregnancy appear to have an increased risk of wheezing. However, these associations were not seen among girls, according to the findings of a Brazilian study.
• Asthma doesn't usually increase pregnancy risks
  Adverse obstetric or pediatric complications are not generally increased in women with asthma, according to a report in the May 15th American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

• May 28, 2007

  Increased smoking may be linked to asthma epidemic
  More adults, especially women, are smoking these days and their secondhand smoke may be contributing to the asthma epidemic among children in the United States, results of a study suggest.
• Inhaler that beeps boosts inhaler use: study
  People with asthma are more likely to use their inhalers as prescribed if the inhalers are fitted with audiovisual alarms that beep and change colors as reminders, investigators in New Zealand report.
• Traveling With Allergies? Pack a Plan, Too
  Respiratory group offers tips to limit unwelcome companions such as pollen, pollution

• May 24, 2007

  Inhaled Corticosteroids Won't Prevent Kids' Asthma
  But the medication can help control airway disease, research finds.

• May 23, 2007

  Asthma Takes Tougher Toll on the Obese
  They're 52% more likely to have serious, ongoing symptoms, study finds
• Combo Asthma Treatment Brings Symptom Relief
  Company-funded trials show Symbicort beats either budesonide or formoterol alone.
• Obesity makes asthma worse: study
  Obese adults with asthma are more likely than their leaner counterparts to have severe, persistent disease, according to a new large study.

• May 22, 2007

  Climate change to spur allergies, ticks, malaria-UN
  Climate change could extend the pollen season and encourage more disease-carrying ticks in northern Europe, and allow mosquitoes to thrive in new areas of Africa and Asia, public health officials said this week.
• Inhaled steroids may not control kids' asthma
  Daily inhaled steroid therapy is recommended to keep mild-to-moderate asthma from flaring up, but it seems there are children whose condition remains poorly controlled even though they consistently use inhaled steroids.
• 'Enose' Device Sniffs Out Asthma
  It analyzes breath to discern who has the illness.

• May 21, 2007

  Eating Apples, Fish During Pregnancy Protects Kids From Allergies, Asthma
  Researchers say first helps against asthma, while second works against eczema.
• Health Tip: Protect Against Dust Mites
  They can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms

• May 20, 2007

  Hot Water Wash Rids Laundry of Allergens: Study
  Other research suggests that dustier homes help kids avoid allergy

• May 18, 2007

  Drinking farm milk may cut asthma risk
  Consumption of farm milk appears to reduce the risk of asthma and allergy, according to findings from a European study.

• May 16, 2007

  US panel backs MedImmune's FluMist for young kids
  A newer version of MedImmune Inc.'s FluMist influenza vaccine is beneficial for use in some younger children, a panel of medical experts told U.S. regulators on Wednesday.
• Social factors tied to asthma hospitalizations
  The results of a study published in the journal Allergy suggest an association between factors such as social isolation or mood disturbances and hospitalizations for asthma.
• Mild Asthmatics May Do Well With Less Medicine
  Studies confirm step-down recommendations for those with controlled asthma.
• Secondhand Smoke Harms Underweight Babies
  They suffer more when young from wheezing, infections, study finds

• May 15, 2007

  Health Tip: Symptoms of Food Allergy
  Warning signs may vary

• May 14, 2007

  Exposure to cats in infancy may boost allergy risk
  Children exposed to higher levels of cat allergen in their first 2 years of life may be at greater risk of becoming allergic to the animals, a new study from Germany shows. However, the risk of sensitization at 6 years old seems to disappear.

• May 11, 2007

  Transplanted heart transplanted again
  Two months ago at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, surgeons removed a transplanted heart from a patient who had died and re-transplanted it in another recipient.

• May 3, 2007

  Web-Based Asthma Program Helps Kids Manage Symptoms
  Multimedia site teaches urban teens to control exacerbating behaviors
• US panel sees benefit from stronger Advair
  A U.S. advisory panel said GlaxoSmithKline Plc's high-dose asthma drug Advair offered a "substantial advantage" for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, despite concerns about infection.

• May 1, 2007

  Web program helps black teens with asthma
  A specially designed Web-based program may help urban minority teenagers better manage their asthma, a new study suggests.
• No Link Between Autism, Celiac Disease: Study
  Findings challenge previous research suggesting food allergy connection

• April 25, 2007

  Children with asthma have more emotional problems
  Children with asthma may be at increased risk of certain behavioral, emotional and developmental problems, particularly if the asthma is severe, the results of a new study suggest.

• April 24, 2007

  Fear affects emergency care for child with asthma
  Parents' psychological responses to asthma attacks are among the strongest motivators of seeking accident and emergency (A&E) services for their child, according to a study conducted in London.

• April 23, 2007

  Ulcer-Causing Bacteria May Prevent Asthma
  H. pylori might also protect against allergies, study says.

• April 18, 2007

  Argentine cow clones to produce insulin in milk
  Argentine scientists said on Tuesday they had created four cloned and genetically modified calves capable of producing human insulin in their milk, a step they said could cut the cost of treating diabetes.

• April 17, 2007

  Allergic diseases don't affect fertility in women
  Women with asthma, hay fever or eczema are no less fertile than their peers who don't suffer from these allergic conditions, UK researchers report. In fact, they may be slightly more likely to have children.
• Cutting Inflammation Could Cut Cancer Risk
  Studies suggest anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin might help

• April 13, 2007

  Free Asthma Screenings to be Offered Across the U.S.
  May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and tests will be run at 300 locations

• April 12, 2007

  Apples during pregnancy protects baby from asthma
  A new study suggests that women who eat apples while pregnant may protect their child from developing asthma and related symptoms.

• April 11, 2007

  Mediterranean diet may ward off asthma, allergies
  A traditional Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables and nuts during childhood appears to protect against symptoms of asthma and nasal allergies, according to a new study.
• Health Tip: Pregnancy and Asthma
  Symptoms may worsen in many women

• April 10, 2007

  Health Tip: Dealing With Pet Allergies
  Use air filters and avoid direct contact

• April 6, 2007

  Asthma Patients and Their Doctors Don't Always Communicate Well
  Survey finds disconnect between what each believes defines adequate control of symptoms.

• April 5, 2007

  Overweight girlhood boosts women's asthma risk
  Women who were overweight or obese as children face a greater risk of developing asthma as adults, a new study shows.
• Added Pounds Mean Added Risk for Asthma
  Overweight, obese individuals had 50% higher odds for the disease, study found.
• Mediterranean Diet Protects Kids From Allergies: Study
  Fruits, vegetables, nuts helped protect against asthma, skin sensitivity

• April 4, 2007

  Immune System 'Killer' T-Cells May Not Be Key to Asthma
  New study finding contradicts previous research, experts say.

• April 3, 2007

  Excess weight and obesity raise asthma risk
  The occurrence of asthma increases by roughly 50 percent in overweight and obese men and women, compared with normal weight men and women, according to a report published Monday in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

• March 28, 2007

  Airway heat therapy helps with asthma control
  The removal of muscle tissue in the overly active airways of asthma sufferers by exposing the tissue to heat -- a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty -- can help improve the control of moderate to severe persistent asthma, new research suggests.
• New Heat Technology Helps Asthma Patients
  It thins out airway muscle for better breathing, study finds.

• March 26, 2007

  Health Tip: Symptoms of Eczema
  Dry, itchy skin

• March 23, 2007

  Global warming may be bad for asthma sufferers
  Global warming may be bad for asthma sufferers because of longer plant growing seasons and signs that weeds scattering vast amounts of pollen are conquering new territory, experts say.

• March 21, 2007

  Vitamin D in pregnancy may reduce childhood wheeze
  High levels of vitamin D, obtained through the diet or through supplements, during pregnancy appear to reduce the risk of recurrent wheeze or wheeze symptoms in early childhood, according to the findings of two studies reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

• March 19, 2007

  Antibiotics, steroids overused for sinusitis
  Evidence from national databases suggests that both acute and chronic sinus inflammation (sinusitis) is being overtreated with poorly chosen medications, researchers report.

• March 14, 2007

  Race Affects Tobacco Toxins in Children

• February 28, 2007

  U.S. Efforts to Boost Medical Care for Poor Effective
  Health Disparities Collaboratives is having limited success, study finds.

• February 21, 2007

  FDA Mandates Stronger Warning on Asthma Drug Xolair
  Move points to small risk for life-threatening allergic reaction.

• February 19, 2007

  Stubborn Cough Fades With Morphine

• February 15, 2007

  Asthma Drug Keeps Kids From Missing School
  Montelukast also cut down on doctor visits, company study found

• February 6, 2007

  Children's Drug Trial Program Gives Boost to Medicine, Profits
  Federal initiative helps kids by improving drug makers' bottom line, study finds.

• January 31, 2007

  New Sinus Relief With a Balloon

• January 15, 2007

  Can Aspirin Prevent Asthma?
  Daily pill reduced risk of adult-onset disease by 22 percent, study found.

• January 10, 2007

  Florida 'Red Tides' Can Irritate Asthmatics
  Study finds just one hour on the beach during algae bloom decreases lung function

• January 5, 2007

  Got Milk? Yup, and Not a Cow to Be Found
  Alternative versions can come from soy, rice, even nuts, experts say

• December 26, 2006

  Increased Exposure Tames Childhood Egg Allergy
  Small study finds gradual boost in consumption builds body's resistance

• December 12, 2006

  Asthma Death Rate Among Kids Down
  But report also finds doctor's visits have more than doubled

• November 27, 2006

  Edible Coatings May Boost Food Safety
  Oregano oil spray kills more than 50 percent of E. Coli O157:H7 bacteria.

• November 26, 2006

  Group Launches 'Asthma Friendly' Toy Certification
  Santa -- and parents -- may want to check this list for the holiday shopping season

• November 20, 2006

  U.S. Lung Disease Care Not Measuring Up
  Most COPD, asthma cases are poorly managed, study finds

• November 16, 2006

  Smoking Quadruples Kids' Asthma Risk
  Even short-term smoking boosts the odds, researchers add

• November 14, 2006

  Some Women Allergic to Semen
  Though rare, the condition can produce symptoms such as itching, burning, study finds.

• May 19, 2006

  Cockroach Allergies
  As if they're not creepy enough, it seems pesky little cockroaches, are packed with an even bigger punch.

• May 9, 2006

  Asthma In Infants
  Some infants and toddlers are more susceptible to getting asthma. Read this section to find out if your child is at risk.