Tag

Asthma

All articles tagged with #asthma

Wet Winter Spurs a Brutal Tree Pollen Season on Long Island
health23 days ago

Wet Winter Spurs a Brutal Tree Pollen Season on Long Island

Long Island's snowy, wet winter is expected to fuel an intense tree pollen season this spring, with early bloom and rising pollen counts already appearing. Doctors advise preemptive use of nasal steroids or antihistamines and practical steps to minimize exposure (close windows, use AC, air filters, and shower before bed), especially for those with asthma or respiratory conditions.

Weather shifts and mold tied to Hamilton County asthma surge
health27 days ago

Weather shifts and mold tied to Hamilton County asthma surge

Hamilton County is seeing an asthma surge, with about 31,000 adults and 7,300 children affected, and prevalence rising from 9.4% in 2019 to 13% in 2021. Experts point to outdoor triggers like mold after rain and thunderstorms, plus pollen and weather patterns, as possible drivers. The piece notes a new FDA-approved treatment, Extensure from GSK, aimed at reducing ER visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma, and emphasizes monitoring symptoms and regular follow-ups with a primary care doctor.

Candlelight’s hidden cost: indoor air polluted by ultrafine candle particles
health1 month ago

Candlelight’s hidden cost: indoor air polluted by ultrafine candle particles

A Danish study finds that burning candles releases vast numbers of ultrafine particles (about 7–8 nanometers) and gases like nitrogen dioxide and PAHs, in some cases more than cooking, and these tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially the bloodstream. Even mild asthma showed measurable inflammation after exposure. To reduce risk, use LED candles, burn fewer candles, place them away from drafts, trim wicks, and ventilate the room after use; indoor air quality matters for everyone, especially those with respiratory conditions.

Nose signals explain why colds hit some people harder
health2 months ago

Nose signals explain why colds hit some people harder

A Yale-led study shows that how quickly nasal cells mount an interferon response to rhinovirus largely determines cold severity: a rapid response can limit infection to under 2% of nasal cells and cause mild or no symptoms, while a blocked or delayed response can let around 30% of cells become infected, leading to mucus production and inflammation. Researchers say other factors—bacteria, genetics, chronic illness, and prior immunity—also influence outcomes, and real-life confirmation is needed. The findings could eventually guide therapies that target inflammation to reduce symptoms.

Long COVID May Set Off New Allergies Through Immune Dysregulation
health2 months ago

Long COVID May Set Off New Allergies Through Immune Dysregulation

New evidence suggests long COVID is associated with persistent immune dysregulation that may drive new allergic conditions. Studies link SARS-CoV-2 infection to higher risks of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis, with vaccination offering protection. Some researchers also point to mast cell activation syndrome as part of long COVID's allergic manifestations. Clinicians report anecdotal and clinic-based increases in allergies post-COVID and call for early screening, biomarker research, and prospective trials to prevent or modify these outcomes.

Asthma Trigger Rewritten: Free-Radical Molecules May Ignite Inflammation
health2 months ago

Asthma Trigger Rewritten: Free-Radical Molecules May Ignite Inflammation

Case Western Reserve University researchers propose that asthma is driven by 'pseudo leukotrienes'—leukotriene-like molecules formed when free radicals oxidize lipids—rather than traditional leukotrienes. These molecules were found at higher levels in asthma patients and tracked with disease severity, suggesting they could serve as biomarkers and that therapies aimed at preventing radical formation (instead of just blocking receptors) might more precisely treat inflammation. The findings could also influence treatment of other inflammatory diseases and potentially neurological conditions.