Asthma

Vitamin D reduces risk of hospitalisation for asthma attacks

Taking oral vitamin D supplements as well as standard asthma medication halves the rate of asthma attacks requiring hospital attendance, and cuts the likelihood an asthma attack will require treatment with systemic steroids by almost a third.…

Steroid inhalers linked to increased risk of mycobacterial infection

Use of steroid inhalers for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases the risk of mycobacterial infections, according to a study published in the European Respiratory Journal.…

Children with asthma more likely to be prescribed antibiotics, conference told

Children with asthma are 1.6 times more likely to be prescribed antibiotics than children without the condition, according to the results of a UK and Netherlands study.…

Fewer children hospitalised with asthma following smoking bans

Smoking bans have reduced the number of children attending hospital with severe asthma exacerbations and respiratory tract infections, a study in Lancet Public Health shows.…

Salbutamol linked to decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease

Research has found that the asthma drug salbutamol is associated with a reduction in the risk of Parkinson’s disease.…

Use pharmacy to help manage NHS winter pressures, PSNC urges

Community pharmacy is well positioned to help keep hospital admission and readmission rates down and ease the burden on acute care services.…

Taking vitamin D during pregnancy boosts neonatal immune system

Analysis of the umbilical cords of newborns suggests that maternal vitamin D supplementation may help to reduce the risk of allergic conditions in early life.…

Cancer drug shows potential in treating severe asthma

US researchers explore the effects of imatinib on reducing mast cell activity in poorly controlled asthma.…

‘Concerning’ drop in standards on A&E asthma care, report warns

Emergency departments are failing to meet a wide range of standards on monitoring and treatment of patients with asthma, a report by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine is warning.…

Genetic study finds no evidence vitamin D linked to atopic disease

Observational studies have suggested that low levels of vitamin D might increase the risk of asthma, atopic dermatitis and raised immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.…