In order to investigate the relationship between airways inflammation and disease severity, and improve the understanding of persistent asthma, 74 asthmatics, with disease severity ranging from intermittent, to mild to moderate and severe persistent (classified according to the Global Initiative for Asthma [GINA] guidelines), and 22 nonatopic control subjects were studied using the method of in...

BACKGROUND Asthma guidelines are well established but often followed poorly. Determinants of adherence among older persons may differ from younger persons and have not been well characterized. OBJECTIVES To assess adherence to asthma medication guidelines among older women with asthma and evaluate predictors of adherence with emphasis on asthma characteristics, comorbid medical conditions, wo...

Background Sensitivity to Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) is a possible cause of exacerbations in patients with asthma. NSAID sensitivity associated to chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps features Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD). Patients with AERD generally require long-term treatment with inhaled corticosteroids for moderate to severe persistent asthma. Resp...

PURPOSE Statins are known as cholesterol-lowering agents, but have been suggested for the treatment of asthma because of their anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the potential therapeutic effects of atorvastatin were investigated in asthmatic patients. METHODS A total of 62 patients with persistent mild to moderate asthma who presented at asthma clinics of Arak University of Medical Sc...

UNLABELLED Leukotriene modifiers (receptor antagonist and biosynthesis inhibitor) represent the first mediator specific therapeutic option for asthma. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist is the only such agent approved for use in pediatric patients. Montelukast modifies action of leukotrienes, which are the most potent bronchoconstrictors, by blocking Cysteinyl leukotriene receptors....

BACKGROUND Asthma exacerbations, most often caused by respiratory tract infections, are the leading causes of asthma morbidity and comprise a significant proportion of asthma-related costs. Vitamin D status might play a role in preventing asthma exacerbations. OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and subsequent severe asthma exacerbations. METHODS W...

BACKGROUND The recommendations for the treatment of moderate persistent asthma in the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines for paediatric asthma are mainly based on scientific evidence extrapolated from studies in adults or on consensus. Furthermore, clinical decision-making would benefit from formal ranking of treatments in terms of effectiveness.Our objective is to assess all random...

Background In Canada, Omalizumab is indicated for adults and adolescents with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma, but not for pediatric use (<12 years of age). A 9 year-old boy with steroid dependent, allergic asthma, multiple ICU admissions and severe back pain from compression fractures was referred to our centre. IgE was 1337 IU/ml. Skin prick testing showed multiple positive reac...