Breastfeeding does not protect against asthma or allergies

According to a study conducted in Belarus by researchers at McGill University in Montreal, with 13,889 mothers and children, breast-feeding does not prevent children from developing asthma or allergies.

The Belarus has been selected as maternity wards have not yet adopted the procedures focused on the well-being of infants, commonly used in most western countries. As part of the study PROBIT (promotion of breastfeeding intervention trial), a randomized control group of maternity hospitals and polyclinics affiliates continued conventional practices while those in the experimental group received training to encourage mothers to improve their technical and the duration of breastfeeding.

After comparing the results obtained in the two groups, the researchers concluded that prolonged breastfeeding had no impact on the development of asthma and allergies in children. Dr. Kramer of McGill University adds that "not only the test results led to the conclusion that there was no protective effect, but they have also suggested an increased risk of allergy skin tests positive . "

The researcher notes, however, that "the Belarus displays rates of allergies and asthma much less important than countries like Canada," but he believes that the results are similar to those obtained in studies of non-randomized cohorts in New Zealand, where allergies and asthma are more prevalent than in Canada, suggesting that the context of the study did not feature could explain the results.

The Histone-AcétylTransférase on a war footing against asthma

Two studies by the University of Nottingham on the causes and treatment of asthma and Chronic Obstructives Pulmonary disease (COPD) could lead to the development of drugs combating these debilitating diseases.

The Department of Respiratory Medicine at the University was granted subsidies of £ 1.24 million to finance research on respiratory diseases. The Wellcome Trust has awarded to Professor Alan Knox and Dr Pang Linhua £ 700000 to study the transcriptional control of gene expression of inflammatory asthma - thus allowing the team to investigate the role of mediators inflammatory in the way asthmatics react to allergens. A second grant of £ 540000 MRC paid to Professor Knox and his colleagues, Professor Peter Fischer and Professor David Heery, the study will inhibitors of the histone acetyltransferase-in asthma and COPD. This study will examine a bank of plant extracts from the University of Strathclyde to try to find compounds that can fight the process Intercellular causing the symptoms of asthma and COPD - airway inflammation that causes coughing, " shortness of breath and chest infections increased.

Even if they are different diseases, asthma and COPD affect the human body in the same way. For asthma, allergens irritate the lungs; for COPD, cigarette smoke is the cause. This irritation inflames the airways of patients whose muscles are closing, creating an effect of narrowing.

Research conducted at the University over the past 15 years have led to the muscle layer airway is more complex than thought. While it produces spasms in asthma and COPD, the muscle layer produces a wide variety of mediators and cytokines - proteins which are used as chemical alarms after coming into contact with allergens or cigarette smoke. Among asthmatics and those who suffer from COPD, these proteins are produced by stimulation of muscle cell walls airways of the lungs, that release of intracellular signaling proteins called 'factors trabscription' which changes the DNA of the cell and activate mRNA. These are the 'transcription factors' that activate inflammation by releasing mediators and cytokines.

The activation status of these transcription factors is defined by the balance between two competing groups of enzymes-called histone acetyltransferase (HAT), and histone deacetylases (HDAC). Among asthmatics and those who suffer from COPD, the balance is altered - and the HAT activated and its HDAC removed, triggering inflammation. Researchers at the University believe that if the balance can be restored by disabling the HAT, mediators and cytokines also will be deactivated and inflammation eased.

Through exploration of the plant extracts may reduce the activation of HAT in the airway cells, researchers can isolate compounds used to suppress inflammation in respiratory diseases. If we were able to synthesize a drug from these compounds, respiratory disorders would be revolutionized. The potential also exists to treat other inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.

Professor Alan Knox, the Department of Respiratory Medicine at the University, said: "The majority of people with asthma have access to anti-inflammatory treatment good enough that allow them to maintain control of their disease. But nearly 20% of them do not respond adequately to existing treatments. And in terms of COPD, the anti-inflammatory drugs are not very effective.

"By retracing the process trigger inflammation and then identifying compounds that activate or inhibit these enzymes essential, we can launch the development of a drug that could produce an enormous effect on the lives of those who suffer from respiratory diseases and other inflammatory diseases. "

Asthma Bronchial Diagnosis treatment

Is bronchial asthma?
The asthma is a disease of the airways in which inflame the bronchi, in the form continuous or recurring, resulting in blockage of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for conducting the air breathed into or out of lungs. These obstructions can stop spontaneously or through specific treatment. The blockage is due to bronchial hyperreactivity of some people or, in other words, to an exaggerated response of the bronchi to various stimuli, such as infections, allergies, emotions, exercise, etc.. In an asthma attack occurs shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, produced by the passage of air through a narrow channel.
This obstruction is a variable intensity and happens usually in the form of "crisis".
The frequency of these "crisis" is highly variable, in some cases only one or 2 times a year, but usually several acute attacks within a short period of time, especially in times of climate change in time or cold .

Diagnosis

The clinical diagnosis is fundamentally, the main feature of asthma are the "wheezing or whistling chest" that sometimes is accompanied by a wealth of mobilization secretions or "phleghm"; cough, with or without sputum, it is also a symptom important. The severity of the disease will be determined by the respiratory distress that may arise.

It is important to note the warning signs:

     * Cianosis, ie purple coloration on lips and nails;
     * Pallor marked skin and mucous membranes;
     * The use of respiratory muscles accessories, this happens when there are tense muscles of the neck and retraction of the spaces between the ribs and the hollow above the sternum;
     * In infants flutter nose is a sign of significant respiratory compromise.

The child can be seen further agitated, breathing very fast and with the rapid pulse.

 

Treatment

The management of asthma is multidisciplinary. One of the most important points is education of the patient and his family about his illness, family participation is vital. The constant observation and proper monitoring of treatment allowed the patient lead an almost normal life. The asthma management is based on treating broncoobstrucción in their different mechanisms: bronchodilators such as B2 agonists such as salbutamol, Salmeterol. They are popular use bronchodilators administered by inhalers, which are achieved some excellent results fast and if managed properly. The use of inhalers has facilitated the introduction of faster treatment and at home. Anticholinergics such as Ipratropium bromide, which decreases the production of secretions and thus prevent the blockage of small areas and pathways atelectasis. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as corticosteroids and parenteral: prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, inhaled corticosteroids: beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone. These medicines are essential in the management of bronchial asthma for the important inflammatory component that occurs in this disease. There are medicines used to prevent asthma attacks since they impede development of the inflammatory process, but should be used for a period of time to see results

 

A homeopathic Immunotherapy Treatment For Asthma?

Some studies have recently been published showing
A positive effect (superior to placebo) products
homeopathic treatment. This would also be the case for
Patients with asthma or allergy. It
However, the majority of studies with fewer patients and
With the results often not obvious, as
Shows a methodical synthesis (systematic review) 2.
The study, properly handled, is randomized, double
Blind, versus placebo. The authors are studying the effectiveness
A homeopathic vaccine in asthmatic patients
Allergic to dust mites. The criteria for judgement
Are parameters clinics and welfare
Patient. Patients were recruited from 38 practices
General medicine in England. Patients are
Labelled asthmatics based on several criteria
: Randomization, need to improve
15% of their VEMS 15 minutes after inhalation
200 micrograms of salbutamol, two of the three
Criteria for a daily score of asthma, or a variation
Nycthémérale the peak flow of
More than 15%, or appeal necessary for salbutamol
For at least 7 days during the previous 2 weeks préinclusion.
The subjects of a skin reaction
Positive (greater than 3 mm greater than
Control) were found positive for mites.
Included are randomized and throughout the study,
242 patients with asthma and allergic to dust mites.
One group receives a homeopathic vaccine, the other one
Placebo. At the end of the study, there are still 101 patients in
Each of the 2 groups, the results of which are analyzed.
The judgement criteria are the primary and VEMS
Quality of life. This assessment takes place every
Four weeks up to and including the 16th week.
No difference was observed for these criteria
Between the two groups. The authors conclude that
This study reveals no positive effect of this treatment
Homeopathy versus placebo among
Asthma patients allergic to dust mites.

 

This study is being conducted in accordance with the rules of art. A period of wash-out of four weeks is respected and
Results are analyzed according to the method intention-to-treat. Only included allergic asthma patients
To dust mites. The definitions used are clearly described. Patients were randomized but the technique
However, is not precisely described. The first 10 patients were randomised according to a system of envelopes
Closed and the following patients were divided according to age, sex, tobacco use, the severity of
Asthma, and so on. (Quasi-randomized). Treatment is with double-blind evaluation of the accuracy of prognosis
The doctor and patient on the type of treatment received (placebo or homeopathy). The criteria for judgement
Secondary show a worsening compared to placebo (on a scale analog for asthma and
Mood) during the first weeks of treatment with homeopathic product, but this difference vanishes
Then under investigation. This leads a discussion on the possibility of an error of type 1 (affirming
Inaccurate that a difference between the two interventions). So far, it is a classic study protocol. The
Reactions to this article have illustrated, once again, the significant gap between doctors and homeopaths "classic".
This study does not take into account individual patients (the perpetrators would have had to give 242 different treatments,
Individualized) has been made in general medicine and not in a homeopathic, definitions
Are not correct, and so on. A search of the literature does not provide more information. This
Summarizes the whole debate and all other issues remain raised. The discussion between "supporters" and "non -
Supporters "remains current. Epidemiologists "classic" have established a framework for developing
Good clinical trials for medicine, but, as homeopaths, this technique can not be applied
On their land. As physicians, we must ask ourselves about our salaries, that we are "classic
"Or" training "homeopaths. Provide evidence that a treatment is effective or not, and that this effect
Clinically relevant forms an integral part of good medical practice, for homeopaths également3.

Which treatment for which asthma?

There are two types of asthma: the intermittent asthma ie, as reflected in a number of crises limited to 2 or 3 a week and persistent asthma. These 2 forms of asthma does not deal in the same way. When we had intermittent asthma, treatment is used only during crises or manifestations of respiratory gene, and consists of using a drug (usually inhaled), which will ease quickly. However, in chronic asthma, the treatment is preventive medicine and associates a broncho-dilator and another said antiar inflammatory; drugs are most often taken 2 times a day every day; The dose of drugs is Depending on the severity of asthma. We must, as far as possible that, with treatment, the extent of the asthmatic breathing is normal.

It currently has very effective medications to treat asthma, it is necessary to distinguish dealing with the crisis and treatment of substance.

The drugs fast-acting bronchodilators was like ventoline or bricanyl very quickly relieve the crisis and should be used widely, there is no danger of this toxic type of medication when they can be inhaled; However, if they take ' improves not in a crisis period must be quick t repeat their use and call a doctor if relief is not total. Indeed, the non-response to this type of medicine indicate a more serious crisis which justifira probably taking cortisone.
Medications bronchodilators may have a delayed effect and are used in persistent forms of asthma has always associated anti-inflammatory treatments;

The anti-inflammatory drugs are used as treatment. They do not relieve the discomfort but affect the invisible component of the disease is the inflammation of the bronchus. The most common are corticosteroids. The antileukotrienes are used in the treatment of certain forms of asthma, an anti-inflammatory action from the cortisone. The cromones are anti-inflammatory and less powerful for use in mild forms of the disease

One Third of Asthmatic Embarrassed on Sexual Activity

The sexuality, we do not speak. Especially when it goes wrong. Yet for many asthmatics who are experiencing fear and sometimes difficult to live great sex as a result of their illness. An investigation original denounces its impact on the sexuality of patients.

"I am asthmatic and I have some difficulty with my sexuality". This spontaneous admission of a patient to letters from readers of the association Asthma and Allergies was the starting point of an unprecedented study. Based on a questionnaire developed by a sexologist Dr Michèle Pujos and a pulmonologist Dr. Marc Sapene, this survey on the incidence of asthma on sexuality has been conducted on over 300 patients.
A sex life disrupted

Asthma sexualitéLes results show a potentially disturbed sex life: 38% of respondents complained of breathing difficulties during sexual intercourse, 31% said that their asthma has an impact on their quality of life as a couple even outside sexuality. One third of asthma say they use a product for the prevention of crises before sexual intercourse. And the picture is even more black patients for so-called "persistent severe," including:

     * 46% are embarrassed by their asthma during intercourse;
     * 35% say that their respiratory problems have an impact on the success of their sexual act and 21% on the final quality of their sex;
     * 26% s'économisent when having sex, the time limit (21%) or frequency (17%);
     * Among asthmatics often having an asthma attack during the sexual act: 25% are often forced to stop during the sexual act, which alters their pleasure (48% of severe asthmatics).

But by breaking the silence that the patient has access to therapeutic solutions.
Unleashing the floor patient

Although general practitioners regularly speak of the quality of life with their asthma patients, they acknowledge some discomfort with the topic of sexuality they deem as a "sensitive subject" for 32% of them ...

Thus, doctors interviewed more readily on diseases more likely for them to generate sexual or easier to deal with (depression, herpes, diabetes) than asthma, which comes fourth position. A quarter of GPs believed that it is for patients to talk about it first. As for patients, few people dare to talk about sex, which is taboo for many people. But solutions exist, and it is a shame to deny oneself.

A good quality of life is often linked to good control of asthma, including sexuality. Each patient is obviously unique and judge the place emphasis on sexuality. However, beyond the individual aspects, quality of life as a whole ought not to be hampered by difficulties in breathing. And it is often possible!

Luc Blanchot

Asthma in children: the enemy in the house

The growing isolation of the buildings can facilitate the emergence of humidity in the home. According to a Finnish study, molds arising could contribute to the development of asthma in children.

First chronic condition among school children, asthma has been rising steadily for several decades in industrialized countries. Faced with this multi-factorial disease, many risk factors related to the environment were incriminated both in the development of the disease and crises. Among them, moisture and mold arising…
Moulds trigger crisis

Child Asthma house "Many studies have shown an association between excessive moisture in buildings and other respiratory symptoms, bronchial as wheezing, coughing, asthma or a" note the team of Juha Pekkanen department Environmental Health at the National Institute of Public Health in Kuopio (Finland). "But if the role of this factor is found in the exacerbation of existing asthma, it had not yet been established in the outbreak of the disease."

To assess this, Juha Pekkanen and his colleagues then enlisted for four years all children from one to seven years with asthma who had just been diagnosed. In the end, 121 children were selected, which were compared with untreated asthma 241 of the same age. All had lived at least two years, or three-quarters of their lives, their current home.
A diagnostic technique at home

The originality of this major Finnish study lies in the fact that, in addition to an interrogation pushed and dosing specific antibodies (IgE) to identify a possible allergic ground, all children have been visited at home by experienced technicians, in charge to inspect all parts according to a very specific protocol. These specialists have evaluated every house humidity and the presence of mold. Leaks water marks condensation, damp patches, color changes affecting building materials… everything has been reviewed!

The result is very clear signs of moisture or mold visible were found two to three times more often in living rooms where small asthmatic children than among witnesses. A moisture or mold infestation in other parts of the house, like the attic or cellar, on the other hand appeared without major effects on the airways.
One in five asthma-related moisture

The authors also analyzed the causal link between asthma and moisture depending on the age of children. The result: up to a childhood asthma in five could fall under this origin! The risk increases with the degree of humidity and the presence of visible mold in the rooms, especially in the bedrooms, the study concludes. Physicians should now have this question in mind when they seek the origin of a childhood asthma. And when in doubt, a technical inspection at home by a professional might be helpful.

In conclusion, the authors suggest that "moisture problems within the homes do not aggravate existing asthma, they can also contribute to the development of a persistent asthma." The mechanism, however, remains to be specified, Finnish doctors admit. But now, the authors stress the importance of careful design of buildings, as well as good construction practices. Just as they insist on the importance of housing maintenance, in order to prevent damage from moisture and their consequences for the occupants.

David Bême

some food that can help asthma

Outbreaks of asthma and allergies have exceeding well seeing the antecedent 1980s. Asthma statistics call a start of 74% for successors between the ages of 5-14 years and 160% for children under four years old, according to the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, one of every four children in the U.S. also suffers from some type of allergy. With annual costs in the billions, researchers offer a glimpse of hope for a natural cure.

Earlier this month, accepted findings in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology from a seven-year muse of 460 Spanish children washed-up that a particular annex exists between symptom-free progeny and a diet rich in �fruity vegetables� and fish. Fruity vegetables are those that grow from a blossom in the plant that comes from seed; such veggies include tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, green beans, cucumbers and butternut squash, among others.

Scientists go into that the solicitous effects of this personality of take out were irrefutable, and were remarkably personal to this balmy
of vegetables. Researchers tested different types of foods such as diary, meats and vegetables, but only fruity vegetables and fish were beneficial to these conditions.

Although this is not the peak provide for that links a hand of a vittles
titillating in fish and vegetables to health improvement, the findings here are ever influential as the researchers followed the children from the womb until age six, taking the mother�s dietary habits into consideration among other factors. Incidents of asthma and allergies were reduced significantly in children consuming more than 2 oz of fish and 1� oz of fruity vegetables a day.