Asthma rates climb in US for children, adults

An article from today’s Wall Street Journal highlights the results of a new CDC study, which reports a 12.3% increase in the prevalence of asthma in the United States from 2001-2009.   Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease, affected 8.2% of all U.S. residents in 2009 (24.6 million), up from 7.3% in 2001. The CDC estimated [...]

World Asthma Day 2011

May 3rd is World Asthma Day. The theme of this year’s event is ‘You Can Control Your Asthma’, and involves a number of activities with asthma and lung health organizations worldwide. The Asthma Society of Canada announced that they have added allergy support to their asthma support line service.  In addition, the ASC has partnered [...]

Children breathe easier with smoke-free laws

(Reuters Health) – Children with asthma who live in areas with “smoke-free” laws may suffer fewer bouts of coughing and wheezing as a result, a new study suggests. The findings, reported in the journal Pediatrics, add to evidence that smoking bans in workplaces, restaurants and bars have produced health benefits. But until now, most research [...]

Alternative health treatments hinder asthma management: study

As reported by the National Post, a new Canadian study suggests that a sizable minority of child asthma patients rely on alternative treatments like acupuncture and homeopathy, and are more likely to have poor outcomes as a result. The research by doctors associated with the University of Montreal looked at 2,000 children who came to the [...]

Canada launches one of world’s largest health studies to gain insight into disease prevention and management

The largest population-based health study ever conducted in North America was launched this past month in an effort to help better understand the causes, prevention and treatment of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, asthma, and diabetes. The Ontario Health Study (OHS) will be the biggest community-based health study ever done in Ontario and is [...]

Preventing September asthma peak

Courtesy of the Asthma Society of Canada: Canadian researchers have found that the September back-to school period brings a dramatic increase in hospitalizations for children with asthma. This increase starts when students return to school and will peak in the third week of September and continue into October.  This year, it is expected to peak [...]

World Asthma Day

Today – May 4th, 2010 – is World Asthma Day. World Asthma Day is an annual event to improve asthma awareness and care around the world.  The theme of this year’s event is “You Can Control Your Asthma.”  World Asthma Day takes place annually on the first Tuesday of May. In recognition of the Day, [...]

UN warns of health risks, breathing concerns from volcanic ash

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned today that the health risks related to the ashes from the volcanic eruption in Iceland are not yet fully known, but they could be harmful when inhaled, especially for people with asthma and other respiratory problems. It is estimated that about 25 per cent of the particles in the [...]

Chronic conditions on the rise – new health challenges facing children

More than a quarter of all U.S. children have a chronic health condition, according to research recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.  Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of chronic conditions in children and adolescents has increased, particularly for asthma, obesity, and behavior/learning problems. Other research shows that one in [...]