Severe Asthma Study

Do you know your state air pollution level?

The American Lung Association has a great resource for finding out your states air quality. They have been analyzing state air quality data and compiled the State of the Air report. Polluted air can impact your health and shorten your life, protect your health and learn more about the air you breathe.

Do you know your state  air pollution level? Check out the your state report card   http://www.stateoftheair.org

Allergic cat lovers given new hope of beating their allergy

Nottingham University 

An amazing break through for cat lovers who have allergies or asthma caused by their cats.  A team of immunologists at Nottingham University’s School of Molecular Medical Sciences lead by Dr Ghaem-Maghami identified the key triggering cell responsible for allergic responses to cat dander.

This new study is revolutionary because most therapies try to improve symptoms instead of curing the condition.

Dr Ghaem-Maghami says that “Many people with asthma are highly sensitive to airborne allergens such as cat dander or house dust mite — in fact many studies have shown that up to 40 per cent of children with asthma are allergic to cat allergens. A better understanding of how the interaction between allergens and the immune system leads to allergy is vital if we are to develop more effective and efficient treatments for this debilitating condition.”

Father’s Day is near!

Father’s Day is near! Does your Dad smoke? Are you a dad? Help yourself or your Dad to throw the cigarettes away.  Proven resources at the American Lung Association website to help you or your loved ones quit smoking: www.QuitterInYou.org

Do you have Rhinitis or Sinusitis?

The UCSD Airway Research & Clinical Trials Center and the American Lung Association is trying to find out if treating chronic (long lasting) rhinitis and sinusitis with nasal steroids helps to control asthma symptoms. Rhinitis and sinusitis are terms used to describe redness and congestion that may affect the lining of the nose and sinuses. Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation (swelling, irritation, redness) and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. We are trying to understand how rhinitis and sinusitis affect asthma. To find out we need males or females over 12 years of age. Involves 5 clinic visits, 3 phone contacts for about 6 to 7 months. Includes FDA approved medication for asthma and allergies.

Qualified participants will receive breathing tests, physical exams and asthma assessments at no cost. Subjects will receive payment for time and travel. For more information call (888)UCSD-Air (827-3247) or (619)471-0821

For more information on The UCSD Clinical Trials Center:
Screening to participate in one of our studies:
Study Participation Screening Survey
Website: http://ctc.ucsd.edu
Facebook:UCSD Airway Research
Blog: http://ucsdairwayresearch.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UCSDCTC

People Confuse Sinusitis Symptoms for Allergies

A recent survey conducted by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) shows that many Americans misdiagnose themselves as having allergies when they are actually suffering from sinusitis and often suffer for longer because they don’t visit to the doctor for a proper diagnosis.

“Mike Tringale, vice president of external affairs at the AAFA, says in a news release that there’s a key difference between allergies and chronic sinusitis. “If you have allergy-like symptoms that last longer than 12 weeks, or symptoms that occur more than three times per year, with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days despite treatment attempts, you may have chronic sinusitis and should see a doctor for a correct diagnosis and the right medical solution,” he says.

About 7 million Americans suffer from chronic sinusitis, resulting in some 32 million cases reported by doctors and other health care providers every year. The survey was released to coincide with the peak of spring allergy season, which makes it important for people with symptoms to see a specialist, says the AAFA.

Stacey Silvers, MD, of Beth Israel Hospital in New York, says chronic sinusitis has been under-diagnosed for many years. Because so many people are confused about treatment of the chronic sinusitis and more than 50% of people do not respond adequately to medications, “it’s important that they consult with an ear, nose and throat physician to get the most appropriate treatment to alleviate long-term suffering,” she says.

Bill Hendrick “Allergy Self-Diagnosis Leads to Misdiagnosis” webmd.com May 18, 2011 http://www.webmd.com/allergies/news/20110518/allergy-self-diagnosis-leads-to-misdiagnosis

Today is World Asthma Day!

World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. The theme of World Asthma Day 2011 is “You Can Control Your Asthma.” Check out their website for their guidelines and resources page for some great information! http://www.ginasthma.com

Hay fever? Don’t forget to check your plate!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29036809/ns/health-allergies_and_asthma/
This article discusses how the immune system reacts during an allergic attack by the overproduction of histamines and other chemicals. This can be caused by inhaling pollens from grass, weeds or trees in allergic individuals. Fruits and vegetables can contain the same proteins, which are called profilins and cause a similar, localized reaction. – Thanks Amanda for sharing this!

UCSD Airway Research is currently recruiting for Asthma & COPD research studies

Attention San Diego residents – Complete our online survey to see if you qualify for the Asthma and COPD research studies that we are currently recruiting for Online Screening Survey
Study participants are compensated for time and travel.

For more information on The UCSD Clinical Trials Center:
Website: http://ctc.ucsd.edu
Screening to participate in one of our studies:
Screening Survey
Blog: http://ucsdairwayresearch.wordpress.com
Facebook: UCSD Airway Research
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UCSDCTC