One in Three Asthma Deaths Occur from Mild Form

Asthma can be a deadly condition. One in three fatal asthma attacks worldwide involves a child with a mild form of asthma. Many parents are uninformed about the risk this disease can pose.

A chronic lung disease, asthma is caused by inflammation of the breathing passages. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. In young children, mucus can seriously obstruct the windpipe and is often coughed up. Some asthma is exercise-related, but allergies cause more than 50% of asthma in adults.

More than 300 million people are plagued with asthma around the world. Its incidence has increased 50% every decade. The World Health Organization reported that 255,000 people died of asthma in 2005. Asthma-related deaths are expected to rise by almost 20% by 2016. The most important factors involved in asthma are air pollution, allergens and tobacco smoke. Persons with asthma are encouraged to give up smoking cigarettes.

Asthma patients should keep close watch on their symptoms and take regular medications to control attacks. If breathing becomes seriously obstructed, the patient needs to be treated in Emergency. Don’t underestimate the risks involved with this chronic disease.

Source: Oakland Tribune, June 15, 2006; from Associated Press story by William J. Kole

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Add comment June 30th, 2006

New Asthma Treatment for Children Considered Promising?

An international trial of a vaccine designed to prevent asthma from developing in young children is being tested in 200 babies and toddlers from the U.S. and Australia. The clinical trial could expand to Germany and Sweden, as well. All are receiving daily oral drops of common allergens over a one-year period.

All children receiving the oral vaccine are from families with a strong history of asthma or other allergies. They will be followed for three years to determine whether their immune system can be educated to prevent allergies that trigger asthma. The drops are similar to those used to treat patients with established allergies and are considered to be safe.

This first attempt to prevent young children from getting allergies is considered promising. If successful, children all over the world could benefit. Asthma can be a debilitating and life-threatening condition, and preventing it from developing early on would be a major breakthrough.

Source: ABC Online

Add comment April 24th, 2006