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2023 OCT 14 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Researchers detail new data in Obesity, Fitness and Wellness. According to news [...]

Many patients with presumed mild intermittent asthma have unrecognized persistent symptoms; these can be elicited with specific questioning about coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nighttime awakenings, and exercise [...]

Contemporary approaches to asthma emphasize prevention over episodic treatment. Newer drugs and established medications have essential roles, but the importance of an educated patient, an active partner in managing the [...]

The special needs and concerns associated with the management of asthma in different age groups are addressed in the guidelines recently issued by the Expert Panel of the National Asthma [...]

Program #401-000-97-007-H01 By Thomas E. Johns, Pharm.D., BCPS clinical specialist, Adult Internal Medicine Shands at the University of Florida; clinical assistant, professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Florida College [...]

* Asthma is characterized by inflammation, reversible airway obstruction, and increased airway responsiveness to various stimuli. it has received wide public attention in recent years because of increasing morbidity and deaths,[-.sup.1] particularly among black persons. The important role of inflammation in the immunopathogenesis of asthma has led to a newer therapeutic approach directed at interrupting this inflammatory process. Among immune regulatory pathways involved in asthma pathogenesis, two lymphokines appear to be particularly important in controlling IgE production. Interleukin-4 is required for IgE production; without it, IgE production is inhibited. Interferon-[gamma] can diminish cell priming for interleukin-4 production. Thus, the interplay of these two cytokines will determine whether cells that can make interleukin-4 will be produced and, therefore, whether IgE will be produced in response to allergic stimuli. Further, in response to appropriate stimuli, mast cells and eosinophils are attracted to airways and release cytokines, lipid mediators, and preformed substances that cause inflammation. Modern asthma treatment is directed at interrupting this inflammatory process and places a much greater emphasis on use of anti-inflammatory agents, such as aerosolized or parenteral corticosteroids, and on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium. Research advances without therapeutic application, however, limit success. Projects such as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' National Cooperative Inner-City Asthma Study, which is directed toward underserved populations, are intended to identify more clearly the factors responsible for increasing morbidity and to develop appropriate therapeutic interventions., New methods for preventing and treating asthma may be developed with a better understanding of the immunological mechanisms involved. Asthma, an inflammatory disease of the airways, is a widespread and costly problem in the US. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has launched a seven-city project to study risk factors for asthma among urban poor, who have higher rates of asthma-related hospitalization and death than the general population. Current therapies for asthma vary according to the severity of disease. Mild asthma may be controlled episodically with an inhaled beta-adrenergic agonist agent, such as albuterol. Moderate asthma may require daily treatment with a bronchodilator agent, such as theophylline or a beta-adrenergic agonist, and an anti-inflammatory agent, such as an inhaled corticosteroid. Severe asthma should be treated aggressively with oral or even intravenous corticosteroids. The inflammatory process in asthma is discussed in detail.

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder that results in the obstruction of air pathways and causes difficulty in breathing. Amongst the currently available means of treatment, conventional oral dosage forms are associated with lag time and delayed onset of action. Salbutamol sulphate is a selective [beta]2 receptor agonist widely used as bronchodilator and forms part of initial therapy in chronic as well as acute asthma. In present work an attempt has been made to formulate Orodispersible Tablets (ODT) of salbutamol sulphate by superdisintegrant addition and sublimation technique. ODTs containing subliming material were subjected to drying under vacuum to aid in sublimation and make tablets porous. It was concluded that tablets prepared by addition of sublimation method has less disintegration time than those prepared by superdisintegrantx. These tablets give fast release of salbutamol sulfate which results in fast action in asthmatic attack. Keywords: Salbutamol sulphate | Orodispersible tablets | Sublimation, Introduction The treatment of asthmatic symptoms generally includes conventional oral dosage forms like tablets, capsules, oral liquids etc.; inhalation therapy includes metered dose inhalers with or without spacers, dry powder [...]

Introduction When long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) were initially introduced overseas, salmeterol was compared head to head with albuterol in a randomized, double blind study over 16 weeks (1) in addition to [...]

The article highlights the usage, advantages and maintenance of spacer device that acts as a reservoir for the drug to be inhaled by the asthmatic.

In June 2006, results from a meta-analysis added to growing concerns over the safety of long-acting beta2 agonists (LABAs) in patients with asthma. The MHRA responded with a pledge to [...]

Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion References Abstract Background: Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease in which eosinophils and different cells play a major role in pathogenesis, [...]

US researchers examined perinatal data from 2,123 asthmatic women and found no significant relationships between the use of beta agonists, inhaled corticosteroids or theophylline, and adverse perinatal outcomes. However, oral [...]

2003 OCT 20 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Treating pregnant women with beta-2 agonists for mild to moderate asthma can help prevent intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birthweight, and preterm [...]

ARTICLE CONTRIBUTORS JAMES M. SHERMAN, MD, is Professor, Department of Pediatrics; and Chief, Pediatric Pulmonary Division, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville. LESLIE HENDELES, PharmD, is Professor, Department of [...]

ASTHMA MANAGEMENT--YOUTHS 12 YEARS OF AGE & ADULTS (part 1 of 2) Assessing Asthma Control and Adjusting Therapy in Youths [greater than or equal to] 12 Years of Age and [...]

ASTHMA INHALATION THERAPIES (part 1 of 2) Brand Generic SGtrengths Formulations [left arrow] ADVAIR DISKUS fluticasone 100/50 dry pwd propionate (GlaxoSmithKline) + 250/50 salmeterol 500/50 (mcg) ADVAIR HFA 45/21 MDI [...]

Classifying Asthma Severity and Initiating Treatment in Youths [greater than or equal to] 12 Years of Age and Adults Assessing severity and initiating treatment for patients who are not currently [...]

Changes in concurrent drug therapy and/or the presence of a medical condition can precipitate a change in the metabolic capacity of a patient. The following case described a patient with [...]

Relenza (zanamivir for inhalation, GlaxoSmithKline) The Food and Drug Administration approved a new indication for Relenza (zanamivir for inhalation) for prevention of influenza in adults and children aged 5 years [...]

Asthma is a breathing disorder caused by the narrowing of bronchial tubes and excess mucous production that results in wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and in some cases, death. The goal of drug therapy is to reduce the constriction of the bronchial tubes and excess mucous production. Asthma attack symptoms range from mild muscle spasm and constriction of the bronchial wall to mild inflammation. Treatment focuses on relieving either the muscle constriction or the swelling. Steroid drugs, such as prednisone, reduce inflammation, protect cells from damage by histamines produced during the allergic response and stabilize blood vessel walls. Studies have shown that steroids are useful in treating asthma attacks caused by viral infections. Frequent oral use is not recommended because of serious side effects. However, steroid inhalers, although they do not dilate bronchial tubes, have some therapeutic effect when used during an acute episode. Cromolyn sodium is used in Europe to treat asthma. Cromolyn works by inhibiting the release of histamine produced by mast cells, as well as the response of other cells to allergens during an allergic reaction. Cromolyn also prevents asthma attacks precipitated by exercise. The drug can be delivered by a metered- dose inhaler, spinhaler and nebulizer. Early studies have shown cromolyn to be highly effective in the treatment of asthma in children. In addition, cromolyn is the drug of choice when theophylline, a bronchodilator, is contraindicated. Ipratropium bromide is an anticholinergic drug which blocks to action of chemicals causing the hypersensitive reaction during an asthma attack. It can be used in combination with another drug, albuterol, in nebulizer form. Two other drugs, azelastine and the less effective ketotifen, are also used in Europe. Alternative treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs can be useful in the treatment of inflammation produced by asthma attacks in children.

Asthma is a breathing disorder caused by the narrowing of bronchial tubes and excess mucous production, which results in wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and in some cases, death. Theophylline drug therapy can be used to manage children with asthma. Theophylline is a xanthine drug similar in structure to caffeine. Its mechanism of action is unclear. It is thought that the drug works by blocking the receptors for adenosine, known to mediate the action of catecholamines and histamines, chemicals affecting the constriction, swelling and mucous production in bronchial tubes. Theophylline dilates the bronchial tubes, reduces excess mucous and improves contraction in breathing muscles. Theophylline preparations vary; longer acting preparations are released slowly and affect the rate of absorption in the body. Suppositories that release theophylline slowly are unpredictable. Although this form can be helpful in treating vomiting children, intravenous hospital administration is preferred. The side effects associated with theophylline use are numerous. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and the backflow of stomach acids. Nervous system effects include nervousness, headache and changes in mood and behavior. Dosages can be adjusted to reduce side effects. The absorption of theophylline is dependent on age, so younger children experience more side effects than older patients when taking lower doses. Theophylline is used more often for long-term therapy than during acute episodes. Factors precipitating asthma attacks include allergens, dust mites, exercise, viral infections and cigarette smoke. The severity and frequency of attacks dictate whether daily medication or only 'as needed' medication should be used. Dosage trials begin low and work upward to determine the most effective dose with the fewest side effects. For drug therapy to be effective children taking theophylline should have no side effects and optimal total asthma control.

Chronic cough is one lasting more than four weeks. There are a variety of causes of a chronic cough. The two most common causes of a persistent or recurrent cough are asthma and an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. Asthma is characterized by wheezing, coughing and excess mucous production caused by the constriction of the bronchial tubes. In cough-variant asthma, the cough is the only existing symptom. Asthma is precipitated by allergens, dust mites, exercise, viral infections and smoke. The evaluation of a chronic cough begins by taking a history, performing a physical exam and chest X-ray. When asthma is suspected, a diagnosis can be confirmed if antiasthmatic drugs yield a positive response. Further evaluation can define specific symptoms that may need additional treatment. If the cough does not respond to antiasthmatic therapy, other causes need to be investigated. Other causes of chronic cough include bacterial infections lung diseases, foreign bodies, tumors malformations, habit, postnasal drip and drugs.

Theophylline is the drug of choice to treat asthma in children. It works by dilating the constricted bronchial tubes responsible for the breathing difficulties during an asthma attack. The structure of theophylline is similar to that of caffeine, the stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola. Studies have indicated that caffeine has strong effects on the central nervous system, affecting mood and behavior. Three facts about caffeine may be of importance when considering theophylline drug therapy: sensitivity to caffeine varies from person to person; people can become tolerant to caffeine; and finally, caffeine study results are inconsistent, making them unreliable for reference. The effects of theophylline on behaviors such as hyperactivity and learning disabilities are of some concern. Whether theophylline drug therapy causes learning disabilities is debatable but highly unlikely. Theophylline is, however, associated with many of the symptoms indicative of hyperactivity. It is suggested that children with a heightened response to theophylline have caffeine levels monitored and controlled by regulating caffeine ingestion and performing periodic blood tests to determine safe blood levels of the drug.

Spacer devices are becoming increasingly popular for the delivery of inhaled drugs in the treatment of asthma. They reduce the problems of poor inhaler technique with metered dose inhalers, largely [...]