Sleep Loss Often Disruptive for City Kids With Asthma

SUNDAY, Aug. 5 (HealthDay News) -- Sleep loss is common among children with asthma who live in cities, and it is a major reason for missed school days, emergency room visits and lower levels of involvement in sports, according to new research...

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Tooth decay bigger issue than asthma

Tooth decay is an epidemic in Australia and more than 30 per cent of people only brush their teeth once a day, according to the Australian Dental Association...

Read more at au.news.yahoo.com



FDA okays generic Singulair for asthma treatment

The FDA announced Friday that it has approved the production of generic versions of Singulair, a drug used for the treatment of asthma and allergies. The patent on Singulair, or montelukast sodium, was held by Merck, and expired on Aug. 3, 2012. The drug works by blocking leukotrienes, which act as signal molecules in the body initiating the body’s response to the irritants and stimuli that produce, among other things, allergic and asthmatic reactions. In particular, montelukast sodium helps prevent constriction of the bronchi and bronchioles, keeping airways open. Unlike many anti-allergy and anti-asthmatic medications, montelukast does not act as an anti-histamine.

Read more: capitolcolumn.com