Asthma action plans help sufferers manage their conditions

When it comes to asthma, management is key.
Asthma experts coast to coast have long promoted the use of asthma action plans, or AAPs. The simple one-page, go-to information sheets provide asthma sufferers with help on how to manage their condition, particularly if symptoms seem to be worsening.

Information at vancouver.24hrs.ca



Asthma: Single Target, Double Blow

A recently identified calcium activated chloride channel (CaCC) in the airway surface epithelium and airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells of asthma patients could represent a target for reducing the excess mucus production and ASM hyperresponsiveness that characterize asthma attacks, researchers claim. Using transcription profiling of primary human cells, immunohistochemistry, and mouse models, a Howard Hughes Medical Institutes-led team has shown that epithelial expression of the CaCC TMEM16A is upregulated in asthma patients, and that blocking the channel using small molecule inhibitors negatively regulates mucin secretion and ASM contraction.....

Keep reading here: genengnews.com



Limiting medicine may not exacerbate asthma

ASTHMA Limiting inhaler usage may not result in flareups, symptoms
People with mild but persistent asthma may manage just as well by turning to their inhalers only when they have symptoms as those who use a low-dose inhaled steroid every day, according to a study by UCSF researchers.

Read more: sfgate.com