Researchers Discover ‘Off’ Switch For Asthma Attacks

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered a cellular "off" switch to deactivate the compounds that cause a severe inflammatory response, which results in asthma attacks.
According to Nicola Heller from Johns Hopkins, asthma patients experience debilitating symptoms because of the consistent activity of the proteins that are not switched "off" by regulatory proteins responsible for the inflammatory reactions.....

Read more here: techtimes.com

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Researchers question accuracy of test used for asthma screening

A test used for screening for asthma in patients without previous symptoms is not “reliable” for diagnosing the respiratory condition, according to researchers.
Based on their findings, the authors of the new study, from Australia, have urged caution in the use of the mannitol challenge test for asthma in non-clinical settings.
They noted that the mannitol challenge test was a cost-effective and easily applied test to detect if the airways were more likely to contract or narrow more than normal, which is associated with asthma and airway inflammation.....

Read more here: nursingtimes.net

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New study urges caution in use of mannitol challenge test for asthma

A new study urges caution in the use of the mannitol challenge test for asthma in non-clinical settings. The test is considered widely applicable to detect asthma, but its accuracy outside of patients referred for specialized respiratory has not been thoroughly explored before.
The mannitol challenge test is a cost-effective and easily applied test to detect if the airways are more likely to contract or narrow more than normal. These airway reactions are associated with asthma and airway inflammation.....

Read more here: news-medical.net