Vitamin D in pregnancy may protect babies from asthma: 'Sunshine supplements' boost infants' immune response

Taking vitamin D supplements in pregnancy strengthens babies' immune systems, which may lower their risk of developing asthma, new research reveals.
The unborn babies of expectant mothers who take more than the recommended daily vitamin D dose for pregnant women respond better when exposed to simulated pathogens, a study found.
Previous studies have demonstrated a link between a strong immune system in early life and a reduced risk of asthma.
Researchers believe this may also extend to greater respiratory health overall.....

Read more here: dailymail.co.uk

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PCOS linked to higher asthma risk

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk for developing asthma, according to data presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference.
“PCOS, a common disease affecting 2-6% of women in the reproductive age, is characterized by insulin resistance, sex hormones disturbances, anovulatory infertility, and chronic inflammation; all common risk factors for asthma,” Joe G. Zein, MD, lead author of the study from the department of pulmonary medicine at Cleveland Clinic, told Healio Internal Medicine.....

Read more here: healio.com

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Bronchial Thermoplasty Helps Reduce Severe Asthma Attacks, Hospitalizations, and Emergency Room Visits

May 24, 2017—Washington, DC— Adult patients with asthma treated with bronchial thermoplasty suffered fewer severe exacerbations and were able to reduce their emergency room visits and hospitalizations in the 2 years following treatment. 
This finding of a prospective, open-label, observational, multicenter, postapproval trial was reported at the American Thoracic Society 2017 International Conference, from May 19 – 24.
Geoffrey Chupp, MD, of the Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, explained that bronchial thermoplasty is a device-based therapy that uses a series of three radiofrequency treatments to open the airways of adults with severe, persistent asthma whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting beta-agonists. The device was approved by the FDA in 2010.....

Read more here: practiceupdate.com