scholarly journals Children with Obesity and Asthma: Which Are the Best Options for Their Management?

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza Di Genova ◽  
Laura Penta ◽  
Anna Biscarini ◽  
Giuseppe Di Cara ◽  
Susanna Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Weight Control ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Key Words Asthma ◽  
Complex Disorders ◽  
Control Asthma ◽  
Asthma In Children

Obesity and asthma are complex disorders related to gene-environment interactions and various lifestyle factors. At present, they represent two of the most significant paediatric health problems worldwide, particularly in industrialized nations. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate possible therapeutic strategies to manage asthma in children with overweight/obesity. PubMed was used to search for all of the studies published from January 2008 to June 2018 using the following key words: “asthma” and “overweight” or “obesity” or “obese” and “children” or “paediatric”. The literature review showed that growing evidence underlines the existence of an “obese asthma” phenotype characterised by difficult-to-control asthma with additional symptoms, worse control, more frequent and severe exacerbations, reduced response to inhaled corticosteroids, and lower quality of life than other phenotypes. Currently, therapeutic strategies centred on prevention are suggested and the development of resources to assist families with weight loss strategies seems useful for effective weight control and optimal asthma management. Studies on vitamin D supplementation and further knowledge are needed to better define the best therapeutic options to manage asthma in children with overweight/obesity and to reduce the onset and severity of this chronic respiratory disease through the design of a multifactorial intervention.

scholarly journals Comparing LAMA with LABA and LTRA as add-on therapies in primary care asthma management

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Kaplan ◽  
J. Mark FitzGerald ◽  
Roland Buhl ◽  
Christian Vogelberg ◽  
Eckard Hamelmann
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Global Initiative For Asthma ◽  
Control Asthma ◽  
Global Initiative ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract The Global Initiative for Asthma recommends a stepwise approach to adjust asthma treatment to the needs of individual patients; inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) remain the core pharmacological treatment. However, many patients remain poorly controlled, and evidence-based algorithms to decide on the best order and rationale for add-on therapies are lacking. We explore the challenges of asthma management in primary care and review outcomes from randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses comparing the long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) tiotropium with long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) or leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) as add-on to ICS in patients with asthma. In adults, LAMAs and LABAs provide a greater improvement in lung function than LTRAs as add-on to ICS. In children, results were positive and comparable between therapies, but data are scarce. This information could aid decision-making in primary care, supporting the use of add-on therapy to ICS to help improve lung function, control asthma symptoms and prevent exacerbations.

scholarly journals Higher Omega-3 Index Is Associated with Better Asthma Control and Lower Medication Dose: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isobel Stoodley ◽  
Manohar Garg ◽  
Hayley Scott ◽  
Lesley Macdonald-Wicks ◽  
Bronwyn Berthon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Asthma Control ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Airway Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Erythrocyte Membranes ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Asthma Control Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, associated with systemic inflammation. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have established anti-inflammatory effects, thus having potential as an adjunct therapy in asthma. This study aimed to compare erythrocyte n-3 PUFA in adults with (n = 255) and without (n = 137) asthma and determine the relationship between erythrocyte n-3 PUFA and clinical asthma outcomes. Subjects had blood collected, lung function measured and Juniper Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) score calculated. Fatty acids were measured in erythrocyte membranes by gas chromatography, and the omega-3 index (O3I) was calculated (% eicosapentaenoic acid + % docosahexaenoic acid). O3I was similar in subjects with and without asthma (p = 0.089). A higher O3I was observed in subjects with controlled or partially controlled asthma (ACQ < 1.5) compared to subjects with uncontrolled asthma (ACQ ≥ 1.5) (6.0% (5.4–7.2) versus 5.6% (4.6–6.4) p = 0.033). Subjects with a high O3I (≥8%) had a lower maintenance dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) compared to those with a low O3I (<8%) (1000 μg (400–1000) versus 1000 μg (500–2000) p = 0.019). This study demonstrates that a higher O3I is associated with better asthma control and with lower ICS dose, suggesting that a higher erythrocyte n-3 PUFA level may have a role in asthma management.

A snapshot of general practitioner attitudes, levels of confidence and self-reported paediatric asthma management practice

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica A. Roydhouse ◽  
Smita Shah ◽  
Brett G. Toelle ◽  
Susan M. Sawyer ◽  
Craig M. Mellis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practitioners ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Paediatric Asthma ◽  
Baseline Questionnaire ◽  
Practitioner Attitudes

The prevalence of asthma in Australia is high. Previous findings have suggested that asthma management, particularly in primary care, remains suboptimal and recent government initiatives to improve asthma management and encourage the use of written asthma action plans (WAAPs) in general practice have been implemented. We aimed to assess the attitudes, confidence and self-reported paediatric asthma management practices of a convenience sample of Australian general practitioners (GPs). A baseline questionnaire was administered to GPs as part of a randomised controlled trial. General practitioners (GPs) were recruited from two areas of greater metropolitan Sydney, NSW between 2006 and 2008. Invitations were sent to an estimated 1200 potentially eligible GPs. Of 150 (12.5%) GPs that enrolled, 122 (10.2%) completed the baseline questionnaire. Though 89% were aware of the Australian National Asthma Guidelines, less than 40% were familiar with guideline recommendations. While 85.2% had positive attitudes towards WAAPs, only 45.1% reported providing them frequently. For children with frequent symptoms, 90% agreed they should prescribe daily, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and 83% reported currently prescribing ICS to such patients. These findings indicate gaps between GP attitudes and behaviours and highlights opportunities for interventions to improve paediatric asthma management.

scholarly journals The study of severe asthma in Latin America and Spain (1994-2004): characteristics of patients hospitalized with acute severe asthma

2009 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 635-644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Javier Rodrigo ◽  
Vicente Plaza ◽  
Jesús Bellido-Casado ◽  
Hugo Neffen ◽  
María Teresa Bazús ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Acute Severe Asthma ◽  
The Mean

OBJECTIVE: Studies assessing the characteristics and management of patients hospitalized with asthma have been limited to a small number of facilities and have evaluated short time periods. The present study evaluated long-term changes among hospitalized asthma patients at a large number of facilities. METHODS: This was a retrospective, hospital-based observational case series, designated the Study of Severe Asthma in Latin America and Spain, which was conducted in Spain and in eight Latin-American countries. We reviewed the hospital records of 3,038 patients (age range, 15-69 years) hospitalized with acute severe asthma at one of nineteen tertiary-care hospitals in 1994, 1999 and 2004. RESULTS: Over time, the use of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2 agonists increased significantly, whereas the use of theophylline as a controller medication decreased. The utilization of pulmonary function tests also increased. There was a significant reduction in the mean hospital stay (8.5 days, 7.4 days and 7.1 days in 1994, 1999 and 2004, respectively, p = 0.0001) and a significant increase in the mean of the lowest arterial pH at hospital admission. In contrast, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of cases in which PEF was determined in the emergency room (48.6% in 1994 vs. 43.5% in 2004, p = 0.0001). We found the quality of asthma management and care to be generally better in Spain than in Latin America. CONCLUSIONS: Although there have been certain improvements in the management of asthma between severe exacerbations and during hospitalization, asthma management remains suboptimal in Spain and, especially, in Latin America.

scholarly journals Asthma Management at Discharge from the Emergency Department: A Descriptive Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascale Gervais ◽  
Isabelle Larouche ◽  
Lucie Blais ◽  
Anne Fillion ◽  
Marie-France Beauchesne
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Airflow Obstruction ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Oral Corticosteroids ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospitals

BACKGROUND: The management of asthma remains suboptimal despite the publication of Canadian asthma guidelines in 1999.OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted to estimate the proportion of patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) for an asthma exacerbation who received a management plan at discharge that was in accordance with seven criteria stated in the Canadian asthma guidelines. The present study took place in two tertiary care hospitals in Montreal, Quebec.RESULTS: A total of 37 patients were enrolled. Three (8%) patients received a management plan at discharge that was in accordance with all seven criteria. Inhaled corticosteroids and oral corticosteroids were prescribed at discharge for 29 (78%) and 35 (95%) patients, respectively. Minimal asthma education was provided for 29 (78%) patients and a medical follow-up was recommended to 22 (60%) patients. Airflow obstruction was evaluated at discharge for only 20 (54%) patients.CONCLUSION: Overall, asthma management at discharge from the ED was generally not in accordance with the 1999 Canadian asthma guidelines. A standardized management plan should be implemented in the ED to improve the care of patients with asthma exacerbations.

scholarly journals Managing asthma in pregnancy

Breathe ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 258-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa E. Murphy
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Asthma Management ◽  
Perinatal Outcomes ◽  
List Type ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Exacerbation Rate ◽  
Common Chronic Disease ◽  
In Pregnancy

Asthma is a common comorbidity during pregnancy and its prevalence is increasing in the community. Exacerbations are a major clinical problem during pregnancy with up to 45% of women needing to seek medical help, resulting in poor outcomes for mothers and their babies, including low birth weight and preterm delivery. The goals of effective asthma management in pregnancy are to maintain the best possible asthma control and prevent exacerbations. This is achieved by aiming to prevent day- and night-time symptoms, and maintain lung function and normal activity. In addition, maintaining fetal oxygenation is an important consideration in pregnancy. Guidelines recommend providing asthma advice and review prior to conception, and managing asthma actively during pregnancy, with regular 4-weekly review, provision of a written action plan, use of preventer medications as indicated for other adults with asthma, and management of comorbid conditions such as rhinitis.Improvements have been made in recent years in emergency department management of asthma in pregnancy, and multidisciplinary approaches are being proposed to optimise both asthma outcomes and perinatal outcomes. One strategy that has demonstrated success in reducing exacerbations in pregnancy is treatment adjustment using a marker of eosinophilic lung inflammation, the exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO). The use of an algorithm that adjusted inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) according toFeNOand added long-acting β-agonists when symptoms remained uncontrolled resulted in fewer exacerbations, more women on ICS but at lower mean doses, and improved infant respiratory health at 12 months of age. Further evidence is needed to determine whether this strategy can also improve perinatal outcomes and be successfully translated into clinical practice.Key pointsAsthma is the most common chronic disease to affect pregnant women.Exacerbations occur in up to 45% of pregnant women with asthma.Asthma should be managed during pregnancy as for other adults.Treatment adjustment using a marker of airway inflammation reduces the exacerbation rate in pregnancy.Educational aimsTo identify the goals of and steps associated with effective asthma management in pregnancy.To understand the maternal and perinatal risks associated with asthma during pregnancy.To describe a management strategy that has been shown to reduce exacerbations in pregnant women with asthma.

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