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Asthma

Feature: Asthma

Chronic asthma is a long-term condition that causes attacks of symptoms such as coughing and breathlessness that often happen suddenly. It is often associated with an allergy. Without proper treatment, lung function and physical fitness can be impaired over time. With the help of certain medications, however, most people with asthma can keep their illness under control and live a largely symptom-free life.

Research summaries

Asthma and exercise: How does swimming compare to other types of sports?

Swimming regularly could help increase lung performance and reduce asthma severity. Running and cycling are much more likely to trigger exercise-induced asthma than swimming is. It is still not clear what effects chlorinated water and swimming in indoor or outdoor pools may have on the risk of asthma attacks. more...

Asthma medication: How do fixed combinations of inhaled steroids and long-acting beta-2-agonists compare to combinations of the same drugs taken separately?

Fixed combinations of inhaled steroids and long-acting beta-2-agonists have the same effect on chronic asthma symptoms as combinations of the same drugs taken separately. more...

Asthma medication: How does montelukast compare?

Taken in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid, montelukast tablets are slightly less effective in relieving symptoms associated with mild to moderate chronic asthma than a combination of inhaled salmeterol and a corticosteroid. However, serious adverse effects are also slightly less common. It is still unclear whether people with exercise-induced asthma benefit from long-term treatment with montelukast. more...

Asthma: Are inhaled corticosteroids safe in pregnancy?

Using inhaled corticosteroids to control mild or moderate asthma in pregnancy can prevent asthma attacks and being hospitalised for asthma attacks in pregnancy. Inhaled budesonide has been tested particularly well in pregnancy and probably does not harm the baby. more...

Smoking prevention: Can parents influence whether or not their children become smokers?

Whether or not a young person will take up smoking depends on their own attitude and the influence of others. If parents inform their children and help them not to start smoking, it may reduce the likelihood that the children will smoke when they are older. more...

Asthma: Can specific immunotherapy reduce the symptoms, and how safe is it?

Specific immunotherapy (“desensitisation”) can reduce the number of asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma. When injected, mild reactions in the tissue around the injection site are common. There is a small chance of a dangerous reaction to the injection that would need immediate medical treatment. more...