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Asthma ResearchThe following research focuses on new approaches to prevent and treat asthma and its complications: Airway ZapperThe Alair System for Bronchial Thermoplasty is a minimally invasive device that uses thermal energy to reduce areas of underlying smooth muscle in the airways of the lungs, which makes it harder for the airways to spasm and close. Early studies suggest that the device may help people with moderate to severe asthma symptoms.Antibiotic use and infantsA recent study has found that infants who receive antibiotics during their first year of life are more likely to develop asthma by age 7. Moreover, multiple courses of antibiotics may increase this risk.Asthma Health Outcomes Project The Asthma Health Outcomes Project found that asthma programs using a variety of approaches to teach how environmental triggers make asthma worse may help reduce emergency room visits, improve a person's quality of life, and result in fewer missed days of school or work.EPA's stronger smog standardsThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to strengthen the nation's air quality standards for ground-level ozone (the primary component of smog). The EPA's proposal is based on the most recent scientific evidence about the health effects of ozone. According to the EPA, "Ozone exposure can aggravate asthma, resulting in increased medication use and emergency room visits, and it can increase susceptibility to respiratory infections."Obesity and asthmaNew research suggests that people who are overweight and obese are:- 50% more likely to develop asthma.
- Significantly more likely to have persistent or severe persistent asthma.
- Likely to have a significant improvement in their asthma symptoms if they lose weight.
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