Prevalence and predictors of occupational asthma among workers in detergent and cleaning products industry and its impact on quality of life in El Asher Men Ramadan, Egypt

Cleaning products are mixtures of many chemical ingredients that are known to contain sensitizers, disinfectants, and fragrances, as well as strong airway irritants which associated with lower respiratory tract and asthma symptoms. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and possible risk factors of occupational asthma and its effect on quality of life among workers in detergent and cleaning products industries in El Asher men Ramadan city. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 780 workers. All participants were personally interviewed at their workplaces and were subjected to a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic, work characteristics and asthma symptoms, clinical examination, chest X-ray, spirometer, and bronchodilator test. The prevalence of occupational asthma among the studied workers was 35.4%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender [odds ratio 1.397; 95% CI 1.09–1.96], manually working participants [odds ratio 3.067; 95% CI 1.72–5.46], and history of atopy [odds ratio 1.596; 95% CI 1.09–2.33] were risk factors for development of occupational asthma. The total mean score of asthma-specific quality of life was significantly lower in asthmatic (5.10 ± 0.49) than non-asthmatic workers (5.89 ± 0.46) (P < 0.01) indicating impairment of quality of life among asthmatic group. Workers in detergent and cleaning products industry are at higher risk for developing occupational asthma that adversely affects their general health and quality of life.

A CRITICAL REVIEW ON PUSHKARMOOLADI YOGA IN SHWASA ROGA

Shwasa is a disease of Pranavaha strotas. It is clinically correlated with bronchial asthma. Symptoms of Shwasa are nearly similar to Bronchial Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Pushkarmoladi yoga is described in Yoga Ratnakara and Bhaishjya Ratnavali. This yoga contains Pushkarmoola, Pippali, Dhanvayasa, Karkatshringi and Ativisha. This study was conducted to know the efficacy of Pushkarmoola diyoga in Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma). The literary review was performed by a collection of material related to the clinical efficacy of Pushkarmooladiyoga with the help of several essential Ayurvedic and Modern textbooks, Research papers and journals. Pushkarmooladi yoga shows bronchodilator property by relaxation of bronchial smooth muscles and antimicrobial activity against various gram +ve and gram-ve bacteria, which are responsible for Shwasa and have antioxidant properties due to the presence of the particular phenolic compound in its ingredients.

Prevalence of COVID-19 in children affected by allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma: results from the second “SIAIP rhinosinusitis and conjunctivitis committee” survey

Background The role of allergic sensitization seems to be protective against SARS CoV2 infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate, using online surveys, the impact of COVID-19 on Italian allergic children, comparing the prevalence of AR and asthma symptoms between the first and second pandemic wave. Methods Both surveys were emailed to Italian pediatricians in April 2020 (first survey) and in March 2021 (second survey). The first one was related to the impact of COVID-19 and the most frequently reported symptoms. The second one was superimposed on the previous one, taking into account some additional aspects in the management of disease. Results A total of 99 pediatricians participated in the first survey and 267 in the second one. The first survey showed that, asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis prevalence was mostly between 0 and 20% throughout the country. The second survey showed a lower prevalence of both diseases nationwide in comparison to the first one. Comparing the two surveys, statistically significant differences were reported only in the distribution of asthma prevalence in Southern Italy while no differences were highlighted in the North and in the Center. Finally regarding allergic rhinoconjunctivitis prevalence, no differences were noticed nationwide. Conclusions Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma, if under control, did not represent risk factors for the susceptibility to SARS CoV2. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to continue therapies during COVID-19 outbreak, according to the international guidelines. However, being COVID-19 a new disease, actual knowledge will undergo continuous improvements over time.

A systematic review of the characteristics of interventions that promote physical activity in adults with asthma

Physical activity is promoted in the asthma population through pulmonary rehabilitation, but limited funding and facilities are available. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of interventions that promote physical activity and identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and other intervention components used. Five databases were searched, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions had a significant positive effect on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, quality of life and asthma symptoms. BCTs used across intervention and control groups were similar in studies that showed effects and those that did not. Future interventions should employ techniques that help to maintain behaviour change.

Regulatory Peptides in Asthma

Numerous regulatory peptides play a critical role in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation, airflow obstruction and hyperresponsiveness, which are hallmarks of asthma. Some of them exacerbate asthma symptoms, such as neuropeptide Y and tachykinins, while others have ameliorating properties, such as nociception, neurotensin or β-defensin 2. Interacting with peptide receptors located in the lungs or on immune cells opens up new therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of asthma, especially when it is resistant to available therapies. This article provides a concise review of the most important and current findings regarding the involvement of regulatory peptides in asthma pathology.

Acute asthma

Asthma is a common chronic condition, characterised by episodic acute exacerbations, which may require emergency treatment. According to Asthma UK, nationally 5 400 000 people are being treated for asthma; with life-threatening asthma attacks occurring every 10 seconds and three lives lost daily. In acute asthma, symptoms, including breathlessness, chest tightness, wheeze and cough, deteriorate progressively. Individuals with asthma symptoms often present to primary care and it is important that GPs can recognise and appropriately manage acute asthma. This article reviews the background, recognition and management of acute asthma in adults and children over the age of five, drawing on current guidelines.

Dairy Intake in Association with Asthma Symptoms Among a Large Sample of Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dairy products may be linked to an increased risk of asthma, although there is little scientific evidence to back this up. The goal of this study was to look at the link between dairy consumption and asthma symptoms. This cross-sectional study was conducted on children and adolescents aged 6-8 and 13-14 living in central Iran. Dietary food consumption was assessed using a multiple-choice questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios for the association between milk, other dairy products, and total dairy consumption with asthma symptoms. In total, 7667 participants (3414 boys and 4253 girls) were included in the current study. Milk intake and total dairy consumption were not associated with the likelihood of wheezing, asthma confirmed by a doctor, current asthma, and asthma medication use. However, the analysis revealed that those who eat other dairy products on most days or every day might have a reduced likelihood of wheezing compared to those who do not eat or rarely eat other dairy products (OR: 0.65, 95% CI 0.44-0.94, Pterend=0.18). After adjusting for age, sex (OR: 0.58, 95% CI 0.39-0.84, Pterend=0.03), and additionally adjusting for watching TV and computer use (OR=0.58, 0.40-0.85, Pterend=0.02), and BMI (OR: 0.58, 95% CI 0.40-0.85, Pterend=0.02), individuals in the highest category of other dairy consumption had significantly lower odds of wheezing compared with those with the lowest intakes. In conclusion, the consumption of dairy products other than milk, including cheese and yogurt, might reduce the likelihood of wheezing in children and adolescents.