Researchers uncover asthma's root cause

UPI ^ | 04/23/2015 | By Brooks Hays

[SeekAndFind]

CARDIFF, Wales, April 23 (UPI) -- Researchers in Wales and England have developed a highly effective asthma drug, and in the process may have uncovered the disorder's root cause. In a recent study, scientists explored the breathing disorder via both mouse and human airway models, using tissue from asthmatic and non-asthmatic people. Their work highlighted the body's calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) as the main culprit in triggering asthma symptoms -- airway narrowing, airway twitchiness and inflammation.

Much as the immune system of allergy patients overreacts to pollen or other particulates, the research models showed CaSR went into overdrive when asthmatic tissue was irritated by external stimuli.

The research also demonstrated the impressive effectiveness of a class of drugs known as calcilytics, which manipulate CaSR and in lab experiments reversed asthma symptoms. Calcilytics are currently mostly used to treat osteoporosis.

"Our findings are incredibly exciting," lead researcher Daniela Riccardi, a professor at Cardiff University School of Biosciences, said in a press release. "For the first time we have found a link airways inflammation, which can be caused by environmental triggers - such as allergens, cigarette smoke and car fumes -- and airways twitchiness in allergic asthma."

"If this research proves successful we may be just a few years away from a new treatment for asthma, and we urgently need further investment to take it further through clinical trials," said Dr. Samantha Walker, the policy and research director at Asthma UK.

[W.]

They came out with Asthmanefrin a couple years back, I used it and it worked OK, but like you, I preferred Primatine. Why they couldn't just use the propellant they do in inhalers now I don't know. Anyways, it was touted on the package as a replacement for Primatine Mist. You could use it in a nebulizer or buy a battery-powered inhaler, but the portable looked like a PITA, I just used the neb. Just some info for you...

[Bob434]

[[For the first time we have found a link airways inflammation, which can be caused by environmental triggers ]]

That is a lie as per my previous post- in one sentence they claim caSR CAUSES Asthma (Note, CPS are for stressing key terms)- but then in the next they claim enviro triggers CAUSE Asthma-

They can’t have it both ways- A person who NEVER encounters environmental triggers will STILL HAVE ASTHMA because their caSR will STILL be defective- and will, on it’s own overreact from time to time

A trigger is not a CAUSE- The person has the condition first- then a trigger simply brings on symptoms. Asthma ATTACKS are a worsening of Asthma symptoms that are already present=- enviro triggers worsen what is already present- they don’t CAUSE it-

There are estimates that 100 genes that might CAUSE asthma

There are many triggers of Asthma attacks

Strong emotions

fragrances

Physical exercise

chemicals

acid reflux

respiratory syncytial virus

Infections

Smoke From Burning Wood or Grass

Mold

Pets

Cockroach Allergen

Dust Mites

[Quality_Not_Quantity]

ex spurt

= Has-been Drip

[William Tell]

Bulwyf said: “My son has it very mildly, still worth checking out indeed.”

I paid little attention when my daughter was diagnosed. It was something my father experienced and I hadn’t.

A couple of years later she very nearly died from an attack while she was driving home. She had taken an aspirin which evidently triggered or worsened the attack and she was unconscious in an unoccupied government building before she could get help.

The paramedics which eventually responded completely exhausted their checklist before being able to revive her. Neither of them had ever lost such a young patient.

In retrospect, I realized that I should have studied the ailment more and insisted that my daughter be taught how to spot the symptoms before they become life-threatening.

Here’s a link to an article about peak flow meters: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/peak-flow-meter

Lack of this information was a factor in my daughter’s near death experience. It’s important to realize that the amount of air needed is a very strong function of activity level. The air my daughter needed to be able to drive home from school was significantly more than that which she had been using while sitting in a classroom. The sudden increase in activity brought on an almost irreversible lack of oxygen.

[Kommodor]

Try asking your doctor for “Albuterol”. It’s not as popular these days, I suspect because it’s generic, and therefore no longer big $$$ to the pharmaceutical industry.

[bunkerhill7]

You need to hold your nose for a few minutes after you turn away because of the Obama stench, then take a shower. it helps.

the fixed it

[bunkerhill7]

You can put the Asthmanefrin in a 5 buck perfume atomizer n use as a spray.

[expat2]

I used to get asthma from cold winter air, especially if shoveling snow. Don’t get it any more - I moved to Florida!

[Stentor]

I am waiting to Primatene Mist to be re-released. Meddling government had it banned for CFC’s. They have supposedly submitted a new product for approval. It worked better than any prescription crap and lasted longer.

For some people it was the only thing that worked. Knew a guy in his 80s that Primatene kept on his feet and alive. I used to hunt the drug stores for him in a 50 mile radius.

[KittenClaws]

That is a lie as per my previous post- in one sentence they claim caSR CAUSES Asthma (Note, CPS are for stressing key terms)- but then in the next they claim enviro triggers CAUSE Asthma-
____________________

Sorry - I left off the /Sarcasm tag! :)

[Ingtar]

That’s what they will no longer cover.

[petercooper]

It’s BIG business. Shhhh.....

[Ditter]

Asthma is caused by pollen and cigarette smoke! Who woudda thunk it!

tell me something I don't know.

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Vitamins D1, B12, and C help tremendously.