Science Daily
Supervised self-injection with empty syringes improved comfort in food-allergic adolescents administering epinephrine, study finds
A new intervention could save lives, recognizing that adolescents are at higher risk for fatal food-allergic reactions.
Shorter course of immunotherapy does not improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis long-term
Among patients with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis, two years of immunotherapy tablets was not significantly different from placebo in improving nasal symptoms at 3-year follow-up, according to a study appearing in the February 14 issue of JAMA.
Novel tool can identify COPD
A novel approach for the identification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been developed by a team of researchers. COPD is underdiagnosed, and previous screening tools have relied on smoking history and patient report of cough and sputum. COPD is often uncovered during exacerbations and after significant loss of lung function.
Corticosteroids not effective for treating acute sinusitis, study suggests
Corticosteroids, frequently prescribed to alleviate acute sinusitis, show no clinical benefit in treating the condition, according to a randomized controlled trial published in ;CMAJ ;
The common cold is the main cause of acute sinusitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the nasal cavities, blocked nasal passages and sometimes headaches and facial pain. Allergies and bacteria can also cause the condition, which is uncomfortable and difficult to treat. Antibiotics are a common treatment, despite the fact that the cause is often viral and will not respond to antibiotics. Corticosteroids are increasingly being used to alleviate symptoms, although the evidence for efficacy is inconclusive.