What
is Asthma?
Asthma is a
chronic lung condition with symptoms of difficulty breathing
and wheezing caused by inflammation and narrowing of the air passages. The
condition ranges
from mild to severe. During an asthma attack, the airways become
inflamed and narrower
as the muscles surrounding them constrict. The flow of air is
blocked partially or completely as mucus produced by the inflammation
fills a narrower passageway. Asthma affects both the lung's larger airways,
called
the bronchi, and the lung's smaller airways, called
the bronchioles. Treatment focuses on preventing or stopping
inflammation, and relaxing muscles that line the airways.
For information on symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention click here.
Photo couretsy Cambridge Health Alliance. |
Research News
Featuring Harvard Medical School and Affiliated Hospitals
A
New View of Asthma's Cause A newly recognized
type of immune cell may be part of the cause.
Slow
Adoption of Asthma Inhalers
Asthma inhalers adopted more slowly for minority patients and children.
Maternal
History Influences Risk of Asthma in Children Exposed to Cats
Exposure may triple the risk of asthma in some children.
Study
Uses Video Narratives to Better Understand Asthma Management
Video narratives made by patients have been
found an effective way to understand how young people manage
their illness.
>More Research
News
|
Research Stories
From the Harvard
University Gazette
Researchers
Uncover Cause of Asthma
Natural
killer cells leave people breathless.
Climate,
Asthma Connected
High
pollen increases asthma suffering.
Bottle
Before Bed May Lead to Asthma
Children
with family history may face higher risk when bottle-fed before
bed.
>More HU Gazette on Asthma
|
Scientific Reports
From HMS Faculty Newsletter Focus
Studies
Unmask Undercover Asthma Agent
Discovery
of link to natural killer T-cells could breathe life into search
for a cure.
Anatomy
of an Asthma Attack
Blood-borne
tracer illuminates patchy pattern of constriction.
Lung
Imaging Method Allows Visualization of Airways
New
imaging technique provides clear MRI images of lung airways during
breathing.
Mouse
Model Devised that Develops Asthma T-bet
mouse strengthens evidence for protein controller as therapeutic target.
>More
Research Stories
|
Research Matters
