Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
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To review the effect of increasing age on the immune system and some of its clinical implications. ⋯ The process of aging is accompanied by diverse changes in immunity. Several therapeutic approaches are under investigation, including cytokine therapy, hormonal replacement, antioxidant supplementation, and caloric restriction, to attenuate or potentially reverse immunosenescence.
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To review habit cough and its treatments to raise awareness of this condition as a potential cause of chronic cough. ⋯ It is important to consider habit cough in the differential diagnosis of chronic cough because early diagnosis can help to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and potential iatrogenic complications.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Oct 2008
ReviewObstructive sleep apnea syndrome and asthma: the role of continuous positive airway pressure treatment.
To review the concept of a possible link between asthma and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the impact on asthma symptoms of treatment of OSAS with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in patients with both conditions. ⋯ Asthma and OSAS are increasingly troublesome public health issues. Mounting evidence implicates OSAS as a risk factor for asthma exacerbations, thereby linking these 2 major epidemics. We describe potential mechanisms whereby CPAP, the first line of therapy for OSAS, might modify airway smooth muscle function and asthma control in patients with both disorders. Despite the ever-increasing population of patients with both disorders, large, prospective, randomized controlled studies are necessary to more fully evaluate CPAP and asthma outcomes.
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Oct 2007
ReviewRole of nitric oxide production in anaphylaxis and its relevance for the treatment of anaphylactic hypotension with methylene blue.
To review the role of nitric oxide production in anaphylaxis. ⋯ Nitric oxide plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis. Treatment with methylene blue should be considered in patients with anaphylactic hypotension that has not responded to other interventions.
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To review the available evidence on treating chronic cough to relay a thoughtful, evidence-based approach for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough. ⋯ Allergists, as experts in treating upper airway and lower airway disorders, are uniquely poised to diagnose and treat chronic cough.