Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology
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The collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a noninvasive method for evaluation of airway inflammation. This article reviews recent data concerning the ability of EBC markers to reflect alterations in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or environment and occupation-induced changes. ⋯ EBC might be of particular interest in preventive medicine as inflammatory processes triggered may precede changes in lung function. Robust and easy-to-handle condensing devices and analytical methods are warranted to spread the use of EBC.
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Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol · Feb 2009
ReviewRisk factors and treatment for obstructive sleep apnea amongst obese children and adults.
The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence for the association between obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as predisposing risk factors and treatment strategies for OSA amongst obese patients. ⋯ In view of recent findings, a direct association between body mass and upper airway obstruction should be viewed with caution. Obesity may play a more significant role in the predisposition to OSA amongst particular subgroups of the population, such as adults, and those with particular craniofacial and upper airway morphology. Healthcare prioritization and requirements may be more substantial for such groups. Further, commonly used treatment methods for OSA (such as adenotonsillectomy for children and continuous positive airway pressure for adults) may be less effective for obese individuals. Weight-reduction strategies appear important for an optimal outcome, and such strategies may be more or less invasive depending on the severity of obesity, OSA or both, and other patient complications.