The challenges and facilitators of self-management in pediatric asthma
Purpose of review Self-management education in asthma can dramatically reduce asthma morbidity, but specific pediatric challenges need to be addressed. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most recent and significant advances regarding self-management interventions in pediatric asthma. Recent findings Recent evidence supports school-based programs including asthma self-management skills for children to significantly improve asthma control. A defined theoretical intervention framework, parent involvement, child satisfaction, and running the intervention outside the child's own free time are suggested driv...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - March 3, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: PEDIATRIC ASTHMA AND DEVELOPMENT OF ATOPY: Edited by Andy Liu and Pasquale Comberiati Source Type: research

Small-airway dysfunction in paediatric asthma
Purpose of review Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder that can involve the entire bronchial tree. Increasing evidence shows that ventilation heterogeneity and small airway dysfunction are relevant factors in the pathogenesis of asthma and represent a hallmark in adults with persistent asthma. Little is known about the contribution of peripheral airway impairment in paediatric asthma, mainly due to the inaccessibility to evaluation by noninvasive techniques, which have only been widely available in recent years. Recent findings Emerging evidence suggests that small airways are affected from the early...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - March 3, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: PEDIATRIC ASTHMA AND DEVELOPMENT OF ATOPY: Edited by Andy Liu and Pasquale Comberiati Source Type: research

Occupational respiratory and skin diseases among workers exposed to metalworking fluids
Purpose of review To examine respiratory and skin diseases that occur among workers exposed to metalworking fluids (MWFs) used during machining processes. Recent findings Five cases of a severe and previously unrecognized lung disease characterized by B-cell bronchiolitis and alveolar ductitis with emphysema (BADE) were identified among workers at a machining facility that used MWFs, although MWF exposure could not be confirmed as the etiology. In the United Kingdom, MWF is now the predominant cause of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Under continuous conditions associated with respiratory disease...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - March 3, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE: Edited by Susan M. Tarlo and Piero Maestrelli Source Type: research

Artificial stone silicosis
Purpose of review This review details recent findings related to the health effects of occupational exposure to artificial stone dust and the rapid increase in cases of artificial stone associated silicosis around the world. Recent findings High crystalline silica content artificial stone is now commonly used for the production of kitchen benchtops. Reports of artificial stone silicosis from many countries have noted that workers were typically employed at small workplaces and were often diagnosed in their 30s or 40s. Poor exposure control measures were common, including the practice of ‘dry processing’. Dus...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - March 3, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE: Edited by Susan M. Tarlo and Piero Maestrelli Source Type: research

New causes of immunologic occupational asthma 2014–2020
Purpose of review The purpose of this review was to list all new confirmed cases of immunological occupational asthma (IOA) described between mid-2014 and April 2020. Recent findings Several new agents, both of high and low molecular weight, have been identified in the last 6 years as potential respiratory sensitizers being able to induce immunological occupational asthma. This review confirms that new causes of IOA are still identified regularly, particularly in subjects exposed to high molecular agents, in the food industry (farming, pest control, food processing), pharmaceutical industry (antibiotics, various...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - March 3, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE: Edited by Susan M. Tarlo and Piero Maestrelli Source Type: research

Cleaners and airway diseases
Purpose of review Evidence for adverse respiratory effects of occupational exposure to disinfectants and cleaning products (DCPs) has grown in the last two decades. The relationship between DCPs and asthma is well documented but questions remain regarding specific causal agents. Beyond asthma, associations between DCPs and COPD or chronic rhinitis are plausible and have been examined recently. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent advances on the effect of occupational exposure to DCP and chronic airway diseases. Recent findings Recent epidemiological studies have often focused on healthcare workers ...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - March 3, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE: Edited by Susan M. Tarlo and Piero Maestrelli Source Type: research

Editorial introductions
No abstract available (Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology)
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - March 3, 2021 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: EDITORIAL INTRODUCTIONS Source Type: research

Novel vaccines for allergen-specific immunotherapy
Purpose of review Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is a highly economic, effective and disease-modifying form of allergy treatment but requires accurate prescription and monitoring. New molecular approaches are currently under development to improve AIT by reducing treatment-related side effects, cumbersome protocols and patients’ compliance. We review the current advances regarding refined diagnosis for prescription and monitoring of AIT and the development of novel molecular vaccines for AIT. Finally, we discuss prophylactic application of AIT. Recent findings There is evidence that molecular allergy di...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - December 26, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: SPECIAL COMMENTARY Source Type: research

Choice of biologics in asthma endotypes
Purpose of review The aim of this study was to highlight the phenotypes and endotypes of asthma as a tool for selection of the Food and Drug Administration approved biologic therapies. Recent findings An evolving concept of asthma has led to the identification of distinct phenotypes and endotypes in this disease. Asthma endotypes are defined as the biological mechanism and are often categorized as T2-high and T2-low based on the influence of T helper type 2 (T2) cells and type 2 cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13. Biomarkers such as peripheral blood absolute eosinophil count, total IgE...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - December 26, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: MECHANISMS OF ALLERGY AND ADULT ASTHMA: Edited by J. Andrew Grant and Enrico Heffler Source Type: research

Exploring the origin and regulatory role of mast cells in asthma
Purpose of review Mast cells have previously been thought to function solely as effector cells in asthma but more recent studies have indicated that mast cells may play a more central role in propagating and regulating lower airway inflammation in asthma. Recent findings Initial studies have found increased numbers of mast cell progenitors (MCPs) in the peripheral blood of patients with asthma and these cells could contribute to the increased number of progenitors identified in the airways of patients with asthma. There are unique subpopulations of mast cells within the asthmatic airway, which are characterized ...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - December 26, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: MECHANISMS OF ALLERGY AND ADULT ASTHMA: Edited by J. Andrew Grant and Enrico Heffler Source Type: research

Cellular interactions in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to summarize the complex cellular interactions of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and how these interactions promote pathogenic mechanisms of AERD. Recent findings In addition to characteristic changes in eicosanoid levels, recent studies have identified increases in alarmin cytokines (IL-33, thymic stromal lymphopoietin) as well as activated innate lymphoid and plasma cell populations in samples from AERD patients. Summary Patients with AERD typically demonstrate high levels of proinflammatory eicosanoids including cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - December 26, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: MECHANISMS OF ALLERGY AND ADULT ASTHMA: Edited by J. Andrew Grant and Enrico Heffler Source Type: research

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and asthma treatment adherence
Purpose of review Despite increased clinician awareness, nonadherence to inhaled corticosteroid treatment presents a major challenge to successful asthma management and risks inappropriate treatment escalation, particularly in severe disease. In patients with Type-2 mediated biology, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has a role in assessment and monitoring of adherence to inhaled corticosteroids. Recent findings Asthmatic patients with elevated FeNO are at an increased risk of exacerbation. High FeNO is often secondary to suboptimal adherence to inhaled corticosteroid treatment, whether intentional or nonin...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - December 26, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: MECHANISMS OF ALLERGY AND ADULT ASTHMA: Edited by J. Andrew Grant and Enrico Heffler Source Type: research

Gastroesophageal reflux and asthma: when, how, and why
Purpose of review Gastro-esophageal reflux is a possible cause of uncontrolled symptoms of asthma and should be actively investigated and treated before severe asthma is diagnosed and biological therapy started. Recent findings Recent investigations on esophageal function and tissue biomarkers in patients with asthma and associated GERD have established a relevant role for esophageal motility and neuronal sensory abnormalities in linking the two diseases. Characterization of the underpinning inflammatory substrate has showed mixed results as both neutrophilic and eosinophilic type 2 inflammatory changes have bee...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - December 26, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: MECHANISMS OF ALLERGY AND ADULT ASTHMA: Edited by J. Andrew Grant and Enrico Heffler Source Type: research

Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency and asthma
Purpose of review The aim of the article is to highlight the association between α1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and asthma. Recent findings AATD is one of the most common and underrecognized autosomal disorders associated with an increased risk of developing liver and lung diseases. An association between α1-antitrypsin and asthma has been suggested, especially with severe forms of this disease. Many studies have shown an increased prevalence of asthma in the α1-antitrypsin-deficient population overtime (4–38%). The biological mechanism underlying these two conditions and able to bind them has not yet bee...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - December 26, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: MECHANISMS OF ALLERGY AND ADULT ASTHMA: Edited by J. Andrew Grant and Enrico Heffler Source Type: research

Profiling severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and its relevance to otolaryngologic examinations during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
This article discusses the background and transmission route for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, its viral load and temporal profile as well as precaution guidelines in outpatient and operative setting in otorhinolaryngology. Summary As it is evident that COVID-19 can be transmitted at presymptomatic or asymptomatic period of infections, it is essential to practice ear, nose, and throat surgery with high vigilance in a safe and up-to-standard protection level during the pandemic. This article provides a summary for guidelines and recommendations in otorhinolaryngology. (Source: Current Opinion in Al...
Source: Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology - December 26, 2020 Category: Allergy & Immunology Tags: RHINITIS, SINUSITIS AND UPPER AIRWAY DISEASE: Edited by Ruby Pawankar and David P. Skoner Source Type: research