Hot Topics in Asthma

Even as the medical community continued to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest research in asthma was a focus at many conferences in 2021.

The Healio editors have compiled a list of the most popular meeting coverage in asthma, including the impact of asthma on COVID-19 outcomes, new data on tezepelumab and the benefits of triple therapy, from the last year.

Impact of asthma on COVID-19 outcomes ‘remains controversial’

A series of studies that assessed COVID-19-related risks and outcomes among patients with asthma were presented at the virtual American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting. Read more.

Use of systemic corticosteroids linked with worse COVID-19 outcomes

Approved asthma biologics and systemic corticosteroids were not associated with an increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, but use of systemic corticosteroids was linked with worse COVID-19 outcomes, according to a study presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. Read more.

Physical activity during pregnancy may affect lung function in offspring

A study presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress demonstrated a link between lower lung function in infants born to physically inactive mothers compared with those born to physically active mothers. Read more.

Office environment exposures may trigger asthma in some employees

Wide-ranging office work exposures were associated with the development of asthma in some employees, according to research presented at the virtual European Respiratory Society International Congress. Read more.

UV irradiation unit installed in homes decreases asthma severity in children

Study data presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology meeting demonstrated a significant decrease in asthma severity in children following the installation of ultraviolet irradiation units compared with sham units. Read more.

Masking does not affect oxygen saturation in patients with asthma

Wearing a mask does not affect oxygen saturation in patients with or without asthma, according to research presented at the virtual American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting. Read more.

Tezepelumab reduces asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalization or ED visit

Tezepelumab reduced asthma exacerbations requiring hospitalization or ED visits in adults and adolescents with severe, uncontrolled asthma, according to data from the NAVIGATOR trial presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference. Read more.

Breathing exercises improve quality of life regardless of asthma severity

In patients with uncontrolled moderate to severe asthma, breathing exercises in addition to usual care improved quality of life, despite asthma severity, researchers reported at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. Read more.

Benralizumab safe, effective in severe asthma for up to 5 years

Treatment with benralizumab in adults with severe, uncontrolled asthma was well tolerated for up to 5 years, with a long-term safety profile consistent with previous phase 3 trials, according to a study presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference. Read more.

Benefits of triple therapy consistent regardless of age at asthma onset

Improvements observed with triple therapy with umeclidinium, fluticasone furoate and vilanterol, and use of a higher fluticasone furoate dose, were consistent regardless of age at asthma onset, according to new data from the CAPTAIN study presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting. Read more.