Thunderstorms Can Trigger Asthma Flares, Study Finds

MONDAY, May 1, 2017 -- Rain often helps people with allergies or allergic asthma by bringing pollen to the ground. But a new study says that's not necessarily the case with thunderstorms, which may actually trigger asthma outbreaks.

For example, a 2016 thunderstorm asthma outbreak in Australia occurred when high grass pollen concentrations were dispersed by strong winds. This resulted in multiple deaths and a surge of people seeking medical help for breathing problems.

Many Chronic Illnesses Linked to Suicide Risk

TUESDAY, June 20, 2017 -- People with chronic health problems seem to have a higher risk of suicide, a new study suggests.

And, for certain conditions -- such as traumatic brain injury -- the risk is much higher, the study authors said.

Could Cancer Drug Gleevec Help With Severe Asthma?

FRIDAY, May 19, 2017 -- A leukemia drug might also effectively treat severe asthma, a small-scale clinical trial suggests.

Gleevec (imatinib) reduced the "twitchiness" of airways, making them less likely to reflexively constrict when exposed to an allergen or asthma trigger, said senior researcher Dr. Elliot Israel.

Testosterone May Protect Men From Allergic Asthma

TUESDAY, May 9, 2017 -- Testosterone -- the male sex hormone -- may be the reason why so many more women have asthma than men, new research suggests.

The study found that testosterone suppresses an immune system cell involved in allergic asthma.

Take Control of Your Asthma

SATURDAY, May 6, 2017 -- Many resources can help people with asthma manage triggers and symptoms, an allergist says.

"It's time to make people aware of useful tools to help control asthma," said Dr. Stephen Tilles, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).