What You Need to Know About Coronavirus If You Have Asthma

THURSDAY, March 19, 2020 -- If you have asthma, you are among those at greatest risk in the coronavirus pandemic and must take precautions, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) says.

It's important to keep your asthma well-controlled, so continue your medications. No asthma medications -- including inhaled corticosteroids and biologics -- have been shown to increase the risk of getting COVID-19, according to the ACAAI.

Drug Offers Hope Against Tough-to-Treat Chronic Cough

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 26, 2020 -- Anywhere from 4% to 10% of adults have troublesome chronic cough, defined as an unexplained cough lasting more than eight weeks. But a new drug may offer some long-sought relief.

Reporting Feb. 25 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, British researchers said the experimental drug, called gefapixant, blocks a cellular receptor that's key to the cough reflex.

Lung Diseases on the Rise Worldwide

THURSDAY, Feb. 20, 2020 -- Lung diseases have been striking more people around the world in the past 30 years, new research shows.

And being from poor regions is the most important risk factor for respiratory trouble, the scientists added.

Price Hikes Have Patients Turning to Craigslist for Insulin, Asthma Inhalers

TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2020 -- Maybe you've gone to Craigslist to find a used car or a secondhand couch, but imagine having to turn to the internet to pay for lifesaving drugs.

It's already happening: A new study found that hundreds of ads were placed on Craigslist for insulin and asthma inhalers during a 12-day period in June 2019.

AHA News: Persistent Asthma Linked to Increased Risk for Heart Rhythm Disorder

TUESDAY, Feb. 4, 2020 (American Heart Association News) -- People with persistent asthma could be at 1.5 times higher risk of developing a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation than those without asthma, new research shows.

The study used data collected on 6,615 people in six areas around the country who were followed for nearly 13 years. When the study started, none of the participants had heart disease. Researchers concluded that the 150 participants with persistent asthma – those who required medication daily to control their condition – were more likely to be diagnosed with AFib than those without asthma.