Vietnam, one of the countries hardest-hit by bird flu, will start a human vaccine trial this month, a military medical official said on Tuesday. Reuters Health Information
The authors suggest watchful waiting and symptomatic relief in patients with rhinosinusitis rather than prescribing antibiotics, even if symptoms last more than 7 to 10 days. Medscape Medical News
The investigational anti-interleukin-5 (anti-IL-5) monoclonal antibody mepolizumab (GlaxoSmithKline) caused a sharp drop in blood eosinophil count in nearly every patient with hypereosinophilic syndrome who received it. Mepolizumab also reduced the need for corticosteroids. Reuters Health Information
Orally administered sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) reduces allergic symptoms and raises rag weed-specific IgA and IgG levels in patients with sensitivity to ragweed. Reuters Health Information
Bronchodilation is achieved as quickly with the long-acting beta agonist formoterol, given in combination with budesonide (Symbicort, AstraZeneca), as it is when combined with the short-acting beta agonist albuterol, a Texas investigator announced here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, held here this week. Reuters Health Information
Carolyn Clancy, MD, Director, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Maryland, points you to an excellent source to learn the right way to insert a chest tube. The Medscape Journal of Medicine
A formal indication may be extended soon for the use of the combination inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonist in children younger than 12 years with asthma. Medscape Medical News
Formoterol fumarate inhalation powder is as effective as albuterol for mild to moderate asthma exacerbations in adults in the acute care setting, according to a report in the February issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Reuters Health Information
A study shows that psychotropic drugs are commonly given to patients with symptomatic asthma, suggesting that psychological distress is common in these patients. Medscape Medical News