Salford schoolboy dies from an asthma attack

Tributes have been paid to a football-mad Salford schoolboy after he tragically died from an asthma attack. Ben O’Neill, 12, played for local team Bar Hill JFC in Irlams o’th’ Height and was a huge Manchester United supporter.

The 12-year-old Buile Hill High School pupil suffered a sudden asthma attack at his home in Salford last week.

Ben’s mother, Nicola Newns 35, said: “It was not expected at all. Ben woke up at 2am coughing, which is the usual sign that he was having an attack. I ran to get his inhaler, but he had stopped breathing within seconds.”

She added: “We live just across the road from Salford Royal Hospital and the paramedics were here within a minute even though it felt like an hour. They worked on him for 48 minutes but there was nothing they could do. Ben’s brother, Jacob, has brittle asthma too, and he has been in hospital four times on a ventilator in intensive care. Ben has never had as severe attacks as Jacob, and I always feared something might happen to Jacob, but not Ben.”

Asthma is a health problem that afflicts around 5.4 million people in the UK; approximately 1 in every 12 adults and 1 in every 11 children has asthma. Although the cause of asthma is open to debate and not yet fully understood, the lung problem is known to run in families, as demonstrated with Ben and his brother, and more needs to be done to raise asthma awareness – a view shared by Ben’s mother.

She says: “He was loved by everyone that knew him – he was full of energy and a clown, he made you laugh. He had played football for a season with Barr Hill. His brothers played for them and he wanted to be like them too. I think people need to be educated about asthma. I would hate this to happen to another family. People think that asthma is just a bit of a wheeze which can be sorted out with an inhaler, but the type Ben had isn’t.”

A one minute’s silence was held in his memory prior to all matches at the weekend in the Salford league Ben played in and 50 people have donated over £500 so far as part of an appeal fund to cover Ben’s funeral costs. The funeral will take place this Friday at St James and All Souls Church near Salford Precinct. “Not one person who met him wouldn’t smile at his memory”, says his mother.

Kay Boycott, chief executive of Asthma UK, spoke on Ben’s tragic death, commenting: “It’s always distressing to hear that a child has died due to asthma, and our thoughts go out to Ben’s family and friends and this very sad time. Sadly many people don’t realise how serious asthma is because it’s so common. One in every eleven children are receiving treatment for asthma, yet every year it kills enough children to fill a classroom.”

Scientists discover gene that could lead to targeted asthma treatment

Young children with asthma may benefit from targeted treatment in the near future after US scientists discovered a ‘rogue’ gene – CDHR3 – which could be the cause of severe asthma in youngsters.

CDHR3 has been found to be particularly active within epithelial cells that line the inner surfaces of the airways. A faulty version of the gene can result in environmental triggers inducing allergic responses, the scientists found. CDHR3 is one of four genes that has been linked to the development of asthma; but the other three were already known as being associated with asthma.

The new study, published in the journal Nature Genetics involved a thorough comparison of the genetic codes, or genomes, of 3,695 Danish children and adults who have asthma. This comprised of a number of children younger than the age of six.

Data extracted children of both European and non-European ancestry was then used to replicate the findings, which are consistent with previous research suggesting other genes associated with the onset of childhood asthma are responsible for over-sensitive immune reactions.

Lead researcher Dr Hakon Hakonarson, from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Chop) in the US, said: “Because asthma is a complex disease, with multiple interacting causes, we concentrated on a specific phenotype – severe, recurrent asthma occurring between ages two and six. Identifying a risk-susceptibility gene linked to this phenotype may lead to more effective, targeted treatments for this type of childhood asthma.”

Dr Hakonarson added: “Asthma researchers have been increasingly interested in the role of the airway epithelium in the development of asthma. Abnormalities in the epithelial cells may increase a patient’s risk to environmental triggers by exaggerating immune responses and making the airway overreact. Because the CDHR3 gene is related to a family of proteins involved in cell adhesion and cell-to-cell interaction, it is plausible that variations in this gene may disrupt normal functioning in these airway cells, and make a child vulnerable to asthma.”

The researchers now hope their findings will lead to a more targeted treatment a condition which affects a staggering 5.4 million Britons; many of whom will probably be struggling in the coming months due to the fact that cold winter weather can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Even a basic cold virus can trigger a serious asthma attack and worsen symptoms for around 90% of people with asthma and According to Asthma UK, three quarters of people with asthma blame cold for triggering their symptoms. Common symptoms are: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in your chest and difficulty speaking in full sentences.

Asthma UK have five important pieces of advice that are vital in controlling your asthma symptoms during the cold weather:

1. Keep taking your regular preventer medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

2. If you know that cold air triggers your asthma, take one or two puffs of your reliever inhaler before going outside.

3. Keep your blue reliever inhaler with you at all times.

4. Wrap up well and wear a scarf over your nose and mouth – this will help to warm up the air before you breathe it in.

5. Take extra care when exercising in cold weather. Warm up for 10–15 minutes and take one or two puffs of your reliever inhaler before you start.

Summer holidays cause ‘September spike’ in asthma hospital admissions

Parents are being warned about an increase in the number of children admitted to hospital after they go back to school in September.

The charity Asthma UK say the ‘September Spike’ happens each year in the first two to three weeks of the autumn term and is attributed to poor asthma care over the summer holidays, with a more relaxed approach to medicine use over this period.

They say that three children actually died from asthma attacks in early September of last year, and attacks are usually more prominent because of exposure to common triggers such as cold and flu viruses.

An estimated 1.1 million in the UK suffer from asthma; this equates to about two children in every classroom as having the lung condition. The charity say over 25,000 children required hospital treatment due to their asthma in 2011-12, with 18 children under the age of 14 dying from an asthma attack in 2011.

In addition, the Health and Social Care Information Centre have compiled information showing in 2011-12, 582 children in England required hospital treatment due to their asthma during the week beginning 19th September. This is in comparison to only 125 children for the week commencing 8th August.

However, with proper use of medicine and the correct care, a staggering 75% of hospital admissions could be avoided say the charity. Prevention, i.e. through the use of a preventer inhaler, is a major factor is managing the condition.

If children use their inhaler twice a day during the summer holidays, as they usually would before the break, they can severely reduce their chances of suffering an asthma attack and make sure they are in control of their symptoms.

The problems can begin during the school holidays when families go away to holiday destinations or leave children in the care of others who are either not aware of the child’s asthma or not fully clued up on how it is best treated/managed.

Delia Balan, Asthma UK’s senior nurse, says poor inhaler use is a problem that appears at around the same time each year: “Some children are out of their routine; they’re getting up later, going off on holidays, staying at their grandparents’ houses, and maybe some children are feeling better because it’s summer.”

Deputy chief executive Dr Samantha Walker added: “Normal routines can go out of the window during the summer break, which can effectively create a time-bomb for children with asthma. Those who forget to take their preventer inhalers over the summer will be less in control of their symptoms and therefore more vulnerable to asthma attacks come term time.”

The charity has now launched the ‘Teach Asthma a Lesson Next Term!’ campaign which is aimed at encouraging parents, healthcare professionals and schools to get a head start in combating the September asthma problem.

As part of the campaign, Asthma UK’s free, award winning My Asthma pack will be available to help parents create a fun routine with their child to manage their asthma and reduce the risk of attacks. The pack is aimed at children aged 6 to 12 and should be discussed with a doctor or nurse in order to fully reap the benefits of it.

Xolair asthma injections now available to children

Severely asthmatic children as young as just six years of age are now permitted a “life-changing” drug, following yesterday’s U-turn by a health watchdog.

This means that thousands of children aged six to 11 suffering with severe allergic asthma will be able to receive the benefits from omalizumab injections for the very first time.

Omalizumab, marketed as Xolair, is a long-term therapy usually administered via injection on a two week or monthly basis. It works to target the IgE antibody as people with severe allergic asthma have an elevated amount of IgE within their blood. This antibody causes the immune system to over-react upon the person coming into contact with their allergen, triggering asthma symptoms.

Approximately 2,000 severely affected patients have received the drug since its 2007 approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), who are responsible for NHS drug monitoring in addition to offering guidance and support.

Xolair was initially restricted to adults and children over the age of 12, but only if the patient had been admitted to hospital following a severe attack at least once.

In November of last year, NICE claimed Xolair was less effective and more expensive than they had first thought and spoke of ceasing offering the drug to new asthma patients.

That proposal caused outrage from doctors and patient groups, leading to charity Asthma UK campaigning for NICE to reverse the controversial plan. Asthma UK argued that omalizumab resulted in life-changing improvements by dramatically decreasing the number of attacks experienced by asthma patients.

However, NICE have now acknowledged the “life-changing” impact of Xolair reported by patients on the drug and say that as an addition to optimised standard therapy; Xolair is more clinically effective for the treatment of severe persistent allergic asthma than optimised standard therapy alone, causing total emergency visits to decrease. These include: A&E visits, hospital admissions and unscheduled GP appointments in adults.

In fact, studies have demonstrated how the drug has helped to cut hospital admissions by an incredible 61% and asthma attacks by an incredible 54% in patients with severe allergic asthma.
One of the patients the drug has been beneficial to is Olympic Team GB swimmer Jo Jackson, who competed in the London games last year and was a medallist at Beijing in 2008. Jackson has previously spoken about the treatment saving her career.

Going forward, the NHS will be required to incur the costs of the drug for those eligible from the 14,000 people with severe allergic asthma in the UK. Children and adults in Scotland are already eligible for Xolair, and Wales is expected to soon follow suit.

Xolair is produced by Swiss-based pharmaceutical company Novartis and averages about £8,000 in cost annually. However, the cost may range from anywhere between £1,665 to £26,640 each year depending on dose and frequency.

Dr Samantha Walker, of Asthma UK, said: “While it’s not suitable for everyone, people with severe allergic asthma who benefit from taking Xolair can see a massive improvement in their quality of life. Without it, many would be virtually housebound because of breathlessness and living in constant fear of the next life-threatening asthma attack.”

Hull man dies from asthma attack triggered by cold weather

A man from Hull has tragically lost his life following a severe asthma attack, thought to have been induced by severe cold weather.

Steven Metcalfe, 38, had been hospitalised on a number of occasions because of his asthma, and recent temperatures in the UK that plunged in minus figures, had only worsened his breathing difficulties.

His father Tony, 58, and also an asthma sufferer, spoke on Wednesday describing how he had immediately flown home from his job on a North Sea oil rig after receiving the devastating news that his son had died at home on April 5.

Mr Metcalfe said: “Asthma can strike you down – people need to take it a lot more seriously. It has knocked us for six. No one expected it.”

Steven was employed as a welder and shared a home with his girlfriend of two years Debbie Brennan, 39, on the Longhill estate, East Hull.

Steven’s father added: “Steven had been in and out of Castle Hill Hospital twice in the past few months. In particular, Steven had been having a lot of trouble with his circulation. The cold usually makes asthma worse. Over the past few weeks especially, he always seemed out of breath,” adding that his son had died in bed as a result of both heart failure and asthma.
“When you have asthma, your heart has to work that much harder,” said Mr Metcalfe, employed with rig company Wood Group along with his other son Lee, 31.

He continued: “Lee and I were on different rigs but a helicopter collected us and flew us back to Aberdeen. We were then flown to Humberside Airport. Unfortunately, Steven had already died.”
Mr Metcalfe says like himself and the majority of other asthma sufferers, Steven had to use two inhalers and always made sure to take his medication.

“The blue inhaler is used in case of an attack and the brown one each morning and night to prevent attacks,” he said.

Dr Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at the charity Asthma UK, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Steven Metcalfe and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time. Asthma can be an extremely serious and potentially fatal condition with more than 1,100 people in the UK dying from asthma each year. We are working hard to develop ways of stopping people getting asthma and helping those who have it to stay fit and healthy. Our dedicated asthma nurses can offer expert advice and support through the Asthma UK Adviceline, on 08001 216244.”

Cold weather however is only one of many triggers and others include:

. Tobacco smoke.  This can irritate the lungs and it is imperative that you stop smoking immediately if you smoke and have asthma, or avoid coming into contact with secondhand smoke.
. Pollen from certain trees, grasses and flowers. Pollen is linked to problems for both asthma and hay fever sufferers. Many health experts believe the two are connected and that asthma suffers also benefit from taking an anti-histamine such as Loratadine on a regular basis, to act as a precaution to allergic and asthmatic reactions.
. Air pollutants such as car exhaust fumes and the already mentioned tobacco smoke can release gases and particles that affect the airways. Evidence actually suggests a higher risk of asthma developing in people living nearby to roads with heavy traffic.
. Many asthmatics are sensitive to the droppings of house dust mites; tiny creatures that inhabit carpets, beddings and soft furnishings.
. Changes in air temperature. For instance, leaving a warm room and going outside into colder air can sometimes trigger an attack.
. Some asthmatics find that exercise triggers an asthma attack and may need to use their reliever inhaler such as Ventolin Evohaler.

Olympic hero Laura Trott speaks on her fight against asthma

For those who have already read the extensive article Medical Specialists Pharmacy ran, discussing living with asthma and listing some of the many celebrities with asthma, it could prove surprising and at the same time inspirational to learn that the lung condition can be properly managed and be an obstacle in achieving your dreams.

If some of these aspirations happen to be of a sporting nature, you could be forgiven for thinking that a respiratory condition such as asthma that causes difficulty, wheezing, and coughing—can be an impossible hindrance.


In fact, exercise is one of many triggers for asthma, but professional sportsman and asthmatics such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Paula Radcliffe and Rebecca Adlington have demonstrated that it is still possible to succeed.

Added to that list is double Olympic gold medallist Laura Trott, who at a mere 20 years of age, won gold medals in both the Team Pursuit and Omnium events at the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

This week, Laura gave a detailed and moving account into her asthma diagnosis and how she has managed to not only cope, but fight her way to Olympic gold – before the age of 21! In addition, she is currently giving her support to the ‘big up your chest’ campaign – Asthma UK’s online resource for asthma sufferers aged between 16 and 25.

She says: “Although I was born early by caesarean, when I arrived in the world, everything seemed fine. But when I didn’t start crying, the doctors quickly realised that something wasn’t quite right. I wasn’t breathing and I was making this croaking sound. No air was getting through so they rushed me to intensive care before Mum even had a chance to hold me. They pulled my dad aside and told him that I’d been born with a collapsed lung and that they needed to operate to save my life.

I went into the operating theatre immediately and they inserted a tube underneath my left underarm – you can still see the zigzag scar today – which inflated the lung that wasn’t working back up to a safer level. Once this had happened, I remained in intensive care for four weeks and after a total of six weeks I was allowed home.

But from the age of two I developed this perpetual cold. I literally had a chest infection for four years, a permanent wheeze on my chest. But asthma can’t be officially diagnosed until a child is six.

By that point I was at junior school and doing PE but I was always becoming very easily out of breath. So I was taken for this test where my breath was measured on a ventilator before and after running down the street for four minutes.

Asthma was finally confirmed and from then on I had to use an inhaler.

The first one I had was this enormous great plastic thing, which I had to lug around in my rucksack every day. I had to take two puffs in the morning, two at lunchtime and two in the evening and I thought it was the most annoying thing in the world.

But after a couple of weeks, I got used to it and gradually realised that asthma wasn’t such a big deal and I certainly didn’t let it get in the way of me doing sport.

Until the age of about 12, I’d always preferred trampolining to cycling but then one day when I was learning how to do a double back somersault I passed out in the air and came down like a sack of potatoes.

My coach was standing underneath me thinking, ‘Oh my God, I need to catch a dead body weight here’. I’d got so dehydrated that I had passed out! Back home I passed out again, narrowly missing hitting my head on the fireplace.

I had loads of tests done afterwards and ultimately they told me that I would have to quit trampolining because it was just too dangerous for me.

So, despite the asthma, I threw myself into cycling, which I’d started at the same time my mum had decided she’d wanted to lose weight – she lost five stone in 18 months! Seeing her determination, I desperately wanted to follow in her footsteps. And if I always had my inhaler with me, my asthma wasn’t really an issue.

That said, the two occasions when I have had a full-on asthma attack – both in the same week when I was 17 and had just finished my A levels – were terrifying.

I was lying on a sofa round at one of my friend’s houses and suddenly there was just no air coming through to my lungs. I was trying to take deep breaths but I just couldn’t breathe and my chest was absolutely killing me. I was gasping for air and I panicked, it felt like I was going to suffocate. I remember crying until my friend got my inhaler and then two or three minutes later I was back to normal again. It happened again the week after that, but it hasn’t happened since.

I’ve heard stories of some people having attacks each week so I’m always extra careful to have my inhaler with me. And apart from suffering ‘pursuiter’s cough’ more painfully than others, which all elite cyclists get after a really full-on race, I don’t let it affect my performance.

What is still a problem, although not quite as serious as it used to be, is my acid reflux.

I know, I sound like a walking health disaster but basically the acid levels in my stomach are too high so if you imagine your tummy’s like a balloon full of food, after a particularly strenuous exertion like a pursuit, or the Omnium event at the Olympics, the acid in my stomach rises and there’s nowhere for the food to go except out.

I regularly vomit after races and if I’m not sick I can taste the rank bile in my mouth. I take tablets to reduce the acid levels, which help a bit, but you can’t take them continually so it’s an on-going issue…Some people might look at the fact they’ve got asthma and acid reflux and let it get in the way of what they want to do, but you can’t have everything, can you? And at least I’ve got fast legs!

It does seem crazy what’s happened. I had such a bad start; I reckon I deserved a break somewhere. I never thought I’d be winning gold medals though. After my taste of success at the London Olympics, there’s no chance that I’m going to let asthma get in my way.

I’ve had it for 18 years so I’m certainly not going to let it affect me now, no way.”

Asthmatics ‘face increased risk of pulmonary embolism’

Continuing from where we left off a few days ago, we are again focusing on the lung condition asthma – of which an estimated 5.4 million in the UK alone suffer with according to the charity Asthma UK.

Research conducted by Scientists at the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, suggests that having ‘severe’ asthma increases the risk of developing a potentially fatal blood clot in the lungs – also known as a pulmonary embolism.

A pulmonary embolism is a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition whereby one of the arteries in the lungs becomes blocked usually because of a blood clot and results in a prevention of blood reaching the lungs from the heart. There may be more than just the one clot and can differ in their size.

Symptoms can include a chest pain which feels like a sharp stabbing sensation that feels worse after inhalation, shortness of breath that can either slowly develop or strike suddenly, coughing (sometimes blood or mucus appear) and feeling faint or dizzy is another main sign of a pulmonary embolism.
They often happen when part or all of a blood clot moves from one of the deep veins in your legs, travelling into your lungs. A clot within one of these deep veins is known as ‘deep vein thrombosis’ (DVT), apparently occurring randomly but is usually following extended periods of inactivity, such as during a hospital stay with illness or after a long-haul flight.

Past studies have identified connections between chronic lung diseases and blood clots such as DVT. However this study, published online in the European Respiratory Journal, is the first of its kind to analyse if there are any associations with asthma.

The study involved 650 asthmatic participants from the Netherlands aged 18 to 88. They were compared against members of general population who did not have asthma. Investigators deduced that people with severe asthma were at an almost 9 times bigger risk of pulmonary embolism, whereas the study subjects found to have mild to moderate asthma had a 3.5-times elevated risk.

Study lead author Dr. Christof Majoor, of the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, spoke out in a news release from the European Lung Foundation, saying: “This is the first time a link has been found between asthma and pulmonary embolism and we believe these results have important clinical implications. Our findings suggest that people with severe asthma have an increased risk of pulmonary embolism and doctors should increase their awareness of the possibility of this occurrence in order to help prevent this serious event.”

Stephen Fry’s asthma worries at Christmas

Christmas day is now only four days away and when it comes to health, most people will be primarily concerned with how much stodgy food they are indulging in for fear of adding an extra few inches to their waistline.

Perhaps surprisingly though, there are another group of people besides the weight-conscious who should possibly be concerned at Christmas time – asthma sufferers.

Comedian, actor and TV Personality Stephen Fry is one of many celebrity asthma sufferers and Fry will be completely avoiding any festive bubbly with worry that even one drink could trigger an asthma attack and kill him.

He says: “Christmas parties are generally a lot of fun but I have to make sure that I avoid champagne because it triggers my asthma symptoms. People don’t always realise that there are all sorts of different triggers for asthma, including plenty of things that are in abundance during the festive season. Champagne can leave a lot of people feeling poorly the next day but for me it is far more serious because it could trigger a potentially fatal asthma attack.”

Fry’s comments came in the wake of the charity Asthma UK warning that approximately 200 people in Britain will require hospital treatment on Christmas day due to their asthma symptoms. Fry himself experienced a scary situation last month at a film screening when he was struck down with an asthma attack, and carelessly did not have a blue reliever inhaler in his possession, such as the widely used Ventolin Evohaler.

The 55-year old comedian suffered with breathing difficulties and had to resort to asking surrounding guests if anybody had an inhaler he could use. Luckily for him, other asthma sufferers at the screening were not so careless and did indeed have their inhalers. Fry later posted a tweet on his Twitter account saying: “Just had a surprise asthma attack at a screening. Got up to ask if anyone had an inhaler, so many hands went up. Saved.”

As the UK are fully in the midst of a bitterly cold winter, the decreasing temperatures alone are just one risk factor for triggering an asthma attack and therefore people are advised to wrap up warm.
However, as the cold winter months mean more people spend larger amounts of time indoors; this in itself can create a whole new set of potential asthma triggers that are just waiting to cause problems for sufferers.



For example, it might sound an exciting prospect giving your child a new pet puppy or kitten for Christmas, but if your child is an asthma sufferer then this could be disastrous for their lungs. These animals shed a high volume of something called ‘dander’ – a combination of dead skin cells and hair (or feathers) that can bring on asthma attacks and allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to these allergens. It if is determined by a doctor that your child’s allergies or asthma is worsened by dander then you may have to find an alternative home for your pet.

There are many other factors to consider though at Christmas from an indoor perspective.  Here are some important tips to reduce the risk of an asthma attack:

. Don’t use artificial snow. Although it looks festive enough and is aesthetically pleasing, fake snow straight from a can may unfortunately trigger asthma attacks. Perfumes and scented candles should also be avoided where possible.
. Don’t stress. The process of buying and wrapping presents can be a stressing time, and this isn’t even adding on the time needed to see friends, family and loved ones. Plan your time in advance in order to relax and not let stress get the better of you as this is one of many asthma triggers.
. Clean your Christmas tree and decorations. Artificial trees that have been stored in a dusty attic or damp basement through the year will gather dust and mould spores – both common asthma triggers. The process of unpacking the artificial tree out of its box can stir up all the allergens and create problems. A real tree – bought as close to Christmas as possible, is advised. However we recommend that both real and artificial trees should be taken outside and thoroughly shaken prior to any decorations being put on the tree. If your decorations have not been stored in a sealed bag, they should also be wiped down to eradicate dust and mould.
. Be careful about alcohol intake. Some asthma sufferers find that any alcoholic drink can erupt symptoms in them, whilst other such as Stephen Fry, find that they could only have symptoms after consuming a particular drink. Learn from Fry’s potentially-deadly mistake and have your reliever inhaler on you at all times.

Medical Specialists Pharmacy hopes we have made you more aware about the different factors to consider at Christmas if you are suffering from asthma or allergy problems. We do not want anybody’s Christmas to be effected through health issues and we hope you take our advice seriously.
In addition, we advise heading to our ‘Asthma and Allergies’ section of our website where we have a massive range of different inhalers and medications to ease your symptoms. In fact, many asthma suffers will also benefit from taking an anti-histamine such as Loratadine on a regular basis, to act as a precaution to allergic and asthmatic reactions, even throughout the winter months.

IVF babies could be at double the risk of developing asthma

Researchers based at Oxford University claim that a child who is born through In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is more than double likely to develop asthma compared to a child that is planned and then conceived naturally. During IVF, an egg is taken from the woman’s ovaries and then fertilised with the man’s sperm at a laboratory inside a dish. This fertilisation process is referred to as ‘in vitro’, which is the Latin meaning for ‘in glass’. The resultant embryo is then placed back inside the woman’s womb to grow and develop.

Cost of the treatment is incredibly expensive, with the UK and the U.S. leading the way in regards to each ‘live birth’ and it is the actual costliness of the underlying healthcare system that is taken into account more than anything else. Unfortunately, in recent times IVF has faced many controversies and some babies from IVF treatment have even joined together on internet forums later in their life to voice their distress and anger with their situation. Many feel socially ostracised and frustrated about not knowing their donor parent and genetic relatives they may have.

The asthma claims stem from what is the first ever UK study to analyse asthma risks following an IVF conception and have recently been published in the journal Human Reproduction. A possible connection was established by scientists at the University following an analysis of 18,818 children born in the UK in a two-year period between 2000 and 2002.

According to the study, children conceived after fertility treatment, are also more likely to suffering wheezing or have to use an anti-asthmatic medicine by the age of five; a potential indication of more severe asthma.  Despite the possible connection between IVF treatment and lung problems, the researchers stress that the findings do not definitely prove asthma is caused by IVF and that a child born as a result remains at low risk.

Childhood asthma is already a massive problem in the UK. In total it is estimated there are around 1.1 million children who are currently receiving treatment for asthma in the UK – an equivalent of 1 in every 11 children. Asthma rates have skyrocketed four-fold since the 1970s and some of the many risk factors for the problem have been covered in detail by Medical Specialists Pharmacy. Just this year alone we have seen a wide range of different issues that can contribute to asthma development, such as tobacco smoke, viral infections and mothers taking antibiotics during pregnancy.

In addition, approximately one child in every seven will experience ‘wheezing’ at some point during their first five years. The Oxford University study will raise concerns as the results show that IVF children are twice as likely to develop wheezing.

Researchers conducting the study found that children born to sub-fertile parents were 39% more likely to be experiencing asthma symptoms by the time they were aged five. Also the same children were 27% more likely to suffer with wheezing.

A thorough analysis of the results showed a link between health problems and assisted reproduction technology (ART). ARTs can include IVF as well as ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection); which involves injecting a single sperm straight into an egg to fertilise it.

Lead researcher Dr Claire Carson of Oxford University says that in total 15% of the children involved in their study were asthmatic at age five, with an increase to 24% within the 104 children born through assisted-reproduction technologies. As only 104 were born via this method, scientists have urged caution when translating the results.

Dr Carson explains: “Childhood asthma is a common condition in the UK where the prevalence of the condition is higher than other European countries, and to our knowledge this is the first UK study of asthma after IVF conceptions. Our analysis suggests that it is the ART group in particular who are at higher risk.”

Malayka Rahman, from the charity Asthma UK, said: “This study suggests that there might be an association between IVF treatment and asthma developing in children, but the sample size for this study is small and currently the research in this area generally is not conclusive. Overall research suggests that the absolute risk of asthma increasing after IVF appears to be small. Further work is needed to establish what might be causing this association and whether there are other factors at play other than the IVF treatment itself. In the meantime those considering IVF should speak to their GP about the benefits and health risks in order to make an informed decision.”

Medical Specialists Pharmacy is able to help you if you are suffering from asthma. We can provide any new or existing asthma patient with a wide range of medications. If you have already been prescribed an inhaler, have lost your inhaler, or run out and cannot get a prescription immediately, we are able to supply you an inhaler to help your asthma symptoms. You can undergo a quick and easy confidential online consultation with one of our GMC-registered Doctors and if suitable, they will write you a prescription which is passed to our in-house RPSGB–registered Pharmacists and dispensed to a location of your choice. We have both blue (relievers) inhalers such as Ventolin and Salbutamol, and brown (preventers) inhalers such as Qvar Beclomethasone and Qvar Easi-Breathe.

Viral infections in infants can contribute towards asthma development

A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, have found that viral infections in newborns cripple part of the immune system and increase the risk of asthma later in life. They showed infections by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), stripped immune cells of their ability to calm down inflammation in the lung’s airways.

The idea that asthma is linked to viral infection is not new. Numerous epidemiological studies have linked the two in humans. But it has not been clear whether the virus itself causes asthma, or whether children who are more susceptible to viruses and subsequently develop wheezing coughs, are also more susceptible to asthma.

The researchers also go on to say that their findings, published in the Journal Nature Medicine, will help develop ways of preventing asthma. The charity Asthma UK said the study had really exciting potential.

One Swedish study showed showed 39% of infants taken to hospital with RSV, had asthma when they were 18. However only 9% of infants who were not ill developed asthma. How the virus might be able to do this was unknown. However now the team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, believe they have an explanation. Their experiments on mice showed the virus impaired the ability of a specific part of the immune system, called regulatory T cells, to calm inflammation.

Tina Hartert of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, says, “The paper is an important step towards identifying a biological mechanism and determining a stage during development, that doctors could focus on to prevent asthma. There are already drugs that can target T regulatory cells and block the allergic response. The researchers hope to test what effect these drugs have in primates that have been infected with RSV.”

“But it remains to be seen whether the results in mice will translate to humans. For instance, mice are not normally susceptible to RSV, so they had to be exposed multiple times to develop an infection. By contrast, a human infant who wheezes after a single infection with RSV is more likely to develop asthma.”

“Additionally, lab mice are genetically identical, whereas humans have a great deal of genetic variation that plays a major role in determining who develops asthma. Pollution, environmental factors and insufficient exposure to bacteria also contribute to the disease.”

The researchers said, “There might be a window in early life when the cells are vulnerable to being crippled.” They think the finding could help scientists devise treatments which prevent some people developing asthma. They go on to say, “We feel that both prophylactic and therapeutic approaches can be developed. This is especially desirable in infants who have a strong family history of asthma.”

In conclusion Malayka Rahman, from Asthma UK said, “This research provides vital information on how viruses interact with our immune cells and why this might lead to an increased risk of asthma. What’s really exciting is the potential of these findings to translate into new treatments for asthma in the future.”

Olympians prove there’s life after asthma

Many would assume that after being diagnosed with asthma, you would not be able to enjoy exercise or sport to the extent that non asthma sufferers do. However whilst it is true that exercise is a trigger for asthma sufferers, does that have to mean an end to sporting activities for asthma sufferers and does it have to spell the end of any sporting hopes and dreams they may have.

Well not according to our Olympians who achieved so much success at the London 2012 Olympics. Bradley Wiggins, 2012 tour de France winner and Olympic gold medalist said, “It does sound quite bad if you are diagnosed with asthma and your natural instinct is to think that’s it. But there is better medication available now and I am an Olympic champion, the evidence is out there that you can succeed.”

That view was echoed by British marathon runner, Paula Radcliffe, who said, “I don’t really think asthma has affected my career, if anything it’s made me more determined to be successful and reach my maximum potential. If you learn to manage your asthma and take the correct medication, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be the best.”

Another Olympian who didn’t let asthma hold her back was swimmer, Karen Pickering. She said, “I was diagnosed with asthma aged seven, which was when my doctor told me that swimming would help my asthma by strengthening my lungs. Despite exercise being one of my asthma triggers, I persevered and always kept an inhaler at the end of my lane while I trained and in my tracksuit pocket as I went up for my races. I went on to compete in four consecutive Summer Olympics and won Commonwealth and World Championship gold medals.”

Other athletes with asthma who took part in this year’s Olympics were: Rebecca Adlington (swimmer), Laura Trott (cycling), Jo Jackson (swimmer), Jo Pavey (runner), Alex Gregory (rower), Andrew Badderley (runner), Greg Rutherford (long jump), Michael Rimmer (runner), Adam Gemili (runner), Laura Weightman (runner), Euan Burton (Judo), Pete Reed (rower), Tom James (rower), Craig Bellamy (footballer), Mhairi Spence (pentathlete), and Ashley McKenzie (judo).

Further statistics from the United States Olympic Committee that back this up are that, 25% of athletes in the 2012 Team GB athletics squad have asthma. 20% of the entire British Olympic Squad at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games had asthma. Half of cross-country skiers and one quarter of aspiring Winter Olympians in general, have exercise-induced asthma.

According to the charity Asthma UK, “Often people with asthma are worried about exercising, because they think it will trigger their asthma symptoms. Actually, the majority of people with asthma should be able to take part in any type of activity or exercise they enjoy, as long as their asthma is under control. By starting with gentle walking or swimming it can be possible to go on to building your stamina and achieving great sporting feats.”

In fact, besides saying that asthmatics can exercise, the charity goes on to say, “Eight out of ten people with asthma aren’t doing enough exercise, often because they’re worried it will trigger their symptoms. But actually exercise can help your asthma, so don’t let it hold you back!”

They continue, “Exercise can help improve your lung capacity, which will help you to manage your asthma better when you exercise, cope better with everyday chores, worry less about your asthma and give you the confidence to manage your condition. If you’re worried about starting to exercise, have a chat with your GP or asthma nurse first. They’ll be able to help you find the best type of exercise for you. Get them to check that your asthma is under control.”

So in conclusion asthma doesn’t have to stop asthmatics enjoying exercise or sport, as long as it is properly managed and controlled. If that’s good enough for Olympic gold medalists such as Bradley Wiggins then it certainly offers hope for the 5.4million asthma sufferers in the UK.

Eating nuts whilst pregnant could stop children developing asthma

Eating nuts during pregnancy can reduce the risk of children developing asthma, according to research carried out by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, Bostonand the Statens Serum Institute of Copenhagen, Denmark.

In the study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers examined the relationship between nut intake during pregnancy, and allergic disease outcomes, in early and later childhood of their offspring. The study was published in the peer reviewed Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

In the past women had been advised to avoid eating peanuts during pregnancy and while breast feeding, if they or the father had a family history of allergic conditions. Parents were also recommended not to give peanuts to children, until they are at least three years old to avoid sensitisation.

But in 2008 the Food Safety Agency (FSA), recommended the advice be dropped, after increasing expert advice and scientific evidence, that avoiding peanuts in early life was making the allergy problem worse. The advice had been in place since 1998 and was partly blamed for the rise of nut hysteria, with parents and children becoming increasingly worried about exposure to peanuts.
Now the Department of Health says, “Women can choose to eat peanuts or food containing peanuts, as part of a healthy balanced diet, unless mothers are allergic to them, or they have been advised not to by their health professional.”

Between 1996 and 2002, Danish women were enrolled in the study during their first antenatal visit. This study included 61,908 women who had a single baby and who had completed all questionnaires.
A 360 item food frequency questionnaire was given at around 25 weeks of pregnancy. This asked about snack consumption in the past month, separately assessing peanut and pistachio intake and the intake of nuts and almonds. Women were questioned about childhood asthma when the child was 18 months and 7 years old.

At 18 months they were asked whether a diagnosis of childhood asthma had been confirmed by a doctor, whether there were wheeze symptoms, and the number of wheeze episodes since birth. At 7 years of age, asthma cases were defined as those who self-reported doctor diagnosed asthma, plus wheezing symptoms in the past 12 months. The presence of other allergies, such as hay fever, was also reported at 7 years of age.

The researchers then looked at the association between nut consumption and the development of asthma, wheezing, or other allergies. The results were that a total of 61% of women (37,323) reported no peanut and tree nut intake during pregnancy, 3% of women (1,639) consumed peanuts one or more times per week, and 9% consumed tree nuts one or more times per week.

The researchers found a general inverse relationship between peanut or tree nut consumption and asthma at 18 months. There was a trend that consumption of peanuts and tree nuts, once monthly and two to three times monthly, significantly reduced risk of asthma compared to no consumption.
In conclusion the researchers stated that, “the results do not suggest that women should decrease peanut and tree nut intake during pregnancy, and that consumption of peanuts and tree nuts during pregnancy, might even decrease the risk of allergic disease development in children.”

This conclusion was backed up by Malayka Rahman, research analysis and communications officer at Asthma UK, who said, “This study suggests that eating peanuts and tree nuts during pregnancy, might decrease the risk of children developing allergic conditions, including asthma.”