STUDY FINDS PREVALENCE OF INSOMNIA IN PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA

Declining lung function may occur routinely due to sleep physiology, making already marginal asthma worse. Dr. Susarla

A recent study found a high prevalence of clinical insomnia in individuals with asthma. In addition, the study also determined the effects of insomnia on the well-being, asthma control, and asthma-related health care utilization of patients. Researchers concluded that insomnia is highly prevalent in individuals with asthma, and those with insomnia experience adverse health effects and are at risk for not having well-controlled asthma.

A team of researchers, lead by Faith S. Luyster at the University of Pittsburg, studied the prevalence of insomnia in patients with asthmas to determine its association with asthmas and the health of the patient by using the Insomnia Severity Index, Asthma Control Test, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The study collected data from 714 participants confirmed with asthma and enrolled in the Severe Asthmas Research Program III.

Researchers identified insomnia in 263 participants (37%). Insomnia in patients increased their risk for not having well-controlled asthma by 2.4-fold and their risk for asthma-related health care utilization by 1.5-fold in the past year compared to patients without insomnia. Patients with insomnia also showed higher levels of anxiety and depression, as well as poor quality of life.

While patients with asthma commonly report sleep difficulties, the relationship between asthma and insomnia is unknown. The researchers concluded, “Insomnia is highly prevalent in asthma and is associated with adverse outcomes. Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of the interaction between insomnia and asthma control.”

See linked article here.

Most Kids Who Died of Flu Weren’t Vaccinated, Study Finds

Notwithstanding the seasons where flu efficacy is poor, this is still a good default argument for treating at-risk kids. Dr. Susarla

Most children who have died of flu in recent years were not vaccinated against the virus, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers reported Monday. 

They found that at least three-quarters of kids who died from influenza between 2010 and 2014 had not been vaccinated in the months before they got sick.

And while kids with asthma, developmental disorders and other conditions are at especially high risk, fully half the kids who died were considered healthy before they became infected, the researchers found.

Article linked here.