Archive for the ‘Diseases’ Category

Andrew: Dr. Martinez, we've discussed previously on our Web site the definition of asthma, but it sounds like your research is making it more complex. From your study, how do you define asthma today? Dr. Martinez: There ... Full story

Lynn: For those of us with MS, what can your panel tell us about the factors that can determine the severity of MS? Dr. Lynch: That's one of the big questions that we always want to know when somebody comes in. Is this person going to have bad MS, ... Full story

Dr. Lynch: When we're looking at research, we try to find out what's the cause of MS. Hopefully, many people think that the way we will actually find the cure for MS is to figure out what the initial cause of the disease is. Unfortunately, we have not found the cause of multiple sclerosis, but ... Full story

Joyce: Have there been any studies or does anyone know whether there is any additive effect or even synergistic effect if you are on both oral and nasal steroid inhalants? Like how great would the risk of glaucoma become, for example? Dr. Stempel: First off, I think you're talking about an article that appeared ... Full story

Relationship between asthma and reflux Paul: Is there a cause-and-effect relationship between asthma and reflux? Dr. Shapiro: Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux, means acid coming up from the stomach, and in some people it causes constriction in the bronchial tubes. For some people that is a very important component of asthma, and for many people it's not. So it's an ... Full story

Andrew: Dr. Lieberman, especially when it comes to asthma, what is the price, particularly in children, of not seeking treatment early enough? Are there long-term effects that could be prevented? Dr. Lieberman: You've just hit upon my very favorite topic. ... Full story

Dick: As you have pointed out, we now have years of data to look at and rely upon. What do these medications do? What's the mechanism for some of these medications that have demonstrated effectiveness with MS? Dr. Galetta: We have many thoughts about how ... Full story

Rick: How do you know which inhalers are right for you? Previously, he had a doctor prescribe Ventolin, but his understanding is that Ventolin is not used to prevent attacks but is an emergency, quick-fix sort of drug. Dr. Stempel: There are two classes of medications. One are those emergency, quick fix or what's ... Full story

Andrew: There's a similar question that we got from Patty in Idaho, who simply e-mailed us. She also wanted to know about permanent damage. So that remains a concern for people, but it's not one that you in the profession are worried about, really. I mean, you said the oral ones are short-term, as far as steroids, but the inhaled corticosteroids or even these nasal ... Full story

Andrew: It's important to look at the whole picture. And I know I've heard this term that you specialists use, "airway remodeling," and let's see if I get this right for our audience. That's what you're talking about, the damage, really permanent damage, to the lungs if the asthma is not controlled, permanent changes are ... Full story