But first, if you missed the final debate here’s SNL’s Weekend Update Thursday version instead. It gets truly bizarre with Joe’s magical plunger around 6:00:
Formaterol Linked to Serious Side Effects
Like Serevent and Advair (salmeterol), Foradil (formoterol) is a long-acting beta-agonist. You might remember the concern and review of Serevent and Advair last year because of serious side effects in children, and more evidence of adverse side effects (esp. in patients not on maintenance steroids), surfaced in July this year.
Now, new Cochrane research shows a risk of non-fatal serious side effects (usually asthma aggravation) with formoterol products like Foradil, too.
Remember, LABAs are a godsend for lots of folks with persistent asthma, and any medicine carries the risk of side effects. Be aware of the current research, but talk to your doctor if you have any questions. And never, ever take more than the prescribed dose of an LABA. (Well, that’s true of all meds, I guess, but it’s particularly important here.)
Secondhand Smoke, Gene Combo Increase Risk for Early Asthma Only
Researchers have uncovered all kinds of genetic markers that appear to increase the risk of developing asthma, but a study in the most recent New England Journal of Medicine says the risk only increases for early-onset asthma, or asthma that develops before age 4. (like my kid) The genetic risk factors + exposure to secondhand smoke triples the risk, supporting these two trends in current asthma thinking:
1. Asthma is more like a syndrome with multiple causes than a disease.
2. Genetics are an asthma risk factor, but environmental factors can up that risk.
Fumes from Unvented Gas Stoves Another Indoor Trigger for Kids
High levels of nitrogen dioxide trigger preschoolers’ asthma in inner cities, where gas stoves are often unvented. Space heaters also spike nitrogen dioxide levels, and industrial areas are high in the pollutant as well.
Another Study Suggests Breastfeeding Can Prevent Asthma
Although this Canadian study from last year points to no protective effect.
Here’s a non-asthma health link:
Kids Need More Vitamin D
New daily recommendation = 400 units, up from 200. The American Academy of Pediatrics says this means lots of kids will need supplements. Since I live in sunny Florida but I’m moving to the just-as-sunny Mile High City, I’m thinking mine probably get enough.
And your sort-of daily Halloween link:
Deliciously Disturbing Carvings at Extreme Pumpkins
Here’s the site’s tagline, to give you the general idea: “Pumpkin carving has been reborn. This time it is a little bit deformed.”
Wow. Got to give a big sarcastic thank you to the adults who smoked around me when I was a kid.
Those pumpkins are hysterical!
Pumpkins sure have changed since my kids and I carved them. 2 eyes, a nose, a smiling mouth – that was about it!
Me too – I’ll give a big sarcastic thank you to adults who smoked around me too. Good thing people don’t smoke in public places anymore.
More risks while taking prescribed meds???? When will it end?
I’m afraid my jack-o-lanterns are still of the traditional variety. I love these, but they’re a little beyond my abilities, I think.
Thanks for the links. It’s hard to believe some people still smoke in front of their kids. I went to a restaurant this weekend, and the greeter said, “Would you like smoking or non?” My wife said, “Do you even need to ask that question if one has kids?”
I’ve learned a lot from your blog here,Keep on going,my friend,I will keep an eye on it,One more thing,thanks for your post
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