It’s New Year’s Eve, so let’s look back at the stories that generated the most traffic and/or comments on the Asthma Mom blog this year. Thank you all for visiting and subscribing to the blog throughout 2008 and for sharing your stories, experiences, and insights with me.
I hope you’ll keep reading in the new year, too.
The “Hypoallergenic” Obama Dog
U.S. media got a teeny bit obsessed with the Obamas’ search for a new family pet after the election. One good outcome of the saturation? Most people now know there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic pet, and parents who have kids with asthma (like Malia Obama does) learned more about reducing exposure to pet allergens.
Safety of Long-Acting Beta Agonists
Drugs like Advair were under scrutiny pretty much all year, with the debate coming down to whether the possible serious side effects are worth the very real benefits of the medicine. As it stands now, the FDA is pulling none of them off the market (for any age group), but its drug safety division doesn’t want any of them marketed for children.
Asthma Medicine Safety, Take II: Singulair
The big question:
Can taking Singular cause depression and suicidal thoughts?
It’s a controversial issue, and this is the most recent research I’ve read, an independent study from the American Lung Association.
Asthma Medicine Safety, Take III: HFA Inhalers
Mostly, I resist posting about the new inhalers much because the switch to them from the older CFC ones is even more controversial than Singulair use. And while I don’t love the higher price of the HFA models, I’m hesitant to come down on either side of the debate since A) I don’t have asthma and therefore don’t use the new inhalers myself, and B) My daughter, who does have asthma, uses them with no problems.
Google tells me that plenty of you have strong opinions on the HFA inhalers, though, and you’re always welcome to post your own thoughts (whether for or against) on this blog anytime.
Outdoor Pools and Asthma
The connection between flares and indoor swimming pools with poor ventilation is old news, but research this year pointed to a higher risk of asthma with outside pools as well. I’m hoping more research on asthma and swimming pools piles up and prompts better, less expensive non-chlorinated filtration technology for public and private pools.
Asthma a Phase for Young Boys
Children “growing out” of asthma actually may not be a myth after all, but only for boys.
Who knows what asthma, air quality, and other breathing news this year will bring? But as long as you keep reading, I’ll keep posting about it.
Happy end of the year! Be safe tonight, enjoy the celebration, and see you in 2009.
Happy New Year to you! Hope next year brings lots of good health and happiness.