Asthma News - February 20, 2025

Current asthma research, announcements and opportunities, collected and distributed by Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Asthma Program Staff. Sign up to receive weekly-ish news emails.

Check out the most recent MDHHS asthma social media messages and share them with your networks.

Allergy & Asthma Network Webinar: The Microbiome and Its Role in Asthma and Allergies ~ Feb. 25 @ 4 PM

Discover how the diverse community of microorganisms in our bodies influences respiratory health and immune responses. Speaker: Niraj C. Patel, MD, MS Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

Nationwide Children’s Hospital 15th Annual Pediatric Asthma Conference- Columbus, OH ~ May 9, 2025

The conference will highlight information and practical advice on asthma management for providers at all levels of care. Topics include: Diagnosis of Asthma, Bridging Inpatient and Outpatient Asthma Management, Common Pediatric Asthma Masqueraders in Primary Care, and an Ask the Expert Panel. Continuing education contact hours (physician, RN) and school nurse scholarships available.

NCQA: HEDIS® Public Comment Period Is Now Open (closes March 13)

NCQA seeks public feedback on proposed new measures, changes to existing measures and measure retirements. Proposed new measures on Follow-Up After Acute Care Visits for Asthma and Tobacco Cessation, and proposing to retire the Asthma Medication Ratio.

Association of Allergy Specialty Care and Asthma Outcomes for Medicaid-Enrolled Children

Children with asthma enrolled in Arkansas Medicaid who saw an allergy specialist were less likely to have an asthma-related adverse event. Asthma quality metrics developed using guideline-based recommendations for allergy specialist care should be considered for asthma health management programs.

Impact of seasonal biometeorological conditions and particulate matter on asthma and COPD hospital admissions

Air pollution, particularly PM10, significantly influences asthma and COPD hospital admissions, with a higher impact than PM2.5. Meteorological factors, including air temperature and humidity, play a crucial role in exacerbating respiratory conditions. Hospital admissions for asthma and COPD are more frequent in winter, correlating with higher pollution levels.

Association of delayed asthma diagnosis with asthma exacerbations in children

A new study found that a delay in asthma diagnosis in children is associated with increased risk of asthma exacerbation. A timely asthma diagnosis should be an important priority in childhood asthma management to reduce the risk of asthma exacerbation.