Asthma News – March 2-5, 2021
Current asthma research, announcements and opportunities, collected and distributed by Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) Asthma Program Staff.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of up to $6 million in grant funding, and will be giving special consideration to the following focus areas:
- Addressing COVID-19 concerns faced by low-income communities and communities of color
- Climate Change and Natural Disaster Resiliency outreach and planning
- New applicants to either opportunity
- Ports Initiative to assist people living and working near ports across the country
- Small non-profits
Both the presence of and the absence of asthma were found to be linked to comparable risks of hospitalization and use of mechanical ventilation in individuals with COVID-19. The presence of asthma, however, was associated with a lower risk for mortality among individuals with COVID-19.
Among patients with asthma and/or COPD, disease severity, rather than corticosteroid utilization, may increase an individual’s risk of developing severe COVID-19, according to results of a new analysis. The associations were greater and statistically significant among those who were middle-aged and those who were obese.
Researchers conducted a national cross-sectional anonymous online survey study of 4351 participants, including 2167 youth and young adults who use e-cigarettes. More underage and young adult e-cigarette users reported reducing or quitting e-cigarettes since the COVID-19 pandemic began than those who reported increasing their use or switching to other nicotine and cannabis products.
A national birth cohort study investigating timing of exposure and mode of delivery found that antibiotic exposure in mid-to-late pregnancy is associated with higher odds of childhood asthma in vaginally born children.