Cognitive behavioural intervention for adults with anxiety complications of asthma: prospective randomised trial.

Background: High levels of asthma-related fear and panic exacerbate asthma symptoms and complicate the management of asthma. Asthma-specific fear may be reduced by a cognitive behavioural intervention. We aimed to test if there is a reduction in asthma-specific fear after cognitive behavioural intervention compared with routine treatment.

Anxiety and panic fear in adults with asthma: prevalence in primary care.

Background: Patients may find it difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of anxiety and those of asthma. Findings are equivocal on whether there is a specific link between anxiety and asthma. The aims of this study were to i) to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression and panic fear in adults with asthma compared with that of the general population ii) to investigate whether there is a specific relationship between asthma and anxiety.

The patient's perception of chronic pain.

Chronic pain is common among hospital inpatients. Patients with chronic pain have low expectations of pain relief. The patient's need for information is frequently not met.

Randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial on effect of inactivated influenza vaccine on pulmonary function in asthma.

Background: Despite current recommendations, many people with asthma do not receive annual vaccination against influenza, partly because of concern that vaccine may trigger exacerbations. Colds can trigger exacerbations, which may be mistaken for vaccine-related adverse events. We undertook a double-blind placebo-controlled multicentre crossover study to assess the safety of influenza vaccine in patients with asthma, with allowance for the occurrence of colds.

Occupational asthma and specific IgE to a diazonium salt intermediate used in the polymer industry.

This study describes sensitization to a diazonium salt intermediate, diazonium tetrafluoroborate (DTFB), produced during the manufacture of a fluorine polymer precursor. Most of the workers exposed to DTFB powder complained of respiratory and mucosal irritation. However, some of these individuals had symptoms typical of occupational asthma.