A comparison of seasonal trends in asthma exacerbations among children from geographic regions with different climates.

Background: The fall peak in childhood asthma exacerbations is thought to be related to an increase in viral infections and allergen exposure when children return to school. Whether the seasonality of asthma attacks among children from different geographic regions follows similar trends is unclear.

Objective: To compare seasonal trends in asthma exacerbations among school-age children who lived in different geographic locations, with different climates, within the United States.

Implementation of evidence-based asthma interventions in post-Katrina New Orleans: the Head-off Environmental Asthma in Louisiana (HEAL) study.

Background: Childhood asthma morbidity and mortality in New Orleans, Louisiana, is among the highest in the nation. In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina created an environmental disaster that led to high levels of mold and other allergens and disrupted health care for children with asthma.

Objectives: We implemented a unique hybrid asthma counselor and environmental intervention based on successful National Institutes of Health asthma interventions from the National Cooperative Inner City Asthma (NCICAS) and Inner-City Asthma (ICAS) Studies with the goal of reducing asthma symptoms in New Orleans children after Hurricane Katrina.

Mold exposure and health effects following hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The extensive flooding in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita created conditions ideal for indoor mold growth, raising concerns about the possible adverse health effects associated with indoor mold exposure. Studies evaluating the levels of indoor and outdoor molds in the months following the hurricanes found high levels of mold growth. Homes with greater flood damage, especially those with >3 feet of indoor flooding, demonstrated higher levels of mold growth compared with homes with little or no flooding.

Spironolactone might be a desirable immunologic and hormonal intervention in autism spectrum disorders.

Multiple studies now demonstrate that autism is medically characterized, in part, by immune system dysregulation, including evidence of neuroglial activation and gastrointestinal inflammation. This neuroglial process has further been characterized as neuroinflammation. In addition, a subset of autistic children exhibit higher than average levels of androgens.

Wheezing and asthma in early childhood: an update.

Although asthma is the most common chronic disease in children, recent studies show that labeling this condition "asthma," especially in association with chronic wheezing, remains a matter of dispute. Nonetheless, data confirm that wheezing and asthma place great burdens on the caregivers of affected children. A principal source of information on diagnosis and treatment is the practical guide published by the National Asthma Education Prevention Program.