Nebulized lidocaine in the treatment of severe asthma in children: a pilot study.

Background: Glucocorticoids have been used to treat asthma since the 1950s; however, their adverse systemic effects have limited their duration of use and dosage. Unfortunately, many patients with severe asthma often require oral glucocorticoids in addition to inhaled glucocorticoids. Alternatives to glucocorticoids have been sought with mixed success.

Volumetric assessment of airborne pollen and spore levels in Rochester, Minnesota, 1992 through 1995.

Objective: To reassess airborne pollen counts and to study spore counts by volumetric collection in Rochester, Minnesota.

Material And Methods: Samples of pollen and spores were collected from the top of a six-story building in downtown Rochester by use of a rotational rod sampler, which was activated for 30 seconds every 10 minutes for 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, from mid-April to mid-October 1992 through 1995. Particles were stained with Calberla's fluid and viewed microscopically by transmitted light.