Thursday, June 10, 2004

Asthma Fish Cure - Day 3 Now scientists are studying the alleged asthma cure, which includes the swallowing of a live fish. One theory as to why it works: "The Gouds say the wiggling of the live fish makes the medicine more effective as it helps clear accumulated phlegm from the patient's throat as it slithers down towards the stomach. " If it works for someone else, great, but I'm sticking to the inhaled steroids. 1:25:55 PM    comment []

Asthma A Reaction To Parasites? "A theory which says asthma is caused by a misplaced reaction to parasites has been bolstered by a surprise discovery reported today. Scientists found that levels of an enzyme called chitinase soar in mice bred to have an asthma-like disease. Studies of lung tissue from humans with asthma also revealed high levels of chitinase." Here's the whole story. 1:19:32 PM    comment []

Your Asthma and the Environment A pair of vaguely connected stories today. First the FDA is thinking about retiring some asthma inhalers because they release CFCs into the environment. So while asthmatics may be causing some enviornmental problems, they are also suffering from them, at least according to one environmental group in Florida, which says a local power plant is responsible for thousands of asthma attacks. Are you part of the problem, the solution or both? 9:12:53 AM    comment []