A new report suggests that the sunshine vitamin could cut the risk of children developing asthma by up to 40 per cent.

Researchers from Harvard University have linked increasing rates of asthma and allergies with a lack of vitamin. They note that the rise in the two conditions has occured in parallel and say that there is evidence to suggest a causal relationship.

Vitamin D is unique in that it can be manufactured by the body, specifically the skin, when it is exposed to sunlight. It is widely thought that our decreasing exposure to the sun is to blame for the increasing number of people who are deficient in vitamin D.

The theory goes that over the past 50 years as people have become more prosperous, and entertainment technology such as video games, DVDs and the internet have developed, more time is spent indoors away from the sun. It is undoubtedly true that 50 years ago more people walked rather than travelling by car and people, especially kids, spent more time outdoors playing sports and doing other activities.

New research suggests a specific immune response to respiratory infection in babies greatly increases asthma risk as they grow up.

It has previously been established that children who suffered severe respiritory viral infections as babies are at increased risk of developing asthma. Now researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, United States, say they have discovered the mechanism behind this association.

After studying the effects of severe respiritory infections in mice they believe they have pinpointed a specific immune response which increases the chances of asthma developing. They say that it will be possible to block these immune effects to prevent the development of asthma.

According to Mitchell Grayson, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Allergy and Immunology, and the study's lead author, one in five babies who have these severe respiritory viral infections go on to develop asthma, where as amongst those who don't only one in thirty develops the condition.

Press Release

With the holiday season just around the corner, millions of Americans are preparing to decorate their homes, gather for feasts and travel to visit relatives. However, for allergy and asthma sufferers, the holiday season presents several potential triggers, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

"Whether it's feasting on holiday meals, setting up your Christmas tree, or visiting your pet-owning relatives, allergy triggers may be lurking inside of our warm, cozy homes this time of year," said Alisa M. Smith, PhD, FAAAAI, vice-chair of the AAAAI's Indoor Allergen Committee. "Unfortunately, with busy schedules, travel time and the stress of the holidays, it is easy to forget to take the proper care when dealing with allergies and asthma. However, avoiding potential triggers and taking the proper precautions is necessary to keep symptoms under control," Smith added.

The AAAAI suggests the following tips to help keep your allergies and asthma under control this holiday season:
 

A new study from researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center suggests that current guidelines on intervals between visits to the doctor might not be good enough.

In the US current guidelines for kids with asthma suggest a single check-up one to six months after diagnosis. Doctors and researchers are now realising however that asthma amongst children living in polluted inner-city areas is more unpredictable than it has been thought so more frequent follow-up visits to the doctor may be required to avoid dangerous asthma attacks.

If a child's asthma isn't managed effectively it can result in frightening symptoms and possibly a trip to the emergency department at the hospital.

Kids living in urban areas are particularly at risk as they are exposed to more potential triggers in the environment and have less access to healthcare. These children suffer increased exposure to sources of allergens such as mold and dust mites as well as to major pollutants such as cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust.