The American journal of medicine
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Moderate or severe asthma is a complex disease process clinically manifesting as at least partially reversible airway obstruction due to airway hyperresponsiveness. Asthma therapy was based primarily on symptom control until recent studies of its mechanisms have led to a host of new targeted, safe, and effective therapies. These biologic therapies directly attack culprit inflammatory mediators at the molecular level. ⋯ We provide information deemed necessary to optimally consult with an asthma specialist to choose, assist in financial arrangements for, and coordinate the use of these new, promising, Food and Drug Administration-approved biologic agents. We will also briefly review the molecular pathways targeted with each class of biologic to provide a more in-depth understanding of why these targeted therapies are effective. These biologics are the first of many to come that modify newly discovered components of the immune system with which many physicians are unfamiliar.
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Insomnia, Poor Sleep Quality and Sleep Duration and Risk for COVID-19 Infection and Hospitalization.
Medical comorbidities increase the risk of severe acute COVID-19 illness. Although sleep problems are common after COVID-19 infection, it is unclear whether insomnia, poor sleep quality, and extremely long or short sleep increase risk of developing COVID-19 infection or hospitalization. ⋯ In a general population sample, poor sleep quality and extremes of sleep duration are associated with greater odds of having had a COVID-19 infection; poor sleep quality was associated with an increased requirement of hospitalization for severe COVID-19 illness. These observations suggest that inclusion of healthy sleep practices in public health messaging may reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.