Pneumonologia i Alergologia Polska 

About: Pneumonologia i Alergologia Polska is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Lung cancer & Asthma. It has an ISSN identifier of 0867-7077. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 1113 publications have been published receiving 5162 citations.

Airway remodeling in asthma

Abstract: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways in which many cell types play a role. These cells are involved in the regulation of the airways inflammation and initiate the process of remodelling by the release of cytokines and growth factors. In the article the authors describe changes in airways wall in asthmatic patients and their clinical consequences.

The etiology of lower respiratory tract infections in people with diabetes.

Abstract: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are likely to develop many types of infections, which affect the transport of glucose into tissues. Diabetes increases the susceptibility to different kinds of respiratory infections, is often identified as an independent risk factor for developing lower respiratory tract infections. Pulmonary infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacteria and fungi may occur with an increased frequency, whereas infections due to Streptococcus pneumonia or influenza virus may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. During lung infection, there are changes in the local and ciliary epithelial lining. Increased susceptibility to pneumococcal infection by people with diabetes is the result of reduced defense capability of antibodies to protein antigens. The relationship between diabetes and pulmonary tuberculosis is well known, and the incidence of tuberculosis in diabetic individuals is 4-5 times greater than among the non-diabetic population. It is thought that malfunction of monocytes in patients with diabetes may contribute to the increased susceptibility to tuberculosis and/or a worse prognosis. Hospitalization of patients with diabetes due to influenza virus or flu-like infections is up to 6 times more likely to occur compared to healthy individuals, also diabetic patients are more likely to be hospitalized due to infection complications. Immunization with influenza and anti-pneumococcal vaccines is recommended to reduce hospitalizations, deaths, and medical expenses. Diabetes, especially the uncontrolled one, predisposes to fungal infection, the most common candidiasis and mucormycosis.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

Abstract: Allergic rhinitis is a common chronic respiratory illness that affects quality of life, productivity, and other comorbid conditions, including asthma. Treatment should be based on the patient’s age and severity of symptoms. Patients should be advised to avoid known allergens and be educated about their condition. Intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective treatment and should be first-line therapy for mild to moderate disease. Moderate to severe disease not responsive to intranasal corticosteroids should be treated with second-line therapies, including antihistamines, decongestants, cromolyn, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and nonpharmacologic therapies (e.g. nasal irrigation). With the exception of cetirizine, second-generation antihistamines are less likely to cause sedation and impair performance. Immunotherapy should be considered in patients with a less than adequate response to usual treatments. Evidence does not support the use of miteproof impermeable covers, air filtration systems, or delayed exposure to solid foods in infancy. (Am Fam Physician 2010;81(12):1440-1446. Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Family Physicians.) SORT: key recommendations for practice Clinical recommendation Evidence rating References The initial treatment of mild to moderate allergic rhinitis should be an intranasal corticosteroid alone, with the use of second-line therapies for moderate to severe disease. A 4, 5, 7 Compared with first-generation antihistamines, second-generation antihistamines have a better adverse effect profile, including less sedation (with the exception of cetirizine). A 22 The adverse effects and higher cost of intranasal antihistamines, as well as their decreased effectiveness compared with intranasal corticosteroids, limit their use as firstor second-line therapy for allergic rhinitis. A 28, 29 Although safe for general use, intranasal cromolyn is not considered first-line therapy for allergic rhinitis because of its decreased effectiveness at relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and its inconvenient dosing schedule. C 1, 3 Nasal saline irrigation is beneficial in treating the symptoms of chronic rhinorrhoea and may be used alone or as adjuvant therapy. B 53 Although dust mite allergies are common, studies have not found any benefit to using mite-proof impermeable mattress and pillow covers. A 54-56 Interventions without documented effectiveness in the prevention of allergic rhinitis include breastfeeding, delayed exposure to solid foods in infancy, and the use of air filtration systems. B 57-61 A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence; B = inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence; C = consensus, disease oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series. For information about the SORT evidence rating system, go to http://www.aafp.org/afpsort.xml. CPD Article: Treatment of allergic rhinitis CPD Article: Treatment of allergic rhinitis 399 Vol 52 No 5 SA Fam Pract 2010 rather than the type or frequency of seasonal, perennial, or occupational exposures. Table I lists recommended treatments based on symptoms.

Bacterial immunostimulants--mechanism of action and clinical application in respiratory diseases.

Abstract: Immunity towards bacteria might be achieved as a result of natural processes following infection, or as a consequence of medical intervention including vaccination, administration of immunoglobulins or therapy with immunostimulants derived from bacteria. Bacterial immunostimulants (ISs) containing bacterial lysate (OM-85 BV, LW 50020) or components of bacterial cells (ribosomal extracts) were shown to induce a non-specific response (i.e. intensification of phagocytosis) but also to orchestrate both cellular (B, T cell stimulation) and humoral responses (antibodies and proinflammatory cytokines production). Therefore, the duality of their immunomodulatory activity mimics or, to a certain extent, repeats the immune response evoked by the intrusion of a pathogen into the human body, which is initially non-specific, but subsequently becomes specific. However, their clinical efficacy in the prevention of respiratory tract infection (RTI) is still debated. This article reviews their mechanism of action, as well as the available clinical data, discussing the pros and cons of their use in the prevention of RITs in children and adults.