Wood smoke contains harmful pollutants, such as soot and carbon monoxide, as well as toxins such as dioxin, which have been linked to increased cancer rates in adults.

So if you are planning a romantic night for two in front of a log fire, you may want to think twice.  

According to a new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, owning a cat as an adult can increase your chances of developing allergies if you already suffer from asthma.

6000 people were monitored over a 9 year period. The group that went on to own a cat in that time were much more likely to develop allergies, and particularly if the animals were allowed into the bedroom. However, owning a cat as a child has the opposite effect as it can drastically reduce the chances of developing allergies.

So if you do find yourself becoming allergic to your beloved feline friend, what do you do ? According to the experts, if finding another home for the animal isn't possible, don't let them into your bedroom, in fact if possible keep them outdoors as much as you can, get yourself a HEPA air cleaner and finally wash them once a week, good luck with that last one !!

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Starting to slide when it comes to your New Years resolutions?  

For those of you who have given up smoking, the latest findings published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology may help to keep you motivated.  

The new study shows that adults with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease are three times more likely to have been exposed to second hand smoke as a child. The disease is common among asthmatics and those suffering from chronic sinus inflammation and prevents sufferers from taking aspirin.  

So next time that craving hits you, remember, giving up will not only save your life but possibly change the lives of your children too.

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In a study sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, researchers found evidence to suggest that there are actually different types of asthma.

6000 patients were monitored and samples of mucus were tested for the presence of particular types of white blood cell, eosinophils, known to cause airway inflammation in asthmatics. 

Remarkably nearly half the patients did not have eosinophils present, proving that there are other causes of airway inflammation and asthma attacks.  

Furthermore the 'non-eosinophils' patients did not respond well to treatment using oral and inhaled corticosteroids.  

Experts believe these new findings will go a long way in helping us to understand why certain asthma medications don't work and hopefully be key in finding new ways to effectively treat certain types of asthma.

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Why is it that the smokers disease COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is so difficult to treat, even after the patient has given up smoking ? New research from the team at Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Brigham and Women's Hospital at Harvard Medical School, may have found the answer.

High levels of a protein known as SAA were found in the lungs of the COPD patients, even after they had given up smoking. Further tests revealed that this protein was responsible for causing inflammation in the lungs and actually prevents the lung tissue from repairing.  

Which would explain why the disease is so tricky to treat. Researchers are now exploring the possibility of creating a drug to switch off the effects of the protein and also include a synthetic healing agent, to increase the lungs chances of regeneration.

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In recent months we have seen evidence to suggest that babies born in

by Cesarean section are more likely to go on to develop allergies in later life.  

However according to an article published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, there is further evidence to suggest that babies born by C section also have a greater chance of developing asthma as early as 3 years old. And even more remarkably, babies with no family history of asthma are at the greatest risk.

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Previous studies have shown a link between pollution and cardiovascular disease.  

However new research from the Boston University claims there is also a link between pollution and diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, with Afro American women the most heavily affected.

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Some alarming news this month from an article published on line in the Pediatric journal. According to researchers, mums to be who take certain types of asthma medication 1 month prior to conception and up to 3 months into their pregnancy are at greater risk of having a child with certain types of birth defects.  

The good news is that these cases are extremely rare and there has been no link found between more common birth defects and asthma meds.

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According to a new Canadian study, people with a good education are twice as likely to develop allergies.  

The study, published in the Journal of Allergy, attempts to explain why, in recent years, there has been a huge increase in the number of people suffering from severe allergies to foods such as peanuts and shellfish.

Many scientists believe the hygiene hypothesis is in part to blame, as smaller families, better living conditions, increased use of antibiotics have all contributed to a weaker immune system in some people, leading to an increase in allergies.

A better education may be another reason, as educated people are more likely to heed their doctor's advice and delay giving their babies certain foods therefore increasing the risk of developing food allergies.

Researchers are not suggesting we expose ourselves to more bacteria, as that in itself brings its own risks. However these new findings may help us to further understand why allergies develop in some people and allow us to find ways to combat the growing problem.

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