People with milder asthma symptoms tend to fare better in the long-term if they start using inhaled steroids early on, a new study suggests.

A probiotic drink a day may help keep hay fever away, British researchers said on Tuesday.

The lung function of asthmatic children can be checked using a simple test that measures the nitric oxide concentration in their exhaled breath.

Half of an estimated 2 million asthma patients in Taiwan suffer sinus allergy, and those who display flu symptoms for over 10 days, with phlegm discharges, are likely asthma patients, an expert said yesterday.

Having a dog in the house reduces the risk that young children will develop allergies, German researchers said on Tuesday.

The first two bee sting-related deaths were reported in Fairbanks, Alaska in the summer of 2006, which researchers suspect was a consequence of global warming; and they predict that this is just the beginning.

Allergies can not only make children out of sorts during the day, but can interfere with their sleep, too, researchers reported on Sunday.

Hay fever sufferers are getting hit even earlier. Pollen was already in Germany’s air this January, and February is shaping up to be much worse.

French scientists studying lactating mice say they can add an important piece of evidence to a charged debate as to whether breastfeeding helps protect a child against asthma.

Breast-feeding helps prevent babies’ allergies, but there is no good evidence for avoiding certain foods during pregnancy, using soy formula or delaying introduction of solid foods beyond six months.