British scientists say they have found a gene that could better predict the development of childhood asthma. The scientists, from the National Heart and Lung Institute, said their study of more than 2,000 children uncovered a DNA sequence that has "a striking effect" on the risk of asthma and may help explain why the chronic illness, which affects about 1 million British children, is becoming more prevalent in the country, The Telegraph reported. Join discussion...

A recent article in the Journal of Emergency Medicine tells the story of a 20-year-old kid from Portland, Oregon that extracted the active ingredient, dextromethorphan, from some cough syrup and tried to get high with it. Thanks to the doctors that treated him, their patient did not earn a Darwin Award. Case reports written by doctors are often far more exciting than an episode of House or any other hospital drama. They tend to include a lot of fun facts Join discussion...

The use of antibiotics in the first year of life is associated with an increased risk for asthma at age 7, a new study has found, and the reason may be that antibiotics destroy not only disease-causing microbes, but also those that are helpful to the developing immune system. Antibiotic use had a greater impact on children who would otherwise be considered at lower risk — children who lived in rural areas and those whose mothers did not have asthma — than on those who were already at increas Join discussion...

A Quit Smoking Tip That Can Change Your Life A Quit Smoking Tip That Can Change Your LifeDo you want to quit smoking? There is a very powerful quit smoking tip that can literally change your life – because it would ensure your 100% success. Do you want to know what this is? Read on and find out all about it.What You Need To Quit Smoking Once For AllI read once a quip that made me smile – ‘Who says quitting smoking is difficult? I have quit it five times and there is nothing to it.’ Yes, usually this is what happens. You think you left smoking for good and the habit is behind you. Then, you just smoke once with your friends – for the sake of old times – and that is it.In your mind, this is just a one-time-smoke bit; nothing to worry about. This would be like an occasional chocolate cake slice when you diet. However, in no time, you find yourself ‘treating’ yourself on a regular basis, and supposedly out of the blue you will back smoking regularly again. You need to know and keep in mind that getting back to smoking is extremely easy. You also need to know what you would encounter when you attempt to stop smoking. The withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant and painful. Are you ready to tackle this problem head on? Do you know what medication can help you with the withdrawal symptoms? Do you know how long it takes to get rid of the habit? You need to have nerves of steel and a high level of commitment to get yourself rid of this toxic habit.The Difference Between Success And Failure – A Great Quit Smoking TipWhen you decide to quit smoking, take another decision in your mind. Decide never to smoke a cigarette that is bought with your money, and never carry a pack on you. How this quit smoking tip helps you stay off cigarettes? Read on.1. The first part of the quit smoking tip – never buy your own cigarettes means that if you smoke you would need someone to offer you one. Most people do not like to share their cigarettes on a regular basis and if you are identified as one who is out for freebies, you would very soon be a loner. 2. The second part of the quit smoking tip – never carry a pack of cigarettes with you. This means that you cannot depend on having a cigarette when you need one – behavior change – and hence, you would outgrow the dependency on it over time. Join discussion...

New research indicates that children who receive antibiotics before their first birthday are significantly more likely to develop asthma by age 7. The study, published in the June issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), reports that children receiving antibiotics in the first year of life were at greater risk for developing asthma by age 7 than those not receiving antibiotics. The risk for asthma doubled in children receiving antibiotics for Join discussion...

Inhaled fumes from microwave popcorn may have caused a man's rare, deadly lung disease, a leading lung expert says. The expert is Cecile Rose, MD, MPH, head of the division of environmental and occupational health sciences at National Jewish Medical and Research Center and associate professor of pulmonary medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Rose reported the case in a July 18 letter to the FDA, the CDC, the EPA, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. None of these agencies has yet issued a public health alert. The letter became public when published on The Pump Handle web site, a public health blog. Join discussion...