Newborns' Immune Systems Ramp Up After Birth

FRIDAY, Aug. 24, 2018 -- A baby's immune system kicks into high gear immediately after birth, a new study finds.

Changes in a newborn's immune system have been difficult to assess because doing so has relied on samples taken from the umbilical cord immediately after birth. In this study, researchers used a new immune cell analysis technique to follow 100 premature and full-term babies for their first few weeks of life.

Preschoolers' Parents May Be Unprepared to Treat Asthma

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 8, 2018 -- Only about half the parents of asthmatic preschoolers had the right knowledge and medicines on hand to treat their child's breathing condition at home, a new study found.

And one-third of those children had empty inhalers, the researchers reported.

School Prep Includes Planning Allergy, Asthma Management

TUESDAY, Aug. 7, 2018 -- Allergies and asthma can make the start of the new school year a challenge for kids who aren't prepared to deal with flare-ups, an allergist warns.

"Every age group is different in how much they can handle when it comes to protecting themselves from flare-ups due to allergies and asthma while at school, as well as severe allergic reactions from food allergies," said Dr. Bradley Chipps. He is president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).