The Russian war in Ukraine is a major humanitarian catastrophe. Indeed, all wars are humanitarian catastrophes. The editors of Annals felt compelled to speak out against war and to encourage everyone to support the humanitarian relief efforts for the people of Ukraine. This editorial will appear in print in a couple of months, but you can read it now in the Articles-in-Press section of the Annals website.
April showers bring… asthma exacerbations! Indeed, this month’s Annals is focused on asthma diagnosis and treatment. National asthma guidelines have been important in directing asthma care, and the April issue has a discussion on the role of FeNO, as well as what comes next for our guidelines. Several reviews provide guidance on treating asthma. I think you will find very helpful the information on how to compare and select a biologic for your asthma patients, as well as determining when and how to use long-acting muscarinic antagonists in asthma patients. Finally, we have a discussion on whether asthma care should be tailored to specific treatable traits rather than being based on patient symptoms.
Do you consider domestic partner violence when evaluating your asthma patients? This month there is a review article that argues strongly that asthma is increased and in worse control in those who suffer domestic partner violence. Additional asthma-related research articles include a study correlating obesity with lung function and asthma exacerbations, evidence that viral loads are reduced in patients with allergic disease including asthma, and a study of inhaled steroid adherence in childhood asthma.
In addition to our theme, as always Annals publishes articles that will have a direct impact on the care you deliver to your patients. With the new therapies for atopic dermatitis, read an editorial on how these new treatments will impact skin care. Another paper explores the use of hazelnut oral immunotherapy in a real-world study, while the level of cross-contamination of peanut in baked goods is documented (it is just under 3%, if you were wondering). Our Letters section details studies looking at hereditary angioedema treatment, the real-world time course of the effects of omalizumab treatment for severe asthma, quantification of anxiety in early peanut introduction clinics, and the association of arthralgia with dupilumab therapy in patients with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease.
These are only some of the outstanding content included in the April issue of Annals. So, while you wait for flowers to appear, be sure to read this issue — it is packed full of information that will increase your knowledge and improve the care you provide to your patients. And, as always, if you have any comments, please consider sending correspondence to Annals. I am always excited to hear how Annals has helped you improve the lives of your patients!
Mitchell Grayson, MD, FACAAI
Editor-in-Chief
