Treatment may aid asthma sufferers

A two-drug treatment may one day help restore healthy breathing in those with asthma and chronic bronchitis, according to a study at Washington University in St. Louis.

Dr. Michael Holtzman and other researchers found that some cells lining the air passages of the lungs transform into another cell type in mice and humans with those disorders, leading to the overproduction of mucus in the airways.

Though researchers expect it would take at least a few years for further testing of the treatments, they think that combining two drugs ultimately could prevent the harmful transformation of the lining cells, allowing for healthy airway function.

Holtzman said the findings are "pushing the rock a little further up the hill" when it comes to understanding airway diseases.

Holtzman explained that doctors currently prescribe treatments to ease breathing difficulties, but said those treatments don't address mucus production.

•	Study: Treatment May Aid Asthma Sufferers Los Angeles Times, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006 Byline: Betsy Taylor, Associated Press Writer

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