asthma test offers new treatment hope

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asthma test offers new treatment hope

The test, marketed as Aridol, uses dry powdered mannitol, a synthetic

version of the sap from manna trees, to irritate the airways,

but it will only bring on asthma symptoms in people with a

predisposition to the condition.

It is now being used by defence and police forces to screen recruits

and this year was marketed in 13 European countries, Australia and

South Korea.

It has been approved by peak asthma groups in Australia, Britain and

incorporated into the international guidelines on asthma.

It identifies people who have a type of bronchial hyperresponsiveness

that is sensitive to treatment with inhaled steroids and if an

asthmatic is well controlled on treatment,

the mannitol test can be used to help the physician decide whether or

not to reduce the dose of steroids, " Dr said.

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Alana