Maria Teresa Ventura

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This research focuses on creating updated guidelines for managing allergic rhinitis, which can impact asthma, known as ARIA 2024-2025. The study used surveys, artificial intelligence, and patient data to prioritize important questions and gather evidence for decision-making. Key findings include the development of a system to help doctors use the best available evidence to make recommendations and create digital tools for better patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma, as well as their doctors.

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This study updated guidelines for treating allergic rhinitis (AR) with intranasal medications, which are important for managing the condition. Researchers looked at various treatments, including different types of nasal sprays, and found that combining an antihistamine with an intranasal corticosteroid is generally better than using either one alone. This is significant because it helps improve the quality of life for those suffering from AR. Who this helps: Patients with allergic rhinitis and their doctors.

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This study focused on updating guidelines for treating allergic rhinitis (AR) with oral and eye medications. The new recommendations prioritize using nasal sprays (intranasal corticosteroids) over oral antihistamines and suggest that oral antihistamines are a better choice than leukotriene receptor antagonists for most patients. These updates help healthcare providers choose more effective treatments, taking into account the variability of symptoms and costs involved. Who this helps: Patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well asthma patients using a smartphone app called MASK-air followed their medication routine with inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting β2-agonists (ICS+LABA). Out of 2,598 users, only 59.3% stuck to their ICS+formoterol treatment at least 80% of the time, compared to 75.1% for those on ICS with other long-acting medications. This matters because while adherence to medication was lower for those using ICS+formoterol, they still had similar asthma control and used less rescue medication, suggesting their treatment was effective even with less frequent use. Who this helps: This helps asthma patients who use inhalers and their doctors in managing their treatment plans better.

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This study looked at how different types of allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) relate to asthma in people using the MASK-air app. Out of 2,273 users, most experienced moderate to severe rhinitis, with 35.7% of those with intermittent rhinitis and 48.5% with persistent rhinitis also having asthma. The findings show that asthma is more commonly linked to persistent rhinitis rather than the severity of rhinitis symptoms, highlighting that asthma can make managing nasal allergies more difficult. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with both allergic rhinitis and asthma, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at how well people with allergic rhinitis (a sneezing and itching condition caused by pollen) followed their treatment during allergy season in Europe. It found that only about 31.7% of people regularly used azelastine-fluticasone and 38.5% used oral antihistamines (OAH) correctly (over 80% of the time). This matters because better adherence to treatment can lead to fewer symptoms and better overall health for those with allergies. Who this helps: Patients suffering from allergic rhinitis.

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This study looked at how common allergic rhinitis (AR) is among older adults and found that 3-12% of elderly people experience this condition. Even though allergic responses typically decrease with age, AR still significantly reduces their quality of life and worsens other health issues like asthma. Effective treatment can greatly help older patients manage their symptoms and improve their overall health. Who this helps: Patients, particularly older adults experiencing allergic rhinitis.

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This study looked at how symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as nasal issues, affect people's ability to work. It analyzed data from over 20,000 patients and found that poor control of allergic symptoms significantly lowers work productivity, with a major difference in productivity scores between patients with asthma and those without; those with probable asthma had a median productivity score of 9 compared to 3 for those without asthma. This is important because it highlights the need for better management of allergies, especially for those who also have asthma, to help improve their work performance. Who this helps: This helps patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at how pharmacists can help manage allergic rhinitis and asthma, two common breathing issues that often occur together and can make life difficult for patients. The findings reveal that improving communication and teamwork between pharmacists and doctors can lead to better treatment and fewer health costs. By utilizing digital tools and providing patient education, pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring that patients use their medications properly and keep their symptoms under control. Who this helps: This benefits patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma, especially those in underserved areas.

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This study looked at how digital tools can track asthma control over time for patients using inhaled medication. Researchers followed 243 patients over several months and found five distinct patterns of asthma control based on their daily symptoms and medication use. The results showed that even when some patients used their medication correctly, their asthma control could still be poor, indicating a need for better management strategies. Who this helps: Patients with asthma and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how satisfied patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) are with different treatments and how often they use multiple medications together. Researchers analyzed information from nearly 1,700 users over 28,000 days and found that people were generally less satisfied when they used medications together, with oral antihistamines leading to lower satisfaction than nasal corticosteroids or a combination of nasal antihistamines and corticosteroids. Understanding patient satisfaction with these treatments can help improve how doctors prescribe AR medications. Who this helps: This helps patients with allergic rhinitis and their doctors by providing insights on the best treatment options.

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This research paper examines how being male or female affects allergies, including differences in how diseases appear, how they are treated, and the outcomes for patients. It found that women tend to have more allergy-related conditions linked to specific immune responses, while men are more likely to face severe allergic reactions that can be life-threatening. Understanding these differences is crucial as it can improve treatment plans and healthcare access for patients with allergies. Who this helps: This helps patients with allergies and their doctors by tailoring treatment approaches to their specific needs.

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This study looked at how well adolescents (ages 13-18), young adults (ages 18-26), and adults (over 26) manage asthma and rhinitis, using a health app called MASK-air. The researchers found that adolescents reported fewer allergy and asthma symptoms compared to young adults and adults, even though all groups followed their medication plans similarly. This is important because it highlights that younger patients might handle their allergic conditions better than previously thought, suggesting a need for more tailored approaches for managing these issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients, specifically adolescents and young adults with asthma and rhinitis.

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This study looked at how different asthma symptoms help in diagnosing asthma and keeping it under control, especially in people with rhinitis. Researchers analyzed data from 951 patients and found that wheezing was the most accurate symptom for diagnosing asthma, with a specificity of 90.5%. Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, was most strongly linked to asthma control, showing a sensitivity of 76.1%. This matters because identifying specific symptoms can lead to better diagnosis and management of asthma. Who this helps: Patients with asthma and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at why older adults with asthma in inland Portugal were not using a digital application designed to help them manage their condition. Out of 72 participants, 44 (about 61%) couldn't use the app, often because they didn’t have the necessary technology or skills, while the 28 who used it faced fewer health challenges. It matters because addressing these barriers can improve asthma management and overall health for older adults. Who this helps: Patients with asthma, particularly elderly individuals.

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This research paper focuses on developing better healthcare pathways for patients with chronic conditions like asthma and rhinitis, emphasizing the importance of treating patients as experts in their own experiences. The study finds that using digital tools and artificial intelligence can improve care designed around patients' personal needs and preferences. For instance, integrating real-world data and new treatment guidelines aims to enhance the quality of care and coordination in managing these diseases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with asthma and rhinitis, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at different ways to measure health related to asthma and rhinitis using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), specifically a type of scale called VAS (Visual Analog Scale). Researchers found that the VAS scales, which allow patients to report their symptoms digitally through the MASK-air app, are effective and reliable for assessing asthma and rhinitis control. These findings matter because they improve how patients can communicate their health status, leading to better, more personalized care. Who this helps: This helps patients with asthma and rhinitis.

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This study looked at data from over 2,500 patients using a mobile health app to track their rhinitis symptoms and treatments over 16,177 weeks. Researchers found 16 different patterns of symptom control, highlighting that weeks with poorly managed rhinitis often saw patients using multiple medications and changing their treatment plans more frequently. This is important because it shows how patients adjust their treatments based on their symptoms, which can lead to better-targeted care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rhinitis by highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.

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This study looked at over 8,000 people using the MASK-air® mobile app to track their asthma symptoms and medication use. Researchers identified seven different groups of asthma patients, showing that about 12% had severe asthma despite treatment, and about 33% showed no signs of asthma at all. Understanding these patterns helps healthcare providers better recognize and treat individuals with asthma, improving management of the condition. Who this helps: Patients with asthma and their doctors.

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This study looked at ways to define cutoff scores for measuring allergy and asthma symptoms reported by patients using the MASK-air app. Researchers analyzed data from over 23,000 users and found that the best cutoff scores to classify patients were lower than previously used values: 20 out of 100 to distinguish between "controlled" and "partly-controlled" patients, and 35 to separate "partly-controlled" from "uncontrolled." Having clearer cutoff scores helps doctors better understand patients' symptom control, which leads to improved management of their conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with allergies and asthma, as well as their doctors.

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Researchers studied how a mobile app called MASK-air can improve care for people with allergic rhinitis and asthma. They found that out of more than 58,000 users, many patients do not follow treatment guidelines, often only take medication when they have symptoms, and their symptoms are not always better even with medication. This matters because it highlights the need for better management and support for patients with these conditions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how rhinitis, or nasal inflammation, is different when it occurs alone versus when it happens alongside asthma. Researchers found that rhinitis and asthma together create a more complicated health issue with different causes and treatments compared to rhinitis by itself. Specifically, they identified varying underlying genetic factors and symptom severity, suggesting that these should be treated as separate conditions. Who this helps: Patients with rhinitis and asthma can receive better-targeted treatments.

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This study developed and tested a new electronic tool, called the e-DASTHMA, to better track daily asthma control using data from the MASK-air app. Researchers analyzed 135,635 days of data from over 1,600 users and found that this tool strongly correlates with asthma symptoms and work impact, showing a reliability score between 0.79 and 0.95. This matters because it offers a more effective way for patients and doctors to monitor daily asthma status and adjust treatments as needed. Who this helps: Patients with asthma and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on creating new, easy-to-use digital tools to help diagnose and manage allergic diseases like asthma and rhinitis. Researchers found that using daily symptom and medication tracking through an app, combined with monthly questionnaires, can help connect clinical practices with everyday patient experiences. This is important because it allows for better monitoring and treatment of these conditions, ensuring patients receive the right care based on their actual health status. Who this helps: This benefits patients with allergic respiratory diseases and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how allergic rhinitis (a reaction causing sneezing and stuffy nose) and asthma control affect quality of life using a tool called EQ-5D-5L, which measures five different health areas. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 users of a health app and found that worse control of rhinitis and asthma significantly led to higher levels of pain, discomfort, and difficulties in daily activities. Specifically, those with poorer rhinitis control reported more anxiety and depression, while those with uncontrolled asthma had more mobility issues. Who this helps: Patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma benefit by understanding how better management of their conditions can improve their quality of life.

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The UCRAID action plan focuses on helping eight million Ukrainians, especially those with asthma, allergies, and skin conditions, access better medical care in the European Union. They created Ukrainian versions of two popular health apps, MASK-air and CRUSE, so patients can report their symptoms and share this information with their doctors in a language they understand. This service is free and allows doctors to view patient data quickly, improving communication and treatment. Who this helps: This benefits Ukrainian patients with respiratory and skin conditions, as well as their doctors.

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Researchers created a structured care plan to improve treatment for atopic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition) by combining existing guidelines and expert opinions. Their work involved discussions among healthcare professionals and aims to help patients access better management based on the severity of their condition and local resources. This is important because it can lead to more coordinated and effective care, ultimately enhancing patients' quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with atopic dermatitis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the shoulder health of male Jiu-Jitsu black belt athletes, focusing on injury rates and pain levels. Out of 53 athletes, 73.6% reported shoulder pain, and 52.9% experienced some limitations in shoulder function. These findings are important as they highlight a significant prevalence of shoulder issues among these athletes, which can impact their performance and overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps athletes, trainers, and sports doctors understand the risks associated with Jiu-Jitsu.

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The Mild/Moderate Asthma Network in Italy (MANI) studied 20,000 people with mild to moderate asthma to gather long-term data on how the disease evolves, how well treatments work, and what lifestyle factors affect patients. The research found that most asthma patients fall into this mild-to-moderate category and highlighted the need for more information on their treatment responses and how their conditions change over time. This information is crucial because it helps improve asthma care and strategies for managing the disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mild to moderate asthma and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well older adults (ages 65 to 90) in Puglia could use a mobile app called MASK-air to help manage their allergies and asthma. Out of 174 patients, 102 chose to use the app after a one-hour training session, and most were satisfied with it (89%) and found it helpful (95%), leading to better treatment adherence (81%). The research highlights that older adults, even those with low education levels, can effectively use this app with some initial guidance, which can improve their health management. Who this helps: This benefits older patients with allergies and asthma, as well as their doctors managing their care.

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This study focused on developing and validating new scoring systems to assess the severity of allergic rhinitis and the effectiveness of its treatments using data from an app called MASK-air. Researchers analyzed over 317,000 days of app data from nearly 18,000 users and found that certain scoring systems showed strong correlations with existing measures of productivity and quality of life. Specifically, a cluster-based scoring system was particularly effective, with a high accuracy rate of 90.4% in distinguishing levels of rhinitis control, making it a promising tool for future research. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing better tools to monitor and treat allergic rhinitis.

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This study examined how patients in Europe use different medications for allergic rhinitis (AR), a condition that causes allergy symptoms. Researchers analyzed data from over 13,000 users and found that one-third of the treatment days involved using more than one medication, with patients averaging 2.7 different drugs used per year. The severity of symptoms influenced medication choices, showing that patients often take more drugs when their symptoms are worse. Who this helps: This helps patients with allergic rhinitis seeking effective relief and doctors managing their treatment plans.

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This study looked at how well different types of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) help people with grass pollen allergies manage their symptoms in everyday life. They analyzed data from over 1,000 patients and found that those using sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) reported significantly fewer allergy symptoms, with an average score improvement of 7.5 out of 100 compared to those receiving no treatment. SCIT was similarly effective but not notably better than SLIT; this matters because it shows that SLIT might be a more convenient option for managing allergy symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from grass pollen allergies.

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This study looked at different treatments for allergic rhinitis (AR) using real patient data from an app called MASK-air® to see how well they control daily allergy symptoms. It analyzed information from over 10,000 users and found that people who used a combination of azelastine and fluticasone experienced better symptom relief than those using other treatments, with a significant 52.7% of days involving medication. This matters because it highlights that current treatment guidelines might not fully address the needs of patients with more severe symptoms who report using more medication. Who this helps: Patients dealing with allergic rhinitis.

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This study looked at new ways to treat allergic rhinitis, a condition that affects people with asthma, by using existing medications only when symptoms appear, rather than continuously. The researchers found that this "as-needed" approach could be more effective and convenient for patients, showing promise based on some clinical trials and data from a mobile health app called MASK-air. This matters because it could lead to better management of allergic rhinitis, making life easier for those who deal with this condition. Who this helps: Patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

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This study looked at how allergic rhinitis, which causes sneezing and a runny nose, affects the school performance of young people aged 13 to 29. Researchers found that those with poor control of their allergy symptoms missed more school and had lower academic productivity. Specifically, students with worse allergy symptoms reported a 44% higher chance of missing educational hours, while those receiving treatment (immunotherapy) performed better in school. Who this helps: This information benefits young patients with allergic rhinitis and their families.

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This study looked at how allergic rhinitis (AR) affects the quality of life in elderly patients, comparing those who used a mobile health app to manage their condition with those who didn't. Out of 93 participants, over half reported that AR negatively impacted their daily life, with women generally scoring lower in areas like mobility and anxiety, especially among mHealth users who showed more awareness of their health status. The findings highlight the need for better use of mobile health technology to help older patients manage their allergies and improve their overall quality of life. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on how anaphylaxis affects older adults and why it might not be diagnosed correctly. Researchers found that cardiovascular symptoms are crucial to treat quickly in older patients, who may experience more severe outcomes than younger people. They highlighted the importance of using adrenaline for treatment, with no age-related restrictions on its prescription for those at risk. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients at risk of anaphylaxis and their doctors.

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This study looked at mobile health (mHealth) apps designed to help people with rhinitis (like allergies) and rhinosinusitis (sinus infections) and how they can improve healthcare. Researchers found over 1,500 apps, but only seven have published scientific results. These apps can help better understand allergies, improve treatment tracking, and refine how well seasonal pollen forecasts are made. Who this helps: Patients with rhinitis and rhinosinusitis benefit from these apps by getting better management and care.

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This study looked at how to handle severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, from COVID-19 vaccines in older adults. It found that though anaphylaxis is very rare—with only 1 to 5 cases per million vaccinations—when it does occur in older individuals, the reactions can be more severe than in younger people. The research highlights the importance of having adrenaline ready for treatment and provides a management guide for healthcare providers to follow. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare professionals caring for older patients receiving COVID-19 vaccines.

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This research looked at how to manage allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma, which are common health issues affecting people of all ages. The 2019 guidelines from the ARIA project include real-world data to improve treatment strategies and recommend a collaborative approach to care. Successful management of these conditions can significantly improve quality of life for millions of sufferers. Who this helps: Patients dealing with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

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This study looked at how well the daily monitoring tools in the MASK-air® app work for patients with allergic rhinitis. Researchers found that the app's symptom rating scales were reliable and accurately reflected changes in patients' health, with a strong correlation shown between these scales and established health measures (correlation scores ranged from 0.437 to 0.716), and high reliability ratings (between 0.870 and 0.937). This matters because it means that the app provides a trustworthy way for patients to track their symptoms and manage their condition more effectively. Who this helps: Patients with allergic rhinitis.