A new study found that golfers with obstructive sleep apnea who received nasal positive airway pressure (NPAP) treatment improved their daytime sleepiness scores and lowered their golf handicap by as much as three strokes. The study suggests that the possibility of improving one's golf game may be a significant motivator to improve NPA...
Researchers found that in-home photography can identify asthma triggers, while omega-3 fatty acid levels may affect sleep apnea severity. Seasonal asthma patterns show a peak in the fall, and in-hospital statin use is associated with lower mortality rates in patients with severe sepsis.
Researchers found that difficulty falling asleep was associated with a lower risk of hypertension in men who were not African-American. Omega-3 fatty acid levels may affect sleep apnea severity, while sedative-hypnotic medication could improve CPAP compliance. BMI may predict sleep apnea diagnosis in children.
Asthma health-care utilization peaks in the fall, with emergency department visits increasing by 2.4 to 5.6 times higher than in summer. Swimming is found to be an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for children with asthma, improving pulmonary function and severity of symptoms. Virgin coconut oil may also aid in treating pediatri...
New research shows tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug, effectively treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by improving six of eight short form-36 domains and reducing pulmonary artery pressures. The study also reveals PAH diagnosis has increased by 10 months and affects women more in middle age.
Researchers found that in-hospital statin use is associated with lower mortality in patients with severe sepsis. Additionally, repeated CPR in hospitalized patients has a high mortality rate, while remote teleintensivist care improves ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality rates. Furthermore, female hospital staff members have d...
Researchers explore cost-effective methods to identify asthma triggers, seasonal changes in children's asthma, and the effectiveness of swimming, Thai Chi, and nasal sprays as nonpharmacologic interventions. These studies suggest that these alternatives may be more effective and less expensive than traditional treatments.
Research shows US military personnel deployed to Iraq have a significantly higher tobacco abuse rate than the national average. Meanwhile, New York residents who smoke are experiencing the effects of the state's tobacco reduction strategies. Additionally, studies link smoking to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in men.
A new study presented at CHEST 2008 reveals that propofol, an anti-seizure drug, can be fatal in patients with refractory status epilepticus. The use of propofol for extended periods and high doses increased the risk of severe side effects, including cardiac arrest and death.
Researchers reviewed data from lung transplant recipients, finding that arrhythmias developed in 38% of patients within 30 days. Meanwhile, tadalafil proved effective in treating pulmonary hypertension, while insomnia was linked to a lower risk of hypertension in men. Hospitalized CPR patients had high mortality rates, and female hospi...
Researchers found that patients receiving donated lungs may develop arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, within 30 days of transplantation. Herpes zoster, or shingles, is also a common complication after lung transplantation, but antiviral prophylaxis and treatment with the antibody RATG can be protective.
Researchers present new approaches to identifying asthma triggers using in-home photography, while tadalafil shows promise as an adjunct therapy for PAH. In-hospital statin use may lower mortality rates in patients with severe sepsis. Flexible bronchoscopy also proves safe for retrieving aspirated metallic pins from Muslim scarves.
Researchers found that in-home photography may be a cost-effective alternative to professional visual home assessments for identifying asthma triggers. Additionally, health-care utilization for children with asthma peaks in the fall, while tadalafil shows promise as an effective therapy for pulmonary hypertension. In-hospital statin us...
A study by Stanford Cancer Center found that younger patients (15-39 years) with lung cancer exhibit better survival rates and distinct clinical features compared to older patients. The age-adjusted incidence rate of lung cancer in younger patients was significantly lower, and they had a higher proportion of distant disease at diagnosis.
Nicotine dependence severity has increased by 12% between 1989 and 2006, with the proportion of people classified as highly nicotine dependent rising 32%. More individualized tobacco-dependent treatments are needed to address this increase in addiction severity.
Patients who received transfusions with blood stored for 29 days or more were twice as likely to suffer from nosocomial infections. The oldest blood was associated with the most infections, highlighting the need for stricter regulation of blood storage.
New research suggests that statins may significantly reduce the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in patients with solid organ tumors. The study found that patients receiving statins were less likely to develop blood clots, with a significant reduction in incidence compared to those who did not use statins.
A recent study found that 87% of physicians receive less than 5 hours of training on tobacco dependence, and only 6% know Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidelines. This lack of knowledge may contribute to low quit rates among smokers, who are more likely to succeed with provider assistance.
Common osteoporosis medications bisphosphonates may cause irregular heartbeats and serious atrial fibrillation in patients. The risk is significant, with up to two times more likelihood of serious AF compared to placebo, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing these medications.
Research shows that cigarette smoking is associated with restless sleep and reduced deep sleep hours, as well as increased light sleep. The study suggests that nicotine withdrawal may contribute to these disturbances, particularly in the early stages of sleep.
Researchers found that good continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment compliance significantly reduced blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, oral prednisolone was shown to be equally effective as intravenous administration for treating COPD exacerbations, with the latter being preferred due t...
A new study found that inhaled corticosteroids can significantly reduce respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in NYC firefighters two years after the World Trade Center collapse. The treatment was found to be effective in preventing asthma-like illnesses and improving quality of life among firefighters.
Researchers found that uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) eliminated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in approximately one quarter to one-third of patients. The procedure also reduced the mean apnea-hyponea index, with patients experiencing a more than half reduction in nonbreathing episodes.
Researchers found that vitamin supplements may improve lung function in smokers, while early antismoking classes could further enhance knowledge about tobacco's negative effects. Additionally, studies suggest that individuals who drink in moderation may have better lung health compared to abstainers.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in various medical fields. A new tattooing procedure has improved the precision of VATS, while collaborative efforts have accelerated antibiotic timing. Modified Tai Chi exercises may also help patients with COPD, while human fibrin sealant shows promise for lung resection surgery.
A new study found that the implementation of eICU tele-intensivist program in hospitals provided positive outcomes, including a decrease in mortality, ICU and hospital length of stays. Another study suggested that rural hospitals can save money by using tele-intensivist programs to reduce patients' hospital length of stay.
Asthma diaries found to improve self-efficacy and reduce doctor visits in women with severe asthma. Research also links iron deficiency to increased coughing in women and neck size to sleep apnea severity, especially in women. Furthermore, a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction is found in pre-menopausal women with obstructive sleep a...
Researchers found that patients with COPD commonly receive the same medication prescriptions, regardless of whether they've undergone spirometry testing. Modified Tai Chi exercises may also improve exercise capacities and quality of life in patients with COPD.
Research studies found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients experience poor bedtime behaviors, fragmented sleep affects cholesterol levels, and first-night comfort determines CPAP compliance. Additionally, nightshift nurses are more likely to experience sleepiness despite receiving the same amount of sleep as dayshift counterparts.
A new study has found a strong association between iron deficiency and idiopathic cough in women. Italian researchers evaluated 16 healthy, non-smoking women who suffered from chronic cough and were iron deficient, finding that these symptoms were strongly linked to extrathoracic airway hyperresponsiveness.
Uncontrolled asthma is linked to significantly more school and work absences, with a new study showing up to 2-3 times more days absent. Antismoking classes may improve young children's knowledge about tobacco smoke, while phone triage programs provide safe and cost-effective care for ventilator-dependent children.
Elderly patients with DVT are less likely to present typical symptoms and receive treatment outpatient. Researchers suggest that these patients represent a high-risk group due to the combination of DVT and COPD.
Researchers have discovered that vitamin supplementation can temporarily improve lung function in smokers. In contrast, athletic activity has been shown to strengthen respiratory muscles and enhance lung function. Additionally, light to moderate drinking may also be associated with better lung function, according to a recent study.
The REVEAL Registry aims to provide reliable information on PAH demographics, clinical course, and management. Researchers found that most patients experience a significant delay between symptom onset and diagnosis, with up to 3-year delays in some cases.
Researchers found that remote infrared imaging can accurately detect sleep disorders during sleep, with results comparable to conventional methods. The non-contact method has potential as a portable alternative for monitoring sleep patterns in natural environments.
A new study shows that 32.1% of patients with asthma or COPD use their dry powder inhalers (DPIs) incorrectly, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The error rate increases with age and severity of airway obstruction.
Research reveals greater asthma severity and poorer perceived control increase the risk of death among adults. Additionally, uncontrolled asthma leads to more school/work absenteeism and may result in fewer doctor visits for those keeping an asthma diary, according to a new study.
A study at Mercy Medical Center found that implementing Six Sigma performance improvement practices reduced in-patient mortality, length of stay, and healthcare costs for patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The initiative also improved compliance with Joint Commission Core Measures.
A new study found that obstacles to quitting smoking vary by age. Younger smokers (under 65) reported quitting due to cigarette cost and tobacco odor, whereas older smokers (over 65) quit due to physician pressure and stress from major health problems. The study suggests that tailoring treatment plans to address each group's concerns c...
A new study reveals that only a quarter of NCAA-affiliated athletic trainers have a pulmonologist on their team, leading to inadequate asthma management guidelines and equipment availability. The presence of a pulmonologist increases adherence to national guidelines, potentially improving athlete care.
A study presented at CHEST 2007 found that hypnotherapy resulted in higher quit rates compared to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) alone. Patients admitted with a cardiac diagnosis were three times more likely to quit smoking at 6 months than those with a pulmonary diagnosis.
A new study reveals that a carbon monoxide test can quickly and noninvasively identify patients' smoking status, helping doctors deliver targeted smoking cessation counseling. The device's use has been shown to be effective in identifying smokers, secondhand smokers, and nonsmokers.
Researchers found that Florida red tide toxins can impact respiratory function and increase respiratory symptoms in patients with asthma. The study suggests that coastal residents may react less to the toxins due to prior environmental exposure.
A new study by the American College of Chest Physicians found that nicotine replacement therapy may increase the risk of death for smokers admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Researchers compared patient outcomes between a group that received NRT and those who did not, finding a higher mortality rate among NRT recipients.
Research suggests that asthma diagnosis may be overdiagnosed in obese patients, while inadequate workplace safety education is linked to an increased incidence of occupational asthma. Additionally, a study finds that diabetes increases the prevalence of asthma, and heart murmurs are more common in women.
African-American women have the highest mortality rate for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), according to a new study. The study found that racial disparities exist in IPAH mortality and morbidity, with African-American women exhibiting the highest mortality rate when compared with all other groups.
A year-long study in the six-county Chicago metropolitan area identified a large proportion of subjects with significant impairment and encouraged smokers to quit. Fourteen percent of those tested had severe or very severe impairment, highlighting the need for public health intervention.
A combination of inhaled salmeterol and fluticasone propionate has been shown to reduce the risk of dying by up to 17.5% in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The treatment also improves quality of life and reduces exacerbations.
New research reveals statins can significantly reduce stroke incidence, myocardial infarction, and all-cause death in non-revascularized patients with severe carotid arterial disease. Statin treatment also showed no significant differences in age, gender, or other factors.
A new finger-stick test for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may help identify patients at risk of developing lung conditions, enabling early screening and treatment. The test shows that World Trade Center rescue workers with low levels of A1AT protein had faster decline in lung function compared to those with normal levels.