The new guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating community-acquired pneumonia in adults, with a focus on outpatient settings. It suggests using amoxicillin as first-line empiric therapy, while also recommending more microscopic studies of respiratory tract samples to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
Researchers found that women with asthma are more likely to have lower levels of free testosterone and estradiol compared to those without asthma. Elevated sex hormone levels were associated with reduced odds of asthma in both men and women, particularly obese individuals.
A study of 284 patients found that those with more severe OSA had higher blood pressure, especially at night. The researchers suggest that clinicians should consider performing a sleep study in patients with resistant hypertension to treat OSA and lower blood pressure.
The guideline covers the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, and three common endemic mycoses. Effective treatment depends on rapid and accurate diagnosis, with recommendations for laboratory tests such as galactomannan testing and polymerase chain reaction approaches.
A new study suggests that oral appliances can be an effective alternative to CPAP for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. Patients with mild collapsibility and weaker reflex responses tend to benefit more from oral appliances, which move the lower jaw forward to prevent airflow obstruction.
The American Thoracic Society has published a clinical guideline on the evaluation and management of obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS), a breathing disorder affecting obese individuals. The guideline aims to improve early recognition and effective treatment, reducing morbidity and mortality.
Researchers found ivacaftor significantly reduces P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus spp. infections in CF patients, with a 32% reduction in P. aeruginosa and 15% reduction in Staphylococcus aureus.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that e-cigarette vaping with nicotine impairs ciliary beat frequency, dehydrates airway fluid, and makes mucus more viscous. This can lead to increased risk of chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases.
A joint ATS and European Respiratory Society statement reveals that occupational hazards contribute to over 1 in 10 cases of non-cancerous lung diseases, including asthma and COPD. The study estimates the burden of these conditions, highlighting a need for policy makers to prioritize prevention among working women and men worldwide.
Patients with severe asthma have reduced microbiome diversity, highlighting a potential relationship between neutrophils and the microbiome. This finding may lead to new targeted asthma therapies by better understanding the link between these two factors.
Research suggests that high-deductible insurance plans can lead to delayed medication dosages and hospitalizations among COPD patients. Patients with high deductibles are more likely to forgo needed healthcare due to financial constraints.
Research reveals a surprising connection between redlining practices and increased asthma-related emergency room visits in affected neighborhoods. Residents of redlined areas experienced 13.9 more asthma-related ER visits annually per 10,000 people compared to non-redlined communities.
Research using SPIROMICS data shows women with COPD report more severe symptoms, including acute exacerbations, and lower quality of life than men. The study aims to investigate the role hormonal factors may play in these gender differences.
Research presented at ATS 2019 suggests that violence exposure and depression may contribute to the development of asthma in high school students. Additionally, promoting healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise may help reduce the risk of asthma in adolescents.
Smokers of unfiltered cigarettes face a significantly higher risk of dying from lung cancer and all causes than those who smoke filtered cigarettes. Researchers found that light or ultralight cigarettes do not offer any lung cancer death reduction benefits, but smokers may be less likely to quit.
Over the past decade, US air pollution has led to a decline in mortality impacts from fine particle (PM2.5) pollution, but ground-level ozone (O3) pollution has remained relatively unchanged. This report estimates health impacts of air pollution for every US city and highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce these pollutants.
Research suggests that closed ICUs with primary ICU responsibility may lower hospital-acquired infection rates. Central line-associated blood stream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and ventilator-acquired pneumonia were reduced after the transition from open to closed ICU.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze jaw movements during sleep, providing information about respiratory effort and offering a cost-effective alternative to polysomnography. This method has the potential to diagnose mild to severe obstructive sleep apnea at home with high accuracy.
Researchers found retinal vascular tortuosity, a microvascular abnormality, is associated with PAH and pulmonary vascular remodeling. The study suggests the eye may provide valuable information about pulmonary circulation health.
Research at ATS 2019 reveals a significant disparity in pulmonary rehabilitation participation among African American patients with COPD compared to their white counterparts. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to improve life expectancy and reduce exacerbations from the disease.
A review of nearly 2.5 million patient records found that regions with greater primary care usage had lower respiratory failure admissions, particularly among patients with chronic diseases like asthma and COPD. This suggests that more primary care may reduce rates of respiratory failure and ICU admissions.
A web-based intervention that included physical activity goals, disease self-management education, and a community forum reduced the risk of acute exacerbation in COPD patients. The reduction in exacerbations occurred despite no significant increase in physical activity levels compared to those receiving only a pedometer.
Research suggests that e-cigarettes can diminish the body's ability to fight viruses, including those causing the flu. Cigarettes, on the other hand, appear to increase the risk of becoming sick from the flu due to different factors.
In a Phase 2 trial, RTB101 reduced the incidence of respiratory tract infections by 68.9% in adults with asthma over 16 weeks. The therapy was well-tolerated and effective during winter cold and flu season.
Research presented at ATS 2019 reveals that younger generations of coal miners are more susceptible to deaths from black lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to older generations. This trend suggests a potential increase in respiratory health risks among younger workers.
Research suggests DGKζ enzyme plays a role in suppressing runaway inflammation in asthma. The enzyme's deletion in mouse T cells led to reduced inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness, two hallmarks of the disease.
Research at ATS 2019 found no difference in opioid prescriptions between ICU patients with and without opioid care. One year after discharge, ICU patients given opioids did not appear to be at higher risk of receiving opioid prescriptions.
Progressive massive fibrosis, a severe form of black lung disease, is increasing among coal miners, despite unknown causes. Analysis of lung tissue samples from 1996 to 2019 failed to detect an increase in silicotic PMF, suggesting alternative explanations for the trend
Researchers developed a cardiac MRI method to predict mortality risk in PAH patients. By monitoring right ventricular function, doctors can provide targeted therapies and measure their effectiveness.
Patients with severe eosinophilic asthma continued to experience fewer exacerbations and improved pulmonary function with long-term benralizumab treatment. The BORA study found that the risk of infection did not increase over time, and long-term use was well-tolerated.
Research at ATS 2019 reveals that smokers with severe lung function limitation are more likely to die from respiratory causes. In contrast, smokers with mild impairment face a higher risk of heart disease and lung cancer.
Researchers discovered that a deficiency of TSC2 produces dysfunctional molecules leading to PAH. The protein's role in maintaining healthy pulmonary blood vessels has significant therapeutic implications.
Researchers found that infants with bacterial pneumonia were more likely to require supplemental oxygen, bronchodilators, or steroids due to lingering breathing issues. The study suggests a potential long-term impact of bacterial pneumonia on lung health in vulnerable populations.
A randomized trial found that adding azithromycin to standard care reduced treatment failure rates by 49% and improved hospital stay durations. Non-smokers showed significant benefits, while current smokers experienced little improvement.
A short video describing lung cancer screening benefits and risks, combined with an informational brochure, increased patients' knowledge and reduced conflicted feelings about the scan. Participants who watched the video as well as read the booklet were more certain of their decision to undergo the scan.
A study found that filtering tiny particles from diesel exhaust increased nitrogen dioxide levels, impairing lung function and exacerbating allergy symptoms. The effects were most pronounced in genetically susceptible individuals.
The ATS Foundation/Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Research Fellowship in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis aims to advance understanding of the disease through single cell transcriptomic analysis.
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can modify asthma severity and response to indoor air pollution in children, while higher levels of omega-6 may exacerbate the condition. The study found a correlation between increased neutrophils in response to particulate pollution and higher levels of omega-6 in the diet.
A new sleep index developed by Magdy Younes predicts the success of weaning critically ill patients from mechanical ventilation. Longer durations of full wakefulness are highly correlated with a successful separation, while poor correlation between brain hemispheres predicts failure.
Adults with moderate to severe OSA who experience excessive daytime sleepiness are at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases than those without it. They are more likely to have been diagnosed with heart failure and experience cardiovascular events.
A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that Puerto Rican children were more than five times as likely as Mexican American children to have poor adherence to asthma control medications. Girls of both ethnic groups were also more likely to have poor or decreasing use of the medications.
The American Thoracic Society has developed a new clinical practice guideline for home oxygen therapy in children with chronic hypoxemia. The guideline makes specific recommendations for treating various respiratory and pulmonary conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and interstitial lung disease.
A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that four grams of fish oil per day for six months did not improve asthma control in adolescents and young adults with uncontrolled asthma. The researchers suggested that obesity may cause systemic inflammation, which reduces the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory t...
A study of air pollution and respiratory emergency room visits found associations between ozone, fine particulate pollution, and increased ER visits for asthma, COPD, and pneumonia, varying by age group and pollutant level. The study suggests that protecting vulnerable populations from air pollution is crucial.
A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin C supplementation reduced harm to infants' lungs caused by smoking during pregnancy. Infants whose mothers took 500mg of vitamin C in addition to their prenatal vitamin had significantly better lung function at three months of age, according to the study.
Research found that lung disease, including restrictive and obstructive conditions, is associated with a greater risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that low lung function was linked to an increased risk of dementia.
A study found that only 1.9% of COPD patients nationwide started a pulmonary rehabilitation program within six months of hospitalization, despite Medicare coverage and proven benefits. The low utilization rates were linked to barriers such as transportation and socioeconomic factors.
A new study found that hypertonic saline improved lung function and weight gain in infants with cystic fibrosis. The treatment, which was safe from diagnosis onwards, also showed promise for preventing the progression of lung disease.
Researchers found that short apneas and hypopneas were associated with higher mortality risk, even when controlling for AHI. The study suggests a new phenotype of OSA linked to genetic factors and increased risk of hypertension.
A study of 44,555 veterans found that long-term benzodiazepine use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may increase suicide risk. Short-term use was associated with increased mortality.